Eastern Ontario Fastball Blog

A blog dedicated to news about the Greater Ottawa Fastball League and other happenings in the world of fastball / fastpitch softball in eastern Ontario and western Quebec, with occasional stories featuring Mrs Fitzroy Fastball, Fitzroy Fastball Junior and the Caveman. If you have info to send on, send me an email at fastball[at]fitzroyharbour.com. Follow @fitzroyfastball on Twitter.

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Thursday, April 30, 2009

UOVMFL League releases 2009 schedule

The Upper Ottawa Valley Men's Fastball League has released their schedule for the 2009 season.

The 11 week regular season features five teams with each playing 12 games.

Fitzroy/McNab will play their home games at the McNab Centre diamonds. Micksburg will be home to two teams, the "Senior Twins" and the "Junior Twins" once again. The Snappers will call Shawville home. The fifth team added to the league will be the Douglas Green Sox, from just west of Renfrew.

The league will also have a three game Showcase day in Micksburg on Sunday May 24 with all five teams participating.

UPDATE: Full schedule now online.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Millgrove Tourney Schedule released

Good luck to the Quyon COMBAT Flyers at the Millgrove Early Bird Tournament on May 8-10 as they face Waterloo Jrs, Kitchener Outlaws and Linwood Jrs in pool play in the 14 team event. The Waterdown Hammer are hosting the tournament.

Full schedule here.

Wondering where Millgrove is? Between Guelph and Hamilton.

Manotick Lomor Printers season preview

Manotick Lomor Printers returns to the Greater Ottawa Fastball League in 2009 with their veteran squad pretty much intact from last year's campaign. Manotick has not won the playoff title since 2002, but they are pretty much guaranteed to lead the league in one category this season - "Jason Smiths", with two.

One newcomer to the team this season is Paul Ceppi who will share pitching duties with Trevor Lahey, Lyle Schell, Tony Riches and Jason Smith.

The Printers will be making their annual tour to Au Sable Forks, NY this summer and are reviewing other tournament possibilities.

Home games for the team are in Manotick on Wednesday nights as part of the weekly 7pm and 9pm doubleheaders at the Arena Diamonds.

Monday, April 27, 2009

West Carleton Electric season preview

Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric return to the Greater Ottawa Fastball League this summer for their sixth season of play.

The 'Trics expect 2009 to be a rebuilding campaign, with some key players not playing this year, including two original WC veterans taking a "leave of absence" for the season. Four new faces will be seen in WC uniforms this summer, all of whom are in their twenties and from the Fitzroy Harbour / West Carleton area.

Bud "The Spud" Hanlon, the only non-West Carleton area native on the team (but an honourary Harbourite by now) will see the bulk of the action on the slab, with Steve Cavanagh and Troy Wilson also seeing some innings.

Much to the delight of Mrs. Fitzroy Fastball, for the first time since 2002, Fitzroy Harbour will not be hosting a tournament this year. However, the FHCC will host the GOFL 2009 Showcase on June 5 and 6. WC Electric will be stealing an idea from the Eagles and hosting a Kids' Clinic on the Saturday with the cooperation of West Carleton Minor Softball Association.

In addition, bouyed by the extensive revenue generated by the the Fitzroy Fastball Blog, the team will be sponsoring the "Fitzroy Harbour WC Junior Electric" peewee boys softball team in the WCMSA this season. As Whitney Houston so eloquently puts it, I believe the children are the future.

Fitzroy Harbour fastball continues to have the generous sponsorship of Mr. Dale Hanna of West Carleton Electric and plans on travelling with the "owner" to tournaments in Grafton (Jim Bradford), Ottawa (Gil Read), Elkland Labour Day and hopefully the ISC II post season touranament in McNab.

Home games for the 'Trics are Tuesday nights and the occasional Friday night at 8:30pm the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre. While not quite as cheap as Quyon, beer is on sale afterward in the hall for $3.50 a pint, with proceeds supporting minor sports in the Community.

Greely DNTW Eagles season preview

from Tyler Cox

The Greely DNTW Eagles Mens Fastball Club return for their sophomore season in 2009. In 2008, the club was one of the youngest in the GOFL. This winter the club's average age dropped significantly when Stephane Vinette left to join the Blitz. (The average later shot up again when the Eagles signed veteran lefty Gord Flannery).

