The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia.
Cindy doesn’t just love slo-pitch softball—she’s built a league around it.
She moved to Sarnia in 2020, shortly after breaking her ankle, so that her then-boyfriend (now husband), Mike, could help care for her. But even after her move and recovery, she kept commuting back to St. Thomas every Sunday to play. “I just wanted to pitch,” she explained. “So playing 2-pitch didn’t allow me to pitch to an opposing team. That’s why I started this league—because I wanted to pitch again.”
Her original attempt to create a short-term league in the fall of 2023 didn’t take off, but Cindy isn’t one to walk away from something she believes in. So, in the spring of 2024, she regrouped, created a Facebook page, accumulating hundreds of members with enough momentum to finally bring the league to life. Cindy launched the Sarnia Coed Slo-Pitch League, a coed league born out of sheer persistence and passion.
Cindy modeled the league after the coed softball league she played in while living in St. Thomas. “That first year had its ups and downs with lots of growing pains, with input and changes initiated from the players.” By spring 2025, the Facebook page had grown to over 400 members, with the league increasing from 10 teams the prior year to 12—seven returning and five brand new to the league. Each team has up to 20 players, all 16 years or older (with parental consent required for those under 18).
Given the wide range of skill levels across all teams, two divisions were established this year to keep competition fair and enjoyable, “It’s a lot of work,” Cindy admits, rattling off a list that includes booking diamonds, , arranging insurance, collecting fees, organizing equipment, preparing the budget, paying the expenses and ensuring that umpires are in place. But for her, the payoff isn’t in the numbers—it’s in the community. “People have said to me how thankful they are. A lot of them are excited to be able to play with their wives or partners. There’s real appreciation.”
This year, Cindy is very happy to accept the assistance of a five-person committee (four players) responsible for setting rules, managing registration and drafts, organizing tournaments, and handling player conduct. It really does take a village to support a softball league. Games take place on Sundays at 2:30 and 4:00 PM at Germain Park, with long weekends left free. Cindy would love to see you out to support the games on diamonds 1, 2 and 3. Playoff games are scheduled for September 14, with cash prizes and, of course, bragging rights on the line. But for Cindy, the dream extends beyond this season. She hopes the league will grow, that more Sarnian’s will come out to watch, get inspired, and join. She even envisions Sarnia having a facility like London’s BMO Centre someday, capable of hosting tournaments and drawing larger crowds.
Cindy’s story is a reminder that when passion meets perseverance, it doesn’t just build a league—it builds community. For more information or to get involved, visit the league’s Facebook page: Sarnia Area Coed Slo-Pitch League or email [email protected]
