Shakespeare’s Swans don’t need a lake to stay happy

The Shakespeare Swans like to joke that, on the right day, they could beat the Blue Jays – at least in some of Toronto’s past seasons. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Eldon Herniman, Sue Hishon, Gary Bennett, manager Sandra McLellan, Ron Louttit and Mark Thompson. In the second row, from left, are Frank Meconi, Al Fuhr, Brian Pattison, Tom Gorman, Terry Miller, Dave Martin, Andy Hairsine, Ron Osborn, Wayne Bean and coach Bud Turner. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Anyone who is in Shakespeare mid-morning and sees a group of seniors – or almost seniors – swinging bats at the ballpark will have spotted the Shakespeare Swans, the community’s co-ed seniors’ slow pitch team.

The Swans play in a fun yet competitive league that includes the Kitchener Cougars, Kitchener Bat Attitude, Cambridge Legends and the Guelph Royals. Players must be at least 50 years old, and several are still active into their 80s.

Games are held Tuesday and Thursday mornings from late May through September. While everyone enjoys winning, organizer and team member Sandra McLellan said the real focus is on fun, fitness and staying active.

The Swans have a strong record, finishing first in the league in 2022, 2023 and 2024 (before COVID-19, the team was based in Stratford). This year, however, they finished a close second behind Guelph. The Royals posted a .692 average with 18 wins and six losses, while Shakespeare finished at .667 with 16 wins and six losses, playing two fewer games because of rainouts.

McLellan added the team is always looking for new players, especially women. Anyone interested in joining next season can call or text coach Bud Turner at 519-949-3087.