Team Easton Hockey Stars of the 80s

Back in the day, some of the Team Easton guys were good hockey players too. Above is the picture of the 1986-87 Shawville Pontiac Jr Bs. Can anyone identify three Easton players in this photo from 20 years ago?

Gym time this winter?

Anyone interested in joining a group of guys in a gym to practice over the winter?

Derick Bulley has about 5 or 6 people that want to get inside and work but we either need more people to rent a location or would like to join some one else who already has something set up.

If you are interested, contact Derick at dbulley@hotmail.com.

Glen Cairn League annual general meeting minutes

Check this link out for the minutes of the GCMFL AGM, discussing among other things, the league financial situation, rules and player issues.

http://eteamz.active.com/gcmfl/files/2006AGMMinutes.htm

GeeGees Women finish 4th at University Provincials

from Scott Searle

Disappointing Final Weekend for Gee-Gees

Disappointing final weekend for Gee-Gees as they finished the season at the OIWFA Championships in Toronto. The team fell short of their goal of winning the OIWFA Championship. Despite this the 2006 season must still be considered a success as the team accomplished all of their goals leading up to the final weekend.

Game 1
Ottawa 3 vs York 2
A rejuvenated York squad held the potent Gee-Gee offence to just 3 hits and 4 base runners though the first 6 innings but the cardiac kids came alive in the bottom of the 7th with singles off the bats of Vanessa Homiak and Erin Durant followed by a triple to the gap by Sarah Thompson to tie the game at 2. The Gee-Gees exuded confidence with 2006 League All-Star Lindsay Mclaughlin stepping up to the plate but the York pitcher was able to induce a pop out to second base. Gee-Gees RBI leader Sam Pantalone seemed to spook the Lion’s catcher who made a throwing error on a pick-off attempt to allow the winning run to score and complete the comeback for the Gee-Gees. Congratulations are in order to the entire York team and their coaching staff led by former Gee-Gees Brian Robertson and Genevieve Walkden who did a great job on the weekend. Ashley Sands took the win for the Gee-Gees behind a very strong outing, allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs.

Game 2
Ottawa 5 vs Windsor 6
The Gee-Gees squared off against a much-improved Windsor team than the one they faced opening weekend looking to take control of their division. The story of the game was the lack luster defensive effort on behalf of the Garnet and Grey, combined with several uncharacteristic base running mistakes made it a tough game for everyone involved. The Gee-Gee's defense had a total of 5 errors leading to 4 Windsor runs while our base runners made a few very costly mistakes by running into outs in the early innings. Jill Taylor got the start and pitched very well scattering 6 hits over 7 innings. Despite a rough game, the Gee-Gees made it interesting in the 7th inning with a strong comeback attempt with the final score 6-5. Erin Durant was 2/3 at the dish while Sam Pantalone once again proved her mettle in clutch situations and was 1/4 with 2 RBI's. The story of the game was the confidence the Gee-Gees took away in their team, knowing they could score at anytime and putting that thought into the rest of the competition. There are no easy outs on this team.

Game 3
Ottawa 8 McMaster 1
After a fantastic dinner courtesy of the all too-kind McLaughlin family, the team returned to the diamond in a must-win situation. The team faced a good deal of adversity leading into the game. Due to the facilities provided by the host team, there was only one lit diamond so all evening games would be played at one park. This caused a major delay as the Windsor-McMaster game had to be delayed and moved under the lights. This pushed the Ottawa-McMaster game, already scheduled for 8:30 to 9:15. The team was not able to warm-up properly for lack of adequate lighting and was forced to wait in the cold and watch the end of the early game. To kill time, the team played dodge ball but were forced to listen to Assistant Coach, Scott Searle sing “You are my sunshine” as punishment for hurting a player with a waffle ball. Despite these drawbacks the team put together their best performance of the weekend racing to an 8-1 game that was stopped after 5 innings. Every athlete scored a run behind offensive leaders Vanessa Homiak who was ½ with two runs scored and Erin Mulvihill, 1/1 with a pair of walks and RBI’s. Allie Rutherford also scored a pair of runs for the Gee-Gees. Ashley Sands reveled under the lights throwing a 1-hitter and striking out 9 of 15 batters. A very impressive performance from a very talented pitcher. The Gee-Gees appeared to be peaking at the right time heading into Sunday.

