Softball participants have a 'blast' at Pioneer Days tourney

Former Mission Valley Mariners player Jacob Harrod had an opportunity to be around the game admits he loves at the Ronan Pioneer Days Softball Tournament Saturday at Mink Fields.

Harrod, a former Mission Valley Mariners’ player, admitted he misses the game and Pioneer Days gave him a chance to return to the diamond.

“It’s amazing to play baseball again,” Harrod said. “I didn’t go to college to play baseball so it’s amazing to be able to do this again.”

Harrod, who played American Legion baseball for the M’s for six years, said he “enjoyed the experience.”

“It’s fun to play against kids that you’ve played against and with,” Harrod said. “The Pioneer Days softball tournament was just a good time.”

Al Morigeau, who has become a well-known pitcher in the tournament for Team Ligma, said the atmosphere is a lot of “fun.”

“This is a lot of fun to come out here and just play, and get outside instead of sitting around,” Morigeau said.

In the past, Morigeau has experienced several close calls.

“We took second one year and another year it’s been third,” Morigeau said.

Morigeau, who said his job in the tournament is to “mainly pitch,” aspired to capture some Pioneer Days hardware for the first time in his career as a pitcher at Pioneer Days.

Alan Smith, who became involved in the Pioneer Days for the first time since the late 90s, said he enjoys the diversity of people the event draws.

“It’s a lot of fun from young to old and together we bring a lot of fun,” Smith said. “I brought in a lot of family (this year) and it feels like a big family reunion. This event bring all types and the diversity of people makes for a fun community event.”