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, October 29, 2009

Softball Canada news

Mike Branchaud reports on some information from Softball Canada.

- The 2010 Junior Mens Canadian championship will be played in St. Croix, NS from Aug 2-8. Both Owen Sound and Napanee have expressed interest in submitting a bid for the 2011 event.

- The 2009 AGM for Softball Canada will take place November 12-14 in Ottawa.

- Several motions have been put forward from the Provincial Offices which could affect Midget and Junior age changes, as well as changes to Canadian Championships, including the possiblity of competition at the Intermediate level.

ISC Announcement

With several ISC World teams folding it looks like there will be changes for the tourneys in Midland, MI this year. Stay tuned to see what happens. This notice was posted on Al's Fastball.

from Ken Hackmeister, ISC Executive Director
With the recent influx of notices of teams ceasing operations for 2010, the ISC is taking steps to ensure that the ISC World Tournament remains a healthy and viable event that has appeal for teams, fans, host cities and the ISC. Any proposed changes will require approval by both the ISC Executive Committee and then the full ISC Board of Directors. Our goal is to have this process completed and announced in the next five weeks. Without going into specifics, some or all of the following may be impacted:

- PRAWN rules for 2010
- Out of Region fees
- Berth allocations to our five regions for Qualifying tournaments
- Team rankings
- Structure of both the ISC World Tournament and the ISC II Tournamentof Champions

Because of the above, we suggest that teams take the above into consideration in discussions with prospective players until everyone knows exactly what changes will be implemented. We are committed to making an announcement as quickly as possible.

Kyle Jamieson hired as pitching coach at University of Arkansas

Thanks to the anonymous reader that passed this article on. And congrats to KJ on the new job. Based on Kyle's play in the GOFL this year, maybe he could be their hitting coach too?

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - University of Arkansas head softball coach Mike Larabee has announced the hiring of Kyle Jamieson to his staff. Jamieson spent the previous three seasons as the associate head coach at Syracuse University and will work with the Razorback pitching staff and catchers. John Sisemore has also been added to the staff as a volunteer assistant coach.

"I am extremely excited to have Kyle Jamieson on board as our pitching and catching coach," head coach Mike Larabee said. "Kyle is, without a doubt, one of the top pitching coaches in the nation. He is a great communicator, teacher and has a great track record as a college pitching coach. Kyle understands the importance of being able to master the rise, drop and change-up and how important it is to change planes. Also, one of Kyle's strengths is his ability to call a great game. He was also an outstanding pitcher in men's fastpitch and his ability to demonstrate what he teaches gives him instant credibility."

Regarded as one of the nation's premiere pitching coaches, Jamieson's coaching made an immediate impact during his initial season at Syracuse. Inheriting a staff with a 4.88 ERA from the season before, Jamieson guided his pitching staff to a 3.35 ERA during his first year. During his tenure, Jamieson cut Syracuse's team ERA in half as the staff finished the 2009 season with a 2.42 ERA.

Under Jamieson's watch, Syracuse pitcher Jenna Caira was named the 2009 Big East Rookie of the Year and a member of the all-conference third team. Caira finished her freshman season with a 16-11 record, 2.33 ERA and 192 strikeouts in 186.1 innings. She also posted 16 complete games, six shutouts, two no-hitters and held opponents to a .216 batting average.

Prior to his stint at Syracuse, Jamieson was an assistant coach at Bowling Green where the Falcons led the Mid-American Athletic Conference (MAC) in team ERA on three occasions. In his first two seasons at BGSU, Jamieson coached the MAC Tournament MVP and MAC Pitcher of the Year. In his final season, the 2006 MAC Pitcher of the Year came from the Bowling Green staff.

Also joining the Razorback softball staff, Sisemore enters the program with various coaching credentials and experiences. A former assistant at Farmington High School, Sisemore has also served as the coach of 12U and 14U traveling teams and as a hitting instructor for several levels of competition.

"Coach Sisemore will be involved with all areas of coaching in our program," Larabee said. "His passion and enthusiasm for the game of softball is tremendous. He is a student of the game and it was evident right from the get-go that he would be a great addition to our staff. His familiarity with the Northwest Arkansas area is also a huge bonus."

Sisemore, a recipient of the Northwest Arkansas Business Entrepreneur Award, is currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas where he is working toward a bachelor's of science degree in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science.

The Razorback softball team continues its fall season with a Sept. 26 doubleheader against Tulsa at Bogle Park. For more information, log on to ArkanasRazorbacks.com.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Blast from the past: KJ wins World Juniors in New Zealand

Kyle Jamieson was the premier midget-aged pitcher in the area back in the early 90s. Here is a story about him being part of the Team Canada winning squad at the ISF World Juniors in 1993.

Softball world knows K.J. now
Team Canada KOs Kiwi war call
Wayne Scanlan. The Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa, Ont.: Feb 25, 1993.

Nobody was out and the bases were loaded with obnoxious Kiwis when the call came for K.J. from Stittsville.