The team would like to send a major thank you at this time to the McLaughlin family. They welcomed all 15 athletes to their home for our 3 weekends in the GTA and provided delicious meals for a group of rowdy university students. The team would not have been able to function at many times without their support and will be forever in their debt. They are without a doubt one of the most kind, generous families I have ever had the pleasure to meet and would like to extend my personal gratitude in addition to the teams for their help and support over the years.

Lindsey McLaughlin and Sam Pantalone were awarded 2006 League MVP awards before the game.

Game 4
Ottawa 4 vs Toronto 7
100% chance of rain came through Saturday night as the fields were wet and sloppy. A giant effort from Ottawa, Windsor, and Western coaches helped ensure the games would go on. We would also like to thank publicly, Brian Robertson and Stacey Lymer from York who pitched in to help ensure the diamonds would be safe to play on. The games were moved to the 3rd Birchwood diamond without lights or fences.The rivalry continued in the semi-final between U of T and Ottawa after a short rain delay and the Gee-Gee bats started where they left off as the Garnet and Grey jumped a 3-0 after two innings. With Jill Taylor on the mound, throwing a gem, the Gee-Gees seemed in control in the fifth up 3-1 but an error then a bunt single put runners on 1st and 3rd Jillian was replaced in favour of Game Three star Ashley Sands. Jillian suffered from bad luck on the weekend as she had two stellar starts wasted; she allowed the powerful Toronto offence only 2 hits in 5 innings before giving way to Ashley. Ashley had a rough welcome to the game with a hit batter and a walk loaded the bases before a pair of singles stretched the Blues lead to 6-3. The Gee-Gees cut the lead to 2 behind a Homiak double but Toronto put it out of reach in the top of the 7th with another run. Vanessa Homiak who was 3/4 with an RBI and run scored received MVP honours. Vanessa has been a very welcome addition to the team, and always seems to play her best when the team needs her most.

Congratulations to the University of Toronto for coming out on top of what must be one of the most heated rivalries in the OIWFA and advancing to the final.

A very big congratulations are also in order for the University of Western Ontario who won their first OIWFA Championship. This is a very well-deserved victory by a very classy program. We are looking forward to heading to Byron in 2007 to once again seek the top prize.

A sad day for the Gee-Gees as they say good-bye to two of the most recognizable players from their 5 year history. Champagne corks will be popping all over Ontario from opposing teams as Lindsey McLaughlin and Nicole Dunlop competed in their last game in a Gee-Gee uniform. These are the only two remaining athletes from the 2003 Championship team and have been some of the driving forces behind the teams success throughout their history. The most rewarding aspect of coaching over the past 5 years has been developing relationships with a group of very special people and I am very proud to have coached these two athletes and am honoured to call them both friends. These athletes are very special people and excellent models for what University Sport is about. You will be missed.

Fans of the Gee-Gees can look forward to 2007 as the team will re-load for another run to the Championship. Stellar rookies, Vanessa Homiak, Erin Mulvihill and Allie Rutherford will be returning to the Garnet and Grey as the team changes shape, but keeps the same goals. The team will be stellar in the circle as usual as they welcome back all 4 pitchers from 2006. Ashley Sands, Jill Taylor, Elissa Sivel, and Isabelle Richard will be back to cause opposing batters fits. One of the most explosive offences in the OIWFA will be back in action with Sam Pantalone, Allison Hibbett, Jen Alexander, Erin Durant and Sarah Thompson reunited to test opposing pitchers.

Watch our website in the off-season for updates on the team and information on how to try out for the 2007 version of the Gee-Gees.

Team Easton GOFL Champs 2006 photo

Back Row: Dan Konkle, Cory Morrison, Al Read, Kyle Olson, Kevin Chevrier, Todd Fraser
Front Row: Dave Tubman, John Peck, Randy Peck, Pat O'Connor, Scott Marion

Orleans to join GOFL?

Looks there is a possibility that graduating players from the Orleans Midgets might potentially be interested in forming a new team and joining the Greater Ottawa Fastball League next year.

More info to be posted here as it becomes available.....

Team Easton wins fourth consecutive GOFL Final Series (now with box score)

Team Easton 2 Stittsville 1
from Sam Oliver

Team Easton captured their fourth consecutive GOFL championship by defeating the Stittsville 56ers 2 – 1 on Wednesday night, winning the best of 5 series 3 games to 1.

The lone Stittsville run came in the first inning when 56ers lead off man Scott Herriot lined the first pitch from Dan Konkle into the right field corner and legged out an inside the park home run. Unfortunately for Stittsville, this seemed to motivate Konkle as he responded by striking out the next three Stittsville batters.

