Coming Soon
The KMSPL History
1977-2026

"Good Times - Great Friends - Community Spirit"

In 2026, the West Island sports community marks a historic milestone: The KMSPL (Kirkland Men's Slo-Pitch League) is turning 50.

As we prepare for this massive celebration, we are looking back at our roots. To understand where we are going, you have to understand where we came from. Thanks to the archives compiled by league historian Eugene Stasiuk in 1996, we know that this league didn't start with a scoreboard—it started with a galvanized wash tub.

The Origins: Ste. Marie's Park and "The Tub" (1973-1977)

Long before Hollefeur Park even existed, the roots of the KMSPL began in 1973 with Sunday morning pickup games at Ste. Marie’s Park in Timberlea2.

The league’s most enduring tradition was established right then and there by a player named Dave Allen3. Allen would haul his mother's old galvanized wash tub to the park, filled with ice and beer4. After the final out, the "softball fanatics" would sit around the tub to talk about the game and the good times—a ritual of "libations at the parks" that the Town of Kirkland supported to help neighbors get to know one another.

Building the Foundation: From 6 to 16 Teams

By 1977, there were enough "frustrated baseball players" to field two teams of 20 guys, so the decision was made to reach out to other areas of Kirkland and form a legitimate league.

They launched with 6 teams playing a 20-game schedule based on a specific premise that still drives us 50 years later: "Participate in the game to the best of your ability and to have a good time with your friends and neighbours".

The growth was explosive:

1978: Expanded to 8 teams.
1980: Expanded to 10 teams.
1989: Reached 14 teams, split into two divisions
2026: In the last decade and into 2026, we now compete with 16 teams in 2 divisions and a total of 208 players.

Unrivaled Dedication: 50 Years in the Making

In West Island amateur sports, our players’ commitment stands alone. As we approach our golden 50th anniversary, our roster is a testament to longevity and love for the game. We are proud to highlight a history defined by dedication:

80+ Players have competed for over a quarter-century (25+ years).
50+ Players have taken the field for more than three decades (30+ years).
8 Legends have achieved the incredible milestone of playing for over 40 years.
We offer a special salute to the members of the "40-Year Club" who are still active today: Mark Bouchard, Nick Theodoropoulos, Jim Maguire, and Richard Syrkos.

This tradition of longevity isn't new. In our 1996 history book, we celebrated the original "Iron Men"—the only 8 individuals who played regularly every season from the 1977 inception through the first 20 years: Eric Bender, Peter Harding, Eugene Stasiuk, Peter Czaharyn, Mike McNally, Chick Taylor, Guy Grandbois, and Serge Primeau.

The Iron Man: Of those original titans, one stands alone today. We are honored to still have Peter Harding on the roster—an absolute icon who has played every single season since the league’s inception in 1977. (we're not counting Covid 19 years)

A Family Affair

"Community Spirit" wasn't just a slogan; it was visible in the smoke rising above the fields from post-game BBQs, attended by players, wives, and children13. The league became a true family tradition, starting in that very first year (1977) when Dwayne Byers Sr. and Jr. took the field together, launching a legacy of fathers and sons and family playing side-by-side.

The 50th Anniversary Experience (2026)

Fifty years later, we are staying true to the sentiment written in our 1996 history: Kirkland is "the best community in the world to live in". To celebrate this, we are elevating everything we do for our Golden Anniversary:

The Golden Gala: Moving from the park to the big stage, our year-end banquet will be held at the Olympia on St. John's with over 250 attendees.
The KMSPL Gazette: A new monthly publication featuring historical deep dives and player stories.
Signature Events: From "Habs Night" at the Manoir to our Marquis Super Sundays and the Annual Golf Tournament (bocci included!).
Community Giving: To honor 50 years of support from the town, the league has committed to supporting The West Island Mission and continuing the 37th Annual Sian Bradwell Charity Softball Tournament.

Since the first pitch was thrown in 1977, this league has been more than just a place to play softball—it has been a home where friendship and camaraderie are strongest16. Here’s to celebrating "Thanks for the Memories" and making new ones for the next 50 years.

This section dives into 50 years of KMSPL stories that go way beyond the box score. You’ll find the moments that shaped the league, from legendary games and unlikely heroes to rivalries, pranks, parking lot debates, and post-game traditions that became just as important as what happened on the field. It highlights the people, the personalities, and the memories that turned teammates into lifelong friends and made Tuesday and Thursday nights something everyone looked forward to. Some stories are legendary, some are exaggerated, and some are long overdue, but together they tell the real history of the KMSPL.

This section brings the league’s history to life through 50 years of KMSPL photos. You’ll see everything from the early days with wooden bats and short shorts to packed diamonds, championship celebrations, Super Sundays, and candid moments that only a camera can catch. These photos capture the emotion, the friendships, and the evolution of the league, from action shots on the field to BBQs, banquets, and after-game gatherings. Together, they freeze the moments that defined each era and show how the KMSPL grew while keeping the same spirit year after year.

This section breaks down 50 years of KMSPL statistics and turns the numbers into a story of their own. You’ll find season records, championship runs, standout performances, and all-time leaders that show who dominated, who stayed consistent, and who showed up when it mattered most. From batting averages and home run totals to playoff runs and streaks that lasted for years, these stats highlight the evolution of the game and the players who left their mark. It’s a chance to settle old debates, spark new ones, and see how today’s numbers stack up against the legends of the past.

This section celebrates 50 years of KMSPL champions and award winners who defined each era of the league. You’ll find the teams that battled through long seasons and playoff runs to lift the trophy, along with the players who earned individual honors for their skill, leadership, and sportsmanship. From league champions and playoff MVPs to batting titles and Gold Gloves, this section recognizes both dominance and dedication. It honors the wins, the grind, and the people who set the standard, while reminding everyone that every name listed earned their place in KMSPL history.