Ringing in Kyle Jamieson's ears was a Maori chant from a couple of thousand Auckland spectators, the second most menacing chant K.J. heard last Sunday. The scariest was from Team Kiwi before the world junior softball championship final even began -- an in-your-dugout Maori Haka , the pregame intimidation ritual that works better than Kate Smith.

Team Canada deflected the psych job with an impromptu huddle and chant of its own. But huddles weren't much help to Jamieson now, with the bases full, the crowd in his head, the defending champs' Nos. 4 and 5 hitters due up and Canada ahead 2-1 in the seventh inning of a scheduled seven-rounder.

"I was shaking, says K.J. "There weren't much legs in me then."

Kyle fanned the first batter and couldn't tell you how he recorded the second out. He does remember the No. 6 hitter delivering a bloop single on a grooved 3-2 pitch, scoring two. K.J. made him earn it, he wasn't about to walk in the tying run of a world championship.

When these teenagers from Sooke, B.C. to St. John's, Nfld. would stay up that entire night laughing and crying and singing O Canada until their voices surrendered and hotel patrons complained, they would talk about Rob Giesbrecht of Landmark, Man., headed for the hardball training camp of the Minnesota Twins after hitting .600 worth of softballs in Auckland; about Rob O'Brien of St. John's pitching 13 heroic innings on championship Sunday -- Canada beat Japan 3-2 that same afternoon to reach the final -- and they would talk about Kyle Jamieson controlling his rage to face another batter after the go-ahead run crossed the plate.

"I could barely grip the ball, I was so mad at myself", says Kyle.

He got enough of a grip to record a final strikeout and when he reached the dugout, he couldn't believe what he found there. Hope. The lead was lost but the damage was minimal. Canada had three outs left.

Three outs were enough to score the tying run in the bottom of the 7th. In the extra 8th, with Canada down to its last pitcher, big Kris Gillis worked a walk and then lumbered home on Shane Newson's triple that rolled all the way to the fence. Canucks 4, Kiwis 3. For the first time, the world junior title belonged to Canada.

Kyle Jamieson was the first to greet Gillis.

"It took so long, I thought he would never cross the plate", says Kyle. Nearly 15,000 kilometres from the Ottawa Valley leagues, K.J. and the rest of the Canadians danced around the bases in Auckland, waving their country's flag and singing the Canadian anthem they would soon wear out.

The first chance he could, K.J. phoned the Stittsville man who had coached him 10 of his 11 years of fastball. Ray Jamieson.

"Dad", screamed K.J., "we won the whole damn thing."

K.J. is back in Stittsville today and the marks barely show from two days of pinching himself. He's soft-spoken and polite, but the Popeye forearms suggest why no New Zealander pursued him during a round-robin brawl. And when it comes to baring arms, the hurler lists noticeably to the starboard side.

There's been an addition to his left ear that his mother, Lois, hopes is merely a championship fad -- a diamond-studded earring that all six Ontario-based players wore in solidarity. Emotions run high at these junior world gatherings, especially the golden ones. When Team Canada parted in Vancouver Monday, K.J. felt like he was saying goodbye to family. The family reunites at the Canada Summer Games in Kamloops, B.C.

Among the collectables laid out like treasures from the greatest three weeks of an 18-year-old's life, two Canada hats rest on the Jamieson's kitchen counter. Inscribed by teammates inside K.J.'s game hat is a message out of Bull Durham: "Give them the gas, Meat!"

The other Team Canada hat a boy carted halfway around the planet to give to his dad. Inside it reads: "Thanks for all your help and support over the years. You deserve this hat as much as I do. Love, Kyle."

Last July, after Ray Jamieson arranged for Kyle's midget 56er's to face senior players in Ottawa-Carleton, before K.J. wowed the coaches at a national tryout camp and before K.J. worked three days a week in an RCMP gym developing a drop pitch to go with a killer rise and fastball, Ray Jamieson made a prediction.

"This is the year, said Ray, "that the world is going to find out about you, Kyle.

Good call, Ray.

I wonder if K.J. still has the earring ;)

Stittsville News article

Stittsville News article posted online today re: the 56ers winning the GOFL crown.

We are the champions
October 26, 2009
BY John Curry
The Stittsville 56ers are champs.

The Stittsville entry in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League has grabbed the league’s playoff championship for the second consecutive year, capturing the 14C Consulting Trophy emblematic of this playoff title.

It wasn’t easy, though, as the 56ers went down to a fifth and deciding game in the playoff championship series against the Quyon Combat Flyers before emerging with the overall victory.

It happened on Tuesday, Oct. 6 when the Stittsville 56ers scored a 3-2 win over Quyon playing right at the Quyon fairgrounds to win the playoff championship. This deciding game was played right on the heels of the fourth game of the series which the 56ers won by a 6-0 score.

In the deciding game, Stittsville struck early, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a two run homer by Dan Jessiman, his third home run of the championship series. Darren Featherstone had single and was on base when Dan Jessiman blasted the ball out of the park.
The 56ers then scored another run in the second inning, going up 3-0. Scott Herriot slammed a double which drove in Dan Bradley.

Dan Bradley was the winning pitcher in this game for the 56ers.

