FORT PROVIDENCE - The crack of bats hitting balls sounded out from the baseball diamond in Fort Providence as three teams competed in the first annual Father's Day weekend co-ed slo-pitch tournament.

Between June 15-16 the teams played four games each during the round robin. Teams included the Bull Spitters, the Diamond Cutters and the Mosquito Swatters.

Dale Gargan on the Bull Spitters team decides whether to swing or hold up at the first annual summer classic Father's Day co-ed slo-pitch tournament in Fort Providence. Photo courtesy of Christopher Carson

Heading into the final game the Diamond Cutters were undefeated. Against the Mosquito Swatters they played a close game which they won 17-13. The seven-inning game ran from 7 to 9:15 p.m. on Saturday night.

The idea for the tournament came from Mike Leishman. There were no events scheduled to celebrate the weekend so Leishman said he decided to organize a tournament, the first one of the summer.

"It was for fun,” said Leishman.

People who wanted to participate paid a $20 fee and were placed on a team. The winning team took the pot. Adults and youth were divided to create 11-player teams. Six women also signed up. Leishman said he'd hoped for more, but the numbers divided evenly.

"It worked out perfectly,” he said.

The weather also co-operated.

Weather on Friday and Saturday was perfect for baseball, said Leishman. The few clouds in the sky provided some light showers that cooled off players but otherwise sunny weather prevailed.

In addition to the pot for the winning team, the Northern Store also donated two $50 gift cards. With seven homeruns, Louie Mackenzie won the prize for the most by a male player. Tina Gargan won the prize for most base hits by a female player with 15.

"I hope everyone had fun. I did,” said Leishman, who played on the Diamond Cutter's team.

Leishman said that he hopes the tournament will become an annual event.