The Inglorious Batters defeated the Salliq Invaders (Coral Harbour) in the final game to claim the 2024 Calm Air Cup mixed softball championship in Rankin Inlet on Sunday, Aug. 25.
The top individual award winners at the event were pitcher Charlie Nakoolak, infielder Nigel Nakoolak, outfielder Amauyaq Lindell, female MVP Gloria Kaludjak and male MVP Wendel Kaludjak,
Lindell said the organizers of this year's tournament did a really good job and the tournament was both fun and competitive.
He said two umpires were flown in from the south for the event and he didn't hear too many complaints.
“Overall, it was a pretty competitive tournament,” said Lindell. “I'd say there were four teams (Batters, Invaders, Freaks and Bombers) that were in the running for first place.
“We won the final by eight runs, I think it was. They (the Invaders) had one good inning where they scored six runs but we, pretty much, shut them down after that.
“It really helps when your pitcher is throwing strikes and making the other team constantly put the ball in play. Gloria (Kaludjak) was excellent for us pitching the final game. Lukisha (Kuludjak) also pitched very well for us.
“So we were fortunate to have two pitchers who we could rely on to constantly throw strikes.”
Lindell said every player on the Batters really stepped up during the tournament.
He said the team played really strong defence and that was a big reason for their win.
“Our female players played amazing during the whole tournament and that made a big difference for us. When you have female players who can get on base and keep the lineup rolling, it makes a world of difference.
“That really puts a lot of pressure on the other team's defence and we were able to do that all weekend while going undefeated throughout the whole tournament.
“Everybody was getting on base and we were able to keep rolling our lineup and keep our rallies going. We were really a well-rounded team.”
By winning the Calm Air Cup, the Inglorious Batters earned the right to represent Nunavut at the 2025 national championship in Leduc, Alta. The Invaders will also compete at the event.
Lindell said a lot can happen in a year, and work commitments sometimes come into play, but he hopes they can keep their team together for the 2025 nationals.
“We had such a solid group, but you can never guarantee that everybody is going to be able to make it for that weekend.
“During the Calm Air Cup, we had absolutely no negativity all weekend long. None at all.
“We were a true team and I don't think you can put a price on that. You can't really build a lineup and assume they're going to have great chemistry. The people who put our team together wanted players on the team who were all level-headed.
“It would be cool if we could stick together as a team for next season, but you can't really guarantee where everybody wants to play. I think a lot of people are already on board for having the same Calm Air Cup team for next year though, so that would be a lot of fun to try and defend our title.”
