Baseball veterans take their cuts at national event in Charlottetown

Charlottetown's baseball diamonds have been overrun by seasoned players this weekend.

The Canadian National Oldtimers Baseball Federation Championships brought more than 400 players to the city.

Craig Cooper, the head coach and manager of the Charlottetown Jays, said it has been a great time.

"It's amazing," he said. "The atmosphere has been incredible. The crowds have been here, our hospitality suite here has been amazing."

Cooper said being on the field in a tournament like turning back the clock.

"I'm 51 years old this year and I feel like a kid again," he said.

There are 25 teams playing on five fields. It's the third time the city has hosted the event since its inception in 1993.

It's a competitive event. But winning isn't everything.

Billy Melvin, team manager for the Saint John Mooseheads, said winning is great, but it was down on the team's goals for the tournament. The Mooseheads lost in the semifinals to an Ontario entry.

"Camaraderie, having a great time … not hurting yourself," he said.

"It would be great to go home with a trophy, but we go home with memories, we go home with new friendships and we go home knowing that baseball is gonna happen again tomorrow."

With this year's tournament winding down, Melvin said he's already looking forward to next year's event in Alberta.