History of the North Waterloo Fastpitch League
Over the years, North Waterloo Fastpitch it has developed into the premier league for competitive teams in Ontario to play. Many of the teams participating in the OASA Prvoncials and several making it to Canadians each year. This league has no boundaries and travel for regular season games can require extensive travel. Teams ranging up to 3hs apart often play at a neutral site or on weekends.
The league started in 1974 as North Waterloo Rural Minor Softball League (NWRMSL). In the early years it was very much a rural league as the larger urban centres were not allowed to affiliate. After a time, larger towns and cities were included and the divisions were divided into A and B groupings to reflect the affiliated centres’ populations. For years the general league meetings were held at the Maryhill Knights of Columbus. In 1999 the Knights hosted the 25 Year Anniversary celebrations for the NW. Following the sale and closing of the Maryhill K of C, general meetings moved to Hillside Park Clubhouse in Waterloo. In more recent years the general meeting has been held at the Wilmot Rec center as it has been more central to most teams in the league.
There have been numerous changes to the North Waterloo (NW) over the past three decades. In the early 1990’s the NW fielded separate boys’ and girls’ divisions. The boys’ divisions had A and B groupings. There were more than 70 teams playing in the NW in those days. By the end of the 1990’s the NW girls’ division had ceased to exist, and local girls’ teams had joined into the Grand Valley League. On the boys’ side there no longer were A and B groupings but all five minor divisions remained. (In early years there had also been a junior men's division in the NW.) Boys’ teams in recent years have come to play in North Waterloo from the GTA, Owen Sound, Arthur and Springfield. In 2009 all Peewee, Bantam and Midget Perth boys’ teams played in the NW. In recent years the number of teams in the NW consistently has a total of 40-45 teams.
Playing rules have changed over the years as well in the NW. Unlimited substitutions, mercy rules, playoff tournament formats and player release guidelines are examples of the game has evolved and how it is played. Throughout its history the NW has produced excellent fastball players and teams. NW teams have garnered numerous OASA provincial awards plus there have been several Eastern Canadian Championships. The Elmira Laser Videos won National titles at the midget and junior levels.
NWRMSL was rebranded as the North Waterloo Fastpitch League in 2018. In recent years, while teams managed to have some game play during covid, the number of teams in recent years consists of 25-30 teams over typically 4 age groups U13-U20, however North Waterloo does offer every year an opportunity for teams to enter at the U11 and most recently U9.
North Waterloo Fastpitch teams continue to be some of the best teams in the province, often finishing in the top 3 at OASA Provincials, with many teams participating annually in the Canadian Championships and Eastern or Western Canadian Championships. North Waterloo is now entering into its 50th year in 2024 and continues to offer a competitive league for teams wanting to develop their skills against many of the best teams Ontario has to offer.
The NW endeavors to offer a friendly and competitive level of play for its affiliated centres. Playing season runs from early May to August. At present divisions usually play an 18-game regular season with a mid-season all-star game and season ending championship tournament, typically split into A and B divisions based on standings. Affiliated centre reps meet four times a year to govern the league’s operation. An appointed executive and divisional conveners oversee the day-to-day operations of league play. Many volunteer hands work diligently to make the North Waterloo Rural Minor Softball League an inviting place for our fastball athletes to play. New teams looking for a place to play are always welcomed into the NW.
NWRMSL Presidents
Prior to 1984 ` Dave Rouselle, Bloomingdale, Dick Osinga, Caledonia
1984-1985 John Hammond, Elmira
1986-1987 Norm Wood, New Hamburg
1988 Rick Hendershot, Conestoga
1989-1990 Bill DeHann, New Hamburg
1991-1992 Jerry Elmquist, Centralia
1993-1994 Bruce Murray, Moorefield
1995-1996 Lloyd Latour, Arthur
1997-1998 Gerry Kempel, Kitchener
1999-2000 Brian Blaxall, Elmira
2001-2002 Nancy Gingerich, New Hamburg
2003-2004 Jennifer Lovsin, Guelph
2005-2007 Jamie Woodend, Stratford
2008-2018 Bruce Young, Waterloo
2018-2022 Adam Walker - Simcoe
2022- Present Mike Carey - Wilmot
