I don't suppose the Syrian refugees arriving in the province would have had much of an opportunity to play much fast-pitch softball while growing up in a country known more in the sporting world for....???.... (I got nothing!). It would be a safe bet to say that soccer/football is popular there but after four years of tumultuous civil war and decades of living under a tyrannical regime participation in organized sports and recreational activities is way down on the priority list of life. One should not have to worry about kicking the bucket when attempting to kick a soccer ball.
Well, the recent arrivals to our rugged shores have no such worries here. As someone who grew up playing plenty of softball, I think it would be the perfect sport to help these newcomers to become indoctrinated into our culture. Of course there are the obvious physical benefits of playing softball Newfoundland style. Our fresh, salty air is certainly a gift from God. Unlike Syria, we don't get those sandstorms that are so big and powerful that they would probably exfoliate Cabot Tower right off of Signal Hill. Sure we have wind sometimes too...okay, just about all of the time, but it has such enduring charm and character that it defines the people of the island. While playing softball I've witnessed hits that should have been 'no doubt' home runs but turned into bunts that barely made the pitcher's mound because of the wind. I've also watched as a skinny third baseman flew arse over kettle into the fence all because he forgot to put rocks for ballast in his back pocket before taking the field.
Frostbite may be unknown to a future shortstop from Syria but softball will open his or her eyes to the diversity and unpredictability of our climate. Our playing season usually runs from May to October so this middle infielder will definitely experience chilly conditions while playing. Our Syrian softballers will learn so much about our culture - all about long johns, the beauty of knowing someone who can knit gloves and stocking caps, as well as never to slide when the frozen infield is harder than the parking lot. The good thing is that the softball season also is played during our exquisite summer weather - that two weeks in late July, if we are lucky. (It's actually three weeks if you live on the west coast or in Conception Bay South.)
I'm sure Syria has flies and yes, Newfoundland does too. Our most pesky flies come primarily in two varieties: Nippers and Black Flies. Nippers are big like helicopters. Black Flies are smaller but bring lots of their buddies along for the buffet. Both species especially love softball players. I was a catcher when I played. I got to wear protective equipment all over my body. Catchers need protection because the ball can travel up to 75 m.p.h. and the damn thing hurts, even when it hits a padded region of the body. The equipment used by the catcher has endearingly been called "the tools of ignorance". That term may apply everywhere else but not in Newfoundland. As the catcher, I was the only player that had any chance of not having my face eaten off by the Nippers and Black Flies. So, my Syrian friends, if there is one lesson I can teach you is that when playing softball in Newfoundland, ignorance in bliss.
Choosing to immerse themselves in softball would also teach the Newfoundland Syrians (or are they Syrian Newfoundlanders or how about Syrian Newfoundland and Labradorians?) much about our history. As an example, many communities can thank the American military for making the first softball fields in our province. We let them set up shop here during the World Wars and although an awful lot of Yankees left here with Newfoundland war brides at least they left us with an appreciation for apple pie and being taken out to the ball game.
As it has done for me, this good old game can show the Syrian softballers what life is all about in many parts of our island. I've played with and against guys from the big city of St. John's and from tiny outport communities. Softball and socializing go hand in hand so you can't help but learn about these people and their stories, usually over a cold beer after a game. What's more Canadian than a can of cold Canadian?
My advice to the Syrian folks, who are now taking up residence in places such as St. John's, Gander, Grand Falls, and Lewisporte, is to pick up a glove, ball, and a bat as quickly as you can. It will be such a great way to immerse yourselves in the communities where you have chosen to begin your new lives. I wouldn't wait too long to sign up for the local league though. Spring will be here in a few months and so will the cursed Nippers and Black Flies. You all can't be catchers and be so lucky to wear the fly protection gear like I did.
Shoot! I forgot to mention the fog. Forget it, I couldn't possibly come up with the words to describe that phenomenon. You will only believe it when you see it. The flies and the wind love the fog so I'm sure you will too. Welcome to our beautiful island. ;-)