In all seriousness, the Eagles are most enthused about signing Flannery. Flannery throws well and is a great teammate. He joins already talented pitching staff of Ryan "RC" Cox and co-captain Shannon "The Onion" Borho.

With the departure of Vinette and the semi-retirement of Eric "Pedro" Sanchez, Tyler Cox will move from 3B to behind plate. Otherwise, the Eagles infield remains largely unchanged. Shortstop Mike "Savvy" Savoie will once again be the captain of the infield. Matt "Month Pete" Peters rounds out the middle infield, playing "two-bag." Terry "TJ" Jones joined the Eagles mid-season in 2008, replacing an injured Savoie. Jones will move to the hot corner in 2009. The infield in anchored by first baseman Anil Hayne. Hayne wishes to remind everyone that he is 34-years-old and doesn't like nonsense.

The outfield remains largely unchanged from 2008. Derek Dumond is the quiet leader of the outfield, playing centerfield. On either side of Dumond will be DNTW accountant Chad Featherstone and Carleton Ravens baseball coach Steve Tsonos. Derrick Litchi will also be part of the outfield platoon, when he is not building trains in Africa (Seriously).

The Eagles also welcome two new faces to the club. Kris Knowles will join the club as a rookie outfielder. Knowles has experience as a minor fastball player and his good nature is welcome. The Eagles are also pleased to acquire the utility services of Graham Connors. Connors is a native of Horton Township who grew up playing minor fastball with the Kanata Pirates. Connors is versatile defensively, with the ability to play catcher.

Lastly, the Eagles are thrilled to announce a new relationship with Scott Searle. Searle joins the club as "Special Advisor to the Club Captain." Searle has an impressive fastball resume. He is the head coach of the Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Orleans Senior Rebels fastball clubs. While Searle cannot commit to a full-time role with the club, the Eagles could not be happier to profit from his coaching skills.

The added experience bodes well for the Eagles. When ask for comment, co-captain Anil Hayne said the club is well-positioned for a pennant run in 2009. "Leave me alone, Tyler", said Hayne.

Good news from the Trend Arlington League

Wynn Fenwick reports that the Trend Arlington Fastball League will be expanding to seven teams this season, up from five last year.

Sounds like they could still use some pitchers - if you're interested, visit the website and contact someone on the executive.

Schedule tweaked

In what I'm sure is one of many tweaks, the GOFL schedule has been modified with some changes based on requests from various teams.

Game numbers which have been changed are noted in red.

Nokona gloves for sale - reminder

from Dale McKenzie

High End Ball Glove Clearance

We are clearing out the FINAL "sample" inventory of high end Nokona ball gloves.

Simply put -- these are among the highest quality gloves available in the world. They are all made "one at a time" by hand, AND in the USA!

Remaining inventory is now down to "quantity 19" in 12.5"-14.0" softball gloves. Variety of leather type, colors, closed/open web and wrist closures available.

(Smaller baseball gloves and limited childrens sizes also available).

NOTE: WE NO LONGER HAVE ANY "RIGHT HANDED" GLOVES!!

In the GOFL you can talk with the following players to see their gloves or check on their satisfaction: Neil Cooke, Trevor Wood, Eric Rosenquist, Lukas Kamps, Kurtis Summers, Joel Langford, Jeff Barber

If you want to save BIG $ over retail prices, give me a shout.

Dale McKenzie
613-720-0673

Friday, April 24, 2009

Fitzroy Fastball's Travel Tip

With the new border rules taking effect on July 1, 2009 passports are now going to be required to drive down to the States.

Many area teams are planning trips down this summer to Au Sable or Elkland or other destinations in the land of the "US Americans". Now is the time for team organizers to start harassing teammates to get their passport applications in to beat the rush.

Mrs. Fitzroy Fastball and I are taking the boys down to Darien Lake, NY this summer to ride the rollercoasters, so I went in earlier this week to the office on Sparks Street get passports for the lads (Fitzroy Fastball Junior and his younger brother the T-Ball Caveman).

