Monkton ON tourney cancelled for 2010
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Monkton World Fastball tourney cancelled
by Andy Bader
MONKTON – The executive of the Monkton World Fastball Invitational tournament has announced they have cancelled their 2010 tournament that was slated for this July, although one organizer is trying to keep the event alive.
The tournament, considered one of the sport’s elite in North America, generated approximately $150,000 in improvements to both the ball diamond in Monkton as well as the entire village over its six-year life span.
“It’s sad and unfortunate,” said Brian Baillie, the ball chair and one of the tournament founders. “There’s so many people disappointed, but it’s not for a lack of wanting to do it. We were ready, willing and able. It’s just economics and moreso on the U.S. side of the border,” he continued.
He later stated that there is still time and he’s had a number of teams inquire about how to save the tournament.
Baillie said there were just four teams confirmed for the event this July, one of which was a development team from New Zealand. The game of high-profile fastball is changing, with economics the key factor as well as retirement of well-known players providing an uncertain future.
“Every single team that is coming back to the ISC (International Softball Congress) calibre of ball is scaling back,” Baillie said. “It’s left a lot up in the air.”
Baillie said the executive could offer a lower quality tournament.
“But that’s not what we’re about. Our idea was to have a top notch event or not at all.”
Sandra Machan, chair of the overall tournament committee, said the executive would like to thank all the dedicated volunteers, sponsors, fans, players and the entire Monkton area for their continued support over the past six years.
“It is the commitment of all those involved who have made the tournament such a success in the past,” she said.
Baillie also said the executive hasn’t ruled out starting up again in 2011.
“Next year might give us a clearer picture,” he said.
Monkton World Fastball tourney cancelled
by Andy Bader
MONKTON – The executive of the Monkton World Fastball Invitational tournament has announced they have cancelled their 2010 tournament that was slated for this July, although one organizer is trying to keep the event alive.
The tournament, considered one of the sport’s elite in North America, generated approximately $150,000 in improvements to both the ball diamond in Monkton as well as the entire village over its six-year life span.
“It’s sad and unfortunate,” said Brian Baillie, the ball chair and one of the tournament founders. “There’s so many people disappointed, but it’s not for a lack of wanting to do it. We were ready, willing and able. It’s just economics and moreso on the U.S. side of the border,” he continued.
He later stated that there is still time and he’s had a number of teams inquire about how to save the tournament.
Baillie said there were just four teams confirmed for the event this July, one of which was a development team from New Zealand. The game of high-profile fastball is changing, with economics the key factor as well as retirement of well-known players providing an uncertain future.
“Every single team that is coming back to the ISC (International Softball Congress) calibre of ball is scaling back,” Baillie said. “It’s left a lot up in the air.”
Baillie said the executive could offer a lower quality tournament.
“But that’s not what we’re about. Our idea was to have a top notch event or not at all.”
Sandra Machan, chair of the overall tournament committee, said the executive would like to thank all the dedicated volunteers, sponsors, fans, players and the entire Monkton area for their continued support over the past six years.
“It is the commitment of all those involved who have made the tournament such a success in the past,” she said.
Baillie also said the executive hasn’t ruled out starting up again in 2011.
“Next year might give us a clearer picture,” he said.
posted by fitzroyfastball | 2/10/2010 11:31:00 pm
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