ESTEVAN — Estevan Minor Baseball recognized another of its dedicated volunteers during the opening ceremonies for the Saskatchewan Baseball U11 provincial championships in Estevan.
Kevin Sliva threw out the ceremonial first pitch and a banner was unveiled to recognize him on the organization's Wall of Fame at Mel Murray Cactus Park.
A bio for Sliva noted he began coaching with Estevan Minor Baseball in 2014, guiding his boys in their first year of t-ball. Since then, he has coached many teams, especially in the younger age groups.
"His goal is to teach the fundamentals of baseball and instill a love of the game in the kids he coaches.," the bio stated. "His greatest reward is seeing the progress each player makes throughout the season and watching kids continue to play baseball for many years."
In 2023, he joined the executive of minor ball as the treasurer, and he has also been the high performance director, the treasurer of the Moose Mountain Minor Baseball League, and \a member of the advisory board of the South East Twins AAA baseball teams.
The bio notes Sliva and his wife Sarah have seven active children, four of whom currently play baseball or softball. When volunteers are needed around the diamonds, Sliva knows that no job is too small. And the reward of time in the batting cage is often enough to motivate youths to help with a project.
"Kevin has also spent many provincial tournaments helping behind the scenes, planning and keeping everything running smoothly," the bio states. "When he isn't coaching, he has been known to watch from the tower, announcing games at the 2022 13U AA Western Canada Baseball Championship, in which his son Quintin, playing for the Estevan Brewers, won the championship."
According to the bio, Sliva can also be found on the diamond umpiring all levels of baseball, often with Quintin, something he hopes to continue with the other kids as they grow.
"After a few years being an umpire, Kevin has learned that the biggest critic isn't the players, coaches or fans, but is usually your son who is umping the game with you."
The bio says Sliva is proud of the work minor baseball does in the community and the facilities it has for athletes, and looks forward to many more years of involvement.
As for the ball games, the host Estevan teams went a combined 0-2 during the opening day July 18. In the U11 AAA Tier 2 division, Estevan lost 13-8 to the Saskatoon Blue Jays Battalion in their opening game. They'll play twice on July 19, against the Saskatoon Cardinal Cannons at noon and the Sask Five Giants Gophers at 6 p.m.
In the U11 Tier 2 B tournament, the Estevan Brewers fell 7-3 to the White Butte Broncos White.
They'll face the Saskatoon Cardinal Knights at noon and the Regina Buffalos at 6 p.m. on July 19.
Playoffs for both tournaments are scheduled for Sunday.
Eight teams are entered in each division.