I went in at 1pm, and was out of there by 1:15, I kid you not. Now is the time to go because I'm thinking all the last minute Christmas Eve type shoppers are going to show up in mid-June in a major panic and it'll be a big time wait.

For more on how to get a passport visit this site.

And that's today's Fitzroy Fastball Travel Tip.

Cornwall League potentially expanding

Youth movement has league thinking about growth
By TODD HAMBLETON
Cornwall Standard-Freeholder


Five years ago, there were plenty of unknowns.

A small group of athletes who love the sport of fastball were determined to bring it back to Cornwall. But who would join them? Would a draft format work?

Most importantly, would any younger players be joining a new league?

The answers were mostly positive over the years. And now, heading into a sixth season of Cornwall and District Men's Fastball League play, there's the possibility of growth.

"We could have a team joining from Williamsburg, we'll know (shortly),'' noted Frank Marceau, one of the original league organizers.

A Williamsburg squad would be fronted by pitcher Jason Smith, well-known in fastball circles, and an impressive addition for the Cornwall league.

"He's a senior thrower, he's world-class,'' league organizer Steve McGillis said.

Senior throwers and players . . . there've always been plenty of experienced fastballers around. But more younger players have joined the league in recent seasons, and the organizers continue to make their pitch for players as young as 18.

"We're always looking for former (Cornwall Black Sox baseball players) who are looking for a league to play in,'' said organizer Brian O'Neill.

Marceau picked up on the theme: "We're encouraging the younger guys to play, that's where there's (league growth potential).''

The draft system will be in play again later this spring; each team will be allowed to protect five players.

Games will be played each Tuesday and Thursday night at King George Park, with the possibility of a third night -- Friday -- if there is fifth-team expansion.

"Overall, we're excited about the start of a new year, and (league-wise) everything is going well,''McGillis said.

* There'll be a final registration session next Wednesday at the Navy Club on Sixth Street, just east of Pitt. The session is from 5:30 p. m. to 7:30 p. m.

The registration cost is $110 per player.

For more information, contact Frank Marceau (613-936-9077), Steve McGillis (613-932-8880) or Brian O'Neill (613-936-1960).

Team Easton season preview

from Cory Morrison

Team Easton returns to the GOFL for another campaign with just a few minor line-up changes. Legendary catcher Todd Fraser has retired and pitcher Dan Konkle has moved on as well.

With the season still a couple of weeks away, and training camp set for opening night, there is still plenty of time for management to scour the area for a couple more bodies to round out the roster.

Easton tournament plans are Jim Bradford, Gil Read, CPI Classic and potentially one more date in July to be confirmed.

Ottawa Blitz season preview

from Andrew Bruce

The Ottawa Blitz have been working hard to prepare for the 2009 season since October, and the team is eager to hit the diamond running. The past two seasons have seen the Blitz make incredibly slow starts that had the team waiting 9-10 games into the season before recording their first points, followed by some relatively good finishes. This season the Blitz are committed to “breaking the seal” early and becoming serious contenders in the GOFL.

The Blitz pitching staff is looking strong after a long off season of training. Derick Bulley, Jamie Blakely and Pierre Lalonde will all be returning to the mound. The team has also added depth around the rest of the field with the additions of veteran catcher/utility man Stephane Vinette (formerly with Greely), and young, quick outfielders Derek Bergeron (formerly with Orleans) and Marcel Mondoux (formerly in Cornwall). The complete 2009 Blitz roster is available at www.ottawablitz.ca/blitz_profiles.html.

Blitz home games are Wednesday nights in Manotick, shared with Manotick Lomor Printers. Come out to see the weekly doubleheader action and get your fastball fix!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Carp I4C Victory season preview

from Eric Rosenquist

The Carp I4C Victory fastball club heads into the 2009 season hoping to improve upon its 5th place finish in 2008 and get back to the form that saw it finish 1st in the 2007 regular season.

The core of the team remains the same, however there have been some key changes with founding members Mike Money (ACL surgery) and Shawn Houle (family commitments) gone and ace pitcher Dan Konkle joining the I4C ranks. With the addition of Konkle to starters Neil Cooke and Trevor Wood, I4C has increased its pitching depth substantially.