Quyon came back to score a run in the third inning, cutting the Stittsville lead to 3-1. In the sixth inning, Quyon scored again, making it a 3-2 score. However, Stittsville hung on and chalked up a 3-2 win and the league’s playoff championship.

Game four of the series had started on Monday, Oct. 5 in Quyon. Rain had delayed the start of the game that night but it did get going, only to run into a rain delay. Play did eventually resume but then it was postponed as the rain returned, making the field unplayable. It was 0-0 in the third inning when the game was halted, to be continued the next evening, Tuesday, Oct. 6. When it did resume, Stittsville ended up striking for six runs and bringing about the fifth and deciding playoff game right after the completion of this game.

Darren Featherstone and Dan Jessiman both had home runs for Stittsville in this rain-delayed game while Dan Bradley hurled a complete game shutout.

This playoff championship victory completed a most successful season for the Stittsville 56ers in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League. In the 20 game regular season, the 56ers had 17 wins against only one loss and two ties.

In the playoffs, leading up to the championship series against Quyon, the 56ers defeated Greely DNTW Eagles in two straight games in the quarter-finals and then eliminated the Manotick Lomor Printers squad in three straight games in semi-final action.

Stittsville pitcher Dan Bradley was strong in the playoffs, chalking up six victories against only two losses.

In the playoffs, John Craig of Stittsville batted .615 while teammate Darren Featherstone had a .571 batting average. Ryan Bond of Stittsville had a .538 batting average in the playoffs while Scott Herriot batted at a .412 clip.

In the fan voting for 2009 all-stars in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League, a number of Stittsville players made either the first or second team. The fan voting was done through the league’s website.

Dan Bradley of Stittsville was voted as the all-star starting pitcher on the first team while Stittsville shortstop Scott Herriot was voted as the first team shortshop.

Making the second all-star team in this fan voting were four Stittsville players: catcher Dan Jessiman, first baseman Scott Jessiman, third baseman John Craig and outfielder Darren Featherstone.

Fall ball wrap up

from Ivan Taylor

After a successful regular season, the Fall Ball Playoffs were held this past weekend at Garneau Park in Orleans.

The format was 1 (Blue) vs 4 (Green) and 2 (Black) vs 3 (Red) for the 1 o'clock games and then the winners played for the "gold" and losers played for the "bronze" in the 3 o'clock games.

Convenors Derek Martin and Jeremy Grimes who are hoping to expand to six teams next year.

FALL BALL 2 FINAL STANDINGS - REGULAR SEASON

Blue 5-3 = 10
Black 4-3-1 = 9
Red 4-3-1 = 9
Green 1-5-2 = 4

Playoff results

Red Team led by Chad Hargrove with a one hitter won the first semi-final game 3-0 win over the Black Team. Joel Langford hit a solo homerun in the first inning and Chad Hargrove hit a homerun off the top of the fence with Joel Langford aboard later in the game. Hargrove had a perfect game going into the sixth inning before he gave finally up a walk. Black Team stranded two runners in the sixth and three runners in the seventh. Nick Bowman took the loss for Black Team with relief from Kevin Wilson.

Green Team beat Blue Team 6-4 in the other semi-final. Will Lowe got the win for Green Team and Derek Bergeron took the loss in relief of Justin Sabourin for the Blue Team.

Red Team won 2-1 over Green Team to take a well-played Championship Game. Chad Hargrove again pitched the complete game win for Red Team and Will Lowe pitched in a losing effort for Green Team.

Black Team beat Blue Team 9-7 to take third place. Kevin Wilson got the win with relief from Nick Bowman. Derek Martin took the loss for Blue Team with relief from a number of players on Blue Team including Andrew Bruce, Justin Sabourin and Derek Bergeron.

Derek Martin won the homerun derby while his 16 year-old brother Josh Martin was runner-up.

Team Rosters

Red: Jeremy Grimes
Chad Hargrove-P
Jon Grimes-P
Andy Dunn-P
Brian Friesen
Joel Langford
Jordan Adams
Scott Adams
Ryan Magladry
Scott Toonders
Tyler Nuttall
Derek Dumont

Green: Ryan Naylor
Jason Naylor-P
Will Lowe-P
Derek Barber-P
Devan Coburn
Brendan Spears
Kevin Spears
Dan Feldberg
Paul Toonders
Travis Valois
Corey Valois
Mike Kupjetz
Martin Desjardin

Blue: Derek Martin
Derick Bulley-P
Derek Bergeron-P
Justin Sabourin-P
Kevin Shonfield
Josh Martin
Andrew Bruce
Tyler Borris
Marcel Mondoux
Kevin Ayott
Tony Pugleise
Dan Gallant

Black: Dan Frayne
Nick Bowman-P
Kevin Wilson-P
Ivan Taylor-P
Alex Fysh
Joe Pross
Justin Mcrae
Pat Tardif
Phil Humniek
Matt Vllineuve

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Softball Canada Homerun Sports Umpire of the Year Award

Press release from Softball Ontario / Al's Fastball

Softball Ontario congratulates Richard Coleman for receiving the 2009 Softball Canada HomeRun Sports Umpire of the Year.