Team Easton threatened in each of the first three innings including having the bases loaded in the 1st, and having runners on first and second in both the 2nd and 3rd innings. However, a gutsy pitching performance from Darren Featherstone in his second consecutive start would see the 56ers carry that 1 run lead into the 5th inning.

Dave Tubman drew a lead off walk to start the 5th, and after stealing second, Tubman advanced to third on a grounder to second off the bat of Todd Fraser. With the infield in, Easton third baseman Randy Peck, hit a sharp ground ball to short. However, Scott Herriot did not field it cleanly and was forced to take the out at first allowing Tubman to score, tying the game.

In the bottom of the 5th, and for the second consecutive inning, the 56ers would put a runner in scoring position. However, they failed to get the key hit to score the run and regain the lead.

Easton would take the lead in the top of the 7th. Tubman earned his third free pass of the game to start the rally. Fraser followed this with a walk of his own putting runners on first and second with Randy Peck at the plate. Once again Peck delivered as he hit a blooper to centerfield that fell between the shortstop, second baseman, and centerfielder, allowing Tubman to score. That would be all the damage, and all Easton would need.

The 56ers, did threaten in their half of the 7th. Darren Featherstone singled to right field to start the inning and advanced to second on a passed ball. However, Konkle proved his worth as he struck out both Parsons and Bond. Sam Oliver had the misfortune of being the last batter for the 56ers in 2006, hitting a sharp ground ball to second base to end the game.

Congratulations to Team Easton on a well played series and a well deserved 4th consecutive championship.

Boxscore:
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box101806.htm

GOFL Trophy and history

Thanks to I4C Consulting and Neil Cooke for donating the GOFL playoff champions trophy.

The trophy will be inscribed with past winners from the GOFL and its precursor, the Kemptville league.

Here is the honour roll, with who won, who they beat, the series result and the pitchers for both teams:

KMFL – Kemptville Men’s Fastball League

2000 Dollco Printing defeated Macton Muckdogs (3-0)
Dave “Skippy” Nicholson and Tony Riches for Dolco
Greg Workman for Macton

2001 Macton Muckdogs defeated D.T.I. (3-1)
Marc Sigouin for Macton
Jamie Wilson for D.T.I.

2002 Lomor Printers defeated Macton Muckdogs (3-0)
Dave “Skippy” Nicholson and Tony Riches for Lomor
Brad Porter and Darren Featherstone for Macton

2003 Team Easton defeated Macton Muckdogs (1 game final, 8 innings)
Dan Konkle for Team Easton
Jason Smith for Macton

2004 Team Easton defeated West Carleton Electric (3-1)
Dan Konkle for Team Easton
Bud Hanlon for WC Electric

GOFL – Greater Ottawa Fastball League

2005 Team Easton defeated Stittsville (3-1)
Dan Konkle and Bill Gerber for Team Easton
Dan Bradley for Stittsville

2006 Team Easton defeated Stittsville (3-1)
Dan Konkle for Team Easton
Dan Bradley and Darren Featherstone for Stittsville

League Teams History Overview:

2000 6 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kemptville D.T.I.
Stittsville 56ers
Kemptville Dollco Printing
Kemptville Thunder Juniors
Kanata Pirates Juniors

2001 5 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kemptville D.T.I.
Stittsville 56ers
Kemptville Dollco Printing
Kanata Pirates Juniors

2002 4 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kemptville Team Easton (formerly D.T.I.)
Stittsville 56ers
Kemptville Lomor Printers (formerly Dollco Printing)

2003 4 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kemptville Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Kemptville Lomor Printers

2004 5 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kanata Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Manotick Lomor Printers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric

2005 4 teams
Kanata Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Manotick Lomor Printers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric

2006 6 teams
Kanata Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Manotick Lomor Printers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Carp I4C Victory
Ottawa Blitz

More to come....

The season is over, but be sure to visit the blog regularly over the off season, as we'll try and post a few stories, rumours, and other information over the winter months.

Visit back later this week for our first ever contest.......

