Father-son duo Chris and Ryan Maher of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove celebrate a national fastpitch win in Kitchener, Ontario, this past week. Submitted photo
By Mark Squibb
The Murno Mariners have been named the 2024 U23 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Champions after an intense week of competition in Kitchener, Ontario, made none the easier by the sweltering heat, but the win is especially sweet for father-son duo Chris and Ryan Maher of Petty Harbour— Maddox Cove.
“The guys fought hard the whole week through the heat,” said assistant coach Chris Maher. “The guys were exhausted by the end of the week, but in the end, we took it home. The boys played great. Winning a national title is pretty amazing and winning it with your son on the bench makes it a little more exciting.”
Ryan said that having his dad on the team made the gold medal win all the sweeter.
“As soon as the gloves went up in the air and we were celebrating he was the first one I was looking for on the diamond to go give a hug,” said Ryan.
Chris has been playing ball for over 30 years and has competed on national and world stages, and has evidently passed his love for the game onto Ryan.
“Ryan loves the game, just like I do,” said Chris. “That’s pretty much all we think about, is softball. It is pretty amazing to see the young man he’s become. He’s a leader on that team.”
Ryan, meanwhile, credits his dad with the success he’s found on the diamond.
“He was someone to talk to after every single game,” said Ryan. “We talk ball almost every day. He’s my coach, my mentor, he’s taught me pretty well everything I know.”
The team members have been playing together for nigh on a decade, and have formed a close bond over the years.
“This group is very close,” said Ryan. “The comradery on the team is second-to-none. Outside the field, and on the field, we were cracking jokes. We didn’t feel the pressure, the moment didn’t feel too big for us. We were just having fun and playing together, and I think that’s what helped us win.”
This year’s gold medal win marks the first time a team from Newfoundland has won the tournament since 2012.
Despite the win, Ryan isn’t packing away his gear and calling it a season just yet. He’ll be heading to Saskatoon at the end of the month with the Galway Hitmen for the Senior Men’s Nationals.
