Today I’m going to talk about one of the most popular, influential and well-known sport teams in Calgary. That’s right, I’m talking about the Calgary Vipers. Now the fact that my first sentence is very ironic is sad because it displays a lack of awareness for Calgary’s very own baseball team. Many Calgarians know every single hockey statistic associated with the Calgary Flames. Many Calgarians have attended at least one Calgary Stampeders game. Many Calgarians also follow the day-to-day news of the Roughnecks (lacrosse). How many of those Calgarians can say the same about the Calgary Vipers?
I for one am not a baseball fan or an avid follower of the Calgary Vipers, but it is disheartening to know that a professional sports team that represents a city has no fans to represent the team. Sadly, due to management issues at the end of the 2011 season and lack of financial support, they are forced to fold (the team’s Website has been dismantled). Anyway, I thought I would dedicate this post as a memoir to the team that once represented Calgary in the North American League.
The Vipers:
Team Colours: Black, maroon, silver, white
Home Field: Foothills Stadium
Roster: Composed of many Americans as well as five Canadians and one from the Dominican Republic
Championships: Two League Titles (2009 Golden Baseball League & Arizona Winter League 2010)
So even though the Vipers are gone, this should serve as an example for all of us Calgarians to support local athletes and talent, and let it not go to waste.