Baseball players are about to come out of hibernation in the valley as the Invermere Slo Pitch Softball League is holding its annual Team Captains’ meeting this week.

On Thursday, April 3rd, the leaders of each team will have their first chance to register for the 2014 season during the meet at Copper Point Resort. Newcomers and those looking to find out more about the league are also invited to attend. The season begins in three weeks, with games taking place every Tuesday and Thursday night at the Crossroads Ball Fields on the property of the Lake Windermere Lions’ Club.

The league has been in play for nearly 30 years, said volunteer co-ordinator Darla Spiry, adding that it’s evolved into less of a “beer league” and more towards a family-oriented atmosphere.

Ms. Spiry said players and spectators no longer have to worry about their cars’ windshields as in years’ past.

Netting has been installed around the fields by the Regional District of East Kootenay, which has been managing the field over the past three summers, and new players’ benches are also expected for this season. The league is lightly competitive, and there are normally about 25 teams that sign up, Ms. Spiry said.

“Lots of fun and exercise, and even the occasional barbecue,” she added. For players who can’t commit to an entire season, another BallFest tournament will be organized at the fields for July.