Pointe-du-Lac: A Community United by Baseball
The Pointe-du-Lac Minor Baseball Association thrives on the dedication of twelve passionate volunteers who are committed to providing a fun adn enriching experience for the community’s youth. Many of these individuals were initially drawn to the association because their own children were involved in baseball. Over time,their involvement deepened,transforming them into dedicated advocates for the sport and its positive impact on young lives.
Steve L’Italien, the association’s president, finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the joy baseball brings to the children. “Seeing the smiles on their faces makes all the effort worthwhile,” he shares. His role demands significant time commitment, particularly for meetings with Baseball Mauricie, Baseball Quebec, and the City of Trois-Rivières.
Fortunately, L’Italien is supported by a dedicated team who share the responsibility of managing various aspects of the association, including equipment procurement, scheduling, accounting, and more.
In recent years,the association has taken on the challenge of hosting the AA and A championships,adding to their workload but providing invaluable experiences for the community. “These events bring excitement and recognition to Pointe-du-Lac,” L’Italien explains. “The positive feedback we receive from participants and spectators is incredibly motivating.”
Uniquely, the Pointe-du-Lac Minor Baseball Association draws its players solely from within the community, fostering a strong sense of local pride. Daniel Mathieu, another association member, emphasizes the abundance of young talent in Pointe-du-lac. “We have enough players to field 9 to 10 teams each summer,” he notes. “Our excellent infrastructure further encourages participation from both players and parents.”
Patricia Chabot,also a member,attributes the association’s success to the strong community spirit in Pointe-du-Lac. “People here are eager to support our initiatives,” she says. “The family-friendly atmosphere and village-like camaraderie create a welcoming environment for everyone involved. We’ve seen a steady increase in registrations over the years, and we’re fortunate to have a reliable pool of volunteers and officials.”
As the new baseball season approaches, the association is working closely with the City of Trois-rivières to restore electricity to the field. The previous source of power, the Pavillon des Seigneurs, was unfortunately destroyed by fire.
“We’re currently awaiting updates from the city regarding the bidding process for the electrical work,” L’Italien explains.”We’re hopeful that it will be completed in early summer, allowing us to resume evening games and utilize our scoreboard.”
Despite this temporary setback, preparations for the season are progressing smoothly. The association is eager to welcome players back to the field in May, ready for another exciting season of baseball.
A Community’s Love Affair with Baseball: An Interview with Former MLB Player, Ryan Maxwell
Welcome back, sports enthusiasts! Today I have the distinct pleasure of hosting Ryan Maxwell, former MLB outfielder and now a passionate youth baseball advocate, to discuss the inspiring story of Pointe-du-Lac Minor Baseball Association.
Ryan, thanks for joining us! As someone who’s experienced baseball at the highest level, what are your thoughts on the dedication of these twelve volunteers who keep the Pointe-du-Lac program thriving?
Ryan: [Ryan leans forward, a thoughtful look in his eyes]
It’s truly remarkable! In my years in the majors, you see a lot of dedication, but there’s something extra special about people volunteering their time to nurture young talent in a community. It speaks volumes about the fabric of pointe-du-Lac,a place where baseball is more then just a game,it’s a shared passion.
You correctly point out, Ryan, that the association draws all players from within the community, something that seems to foster a unique sense of pride. Do you think this localized focus strengthens the bond between players, families, and the sport itself?
Ryan:
Absolutely! When everyone knows each other, there’s a natural sense of camaraderie and shared obligation. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about supporting each other and growing together as a community through the game. This “village” mentality, as Ms. Chabot mentioned, reminds me of small-town baseball in the Midwest where everyone came out to cheer on their neighbors’ kids. It’s a beautiful thing.
The article mentions the Association hosting the AA and A championships.
It sounds like they’re punching above their weight.
Does this kind of ambition resonate with you?
Ryan:
I love the ambition! it shows they’re not just content with offering a recreational experience; they’re striving to provide their players with opportunities to compete at a higher level.They’re thinking beyond the field, recognizing the value of tournaments in building character and experience.
[Turning to the readers] What about you, baseball fans? Do you believe that community-based sports organizations like the Pointe-du-Lac Association are crucial for fostering a love of the game? let us know in the comments below!
It’s inspiring to see how this community rallies around its youth baseball league, especially considering the recent setback with the {‘Pavillon des Seigneurs’ fire. Mr. L’Italien mentioned they’re working with the City to restore electricity to the field. Do you think this kind of cooperation between the city and community organizations is essential for the success of youth sports?
Ryan:
It’s absolutely essential. Youth sports thrive when they have the support of their local governments. It sends a message that the community values what these organizations are doing and understands their importance.
Let’s not forget the families and volunteers who dedicate their time and resources.Mr. {‘L’Italien’} mentioned a steady increase in registrations over the years.
Do you think this speaks to the quality of the program and the positive impact it has on the lives of these young athletes?
Ryan:
Absolutely! When you see registration numbers climb, it’s a clear indicator that families recognize the value of what the association offers. They see the positive impact it has on their children,
and they wont their kids to be a part of it.
The Pointe-du-Lac experience seems to be a testament to the power of community. A thousand thanks to Ryan Maxwell for joining us today and sharing your worldly insights on this inspiring story. And to our readers, keep the conversation going! Let us know what you think about the importance of community-based sports programs like the one in Pointe-du-lac.