The Softball Canada HomeRun Sports Umpire of the Year Award is awarded annually to a Softball Canada Umpire that best exemplifies the characteristics of good sportsmanship, involved in the Umpire development, a positive Umpire role model and an educator and evaluator. This individual must not only have the above characteristics but truly show a love for the game of Softball and betterment of umpires from the local level to across Canada.

Dick Coleman started umpiring in 1988 and has taken on a number of roles in various capacities every year since then. Prior to becoming Softball Ontario’s Fast Pitch Umpire-in-Chief for Zone 10 and Softball Ontario’s Slo-Pitch Umpire-in-Chief for Zone 8, in 2004, Dick was the Umpire-in-Chief for the very active Orleans Amateur Softball Ontario Association (OAFA). Dick still holds this position to date. The Orleans fastball community hosts two or more provincials tournaments a year and Dick has been involved in almost every event, either as a working umpire or as the Umpire-in-Chief.

Dick was instrumental in the 90’s for lobbying with the OAFA to establish equitable pay rates for OAFA umpires and the scheduler. Furthermore, he drafted a Code of Conduct for the guidance of the OAFA umpires and provided a pre-season exam and rules review meeting to promote better appreciation and understanding for the rules of the game.

Mr. Coleman has officiated at numerous Provincial Championships and Eliminations Tournaments, both in Fast Pitch and Slo-Pitch, too many to list by year and category. As much as Dick enjoys being on the diamond, he equally enjoysbeing an Softball Ontario Umpire Instructor and Softball Ontario Umpire Evaluator, Dick provides honest constructor feedback and in a very positive atmosphere with the intent to help umpires learn and grow.

Though Dick has many strengths, he is best known for his interest indeveloping they young (and new) official.

In summary, Mr. Coleman is not one to shy away from responsibilities. He has served as a local UIC, Zone DUIC, Zone UIC and a Director within the Eastern Ontario Umpire Association. Dick was recognized by in 2003 by his peers and bestowed the honour of Softball Ontario’s Zone Umpire-in-Chief of the Year. In the same year, Dick was inducted into Softball Canada’s Indicator Club for his contributions to the softball community.

In 2008, Dick was awarded the Softball Ontario Slo-Pitch Jim Bradford Memorial for achievements in Umpire Education and Mentoring for the province of Ontario. Softball Ontario Umpire number #2096 approaches each tasked with a commitment and pride. Dick is more interested in the development of other officials and Softball Ontario than his own personal gain.

In his conduct, dedication and presentation, he is a great role model for new and experienced umpires alike. Mostly recently, Dick has contributed as a member of Softball Ontario’s Active 2010 “Respect My Game” task force. This program is geared to reducing abusive situations in the game of Softball through awareness and education.

One of Mr. Coleman’s greatest accomplishments is that he is umpiring with his grandson Ayden in Orleans, ON. Dick feels that he needs to pass “the torch” onto those below him in the ranks and has turned down appointments to Canadian Championships as he thought others were more deserving.

As you can see Dick lifestyle always includes Softball (Fast Pitch and Slo-Pitch). Dick strives to treat players, coaches and fellow Umpires fairly and he is very consistent when dealing with all parties on the diamond. Dick loves the game of Softball and does his utmost to ensure that the game is played and officiated fairly. His dedication to Softball Ontario and Softball Canada Program has ensured the game of softball is alive and well in eastern Ontario.

Please join Softball Ontario in congratulating Dick for his excellence in the game of Softball and receiving the 2009 Softball Canada’s HomeRun Sports Umpire of theYear.

For more information about the Softball Canada HomeRun Sports Umpire of the Year, please visit Softball Canada’s webpage at www.softball.ca or for information on the Softball Ontario Umpire Program visit www.softballontario.ca.

Last Weekend of Regular Season for Ottawa U Fastpitch Team

from Scott Searle

The end of the regular season has come for the University of Ottawa Fastpitch team.

On Saturday, the Gee-Gees faced the University of Toronto Blues, with Jillian Taylor pitching 9 strike-outs. After scoring 5 runs within the first three innings, the Gee-Gees started another rally with Vanessa Homiak hitting a double, followed by a triple from Jenna Flannigan and singles from Laura Skiperis and Mallory Watson to close up a 7-1 game.

The second game was tight, with the Gee-Gees holding a 2-0 advantage until the 7th inning, when the Blues came to tie it. The Gee-Gees were unable to score another run on an international tie breaker before the Blues in an extra-inning, leaving the score of the second game 3-2 for the Blues.

On Sunday, the Gee-Gees played against the University of Guelph Gryphons at Pierre Rocque Park in Orleans. The Gryphons were ahead with 1-0 until Mallory Watson hit a single, bringing two runs for the Gee-Gees in the fifth inning. The small lead was not enough, as the Gryphons scored two runs in the 7th inning.

