The St. Andrews Slow Pitch League wrapped up its season Saturday with playoffs at the St. Andrews Community Club, continuing a local tradition that began in 1986. Five teams took part in this summer’s shortened season.
Despite lower numbers in recent years, longtime organizer Larry Liebrecht said the commitment from players and volunteers showed why the league remains important to the community.
“I enjoy it, it keeps me active,” said Liebrecht, 74, who is still playing nearly four decades after the league began. “There’s not as many getting involved anymore — we’ve had as many as 18 teams in the league and now we are down to five.”
Liebrecht plays with the Arc Angels, a team that has become a true family affair.
“With our team, we’ve been playing so long that now we have three generations on the field,” he said. “I get to play with three of my daughters, a couple of sons-in-law and two of my grandkids. It’s really awesome.”
Teams battled through the one-day playoff format, with Loaded Bases emerging as champions for the second year in a row. Team member Breenin Wechnenko, who has been part of the league for more than 20 years, said the win was only part of what makes the season special.
“What keeps me coming back is the people, the location, and the fun,” she said. “This league is easy-going. It’s community-based — all our kids play together, it feels like a community. We’ve become friends with everyone on all the teams. It’s the Cheers of baseball.”
Wechnenko said this year’s shortened playoff was “odd” and admitted it was disappointing not to have the full weekend format, but added the camaraderie and long-standing friendships kept the event meaningful.
Liebrecht said the future of the league will depend on finding ways to rebuild numbers. “We hope to get more teams involved next year and grow and continue the league,” he said.
While COVID-19 had an impact on registration in recent years, organizers say the league’s staying power is rooted in community spirit and the friendships built on the diamond.
