The 1981 Canada Games Softball Team was not expected to win a game, being seeded eighth in the Thunder Bay, Ontario event. Even with a goal to finish third, the team had few expectations. However, with efficient pitching, sound defence, and timely hitting, the Nova Scotia squad surprised many observers. As a result, they went undefeated in the round robin (5-0). In the semi-final, the boys from Nova Scotia eked out a 1-0 win over Saskatchewan with a one-hitter thrown by Darren Harrison of Terrence Bay.

The team then went to the final against a strong hometown Ontario squad. Walter Fanning again provided top notch pitching, striking out five batters and confusing the opposition with his change-up and drop ball producing grounders and a succession of pop flies. Darrell Hadley of Guysborough and Doug Cormier of Abercrombie connected with big hits to produce the necessary runs for a 3-1 upset win over Ontario in the championship game. Many members of the team went on to play for elite teams such as the Brookfield Elks and Glace Bay Alpines.

Members of the team were: Scott Billard, Paul Blackmore, John Butts, Craig Cavicchi, Ron Clarke (coach), Wayne Clyke, Doug Cormier, Walter Fanning, Jim Fitzpatrick, Dave Fraser, Jack Gray (general manager), Darrell Hadley, Darren Harrison, Mike Hart, Jim Hoffman (assistant coach, manager), Paul Long, Harold Lowe, Greg Patton, Danny Ryan, Carl Smith, Jeff Whitman.