The next game, the Gee-Gees sought to reclaim their victory during the second game, but only Jenna Flannigan was able to score as she stole home base in the fourth inning. The Gee-Gees lost 8-1, but looks to capture the gold medal at the annual OIWFA Championships in London, Ontario this weekend.

www.geegeesfastball.ca

Team Canada Cornwall wins silver in Australia at Masters Games

from Jason Woodside

Unfortunately, Cornwall couldn't keep up their hitting momentum in the Gold medal game against the strong hitting New Zealand team and lost the game 7-0. In this game, the Cornwall pitching staff gave up their first home run of the tournament in the first inning as NZ got on the scoresheet early and never looked back.

So, Cornwall brings home the Silver medals.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Team Canada Cornwall in Gold medal game at Masters' Games in Australia

from Jason Woodside

Cornwall finished in 3rd position after the round robin. The playoff format was #1 (Krushers - New Zealand) vs #2 (Rollyview - Alberta) and #3 (Team Canada - Cornwall) vs #4 (Animals - Australia).

Krushers beat Rollyview to go straight to gold medal game scheduled for 9AM Sunday. Cornwall beat Animals 8-1.

Cornwall then played Rollyview with the loser taking the bronze and the winner moving on to the gold medal game. Cornwall beat Rollyview 7-0, with Jason Smith throwing a 1-hitter.

So, Cornwall will be playing New Zealand in the Gold medal final.

Team Canada Cornwall Masters team

from Jason Woodside

Just wanted to send an update for the team from Cornwall that is participating in the 2009 World Masters in Sydney, Australia. Team is playing in 35+ Competitive division.

After 8 games in 4 days, team is sitting with 6-2 record. (only losses were on day 1, we're blaming jet lag). Four more preliminary round games to go, 2 on Thurs and 2 on Friday (note: I received this on Wednesday, but it went into my SPAM folder so I missed it until now).

We're using a Facebook page to post scores for friends and family back home: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/2009-World-Masters-Games-Team-Canada-Cornwall-Fastball/177292199828?ref=ts

The team roster:
Mike Crawford
Sam Forbes
Thorin Gault
Tom Hutchingame
Bryan Lamarche
Dan Loney
Frank Marceau
Jim Martell
Steve McGillis
Brian O'Neill
Pat Quinn
Graeme Simpson
Jason Smith
Jason Woodside

Scores:
Game 1: Krushers (New Zealand) 6 - Cornwall 1
Game 2: Tweed Phantoms (Aus) 5 - Cornwall 1
Game 3: Cornwall 8 - Animals (Aus) 3
Game 4: Cornwall 7 - Midwest Masters (Aus) 0
Game 5: Cornwall 7 - Melbourne Warriors (Aus) 0
Game 6: Cornwall 16 - NAMSA Nites (Aus) 1
Game 7: Cornwall 13 - Rebels (Aus) 1
Game 8: Cornwall 7 - Giants Sydney (Aus) 5

Further update from Facebook: We finished in 3rd place and won our semi final game Saturday morning 8 to 1 against the The Australian Animals. This puts us in the medal round. We play at 5pm tonight to qualify for the finals. We are guaranteed a bronze medal, but are aiming for gold!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Blast from the Past - Carp Valley Pride

I can remember back in the early 90s when the Carp Valley Pride had their Senior team - it was a pretty big deal to watch these guys play. There were some large crowds that went to the fairgrounds to watch the challenge matches.

Playing for Pride: New Zealanders' play speaks volumes on the diamond;
Don Campbell - The Ottawa Citizen - May 9, 1990

Eric Wilson and Ross Wallace figured the tough part about playing in Carp this summer would be facing opposing pitchers and hitters.

These two New Zealand imports for the first edition of the Carp Valley Pride didn't expect problems with the language after moving from the predominantly English-speaking Hutt Valley back home to the Ottawa Valley.

At least not until the pair taught at a softball clinic for West Carleton six- and seven-year-olds last week. "Ross and I were telling the kids how to hold the bat, how to grip the ball, stuff like that," related Wilson, the pitching expert. "At the end of it, we asked the kids if they had any questions.

"One stood up and said: 'Do you guys always talk like that? We couldn't understand a word you said.' "

Fortunately for Wilson and Wallace -- or Big Ross Wallace as he is referred to in team press releases -- they have no such trouble getting their point across on the diamond.

The pair are touted as what the Pride, a team combining forces of the former Turpin Pontiacs and Stittsville Canadians, need to win an International Softball Congress world title.

That quest begins when Eastern Ontario's only senior softball team open a series of cash challenges at the Carp Fairgrounds against Bernwood Contractors and continues Saturday against Thetford Mines with a 2 p.m. doubleheader.

"That kind of pressure on you is tough," said Wilson, who pitched for ISC champions in 1985 and '86 in Seattle. "We haven't started so we don't know a whole lot about our chances.

"But I talked with a friend from back home who plays in Waterloo (Ontario). He felt this would be a great team when the two teams combined forces."

Since it's winter in New Zealand when it's summer here and vice versa, the Carp pair are just two of maybe 100 fellow countrymen who opt for North America summers and softball.

All of them have little idea what an off-season is. The season back home ended in late March and they have to be back for October to get ready for the 1990-91 campaign.

