The top wheelchair athletes from around the world rolled into Queens for the 34th annual National Wheelchair Softball Tournament (NWST) at Citi Field on August 19, 20 and 21.
“It’s fun and exciting. It’s our nationals,” said Maurice Reynolds, third baseman for the RIC Cubs. “It’s like the World Series of softball.”
For the first time in NWST history, this “World Series of softball” was held at a Major League ballpark. The New York Mets teamed up with the Wheelchair Sports Federation (WSF) to host the tournament and even sponsor their namesake Queens team.
“We’re proud to be a part of this inspiring and historic competition,” said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon. “The Mets throughout the year support wheelchair softball in New York as part of our ongoing community outreach efforts, and we salute the Wheelchair Sports Federation and United Spinal Association for their efforts in our hometown and nationally.”
As for the wheelchair version of the Mets, they finished in fourth place in division two, with a record of two wins and four losses. While the teams were in it to win it, the main reason to be out there swinging away was to have fun and enjoy the competition.
“I think everyone’s been having a good time,” said John Hamre, president of the WSF and coach of the Mets. “A lot of teams who haven’t been here before are happy.”
Prior to the tournament, Hamre practiced with his team every Thursday at Bulova Park in East Elmburst. They needed every bit of practice to match up against the Nebraska Barons, the tournament’s eventual champs.
“We’re holding our own against the best of the best,” said Hamre about playing the Barons. “The competition has been tight.”
Many of the men and women who played in the tournament are veterans wounded in battle, and many have competed and won medals at the Paralympics. There were also plenty of players who have competed in this tournament for many years, making them veterans both on and off the field.
“It’s a really energetic atmosphere. A lot of guys have been competing in this for a long time,” said Mets catcher Jarrett Dreyer, who made this his third year in the tournament. “It’s not a fast paced game, but it’s a lot of fun.” – With additional reporting by Justin Chan
