Huron Perth Fastball sees continued growth after more than three decades

Huron Perth Fastball has been growing for more than 30 years, keeping local baseball thriving in the community. Pictured is the Exeter Extremes U15#2 team in 2023. From left in back are assistant coaches Derek Miles and Karen Geiger, Avah Rutten, Grace Kozachanko, Mia McCann, Cameron Finkbeiner, Quinn Palen and coach Lori Dietrich. In middle from left are Sydney VanDongen Miles, Cadence Bowerman and Bria Passmore. In front are Kami Geiger and Brooklyn Dietrich.

By Dan Rolph

What began more than 30 years ago with a handful of girls’ fastball teams in small Huron County communities has grown into a thriving regional league, offering hundreds of young athletes a place to play and thrive.

The local girl’s fastball league started with teams in the Exeter, Kirkton, Hensall, Crediton and Lieury areas. But the league has grown over its more than 30 years in the community, seeing substantial growth into the league that exists today.

Director Doug Schade said much of that expansion has come gradually over the years, starting with expansions further into Huron County to areas like Goderich and Brussels, and eventually branching out into areas in Perth County and beyond, reaching as far as Ayr, Cambridge and Ingersoll.

“It’s been steady growth,” he said. “Whether it’s new organizations being created on the girls’ side, or on the other side, organizations that are struggling in other leagues looking for a different opportunity, too. We’re seeing both.

“It’s quite a map.”

In recent years, the league has continued its trend of growth.

The league had 84 teams across six divisions in 2023, and that number increased to 108 teams in six divisions just two years later in 2025.

Schade said the organization’s success comes from a mixture of dedicated volunteers and the league’s willingness to branch out.

“We want to make sure any team that needs a place to play can play,” he said. “We’ve sometimes had to make tough decisions based on geography, but for the most part, we want to be inclusive and receptive and make sure teams have a place to play.

“You really have to give the teams the credit,” Schade added. “We just offer them a place to play and create those schedules, but you’ve got to give those local volunteers credit.”

Huron Perth Fastball encompasses divisions that go as young as U9 teams, providing a league for players up to its U21 division.

“U21 just gives the girls the opportunity to stay involved a little bit longer, and hopefully they’ll connect with ladies’ intermediate teams after that,” said Schade.

While speaking about the benefits of picking up the sport and of volunteering, Schade said getting involved in “the greatest game in the world” has a lot to offer.

“Team sports, I think, are great for everyone,” he said. “It’s great for the players, who learn so many skills and build friendships. It creates lifetimes of memories.

“For the volunteers, you pour into these kids and you see the fruit of your labour.”

With passionate volunteers at its core, Huron Perth Fastball’s success is a reminder of what can be accomplished when communities come together around sport.

For more information about Huron Perth Fastball, visit huronperthfastball.ca.