For tournaments, the team is pleased to have Orleans Gators Chad Hargrove and Joel Langford back for another season, and Pat Severin will be back behind the plate for many of the team's games. The Victory plan to attend several local Ottawa-area tournaments, plus the team's perennial "away" favourites such as Au Sable Forks NY and Elkland PA.

Carp's home games are at the Carp Fairgrounds on Thursday nights starting at 8:30 PM. Admission is free and there is ample seating in the bleachers. Consult the league schedule at www.gofl.ca for full details.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Orleans Gators season preview

from Joel Langford

Following a disapointing sophomore season, the Orleans Gators are looking to rebound in their third season in existance.

The Gators will rely on pitching and defence to hopefully steal some points from the GOFL heavyweights. The pitching staff is lead by Chad Hargrove and newcomer Jeff Barber.

Members of the Gators are on various junior teams throughout the province hoping to reach Junior Nationals in Owen Sound.

Home games are 8:30 on Thursday nights at the Swamp.

Quyon COMBAT Flyers season preview

I'm hoping to post 'season previews' from most (all?) GOFL teams. First up is the Quyon COMBAT Flyers.

from Kenny Fleck

After a heartbreaking loss in the first extra inning of game five of the GOFL semi-finals last fall the Flyers are back out on the field hoping to improve on what they considered a successful sophomore campaign.

Quyon is looking at getting back to the ToC once again. The Flyers will be playing in two qualifying tournaments this summer. The Gil Read in Ottawa and the Oswego NY qualifier as well. In addition to those two tournaments the team will also be travelling to the Early bird tournament in Millgrove in May and to Au Sable NY in July .

The team has added a new face to its tournament roster in Joe Allan. Joe has played with the Flyers before and will be back again this year wearing the Red and White hoping to get to Quad Cities.

With the the return of pitcher Drew Hathway, the Flyers look to make a strong run at the I4C Championship trophy in GOFL play. The team feels confident that they can do so. They look to once again please their large following known as the "Flyers Army".

Don't forget to come out and support the Flyers, home games are Tuesday night and the beer prices have stayed the same, no inflation in Quyon, 2 beer for $5.

Monday, April 20, 2009

GOFL new site, stats unveiled

from Mike Money, GOFL Statistician

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League is extending its online presence to include a new website for statistics. This site will include team and player profile information along with batting and pitching stats. Each team should have a representative to be responsible for their information, so if they have not done so, please contact Mike Money at mmoney13{at}yahoo.com to get your team setup. For players who are not team reps, please contact your team rep and they will set you up. It should be an exciting season for the league, and hopefully the stats site will keep you up to date on the numbers. The site is available at www.gofl.ca

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Seaforth tournament

This is from Al's Fastball. Seaforth is a pretty far trip, but I am posting because I thought the "loser leaves town" format was interesting.

1st Annual Seaforth One Day Single Elimination Tournament

Seaforth, ON
1st Annual Seaforth One Day Single Elimination Tournament
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009
Where: Seaforth Lions Park
Format: 8 Teams:Single Knockout
Entry Fee: $400.00 per team
Prize Money Champion: $2,400.00 2nd place: $400.00 3rd place: $200.00 4th place: $200.00 Total Prize Money: $3,200.00
All games 7 innings - no time limit 6 run mercy rule after 5 innings
All ties to be played out - no international tie breaker
Open to all ISC II teams
First 8 teams will be accepted
Entry fee to be paid by May 30, 2009
Team player list of 18 players plus coaches to be in by June 30, 2009, to be checked to make sure players are eligible - no players can be added after this date.
Beer tent & food booth will be available
Please make cheques payable to: Seaforth Lions Club
Mail to: Larry Lowes Box 1147, Seaforth, Ontario N0K 1W0 legend.2@live.ca

Snapper Shootout seeks two teams

from Dan Bernard

Planning for the 6th Annual Snapper Shootout is currently underway. The Shootout will take place on June 5-7, 2009 at Centennial Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. 16 teams from across North America will converge in the heart of Niagara's wine country to battle it out for the Shootout crown and $4000 in prize money ($2500 1st prize). The planning committee is now focussed on establishing the field of 16 teams.

