FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – After 11 years running the North Peace Minor Baseball club, often on his own, Forrest Liddicoat is ready to pass the torch to the next passionate baseball person.
Liddicoat says he’s been doing it so long, and he’s given everything he can to the organization over the years.
“It’s just time for someone else to take it over or let it fizzle out, which would suck,” said Liddicoat.
“For 11 years, and mostly by myself, I’ve pretty much done everything. Every year, I’ve asked people to join the league and join the board, then it usually ends up being the same thing. I cave at the last minute and I’ll end up doing it.”
This year, Liddicoat says he’s sticking to his guns and adding some urgency to the transition.
“This year, enough was enough. I set a deadline, I’ll take a step away and say, this is where the stuff is going to be if anybody wants it.”
Liddicoat says the urgency worked, and he’s happy to know that another baseball parent is willing to take on the position.
“I got a bunch of messages from some solid people that are willing to take it over. I have a husband and wife team that had their kids involved for a long time, and they’re willing to step up and take the lead. I know three other people that messaged me today as well, and they’re willing to help out. So it will go forward, and I’ll still be involved. My kids will play so I’ll probably coach a team, but I won’t do any organizing.”
Liddicoat says the club is in a great position going forward with some new additions to the baseball program.
“A lot of good things are going to happen this year with the batting cages at Kin Park. They lost a few diamonds, but they’re building a new storage shed, so we will have storage for our gear. So I just think it’s time for a new, fresh approach and for someone else to take the reins and move the program forward.”
The highlight of Liddicoat’s 11 years with the league was hosting Bantam Provincial Championships in Fort St. John.
“Three years ago now, we hosted the Bantam A Provincials. For me, that was the highlight, that was the pinnacle. At that point, I realized it was time to hand it to someone else.”
For more information, visit North Peace Minor Baseball on Facebook.
