The Dusty Bag

THE DUSTY BAG - WESA'S ONLINE NEWSLETTER 

Welcome to The Dusty Bag page. Check back monthly for updates to all things WESA.  

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Commissioner's Corner

To suggest content and/or edits to this page, please contact Justin at communications (at) Wesa.net.

LATEST NEWS

Thursday, April 24th, marks the Jersey Pickup Party at Junction Public House—a truly meaningful event and one of the highlights of our season. It’s not just a chance to get your jersey; it’s the first time all WESA teams will gather together in one place, a powerful symbol of the unity and energy that will define our historic 47th season.

Our sponsor jerseys hold a deep significance. They are not just apparel; they represent the bond we share with our community. These jerseys connect us to our neighbours, our friends, and to the businesses that have supported us through the years and continue to do so. From the The Shaggy Horse, Burly Barber, The Castle Pub, Vogue Painting and Pumpjack, to Denman Station, Stonehouse Fine Renovations, The Royal Hotel, Doll & Pennys, Morris Law, Dahl Connors, and so many others—each sponsor is an integral part of our shared history and future.

This season, let’s wear our jerseys with pride, not just as a team uniform, but as a symbol of our commitment to one another and the community that stands behind us. As you take to the field, remember: every jersey is a representation of the incredible support that makes WESA so much more than just a league—it’s a family, a legacy, and a community. Let’s celebrate that connection every time we step out to play. 
Visit our 2025 Sponsor page here.
Seán HC
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Exciting News for All WESA Games!

We've got something special in store for you! To make your game day experience even better, we've introduced a brand-new field preparation routine that’s sure to leave the diamond in tip-top shape! 

What’s New?
We've rolled out new field drag mats for that smooth, pristine playing surface you deserve. Teams will use them:

• Before 9:00 AM games
• Before 1:00 PM games
• Any other times needed (because we’re all about that perfect play!)

Each field will have its very own drag mat in the equipment bin, ready for action.  The mats are part of your field preparation for the teams playing at 9am and 1pm. So, get ready for a top-tier experience every time you step onto the field! 
Let’s play ball! 
Sam P & Dan R
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WESA has long been known for its vibrant social scene, and our esteemed Diamond Sponsors have always played a key role in making that happen. When we think of a WESA event, we envision the lively BBQs and gatherings at the Junction Public House, the energetic dance floor filled with WESA jerseys at Pumpjack Pub, or the memorable Pageant extravaganza at Celebrities Nightclub. It’s equally common to see the Fountainhead Pub hosting softball teams enjoying a well-deserved break together.

This season, the Fountainhead Pub has raised the bar by hosting monthly WESA Softball Social nights, and the turnout has been fantastic. Just last week, Special Events Commissioner Rafe L. brought an extra element of fun with a WESA trivia game during the Social.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to invite you to April’s social, which will take place on Spring Ice Breaker Sunday, following the games. We hope to see you there for another unforgettable evening!  Read more.
Seán HC

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CANADA-WIDE PRIDE SOFTBALL SERIES?
​​​​​​​21 March 2025
Just over a year ago, WESA invited other iPride Softball leagues into a conversation about how we can collaborate on mutual goals including competition and sponsorship opportunities in Canada. We are happy to report that we have found places in which to collaborate including what we hope turns into a rotating Canada Series tournament where we can offer up the membership with opportunities to compete within Canada, maybe as early as 2026. Our ideas, while in their infancy, have lit a fire under us on the WESA committee (Pat K, Peter H, Seán HC) and we would love to get more input from the members. Please let us know your thoughts on this topic by emailing commissioner (at) wesa.net. For more visit the WESA Committee page. 
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FEBRUARY 2025

WESA:  VALUES IN ACTION
28 February 2025
TL/DR: Welcome to the 2025 Season to new and returning members.
Read more.
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photo Justin Q

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IN MEMORIAM: Dan Thompson
WESA Members celebrate the life of the long-time member, sponsor, and volunteer.
It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the loss of our friend, Dan Thompson. After many years as a Member of the WESA Family: Dan was a Player, past Sponsor, and a valued Volunteer. Dan’s humour, passion & charisma will be sorely missed. ~ WESA 2025 Commission on behalf of the West End Slo-pitch Association
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JANUARY 2025

WESA EVOLVES DIVISION STRUTURE
16 January 2025
We are making some changes to our league structure for 2025 in  response to member feedback, and we are excited to share them with you.
Read More.

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pic: WESA 2025 Winter Social

WESA SOFTBALL SOCIALS
17 January 2025
Regular social nights at Fountainhead Pub start with the Winter Social on Thursday 29 January 2025.
Read More.

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pic: Houston Vice-Commissioner Kara M and Seán HC

iPRIDE WINTER MEETINGS - HOUSTON
30 January 2025
Hightlights of the 2025 iPride Winter Meetings
Read More.