Gee-Gees race to finish line with a 5-0 weekend

from Scott Searle

Game 1
UOttawa 8 Carleton 7

Gee-Gees start weekend off on a cold rainy Friday night (Oct 13) with an 8-7 come from behind win over the cross town rival Ravens. A sloppy game in the cold for both teams saw the Gee-Gees get on the scoreboard in bottom of first when RF Jill Taylor was hit by a pitch before stealing 2nd and scoring on an RBI single from Sarah Thompson. The Gee-Gees kept their potent offense rolling in the bottom of the 2nd with two more on the strength of back to back triples from Allie Rutherford and Ashley Sands followed by a single from Jill Taylor. The Garnet and Grey raced to a 5-1 lead in the 5th when the skies opened up only to see Carleton roar back to take a 7-5 lead into the sixth inning. A cold wet ball, and several uncharacteristic errors led to the Ravens offensive explosion. The Gee-Gees clawed back right away with a pair of runs behind Jen Alexander’s second triple of the night. In the bottom of the 7th the Gee-Gees managed to push across the winning run to start the weekend on the right track.

A winning result capped a fun night for the Gee-Gees as each athlete dedicated their game to a person who has helped them in their life and the team was thrilled to see many of those people in the stands. Rogers Cable Television made everyone’s night when their Community Cruiser dropped by to film the game for an upcoming commercial and brought Tim Hortons coffee and donuts for the crowd. Truly a phenomenon of “Fastball in the Fall”.

Game 2 Oct 14
UOttawa 7 York 3

In the first match-up of the season between these two teams and a reunion of sorts for Brian Robertson and Genevieve Walkden the York Lions jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the 1st by virtue of 3 singles and 2 uncharacteristically misplayed balls by Ottawa. The Gee-Gees got one run back in the first and kept the offense rolling to score in every other inning to cruise to their second win of the weekend. Gee-Gee starter Jill Taylor shut the door on York, tossing a no- hitter from the 2nd inning. Sarah Thompson and Allie Rutherford led the offense for the Gee-Gees with 3 hits and 5 RBI’s between them while talented rookie Vanessa Homiak was 2/4 with 2 runs scored at the top of the order.

Game 3 Oct 14
Ottawa 6 York 1

Geegees send Ashely Sands to the mound for game 2 of the double header against York and she pitched a gem giving up 1 run on 3 hits while walking 4 batters and striking out 5. Offensively the Gee-Gees were led by rookie Vanessa Homiak 2/4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI along with Lindsay McLaughlin 2/3 and RI leader Sam Pantalone 2/3. Another rookie on a tear at the right time of the year was Allie Rutherford who was 2/3

Game 4 Oct 15
Ottawa 4 VS Queens 0

On the last Sunday of the regular season the Gee-Gees squared off against Queens who were coming off 3 straight wins hoping to clinch the last playoff position. The Gee-Gees were facing two desperate teams trying to grab the last playoff spot and managed to hold off both contenders. Jill Taylor got the ball for the Garnet and Grey and did not disappoint, throwing a 4 hit gem while striking out a season high 9 batters and allowing no walks. Lindsay McLaughlin led Ottawa offensively going 2/3 at the plate with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored. Erin Mulvihill was also 2/3 at the dish.

Game 5 Oct 15
Ottawa 9 Queens 4

Ottawa trying to make it a perfect 5-0 weekend get the bats going in the 3rd inning with singles off the bats of Sarah Thompson, Lindsay McLaughlin and Sam Pantalone followed up by a 2rbi double from Erin Mulvihill to take a 6-0 lead. It was the same old story with the Gee-Gee offense, opposing pitchers are forced to pick their poison as the team was hot 1 through 9. Starter Ashley Sands was on cruise control with a 2 hitter going into the 6th when queen's erupted for 3 runs to cut the lead to 6-3. Ottawa responded with 3 of their own with help from a 2run inside the park homer by Vanessa Homaik who was 4/4 with 3rbi's in the game and a Blast that cleared left field fence off the bat of power hitter Lindsay McLaughlin, This was Lindsay's 2nd of the season.

A beautiful day in Stittsville to end the 2006 regular season with the leaves changing colour in picturesque Alexander Grove Bark. The Gee-Gees have hosted at the Grove for 3 years, hoping for weather like this.

The Garnet and Grey finished the regular season with a 15-5 record which is good enough for 2nd place and will enter the Championship Tournament as the 2nd seed next weekend (Oct 20-22). The draw is not yet available but will be posted on our website as soon as it is released.

Come watch the Gee-Gees in Mississauga at Birchwood park as they try to improve on their silver medal performance from 2005.

Scott Searle

613-837-0787
www.eteamz.com/ottawaufastpitch

ISC II Eastern Ontario Qualifier for 2007

Some rumours out there about possible sites for the 2007 ISC II qualifier.

Apparently the Napanee/North Fred/Kingston area has expressed serious interest in hosting the tourney. Lots of good fastball down that way, but the word on the street is that the OASA Provincials held down in that area in North Fred were not well run in some teams' opinions.

