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Softball
Henley Powers West Past East in Legends Game
By Dean Greenaway
May 11, 2008, 07:15

Elray "Ellie" Henley warms up before fanning 10 of the East's batsmen and lead the West to a 7-4 victory

TORTOLA—Their gloves, bats and uniforms might have been put on the shelf for a while, but on Saturday evening, fans were treated to splendid display of classic softball during the legends All Stars Game at the Old Recreation Grounds, hosted by the BVI Softball Association.  

Positive comments reverberated around the grounds when the West’s Elroy “Ellie” Henley struck out the side to begin the game, which the West won 7-4, as Henley fanned 10 of the East batsmen before giving way to Floyd “Huffy” Brathwaite.

“It was a wonderful game and I think we should have this more frequently,” Henley said. “It shows the youths what’s possible, if they stick with the game. I thought I pitched very well. I’ve been trying to work out and still keep in shape. I’m going to start swimming again and I want to play next year, and want to teach the young kids about the game so, I’m about to get in shape.”

A ceremony was held were the veterans were recognized and presented with medals by association president Neville “Sheep” Smith, after a youth boys all star game.

The East’s Kenneth “Gease” Powell, a catcher with the Roots, said it felt nice begin back on the field. “It’s a pity more of the old timers did not come out,” he said. “But the guys who came out, did a good time, showed themselves well and had a good time.”

Arnold Lettsome who played second base in his days with the Roots, and coached the East, said the draw back with his squad was that they only had nine when the game started. “We really didn’t have any of the pitching legends to pitch for the East,” he noted. “We started Clinton “Wack” George, who did some pitching back in the day, but not a whole lot. The same thing with Garfield “Pisano” Smith, he didn’t do a whole lot of pitching either. Bert “Bigman” Henley was there but was unable to pitch because of a problem with his elbow. But, all in all, the game was exciting to see, something for the fans and something to build on.” 

Coming from St. Thomas Brathwaite said he couldn’t miss the game. “All the guys I used to strike out, they tried to knock me out still, but they just can’t get it done,” he said. “This was a really good thing for us—it put our names back on the market and now the youngsters see what we used to do.”