At this point we have had 2 teams withdraw last minute from the tournament. The 14 teams committed to date are: Ashland Stockpack, Bridgeport Braves, Elmira Expos, Hamilton Hawks, Linwood Juniors, Napanee Juniors, New York Knights, Niagara Falls Dawgs, Niagara Falls Fury, Niagara Snappers, Port Elgin Blue Devils, Quebec Team Combat, Shakespeare Falcons and Wyevale Tribe.

If your team is interested in attending please respond ASAP. These 2 spots will be given to the first 2 teams to respond to this email. An emailed confirmation that your team wants the spot is all I need at this point. The attached entry form will also need to be completed and mailed back with the entry fee ASAP. More information below.

Shootout Details:

Date: June 5-7, 2009
Location: Centennial Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Calibre: Same as in 2008. Restricted to Intermediate (ISC II) teams, with the exception being that each will be allowed to carry up to 2 Senior (ISC) rated players, regardless of position.
Entry Fee: $500
Format: 16 teams. Divisional play leading to single elimination playoff.
Contact: dan{at}autoexportcanada.com

Thursday, April 16, 2009

First ever Fitzroy Fastball Poll

Alright, let's try something a bit different. Let us know who you are putting your money on to win the GOFL regular season title. Past winners in the last five seasons, for your info:

2008 Ottawa Team Easton
2007 Carp I4C Victory
2006 Ottawa Team Easton
2005 Manotick Lomor Printers
2004 Manotick Lomor Printers

Kanata area league looking for players

from Eric Rosequist

The Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League is in need of additional fastball pitchers for the upcoming 2009 season. We are a men's recreational league that has been in operation since 1971. Our games are on Mon/Tues/Wed nights in Kanata starting at either 6:30 PM or 8:30 PM.

If you're available to pitch in the league, please contact executive(at)gcmfl(dot)com as soon as possible. Position players are also welcome!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

HS fastball

Ran across an interesting story - they have boy's fastball as a high school sport in Nova Scotia.

ISC is looking for preliminary rosters

from Blair Setford

Just wanted to give you on update on ISC II qualifiers here in the Canada East region and remind you that we are requesting preliminary rosters from all ISC II teams by May 1.

NOTE: Roster forms are available from Blair Setford blairjs@rogers.com

Keep in mind that this is simply a preliminary roster. Should you qualify for the ToC in August, we'll ask for another updated version at that time.

I would also ask that throughout the season you provide scores and results to me for posting at The Deuce and for the purposes of the ISC II ranking committee. I would also urge you to regularly send your schedule and results to Al Doran at fastball@pmihrm.com.

As always, if you have any questions about the qualifying process, the ToC or the ISC II program, please feel free to contact myself or ISC II VP Jim Williamson.

Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League seeks players

The Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League in the rural northwest of the City of Ottawa is looking for players 16 and older to participate in their recreational fastball league.

While there has been some new young players leaving minor ball that are joining the league this season, there is still room for some more players.

The league plays on Wednesday nights at the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre from May until August.

For more information or to register, contact Greg Hotte at greg_hotte[at]yahoo.ca or 613-623-1037.

Monday, April 13, 2009

GOFL Schedule now available

After a few iterations, the GOFL 2009 Schedule is now available online.

The nine-team 90 game schedule has each team playing 20 games. Generally speaking, each team has nine home games and nine away games, plus two at the Showcase. (Quyon is away showcase weekend and will play 10 home and 10 away.)

The schedule includes 18 doubleheader nights as well as the 8 game showcase in Fitzroy Harbour the first weekend of June.

Building on a successful game last year, Greely will face Team Easton at the Kenmore Canada Day celebration on July 1st.

The season opens Monday May 4 with Quyon travelling to Greely.

GOFL league teams are:
Stittsville, ON 56ers
Ottawa, ON Team Easton
Carp, ON I4C Victory
Fitzroy Harbour, ON West Carleton Electric
Ottawa, ON Blitz
Manotick, ON Lomor Printers
Greely, ON DNTW Eagles
Orleans, ON Gators
Quyon, QC COMBAT Flyers

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Tournament listing

For those of you in planning mode, here's a list of area tournaments compiled from various sources.