DECEMBER 2024

WESA COACH SQUAD TAKES MAJOR STRIDES IN LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
08 December 2024
WESA wraps up a successful mini-retreat series and introduces regular clinics for the Team Managers and Coaches.
Read More.
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NOVEMBER 2024

VANCOUVER'S STRONG PRESENCE AT THE 2024 GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES IN LAS VEGAS 
11 November 2024
A recap of WESA's participation in the GSWS in Las Vegas.
Read More.
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WESA SCOREKEEPING MANUAL PUBLISHED
02 November 2024
After taking the 2024 Season to develop a guide to assist our members learn the process of keeping score for games, a simple and easy to follow manual is ready.  All Rookies and current members are highly encouraged to use the manual as a resource when completing the process of learning more about Slo-pitch Softball.
Read more.
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OCTOBER 2024

SUMMARY FROM THE 2024 iPRIDE SUMMER MEETINGS IN LAS VEGAS
20 October 2024
As part of our membership in iPride Softball, WESA sends representation to the Summer Meetings before every Gay Softball World Series.  The League Commissioner gives a brief report on what happened.
Read more.
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Read more.
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SEPTEMBER 2024

BUILDING A LEAGUE, DEFINING  VOLUNTEERING 
12 September 2024
WESA Member Darcy Simpson was awarded the 2024 Commissioner's Award at the Awards Banquet on Sept 7th
Read more.
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2025 AWARDS BANQUET
The WESA Awards were given out for the season at the annual Awards Banquet at Moxies West Georgia.  The season's Volunteers were highlighted including the Commissioner's Awards for a longtime volunteer.  The Player Awards, as voted by the membership, were also presented. Read more.

AUGUST 2024

2025 COMMISSION ELECTIONS
The nomination and election process has completed with returning members Seán H.C.(League Commissioner), Ian G (Membership Commissioner), and Justin Q (Communications Commissioner) with new Commissioner member Rafe L. (Special Events Commissioner).

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JULY 2024

WESA 2024 CHAMPIONS
This season's Pennant Race has finished with Team Moxies on Davie T1 and Team Fountianhead Pub T2 as League Champions.  Trophy, Medal, and Pennant presentations will happen at the Annual League Awards Banquet on September 7th.

IS IT TIME TO SPLIT T1 DIVISION?
13 July 2024
Members are encouraged to consider that it is time to split the very large T1 division into two.
Read more.
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JERSEYS TALK
12 July 2024
Your sponsor jersey is an essential part of your Kit, along with your glove, cleats, cup etc.
Read more
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THE DUSTY BAG RETURNS
First starting in 1982 as “The Final Score Weekly”, it continued on from 1992 as “The WESA News” until 2008.  Reborn in 2010 as “The Dusty Bag” until 2016, WESA's Newsletter has been resurrected after an extended hiatus!  We hope that you visit this page where you can get essential updates along with links to portals for more in-depth information and other interesting articles from the Commission, Team Leadership, and Members alike.  As always, your comments & suggestions are welcome. Please email Communications (at) WESA.net

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WESA LEAGUE AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED
The league Coaches have made their nominations.  Members, get ready to vote! 

JUNE 2024

JOHN FLUEVOG NEW LEAGUE SPONSOR
WESA welcomes John Fluevog Vancouver Kitsilano as our newest League Silver Sponsor - represented by member Patrick Davidson. >> go to our Sponsors page
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IN MEMORIAM: Ryan Tripp
WESA Members celebrate the life of the long-time member and volunteer.
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we respond to the loss of one of our own, Ryan Tripp.  After many years as a Member, Team Coach, and Volunteer, Ryan had enormous impact on our league as a Champion of the values of friendly competition, inclusion, and connection to the community. As a Leader in WESA, Ryan inspired countless others with his kind and generous soul. Ryan, we love you. You will be greatly missed. ~ WESA 2024 Commission on behalf of the West End Slo-pitch Association
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LEAGUE SCOREKEEPERS: WESA's Official Scorekeeping Manual Arrives
The draft version of the manual to help new and seasoned Scorekeepers learn a unified approach
>> Read More
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SUMMER IN THE CITY: Picnic-In-The-Park Focuses On Community
WESA's presents donation to the Health Initiative for Men at the league's annual Picnic presented by Gold Sponsor Kris Mangion Century 21.
>> Read More
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YOU BETTER WERK: Team Blond Bear Holdings' Janice Sequois crowned WESA Pageant Winner
at the 35th Annual Pageant at Diamond Sponsor Celebrities Nightclub
Special Events Commissioner, Lance Sandover hosted another memorable celebration featuring a special surprise performance from Bill Monroe (the first host at the innaugural pageant in 1987) and top notch line-up of contestants including 2023 Team Winright Connors Naomi Wasp's step down number.
>> Read More
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MAY 2024
SEE YOU IN VEGAS: WESA SLAM! BBQ Gay Softball World Series Fundraiser Celebrates #11
Diamond Sponsor Junction Public House continued their support of WESA Members at this popular annual event hosted by the Unstoppable Conni Smudge.
>> Read More
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MY WESTEND.CA NEW LEAGUE SPONSOR
WESA welcomes MyWestEnd.ca as our newest League Silver Sponsor - represented by member Mustafa Akhtar .
>> go to our Sponsors page
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COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

Messages from WESA League Commissioner, Seán HC