Mandy Laninga, the player/Coach for the 59ers, a team that plays in the Ladies Fastpitch League of Winnipeg and features talented ball players from across southeastern Manitoba and beyond, says the team and the league are in a great place now, as well as going into the future.
A very special season
“We went 14-0 in the regular season and then 6-1 in playoffs,” Laninga says proudly. “Unfortunately, that one loss was our final game. So that was a little disappointing, but overall a great season. It’s our third perfect season in 59ers history, which is hard to do, but very exciting. The last two times we did that, it actually led to a championship. So it was unfortunate this time, but also couldn’t have really gone to a better team. The Peaches have worked incredibly hard over the years to make the championship, and for them to win it is pretty special.”
More than a game
For Laninga and players across the league, building friendships and connections through the sport has been the most rewarding part. “It’s truly been amazing,” she says with a smile. “You know, we wouldn’t have been able to play past U19 in the past. We have women in our league who are in their 40s and their 50s playing ball competitively. It’s really inspirational and a lot of fun to watch. I’m getting up there in age, too. So I’ll be there soon, I’m sure. Being able to play against the players who were playing in AAA in the past, like back when we were young, and getting to know them now as adults, it’s a very fun experience, and it’s very special to this league.”
A league on the rise
Over the last few years, Laninga says she’s seen firsthand how much the league has grown. “It’s been incredible, especially because we had 10 teams for a long time, and this year we had 12. So we are still growing, and there are always teams that are looking to join, players that are wanting to play, U19 players that are looking forward to being part of the Ladies Fast Pitch League of Winnipeg. The growth is awesome, and to see players continue to play into their 20s and 30s, it’s been really fun to watch.”
The more options, the better
For many female athletes coming up in the sport, this is a very exciting time with all the options available, something Laninga says she’s very proud to see as someone who grew up in the game herself. “We’ve seen the professional softball league in the States. We watch a lot of that. There’s a women’s professional baseball league that’s starting now. So it’s just really cool to be able to, like, for young women, young girls to look up at that and see that’s what I can do. I can be that. I can still play when I’m older. I don’t have to quit after high school. It’s very cool.”
That competitive fire
As someone who loves competition and has played high-level sports for years, Laninga says this league is perfect for those who can’t seem to get that competitive spirit to go away. “I don’t think it does. No. Sometimes I wish it could die a little bit,” she says with a laugh. “But no, it stays there for your life. Something you grew up with is something that’s, I think, inside of you. It’s really hard to give that up. I’ve tried a few times, but it’s impossible to do.”
Growing local programs
Throughout the Southeast, Laninga says she’s very proud of where programs have been going, and believes there are more great years to come for many ages. “I think there’s been a lot of growth in recent years. I know when I was playing back in the day, Wildcats wasn’t really an option. That kind of started later on. But now, seeing the Wildcats have their own diamonds at Friedensfeld and seeing fans come out, I think fans are a huge part of it too, like being able to come out and support your kids, support your spouses, significant others. It’s really fun to watch the excitement that comes from women’s sports. I don’t think a lot of people are necessarily exposed to it all the time, but when you are, then you realize how exciting it is and how much fun it is to be a part of.”
All are welcome
With this season done, Laninga says they are already looking toward next year, and says that anyone interested can reach out very easily. “We have an email address, lflwleague@gmail.com. That’s where you can reach anybody from the league. If you are an individual wanting to play, or if you are a team that wants to be introduced into the league, we’re always looking for more, always excited to have more talent and more women playing the game.”