All are in high demand. One, they're willing. Two, it broadens the player pool wherever they go. It's not like a Carp stealing Manotick's best two players in order to make one super team as opposed to two better-than-average clubs.

Wallace and Wilson were recruited by Carp Valley teammate Donnie Cox, whose work with Mitel took him to New Zealand for the winter.

"They had other offers. What we got was one of the top hitters in the New Zealand league and one of their top pitchers," said Cox.

"Really it's a good way to see the world," said Wilson, who figures he makes 100 pitching appearances over a 12-month period. "You don't put too many dollars away doing it. But then it's not costing you anything really to see other parts of the world."

Back home, Wallace led the Hutt Valley (near Wellington) League in home runs with 27 and batted .396. Wilson, meanwhile, fashioned a 1.96 ERA and teams with Kingston's Michael Finn for what could be the best right-left pitching combo in the province.

"The New Zealanders improve at twice the rate of our guys," said Valley Pride president Jim Taylor. "We have high expectations and feel fortunate to have them.

"I'm hoping before they go back, we can come up with some kind of agreement that will ensure them back next year, too."

Ross Wallace ended up staying here and is currently married to a local girl, Sandra Lathem - her brother Geoff and dad Warren look after the diamonds in Carp.

Monday, October 12, 2009

GOFL All-Star teams 2009

Congratulations to the players voted to the 2009 All-Star teams for the Greater Ottawa Fastball League, as elected by the team representatives.

Click on the link for each player to view their stats at the GOFL.ca website.


First Team:


Pitcher: Dan Bradley, Stittsville 56ers
Catcher: Joe McCleary, Quyon COMBAT Flyers
1st Base: Anil Hayne, Greely DNTW Eagles
2nd Base: Joel Langford, Orleans Gators (unanimous)
3rd Base: Nick Armitage, Quyon COMBAT Flyers
Shortstop: Scott Herriot, Stittsville 56ers
Designated Player: Will Mood, Ottawa Blitz
Outfielders: Dan Jessiman, Stittsville 56ers (unanimous); Don Cox, Manotick Lomor Printers; Darren Featherstone, Stittsville 56ers


Second Team:

Pitcher: Drew Hathway, Quyon COMBAT Flyers
Catcher: Dave Tubman, Ottawa Team Easton
1st Base: Derick Bulley, Ottawa Blitz; Scott Jessiman, Stittsville 56ers (tie)
2nd Base: Andrew Bruce, Ottawa Blitz
3rd Base: Kyle Gourgon, Ottawa Team Easton; John Craig, Stittsville 56ers (tie)
Shortstop: Kevin McGuire, Carp I4C Victory
Designated Player: Kyle Jamieson, Stittsville 56ers
Outfielders: Calvin Medynski, Manotick Lomor Printers; Cory Morrison, Ottawa Team Easton; Ryan Bond, Stittsville 56ers

Fastball memorabilia

from Dave Birnie, Masters softball guru

Looking for a good home for 2 rare / hard to find items.

One is a framed event poster ( 24 x 16 ) from the 1975 Canadian Softball Championships held in Oshawa, Ontario. The other is a framed poster/photo ( 28 x 18 ) of the 1995 World & Canadian Champions, the Toronto Gators. The photo was taken moments after the Gators won the 1995 ISC World Championship in Sioux City IA.

These 2 items would look good in a Hall of Fame or as part of someone's fastball/ softball memorabilia collection.

These items might have a greater sentimental value to someone other then me. If you are interested in either of these items send me an e-mail with a short note stating why you are interested in the item.

If there is more then one person interested in an item I will select the person who I think has the best reason for wanting the item. If you are interested let me know by November 30th at the latest. If you are selected you will need to make arrangements to pick up your item from me in Stoney Creek, Ontario.

Click the following link to view these 2 items.
http://www.eteamz.com/omf/index.cfm?subsite=1069572#news4764843

Friday, October 09, 2009

The season may be over....

...but that doesn't mean there aren't more updates for the blog.

With all the fastball in the area wrapped up for the season (with perhaps the exception of the women's university ball), blog updates will be a little more infrequent.

However, the GOFL All-Star 2009 selections as chosen by the league managers will be posted within the next few days.

As well, on occasion, I plan on posting some "blasts from the past" over the winter. See below for an example:

Ontario Junior A softball finals at Orleans
by Bob Ferguson, The Ottawa Citizen, Aug 15, 1986, pg B7

Carrier and Preseault Parks in Orleans will be the scene Aug. 23-24 of the Ontario Amateur Softball Association's Junior A championship tournament. Eight teams, including Orleans Sun Life and Lacroix Sports, the host clubs, will comprise the field for the double knockout affair which will feature 10 games Aug. 23 starting at 9 a.m. and four or five games (depending on need for a playoff) Aug. 24 starting at 9 a.m. Simultaneously, Smiths Falls will play host to the OASA Junior C title tournament.

Ottawa-Nepean Canadians qualified for the Orleans tournament as Zone 7 champions beating Stittsville 56ers 2-1 in their best-of-three final.