Milgrove Tourney May 8-10
Williamsburg Tourney May 28-30
Niagara Snapper Shootout June 5-7
GOFL Showcase in Fitzroy June 5-6
Grafton Jim Bradford Tourney June 12-14
ISC II Qualifier at Gil Read Tourney (Carlington Park) June 19-21
Oswego, NY Tourney July 3-5
St-Leonard-d’Aston, QC Tourney July 3-5
Au Sable Forks, NY Tourney July 10-12
OASA Masters in Niagara Falls July 17-19
Dunkirk, NY Tourney July 17-19
St-Damien, QC Tourney July 24-26
Napanee Tourney July 24-26
OASA Elims in Waterloo Aug Long Weekend
Newboro Tourney Aug 14-16
ISC II Tournament of Champs in Iowa, Aug 18-22
Elkland, PA Open, Labor Day Weekend
ISC II “Home League Tourney” in McNab, Sep 18-20

Au Sable Forks Tourney update

from Al's Fastball

47th Au Sable Forks Fastpitch has an opening

47th Au Sable Forks Fastpitch has (1) opening. Tournament dates are July 11th,12th & 13th. This is one of the oldest Fastpitch Tournaments in the east. Entrance fee is $300

1st place $1600
2nd place $ 800
3rd & 4th $300 each

Tournament is pool play
Contact Tom O'Neill
Team Coordinator 518-946-7471 or cell 518-569-6142
please visit our website http://ausablefastpitch.tripod.com/

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Gil Read Memorial / ISC II Qualifier details

Just a reminder about the ISC II Eastern Ontario Qualifier this year, which will be the Gil Read Memorial Tournament:

Eastern Ontario ISC II Qualifier – Ottawa, ON (Carlington Park)
June 19 – 21
Berths: 1 ISC II ToC berth to winner, regardless of region (additional berths may be available)
Format: Double-knockout
Entry Fee & Deadline: $350 CDN – May 15, 2009
Local Contact: Allan Read – aread@lwlaw.com
ISC Contact & Rep: Blair Setford – blairjs@rogers.com – 905-826-2697
UIC: Steve Bedard – sjbgolf@hotmail.com

UOVMFL back for 2009

Looks like the Upper Ottawa Valley Men's Fastball League will be back for another season in 2009. There may be a fifth team added to the league - to be confirmed.

Trend Arlington League news

with info from Wynn Fenwick

Good news from the Trend Arlington Men's Fastball League - there is a good chance they will be back to six teams this year, up from five the last two years.

They are looking for a few more players to ensure they have six solid teams, including anyone interested in pitching. Registration is $180 and the league plays near Hunt Club and Greenbank, just off the 416.

Visit their website at www.tafastball.ca for more information.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Info on the Gil Read Tourney on CHEZ 106 today

Tune into Chez 106 at approximately 5:20pm this afternoon (Apr 8) and listen for One Minute More with Randall Moore - it’s all about Gil Read, the 2009 memorial Fastpitch tournament in June and some issues with the tourament.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

No more fastball league - in Guernsey

Apparently they play fastball on the Island of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands between England and France - or at least they used to until their league folded.

Let's hope the Guernseyites (sp?) get it together for next season.

Equipment for Cuba

This information passed on by Terry Shea

2009 Cuba Baseball Initiative

In 2008 we saw the launch of an initiative to collect used baseball equipment for shipment to Cuba. The first order of business for 2009 was to give the effort a name. Cuba Baseball Initiative will continue in 2009 and beyond, with the help of the Dubois Charitable Foundation and the willingness of area leagues to participate.

In 2008 we collected and shipped the following.

-23 fully stocked equipment bags (incl. 2 sets of catchers gear in each)
-125 batting helmets
-4 sets of umpire equipment
-400 (plus) uniforms (t-shirts and caps)
-plus loads of sundry equipment such as bases, gloves, balls, bats, etc.

The supplies were shipped in November and December. John Dubois, founder and chairman of the Dubois Foundation, has arranged distribution to leagues and schools, specifically in the areas hit with the hurricanes last year. The supplies are included with humanitarian aid that represents the largest part of their efforts.