The McNab/Braeside minor ball organization is also seriously considering 'bidding' for the tourney. They have a great facility up at McNab Centre Park with three lit ball diamonds.

Fitzroy Harbour was asked about interest in hosting it there again as well, but with the effort vs. payoff involved, we might hold off on hosting again for a year or two...but you never know.

Stittsville wins game 3 of GOFL final

Stittsville 4 Team Easton 1
from Sam Oliver

Darren Featherstone pitched 6 innings of no hit ball and a 3 for 4 performance from Dan Jessiman sparked the struggling Stittsville offence as the 56ers clawed one back in the GOFL final.

Stittsville opened the scoring in the top of the 4th. Dan Jessiman and Darren Featherstone led of the inning with a pair of singles and were sacrificed into scoring position by a well executed bunt from Ryan Bond. Easton hurler Dan Konkle would strike out Sam Oliver and Dan Bradley in succession to end the threat, but not before issuing a wild pitch that allowed Jessiman to score from third.

The 56ers would extend their lead to 4 runs in the top of the 6th. Scott Parsons started the rally with a lead off double to the left centerfield gap, and scored on Dan Jessiman’s third hit of the night, a single up the middle. Featherstone and Bond singled back to back scoring Jessiman and putting runners on the corners. Oliver hit a ground ball to Easton shortstop Pat O’Connor who elected to force out the runner at second base, allowing Featherstone to score from third on the fielder’s choice. That would be it for the Stittsville scoring as Konkle struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

Through the first 6 innings the only blemish on Featherstone’s night was a two out walk issued in the 5th inning. However, Easton would not go down without a fight. With one out in the bottom of the 7th, Todd Fraser drew a walk. Randy Peck followed this with a single up the middle, breaking up the no hit bid. Cory Morrison then tomahawked a high Featherstone offering into the right centerfield gap, scoring Fraser and breaking up the shut out bid. However, with the tying run at the plate, Featherstone struck out the next two Easton batters to end the game and preserve the win.

Team Easton now leads the series 2 games to 1.

WP Darren Featherstone 7IP 1R 1ER 2H 2BB 13K 0HB
LP Dan Konkle 7IP 4R 4ER 9H 0BB 16K 0HB

box score: http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box101206.htm

Geegees Women's Fastball finish up regular season schedule this weekend UPDATED

from Cory Morrison & Scott Searle

This will be a wild weekend all over the province for University Women’s Fastpitch. The top two seeds, Western and Toronto will face off in London to see who will be number one in the Championship Tournament Oct 21-22.

The Gee-Gees will look to finish the season strong after a very impressive weekend in Cambridge over Thanksgiving. The team went 3-1 with a pair of convincing wins over Waterloo as well as another against a dramatically improved Laurier squad.

The team squares off against Carleton in their “Dedication Day” as each athlete has dedicated the game to a person who has helped them reach their goals.

Saturday represents a home-coming of sorts, as founder of the program, Genevieve Walkden and former coach Brian Robertson bring their York squad to Ottawa. York is in a dog-fight for the final playoff spot and will be very dangerous with a pair of alumni at the helm.

Rogers Community Crusier will be at Brewer Park to film the game tonight, dont miss it!

Friday Night 7:00 vs. Carleton Brewer Park
Saturday 1:30 and 3:30 vs. York Alexander Grove Park
Sunday 12:00 and 2:00 vs Queens Alexander Grove Park

Geegees currently have a record of 10 - 5 and sit in 4th place in the 12 team league. The team has played very well lately and look to continue their strong play this weekend as they get ready for the OIWFA Championships next weekend in Toronto.

GOFL Game 3

Game 3 of the Greater Ottawa Fastball League finals was postponed last night (Weds Oct 11) due to the wet weather.

Team Easton and Stittsville are going to play tonight (Thurs Oct 12) at 7:30PM at the Grove in Stittsville.

Easton leads the best of five series 2-0.

UOVMFL possibilities for 2007

This article reprinted with permission from Wilbur McLean
Pontiac Equity Oct 11, 2006 edition
fitzroyfastball ed. note: Wilbur did a great job reporting on fastball all year long for the weekly Equity newspaper

Struggling fastpitch league examines options
WILBUR MCLEAN - Equity Reporter
SHAWVILLE • A number of options are currently being discussed by different camps to ensure the Upper Ottawa Valley Men’s Fastball League remains viable. This year, the UOVMFL was forced to play out the season with only three teams after Beachburg folded early in the year.