In the showdown contest, Tony Riches homered in the top of the eighth to provide Canadians with a 2-1 decision and give Jamie Wilson his second victory in the playoff.

GOFL Champs, 2009

Congratulations to the Stittsville 56ers, 2009 GOFL champions.

Back row (L-R): Sam Oliver, Mike Barrett, Scott Herriot, Ben Gigliotti, John Craig, Ryan Bond, Darren Featherstone
Front row (L-R): Scott Jessiman, Dan Bradley, Darren McCartney, Tyler Nystedt, Dan Jessiman
Missing: Robert Craig, Darren Ladouceur, Kyle Jamieson

GOFL statistics

Be sure to check out the regular season statistics on www.GOFL.ca . Thanks to Mike Money for his work on creating and maintaining the league website.

Here are some regular season league leaders. Full details on all stats at http://www.gofl.ca/stats.asp

Batting Average: Kyle Jamieson (Stittsville) .538
Innings Played: Kevin McGuire (Carp) 134
At Bats: Steve Johnson (Fitzroy) 62
Plate Appearances: Kevin McGuire (Carp) 69
Runs: John Craig (Stittsville) 19
Hits: Jon Daley (Fitzroy) 23
Doubles: Kevin McGuire (Carp) 8
Triples: Will Mood (Blitz) 4
Home Runs: Matt Greer (Quyon) 7
RBI: Nick Armitage (Quyon) 19
Walks: Dan Jessiman (Stittsville) 15
Stolen Bases: Tim Power (Carp) 9
On Base Percentage: Kyle Jamieson (Stittsville) .647
Slugging Percentage: Kyle Jamieson (Stittsville) 1.692
Pitching Wins: Dan Bradley (Stittsville), Brad Porter (Easton) 11
Pitching Innings: Brad Porter (Easton) 111
ERA: Dan Bradley (Stittsville) 1.43

Mattamy wins the Glen playoffs

from Mike Vandenberg

Many rainy evenings delayed the start of the Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League Finals this fall.

Top seed Laurysen Kitchens and 5th seed Mattamy Homes, played Game 1 on Tuesday October 6. With both starting pitchers absent; Darren Featherstone (Laurysen Kitchens) and Neil Cooke (Mattamy Homes), game 1 had Brennan Burnett pitch for Laurysen and Shawn Simzer (1 inning) and Troy Wilson (6 innings) throw for Mattamy Homes. Both teams scratched out a run in the first inning. Mattamy added 2 in the 3rd inning which included Shawn Simzer hitting a solo home run. Mattamy broke the game open with 3 runs in the 5th. Both teams added a run each in the 6th inning. Mattamy won game 1, 7-2.

The heavy rain forecast for Wednesday October 7 didn't materialize and left the field very playable for game 2 of the best-of-3 series. With both teams having a full squad, Darren Featherstone (Laurysen) and Neil Cooke (Mattamy) were set to face-off. Laurysen opened the game with 2 runs in the top of the first inning but Mattamy was able to minimize the damage with 2 put outs at home plate. Mattamy scored a run in the bottom of the third inning to make the score 2-1. Laurysen added 2 more runs in the top of the 5th inning taking a 3 run lead with a score of 4-1. In the bottom of the 6th inning Mattamy strung together 2 doubles and a triple to get within one. Mattamy continue to put the pressure on Laurysen in the bottom of the 7th and was able to drive in the tying run. With 2 out, a runner on 3rd and pitcher Neil Cooke at the plate, the Championship winning run came in on a passed ball to the back stop. Mattamy won game 2, 5-4 and wins the GCML Championship.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Stittsville 56ers win the Greater Ottawa Fastball League Playoff title

Stittsville 56ers make it two years in a row, winning the I4C Consulting trophy and the Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff championship with a 3 games to 2 series win over the Quyon COMBAT Flyers.

The 56ers won Game 4 by a score of 6-0. This game was started on Monday and completed on Tuesday. Game 5 immediately followed with Stittsville taking the deciding game 3-2 to win the Finals.

more to follow tomorrow - see "live blog" below:

******************************

Mike Money and Joe McCleary reporting live

Game 5 will have Stittsville as the "home" team despite the fact that they are playing in Quyon.

Hathway throwing for Quyon, Bradley with the ball for Stittsville.

Bottom of the first: Darren Featherstone single then Dan Jessiman with a two run shot. 2-0 Stittsville.

Bottom of the second: Dan Bradley singles, scores on a Scott Herriot double. 3-0 Stittsville.

Top of third: Dennis McCleary reaches on bunt single, scores on Trevor Walls double. 3-1 Stittsville.

Bottom of four: Still 3-1 for Stittsville.

Top of five: Score remains 3-1 for Stittsville.

Top of sixth: Drew Hathway's RBI single scores Matt Greer. 3-2 Stittsville.

Bottom of the sixth: Stittsville threatens with a man on third and one out. Quyon gets out of the inning with a 6-2-5-2-4 double play. Score still 3-2 Stittsville after six complete.

