Gallagher in swing of things for slo-pitch charity game
Brendan Gallagher sounds primed for another fastpitch challenge as part of his second-annual charity slo-pitch game Saturday night at Vancouver’s Nat Bailey Stadium.
Last year’s inaugural event at the Nat — to raise money for the Canadian branch of Shriners Hospitals for Children — took a brief break from the normal gentle lobs to home plate for Sara Groenewegen, the ace of the women’s national softball team, to rocket offerings to the plate.
Gallagher, the Montreal Canadiens right winger who used to play for the Vancouver Giants, was one of the NHLers who took swings against Groenewegen. He was back to the dugout after three offerings.
Groenewegen won’t be on hand this time, says national men’s softball coach John Stuart, who is helping Gallagher organize the event. The list of national team members set to participate this time does include Sara Riske, who has been used as an infielder in international competition but pitched some in college.
There are currently no plans for another showdown between the hockey players and a fastpitch hurler, according to Stuart, but he said that last year’s appearance by Groenewegen in the pitcher’s circle was impromptu as well. Gallagher seems to like the idea again.
“I just want to hit the ball,” Gallagher said recently when asked about the chance to face Groenewegen or someone of her ilk. “Maybe see four pitches?
“It was different and especially when she threw me a change-up. I thought that was unfair. Normally I should get a scouting report on what pitches are coming.
“I’m going to put the bat on the ball. I don’t know how far it will go, but I’m not going to strike out again. That’s the plan.”
Gallagher is slated to be joined on the field by fellow former Giants Lance Bouma and Milan Lucic, now with the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, respectively. His new Canadiens teammate Shea Weber, who was picked up in the defenceman-for-defenceman trade with the Nashville Predators that sent P.K. Subban to Tennessee, is also scheduled to participate.
Other NHLers expected to be on hand include Ryan NugentHopkins (Oilers), Sam Reinhart (Buffalo Sabres), Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets) and Josh Gorges (Sabres).
Last year’s game raised over $15,000.
Former NHLers slated to participate include Paul Reinhart, Dave Babych and Kyle Wellwood.
Joining Riske from the Canadian team that just finished third at women’s world championships at Softball City include outfielder Larissa Franklin and infielder Jen Yee, as well as assistant coach Dave Paetkau.
Joining Stuart from the men’s program are Derek Mayson, a pitcher/infielder who was part of the Stuart-led squad that won the worlds in 2015, and Dan Whiteford, a longtime member of the national player pool.