The league, which has been in existence since 1962, would likely shut down without additions.

The idea that appears furthest along at this point is combining the Upper Ottawa Valley league with the five-team McNab/Braeside Junior league, for players 23 years of age and under.

Micksburg Twins Manager Jerry McIntyre said he has been in touch with the Micksburg Junior Twins of the McNab/Braeside league and a meeting is being planned between representatives of the two leagues.

“I think it’s time we tried to do something to expand the league — obviously with three teams we have to — and this looks like a good way to do it,” said McIntyre. McIntyre said the Eganville Youngblood of the junior league have expressed an interest in the move as well. This year, the junior league had teams in Shawville, Micksburg, Eganville, Fitzroy Harbour and McNab.

The obvious problem presented by this proposal, as acknowledged by McIntyre, is the difference in quality between a team like Micksburg and some of the squads in the junior league. Micksburg were semi-finalists at this year’s 35-team International Softball Congress Tier II North American championships, defeating teams from Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio along the way.

Some of the junior teams, meanwhile, consist of players in their late teenaged years whose fastpitch skills are limited when compared with those of a team like Micksburg. McIntyre said he plans to level the playing field by proposing a pitching list, whereby certain elite pitchers in the league would be limited to pitching a set number of innings per contest.

McIntyre said he would prefer combining with the junior league over moving to the Greater Ottawa Fastball League.“We want to stay as local as we can,” he said.

The President of the McNab/Braeside Junior League, Harold McMullin, was in favour of combining the leagues but could not say the likelihood of the amalgamation happening.

“That’s the million dollar question right now — will they move up?” said McMullin. “Some of those (junior) guys are getting older now so at some point they’ve gotta step up ... If all the junior teams moved up, it would be great.”

Coulonge and Cobden to join?
There is also discussion of new senior clubs joining the Upper Ottawa Valley league. Both Fort Coulonge and Cobden are in the preliminary discussion stages of forming teams to enter the UOVMFL.

René Ladouceur, who currently operates the successful slo-pitch Pontiac Ball League in Fort Coulonge, said it was too soon to tell whether there would be a team but confirmed that if there was one, he would be involved in its creation.

“We’re not sure yet,” said Ladouceur. “We’re going to sit down and discuss things this December.” Ladouceur said the team already has an experienced competitive pitcher lined up, which is the aspect of starting a fastpitch team that is often the most difficult.

A team based out of Cobden is also being organized, according to Pontiac Royals’ player and Cobden resident Ron Laronde. He told THE EQUITY that Cobden man Steven Eckford is the one putting the team together. Eckford could not be reached before deadline.

In addition, the Quyon Junior Flyers, who were regular season champions in the Ottawa R.A. League this year, are considering a move to either the Greater Ottawa Fastball League or the UOVMFL.

Shawville, Pontiac plans
Earlier this spring, Pontiac Royals Manager Tim Ferrigan had said he was considering moving his team to the Greater Ottawa league, concerned that Beachburg would fold. For next year, however, Ferrigan said he would not be in favour of doing that. “Our younger guys would be willing to do it but they all play for the Quyon Flyers anyway and my older guys don’t want to have to go that far,” said Ferrigan.

The Greater Ottawa league contains teams as far away as Manotick, Ont. Ferrigan said he was not sure what he would do if the UOVMFL folded.

As was their problem prior to this season, the Shawville Athletics are looking for a new manager after this year’s player/coach, Darron Barr, said with a baby on the way, “I’m not sure I want to organize it again.”

Al Keuhl, who was the team’s manager for a few seasons up until last year, also said he would prefer not to organize the squad.

“I’d rather not but the guys (on the team) have been trying to convince me to do it again,” he said.

Easton up 2 games to 0 in GOFL finals with 6-1 victory

Easton 6 Stittsville 1
from Sam Oliver

Dan Konkle picked up right where he left off in collecting his second win in as many nights in giving Easton a commanding two game lead in the GOFL final. Konkle pitched 6 complete innings allowing only 1 run on 1 hit while striking out 12.

Konkle would work with a lead the whole way, as Easton scored in the top half of the 1st. Kevin Chevrier reached on an error, advanced to third on a Todd Fraser single and then scored on a Randy Peck single. Dan Bradley was able to pitch out of the jam with minimal damage as he struck out game one star Cory Morrison and got Konkle to ground out to end the threat.

