Home runs and double plays are exciting to watch.
They can also take on a deeper meaning.
Over the weekend, they symbolized a celebration of the Lewis County recovery community and the memory of those who have been lost along the way.
Lewis County Drug Court hosted the second annual Double H Softball Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Toledo softball fields. The tournament, which began at 8:30 a.m. and went into the evening, with the championship game scheduled for 5:30 p.m., featured eight teams of alumni and current members of therapeutic courts from a number of Washington counties.
Among them were two teams representing the Lewis County Drug Court program, which went by the team names Breaking the Chains and Living Proof. Other teams came from Pierce, Cowlitz and Kitsap counties.
In the end, the team Rose’s Angel of Pierce County took the top prize, while The Strong Ones from Kitsap County came in second and Breaking the Chains came in third place. Living Proof was knocked out earlier in the tournament.
According to some of the participants and organizers, softball is a big deal in the recovery community, and many therapeutic court programs and participants participate in long-term softball leagues. The tournament also honors two former participants, Blake Hansen and Jeremy Hamilton, who died of fentanyl overdoses in 2023 after graduating the program.
“That’s the thing about addiction. Those struggling have a lifelong and daily battle,” Lewis County Drug Court Program Manager Stephanie Miller said.
The tournament, held each year in early September, also celebrates the start of National Recovery Month. This year, the tournament was organized thanks to help from Lewis County Drug Court outreach worker Emily La Casse, the Toledo School District, the Foundation of Therapeutic Courts of Lewis County and the Lewis County Drug Court Alumni Association.
During the tournament, Drug Court participants, alumni and others involved with the program gathered, surrounded by family and friends. The all-day event hosted concessions and also had a table dedicated to a memorial for Hansen as well as trophies for the top three teams.
Friends and family of both Hansen and Hamilton, some of whom also graduated from Drug Court, participated in and watched the softball tournament. Daniel Miller, a friend of Blake's who graduated Drug Court with him, played for the Lewis County Drug Court team named Breaking the Chains. Hansen’s brother, Brad Rader, and sister-in-law, Leah Rader, both played for Living Proof.
During a pause in play, Leah and Brad both spoke briefly about the importance of the event both in honoring their friends and in supporting current participants. Leah said part of honoring the two men was recognizing the tragedy and the loss of two important members of the community.
“People who die from overdose aren’t bad people. They’re amazing people. I mean, just Jeremy and Blake alone were like amazing people … They both did a lot of good for the community. They were both willing to give the shirt off their back for anybody,” she said.
Brad added that the memorial is not just about remembering his brother but also about remembering the risks of falling back into old habits.
“It kind of keeps it fresh in everybody’s mind that, if you go back out there, it could take your life,” Brad said. “And I think it's important for people in recovery to know that.”
Daniel, during a break in play, said his friendship with Hansen led him to want to do more in the community. Daniel now works for Destination Hope and Recovery helping people find housing and stable jobs along the way to recovery.
“He was all about it. I was, too, but he made me want to do more, and so I always got him in my mind when we’re doing stuff like this,” Daniel said.
Partway through the day, the players took a break from their games to hear from two Lewis County Drug Court participants who shared the profound impact the court has had on their lives. One of the two speakers, and a current Drug Court participant, Melvin James, shared a slam poem and bit of the story of him entering Drug Court.
According to James, he was first denied a spot in Drug Court and was only accepted into the program after coming to Drug Court sessions repeatedly for 12 consecutive weeks. As part of the process, he wrote a poem called “A Chance for Change” that he ultimately was able to recite in Drug Court. The poem speaks to the importance of Drug Court in teaching and supporting people as they try to learn a new way to live and overcome their addictions and old habits.
“I own up for my wrongs and I take full responsibility,” James read rhythmically in front of the crowd. “I’m just asking the judicial system to finally challenge me. Challenge me as a man and please give me Drug Court. I know that I could do it with Jesus and all my loving family support. Hold me accountable with how I live day by day. Please show and teach me how to truly change my ways. Help me to start a new book, the first chapter, the first page. All I’m asking is to please give me a chance for change.”
James said it was his family and belief in God that motivated him to commit to Drug Court. He added that it was his nephew who enrolled in Drug Court before him who showed him the way and let him know that Drug Court could help him change.
Lewis County Drug Court was created in 2004 and is a voluntary program for addicts charged with a felony.
The program targets high need and risk offenders with a poor prognosis for success on their own. It aids them with structure and support using a three-phase recovery program. Drug Court lasts a minimum of 16 months with most participants graduating after 19 to 22 months.
To graduate, a Drug Court participant must have a full-time job, stable housing, complete recommended treatment, be clean for at least six months and in the program for at least 16 months, have a sober mentor and pay any court-ordered fines and restitution stemming from their case. Once a person graduates, their charges are dismissed.