Top of the seventh: Stittsville holds on for 3-2 win. Dan Bradley with the win, Drew Hathway with the loss.

Game 4 won by Stittsville

Mike Money reports live from Quyon

Stittsville 56ers won Game 4 with a 6-0 win in Quyon on Tuesday night, finishing off the game which was delayed by rain in the bottom of the third from Monday night.

Darren Featherstone and Dan Jessiman had homers for Stittsville.

Dan Bradley had the complete game shutout. Drew Hathway took the loss giving up 4 runs (1 earned), while Matt Greer gave up two earned runs in relief.

Deciding Game 5 to determine the GOFL championship will be played five minutes after the conclusion of Game 4.

Monday, October 05, 2009

Game 4 of GOFL finals halted by rain

In Quyon on Monday night, rain delayed the start, then the game got going and it rained, then after a delay play resumed, but then the rain really came down.

Drew Hathway of Quyon and Dan Bradley of Stittsville were locked in a 0-0 pitchers' duel when the game was called when the field became unplayable.

Game 4 will resume tomorrow night at 7:30 in Quyon at the point where the game was left off, in the bottom of the third, with a man on first and two strikes to the batter.

If Stittsville wins Game 4, the deciding Game 5 will be played immediately following.

Tournament of Champions statistics now available

The stats for the ToC are now online.

Tough Weekend for University of Ottawa GeeGees Fastpitch Team

from Scott Searle

The first of a series of long road trips went underway this weekend, as the Ottawa Gee-Gees fastpitch team travelled a few hours south to play against the York Lions, the McMaster Marauders and Brock University. The weather was unkind for fastball players this weekend, raining out the games against York on Friday night. The Gee-Gees went on to Mohawk Sports Park in Hamilton to face a defensively strong McMaster team. A few uncharacteristic offensive and defensive plays made it very difficult for
the Ottawa Gee-Gees to come back from McMaster's 2-0 lead. The Gee-Gees could not recover and fell to a 3-0 loss. With a rejuvenated spirit, the Gee-Gees recovered much lost ground in the second game, with some great timely hits from rookies Jenna Flannigan, Kristen Barber and Stephanie Samms, leaving the Gee-Gees 6-4 in the fourth inning. Unfortunately, the weather again took a turn for the worse, with hail and then heavy rain, resulting in the game being called by the umpires.

The Gee-Gees then went on to play Brock University on Sunday afternoon. The first game proved to be a game between the pitchers and tough defence, leaving it scoreless until the 6th inning, where rookie, Brittany Shank pinch ran for 5th year veteran Elissa Sivel on second base and rookie, Kristen Barber took to first with a walk. Second year veteran, Mallory Watson drove in the RBI, with the Gee-Gees winning 1-0. The second game proved to be a game of frustration, with the Gee-Gees struggling to come back from a 6-0 Brock University lead. A short rally brought the Gee-Gees four runs, but this was not enough to take the lead.

The Gee-Gees will look to secure their 100th win at the National University Championships this week at Waterloo.

HS Softball story from Missouri

H/T to TC

Check out this story about a boy's softball team from a high school in Winston, Missouri.

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Quyon wins game 3 in eight innings - with DETAILS

from Moe Laframboise

The Quyon COMBAT Flyers defeated the Stittsville 56ers at the Grove on Thursday night by a score of 2-1 in 8 innings to take a 2 games to 1 lead in the best-of-five final.

Drew Hathway had the win going the distance while Dan Bradley had the loss throwing all 8 for Stittsville.

Hathway started well, retiring the first 8 56ers he faced before Mike Barret singled to right field. A subsequent ground out got Quyon out of the inning.

Stittsville got on the board first when John Craig stroked a solo shot to left field to lead off the fifth inning.

The lead was short-lived however. Matt Greer came to the plate in the 6th and belted a two-outBradley offering off of the scoreboard in right field.

The score remained tied at 1 through regulation. In the top of 8, with Luke Young starting on 2nd, the Flyers batter popped out to 3rd base. Young would then swipe 3rd on a wild pitch. The eventual winning run would then come in off of a Greer sac fly to left field.

Stittsville threatened in the bottom half. Gigliotti would take 3rd on a passed ball with none out, however Hathway settled down and struck out the next three 56ers to end the game.

Pitching
Drew Hathway (WP) - 8IP, 1R, 1ER, 3H, 2BB, 17Ks
Dan Bradley (LP) - 8IP, 2R, 2ER, 2H, 4BB, 16Ks

Quyon Hitting
Matt Greer - 1/2, HR, 2RBI, BB, SAC F
Dennis McCleary - 1/3

Stittsville Hitting
John Craig - 1/3, HR
Mike Barrett - 1/3
Darren Featherstone - 1/3

GOFL final series schedule update - ANOTHER UPDATE

The remaining games of the Greater Ottawa Fastball League finals has now been confirmed.

Game 3: Quyon at Stittsville, Thursday Oct 1 at 8:30pm
Game 4: Stittsville at Quyon, Monday Oct 5 at 7:30pm
Game 5: Quyon at Stittsville, Tuesday Oct 6 at 8:30pm