Dave Tubman lead off the third inning for Easton with a single but was thrown out at second as he tried to stretch it into a double. Chevrier followed that by hitting a double of his own. Then, after Fraser was retired on strikes, the Easton offence was once again bolstered by the long ball. This time it would be off the bat of Randy Peck, the two run drive giving Easton a three run lead.

Konkle was a force on offence as well. He singled to lead off the 4th inning, one of his two hits on the night. Al Read reached on a fielder’s choice that erased Konkle at second, and Pat O’Connor flied out to center field. However, with two out Scott “Hollywood” Marion homered making the Easton lead 5 runs.

The only Stittsville offence came in the bottom of the 4th. Scott Jessiman walked to lead off the inning and advance to second when brother Dan Jessiman hit a ground ball to second. Darren Featherstone hit a single up the middle that would score Scott Jessiman from second, but that would be it for the Stittsville offence.

Featherstone came on to pitch for the 56ers in the 5th inning. Although he recorded three strikeouts in the inning, a Randy Peck walk and an RBI double off the bat of Konkle would have Easton re-establish their 5 run lead.

Konkle struck out 5 of the 6 batters he faced in the 5th and 6th innings to secure the win in the mercy shortened game.

Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday, October11th, in Stittsville. Game time is 7:30PM.

WP - Dan Konkle 6IP 1R 1ER 1H 1BB 12K

LP - Dan Bradley 4IP 5R 4ER 7H 1BB 6K
relief: Darren Featherstone 2IP 1R 1ER 3H 1BB 4K

Boxscore: http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box100506.htm

Easton wins game one of GOFL finals

Easton 5 Stittsville 1
from Sam Oliver

On a cool October night, the GOFL finals finally got underway, and Team Easton emerged with a 1 game lead in the best of five series.

Dan Konkle struck out the side in the top half of the first as the Stittsville bats did not look sharp emerging from their 4 week hibernation. Fortunately, 56er ace Dan Bradley did look sharp to start the game as he retired the first two Easton batters in short order. However, a two out walk to Todd Fraser and a Randy Peck single would set the table for a Cory Morrison homerun giving Easton a three run lead.

Easton would add to the lead in the 5th. Pat O’Connor hit a one out infield single which was followed by a John Peck single to right field putting runners at the corners. Dave Tubman hit a ground ball to short that was misplayed by Scott Herriot allowing O’Connor to score. Herriot did atone for this mistake as the next Easton batter, Kevin Chevrier, hit a soft liner up the middle that Herriot was able to track down and fire back to first to double off Tubman who add been running on the pitch.

The last Easton run came in the form of a solo homerun off the bat of Easton catcher Todd Fraser, to lead off the bottom half of the 6th inning. Cory Morrison got his second extra base hit of the night as he ripped a double into right field, however he was left stranded as Bradley struck out the next two Easton batters.

The only Stittsville threat came in the 4th. Scott Herriot hit a one out single just out of the reach of Easton short stop Pat O’Connor. Dan Jessiman followed this by drawing a walk and both runners advanced into scoring position on a Konkle wild pitch. However, that’s as far as they would get as Konkle struck out Darren Featherstone and induced a ground ball off the bat of Sam Oliver to end the inning.

A Darren Featherstone homerun in the top of the 7th would break the Konkle shut out bid, but that would be all of the scoring that Stittsville would manage.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Thursday, October 5th, in Stittsville. Game time is 7:30.

Dan Konkle - 7IP 1R 1ER 3H 1BB 14K

Dan Bradley - 6IP 5R 4ER 6H 1BB 11K

Game 1: http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box100406.htm

Good Ol' Boys Complete BMFL Trifecta

from Shannon Borho on the Blackburn Men's Fastball League webpage: www.bmfl.ca

Good Ol' Boys Complete BMFL Trifecta

For the first time since I have started playing in the BMFL, the team who finished first in the regular season has won the league playoff as well. The Good Ol' Boys who finished in first place with a win over the 2nd place Guzzlers in the final regular season game, did the same in the playoffs defeating the Guzzlers 3-1 in the 3rd game of the playoff finals. The Guzzlers jumped to a one game to none lead with a 3-2 victory but the Good Ol' Boys stayed alive winning a slugfest 10-9 in game 2. That set up game 3 Tuesday night after two rainouts where the Good Ol' Boys prevailed. The winners went 4-0 in the playoffs when facing elimination as they fell behind 1-0 in both series they played (after getting a bye in the first round). It was quite the year for the Good Ol' Boys in the BMFL who also picked up the league tournament trophy in August when they beat the Guzzlers in the finals there as well.