John and his group will be visiting Cuba in March to audit the distribution efforts. He will be sending along a report later to show the results of our efforts.

Our target for this year is 25 equipment bags. John has again committed their resources to look after shipping and distribution.

We are asking the leagues to look at their equipment and sort through the obsolete items that would be appropriate to send south. What’s appropriate? If it can be used to play baseball and it has any life in it, pass it along and we’ll look after it. It you’re not sure, ask and we’ll decide.

If you’re interested, contact me by email and we will arrange pickup. There is no rush, as shipping occurs anywhere from June to October.

It would be accurate to say that almost every boy in Cuba plays baseball. The lack of a ball and bat doesn’t stop the game. One equipment bag brings the game to many children and will make it much safer for them.. A batting helmet alone is a must here, but a luxury in Cuba.

One last comment. This is not an original idea. Many people have taken the same initiative. Some, by taking a glove or a ball in their baggage on vacation. Others have organized larger shipments. If you are supporting any other efforts, please continue. We do not want to disturb any existing programs.

Bill Ryan
home-613-284-0254
wk- 613-267-2300

Smiths Falls Jr Redmen back for 2009

from Terry Shea

The Smiths Falls Redmen Juniors are operating again this year with a very young team. The team will be made up of a group of players who have recently graduated from the local minor ball system and will be 19 and 20 year olds. The team will be coached by Bob Mulrooney and Greg Purcell, both former Redmen players. The team will compete in both the Eliminations and Provincial OASA tournaments. It is hoped that this youth movement will lead to having the group together for three or four years.

Smiths Falls will be playing in the North Leeds League with Greenbush, Lyn and Newboro.

Quyon Flyers Hockey Pool

2009 Quyon Flyers Play-off Hockey Pool

$10 entry

Select your dream team of 20 players:
2 goalies
6 defencemen
12 forwards

Forward your entry to Big Papi at kennyfleck@hotmail.com

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: 2 hours before “puck drops” on first playoff game
PRIZE MONEY: 1st place - $500; 2nd Place - $100; 3rd Place - $50

POINTS EARNED AS FOLLOWS:
Goal = 1 point; Assist = 1 point; overtime winning goal = 2 additional points;
Goaltender Win = 2 points; Goaltender Shutout = 3 additional points

Monday, April 06, 2009

Ottawa U news

Available at our friend's at Fastball Hot Corner

Suddenly, the OASA Elims have a lot more meaning....

from Al's Fastball

OASA & ISC Canada East announce ToC berth for Intermediate Eliminations winner
Monday, April 6, 2009

The Ontario Amateur Softball Association and the International Softball Congress (Canada East) are pleased to announce that, effective this season, a berth in the following year's ISC II Tournament of Champions will be awarded to the winner of the annual OASA Intermediate Eliminations Tournament.

"The OASA is pleased to have the opportunity to work with the ISC to help promote the game of fastball in the Province of Ontario . We look forward to having a very competitive tournament at Hillside Park in Waterloo this August", said OASA Men's Committee Chair Brad Thomson.

"This is a terrific opportunity for the two leading men's fastball organizations in the province of Ontario to cooperate and provide teams with a 12-month window to plan for a trip to the top intermediate championship tournament in the game", said ISC Canada East Regional Vice-President Blair Setford.

Information on registration and roster requirements for the OASA Intermediate Eliminations will be available through OASA and ISC Canada East sources. The tournament will be governed by Softball Canada rules and will use the ISC pitching rule and eligibility guidelines.

The 2009 OASA Intermediate Eliminations tournament will be held in Waterloo at Hillside Park July 31-August 2. The winner will receive a berth in the 2010 ISC II Tournament of Champions to be held in Midland, Michigan.

For more information, please contact:

OASA contact info

Brad Thomson
OASA Men's Committee Chair
519.954.1269
thomson.brad@gmail.com

or


Blair Setford
ISC Canada East Regional VP
905.826.2697
blairjs@rogers.com

Can't argue with this....

An anonymous reader passes on a website with which it is difficult to argue.