BMFL Banquet

The banquet is set to go on Saturday October14th at 6:30 PM, with supper being served at 7:00. What we need from you are concrete numbers on how many will be attending since we need to give the caterer enough notice! So please contact your team representative if they haven't contacted you and indicate to them whether you will be attending this year's league banquet. Tickets are not required to attend but we do need the number of players and guests attending by Oct. 10.

If you cannot get a hold of your team rep, please email shannonborho*at*hotmail.com or allan*at*ottawalynx.com to let us know if you can make it. If you are bringing a guest, the cost will be $25 to them - the event is free for all BMFL players.

The event will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Orleans Branch 632. The address is 800 Taylor Creek Road in Orleans, (613) 830-9984.

Very Successful Weekend-On and Off Field for Gee-Gees

A very successful weekend, on and off the field for the Gee-Gees in Ottawa.

When the University of Ottawa Softball Gee-Gees listed their goals for the 2006 season, some might be surprised to see “giving back to the community” as a priority. For university athletes who are already juggling part-time jobs, full-time school, family commitments, and personal lives, to look outside to see what else needs to be done is impressive indeed. The team took a big step toward achieving this goal on the weekend with a pair of efforts to support their local community.

The team is split roughly equally between athletes who have grown up in the Ottawa area and those that have moved here for University. One of the biggest surprises for those new to the city is the number of military personnel in the downtown area. Ottawa is host to the Headquarters of the Department of National Defence and home to 20,000 Canadian troops. This makes the current Canadian engagement very real to our city as nearly everyone in Ottawa has a friend or family member in the military or knows someone who is currently serving overseas. Recently citizens in Ottawa have been encouraged to wear red on Fridays as a symbol of support for Canadian Soldiers and the athletes from both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University showed great leadership in this initiative by dedicating their game last Friday to Canadian troops and donning special red uniforms for the game. They were thrilled to welcome Colonel Claude Rochette to the game who highlighted the importance of the Afghanistan mission to fans and athletes alike. The team was also very proud to see their efforts recognized by Parliamentary Secretary for National Defence during a congratulatory Statement by Member in the House of Commons Friday afternoon.

The Gee-Gees extended their commitment to the softball community Saturday morning as they led a “Bridge to the Future Clinic” for 25 minor athletes from the Ottawa area. They led sessions in pitching, catching, outfield and hitting for 2 hours before preparing for their games against Brock University.

UOttawa 9 Carleton 0
The Garnet and Grey was back in the groove between the lines as well with a 3-0 weekend to bring their record to 7-4. They rose to the occasion on Friday night with a 9-0 victory over cross-town rival Carleton University. Elissa Sivel was dominant in the win with 9 strikeouts over 5 innings, allowing 3 hits and no walks. Vanessa Homiak ignited the offence with 3 singles driving in 4 runs and Erin Durant put on a show for her grandfather, a WW2 veteran who was in the crowd to throw the first pitch, with a 3-3 effort. Lindsey McLaughlin put the finishing touch on the victory with a massive 3-Run homerun in the 4th inning.

UOttawa 4 Brock 2
The team moved to Alexander Grove Park in Stittsville for Saturday morning and put their training into practice in front of a full crowd filled with athletes the team had taught in the morning. The first 5 innings were marked by excellent Gee-Gee at bats foiled by equally strong efforts by Brock defensive players. Hard line drives and ground balls seemed to find every Badger glove on the field as the team fell behind 2-0. Their luck changed in the bottom of the 6th as Sam Pantalone, Lindsey McLaughlin, Sarah Thompson, and Nicole Dunlop ignited the scoring to go ahead 4-2. Ashley Sands took the win for the team as she was very strong in keeping the Badgers off balance and out of the scorebook.

UOttawa 10 Brock 1
The Gee-Gees carried their momentum into game two behind a strong performance from Jillian Taylor as they exploded for 10 runs in 5 innings for a 10-1 win. Elissa Sivel and Allie Rutherford displayed their versatility at the top of the order to go along with their strong defence as they always seemed to be on base and scoring runs. Jen Alexander, who is looking more at home in the Garnet and Grey every day contributed 3 clutch hits for RBI’s and had an excellent day at the plate. Carol Piche twirled a double play on her own, and threw in a single in a very strong effort from the rookie infielder. Lindsey McLaughlin stayed hot with a pair of doubles driving in 3 runs in front of a large home-town crowd.

The crowd thinned Sunday morning as the rain would not stop in Ottawa and forced the cancellation of both games against McMaster. The team travels to Waterloo next weekend to face the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier.