Newboro Tournament cancelled

Organizers have confirmed that the Newboro Tournament, which was to the 40th edition this year, will be not be held in 2010.

There is a chance it could be revived in the future, but this year unfortunately there will be no Newboro event in mid-August.

GOFL playoff picture gets a little bit clearer

With the result in Quyon last night, things are a little bit clearer on the playoff front.

- Kars needs to get one point in their next four games to finish first.
- Quyon will finish second unless Kars loses all four games next week.
- If Carp gets at least one point in their game against Kars, they finish third.
- Stittsville finishes third if Carp loses to Kars, otherwise they are fourth.
- Barrhaven has clinched fifth and will face either Stittsville or Carp in round one.
- Blitz finish sixth and will face either Stittsville or Carp in round one.
- Fitzroy will finish seventh unless North Gower sweeps their double header vs Kars.
- North Gower gets eighth and faces Kars unless they sweep their doubleheader.

Week 14 make up games are as follows.

Wednesday August 4, Kars will face North Gower in a doubleheader at 7pm and 9pm. These are home games for the Marlies (#33 and #57) but the games will be in Carp at the Fairgrounds.

Thursday August 5, Kars will face Barrhaven at 7pm (#40) and Carp at 9pm (#60) in two home games for the Aces. Again, this doubleheader will be at the Carp Fairgrounds.

The GOFL first round should start on Tuesday August 10. Full details to be posted on the blog.

Barrhaven beats Quyon

from Moe Laframboise

Barrhaven Broadway Blues defeated the Combat Flyers 8-6 in GOFL play last night in Quyon.

The Blues staked out a 8-0 lead after two innings and held on for the win.

Trevor Lahey had the complete game win. Matt Greer took the loss and had relieve from Drew Hathway. Jason W. Smith had a grand slam for Barrhaven.

Quyon ends the season with a 14-4-3 record for 31pts, one point ahead of Kars for first - however the Aces have four games remaining next week. Barrhaven has now clinched fifth place and have one game remaining against Kars. Ottawa Blitz will finish sixth.

Any pitchers looking for a tournament?

A team from NY is looking for pitching help this weekend starting Saturday July 31 in the Holland Patent, NY tournament near Utica. If you are interested, contact BJ at 315-404-2860.

Gil Read coverage

The EMC newspaper had a story by Jeff Maguire on the Gil Read tournament - some pics included.

The West Carleton Review also had some coverage of the event. I couldn't find an article online, but there were some good pics in the print edition.

Steve Cavanagh is all smiles after a good inning vs. Roebuck.

Mike Cavanagh looks on as the Roebuck catcher gets one in the....uh......"midsection".

Joel Langford and Joe Allan come out to congratulate Joran Graham on another homer.

Stittsville, Quyon win on Wednesday; GOFL standings still close

The Ottawa Blitz completed their GOFL regular season with a doubleheader in Manotick on Wednesday night.

The first game of the evening saw Stittsville win 6-5 over the Blitz. Kyle Jamieson had the win, with Dan Bradley getting the save. Derick Bulley took the loss. This completes the season for the 56ers as they finish with a 11-9-1 record. They are currently tied with Carp (23pts) for third, but I4C has one game remaining next week versus Kars. If Carp fails to get a point against Kars, Stittsville will claim third by virtue of more wins on the season (11 vs 10).

In the nightcap, the Quyon COMBAT Flyers won 8-1 over the Blitz. The Flyers (31pts) leapfrog over Kars (30pts) for the GOFL league league. Drew Hathway had the complete game win for Quyon while Jamie Blakeley took the loss with relief from Derek Bergeron. Quyon has one final game remaining tonight (Thursday), while Kars has four games left to play next week.

The Blitzos finish out at 6-13-2, currently tied with Barrhaven (14pts) for fifth place. The Blues have a game remaining tonight in Quyon and a game next week versus Kars. If Barrhaven fails to get a point in their two remaining games, the teams will have identical records but the Blitz will take 5th based on their head to head match up in which Ottawa won two and lost one.

At the bottom of the standings West Carleton Electric (13pts) is done with a 6-14-1 record, just shy of the Blitz and Blues. North Gower (10pts) has two games in hand against Kars. The Marlies need to win both of those games against the Aces to finish ahead of Fitzroy.

So to summarize:
Kars are guaranteed first if they win two of their next four games.
Quyon will likely finish second but have an outside shot at first if Kars loses at least three of their four games next week.
Stittsville will finish third unless Carp wins or ties their final game.
Carp needs to win or tie in their final game or they finish fourth.
Blitz finish fifth unless Barrhaven gets a point in their last two games.
Barrhaven needs to get one point in their last two games or they finish sixth.
Fitzroy has seventh unless North Gower wins both of their last two games.
North Gower will finish eighth unless they can sweep their DH against Kars.

GOFL first round quarter-final playoffs series (best-of-three) will start the week of August 9th. Matchups are 1st vs 8th, 2nd vs 7th, 3rd vs 6th and 4th vs 5th.

National assignments for local officials

Congratulations to the following local Eastern Ontario Umpires' Association officials who have received assignments from Softball Canada:

Sal Gara – Senior Mens - Charlottetown PEI
Dave Herbst – Midget Boys – Stratford ON
George Findley – Supervising - Pee Wee Girls – Ile Perrot QC

Stittsville sweeps North Gower in doubleheader NOW WITH DEETS

The Stittsville 56ers won both games of a doubleheader against North Gower on Tuesday night GOFL play.

Stittsville came back to score three in the 7th inning in the opener to win 6-5.

The second game saw the 56ers win by a score of 9-2 over the Marlies.

from Johnny Craig, added deets by TC

Marlborough-56 Double Dip
56ers snag 2 wins

Game 1

The Stittsville 56ers were in North Gower last night for a double header versus the North Gower Marlboroughs. Despite playing out of town the 56ers were the home team for both games.

Stittsville got on the board in the bottom of the first when Scott Herriot's bulging bicep got in the way of a Borho delivery and he was awarded 1st base. He moved to 2nd on John Craig's sac bunt and Dan Jessiman then drew a walk setting 2 on the table for Darren Featherstone's single that cashed in Herriot. That would be it though as Ryan Bond ripped an executive hop hitting into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning, 56ers lead 1-0.

After being plunked by a pitch in the first an angry Dirty Herri(ot) punch a long fly over the centre field fence for a solo shot in the 3rd.

North Gower got on the board in the 4th with a 2 out double by Steph Vinette who later scored on Anil Hayne's triple. The Marlboroughs kept the bats going in the 5th and seemed to have a lock on the left centre gap driving multiple between fielders and picked up 3 more in the 5th taking a 4-2 lead.

Herriot would lead off the 5th with his second solo jack to centre bringing the 56ers within 1. North Gower would add 1 in the top of the 7th on a triple by Shonfield and a single by Borho but it ended when Kyle Jamieson stole an out with a diving catch in centre field, North Gower has a 5-3 lead.

The 56ers were fortunate enough to score 3 in the 7th on singles from Herriot, Dan Jessiman, Featherstone, and Kyle Jamieson squeaking out a 6-5 win. Featherstone got the win and the loss goes to Gord Flannery who came in to close out the game.

Game 2

Game two proved to be more one sided for the 56ers as they lead off the 1st with walks to Herriot, Craig and Jamieson, a double from Bond and a single from S. Jessiman driving 4 across the plate.

In the second walks to the Jessiman brothers, a single by Bond, double for Featherstone and a 2 run Jamieson home run put the 56ers up 8-0.

Jamieson toed the rubber for the 56ers and cruised through the first 2 innings. He got into a little trouble in the third giving up singles to Sanchez and Dumond, Shonfield was then hit by a pitch and a bases loaded walk brought in a run for North Gower. KJ then settled in nicely and struck out the side to end the inning only giving up one.

Both teams would add a run as the game ended 9-1 after 5 with Jamieson picking up the win and Ryan Chatten the loss.

Junior Canadians in St. Croix start Monday - WEBSITE updated

The Junior Men's National Championship also starts soon, running Monday Aug 2 through Sunday Aug 8 in St. Croix, Nova Scotia.

There are 10 teams representing six provinces at this event: Ontario has 4, including Napanee led by Joran Graham. Joel Langford has also been picked up by the Express for the event.

Two teams are from Sask and one from each of Quebec (the team that was at the Gil Read), BC and Nova Scotia. Surprisingly even though it is in the Maritimes, no teams from PEI or New Brunswick are entered.

The site is a bit sketchy, but you can check it out here.

Midget Nationals getting underway this weekend

The Midget Boys Canadian Nationals get started this weekend in Stratford, Ontario. In a good sign for fastball's future, there are 16 teams attending representing 9 provinces (BOOOOO Manitoba).

Games start Sunday August 1st, with final slated for Friday August 6th at 4pm.

West Carleton Electric pitcher Andy Barber will be throwing for the Sydenham Cyclones at this event - best of luck Android.

For more info and to check out the live webcasts, visit the website.

WC Electric wins both games in doubleheader

West Carleton Electric had a successful night in Fitzroy Harbour on Tuesday night, winning their two final games in the GOFL season.

WC Electric 4 Ottawa Blitz 3

Steve Cavanagh had the win in this one, while Jamie Blakely took the loss.

The Blitz scored first in the top of one when Andrew Bruce and Jamie Blakely hit back to back doubles.

WC Electric answered back when Mike Cavanagh scored on Derek Barber's triple to tie things at 1-1.

Ottawa plated two in the fifth on a Marcel Mondoux RBI single and a ground out by Jamie Blakely that scored Mondoux.

Fitzroy once again responded in their half of the inning to tie it. Trevor Barton singled and scored on Mike Cavanagh's double, then Cavanagh scored on Derek Barber's single to knot things at 3.

WC took the lead in the sixth. Troy Wilson led off with a single, then Dave Bahm doubled to put runners at second and third. After a ground out, Adam Brown reached on an error to load the bases. When Trevor Barton's grounder was overthrown at home the 'Trics scored the winning run. Blakely induced a pop up and ground out to end the inning.

The Blitz had a chance in the seventh when Mondoux led off with a walk. However a sac bunt was unsuccessful and then Mondoux was caught stealing, followed by a ground out to end the game.

Fitzroy pitching
Steve Cavanagh WIN 7IP 3R 3ER 7H 6K 1BB

Ottawa pitching
Jamie Blakely LOSS 6IP 4R 3ER 10H 7K 0BB

Fitzroy hitting
Trevor Barton 3-4, R, SB
Michael Cavanagh 1-4, 2R
Derek Barber 2-3, 3B, 2RBI
Jeff Barber 1-3
Troy Wilson 1-3, R
Dave Bahm 2-3, 2x2B

Ottawa hitting
Marcel Mondoux 1-3, BB, R, RBI
Andrew Bruce 2-4, R, 2B
Jamie Blakely 1-4, 2B, 2RBI
Tony Searle 1-3
Derick Bulley 1-3, SAC

WC Electric 5 Barrhaven Broadway Blues 1

Jeff Barber had the win in this game, while Trevor Lahey took the loss.

The Blues threatened in the top of the first, when runners were on second and third with one out after a single by Joe Allan, a walk to Lindsay Medynski and a ground out. However a 5-3-2 double play ended the inning.

The home team scored first when Dave Bahm stroke a very long homer to right-centre to put the 'Trics up 1-0.

Another Barrhaven rally was snuffed out in the third by a double play. Rob Soublier walked to lead off and moved to second on a wild pitch, but a 5-3-5 double play cleared the bases.

The Blues tied things in the fifth when Jordan Adams led off with a solo home run.

However, the Electric rallied for four in the bottom of the fifth. Mitch Taylor hit a one out single, and Adam Brown reached on an error. Trevor Barton's walk loaded the bases. Beef Johnson's single scored one. After a ground out to get the force at home, Troy Wilson hit a clutch 3RBI double to put the 'Trics comfortably out in front 5-1 - and that's how the game ended.

Fitzroy pitching
Jeff Barber WIN 7IP 1R 1ER 5H 6K 3BB

Barrhaven pitching
Trevor Lahey LOSS 6IP 5R 2ER 6H 9K 1BB

Fitzroy hitting
Beef Johnson 2-3, RBI, R
Troy Wilson 1-3, 2B, 3RBI
Derek Barber 1-3, SB
Dave Bahm 1-3, solo HR
Mitch Taylor 1-3, R

Barrhaven hitting
Joe Allan 1-3
Don Cox 1-3, 2B
Trevor Lahey 1-3
Jordan Adams 1-3, solo HR
Scott Adams 1-3

Pics from the Gilly

Thanks to Tony Searle for sending on this site with some good pictures from the tournament on the weekend.

Team Quebec to compete at Canadian Senior Nationals

For the first time since 1995, there will be a team representing Quebec at the Canadian Men's Senior National tournament this August / September in PEI.

As per the discussion going around the ball parks recently, it has been confirmed that an entry involving several familiar faces from the GOFL and area tournaments are combining efforts to play at the big dance.

Fitzroyfastball is pleased to provide an exclusive interview with Joe McCleary on the team.

Q: So, Joe, good to hear Quebec will have a representative at the Canadian Nationals in PEI for the first time in 15 years. Tell me a little bit about how this idea came to be a reality.

A: Last year I received an email from Francis Leclair, asking if I would be interested in starting a Quebec team with some of our guys from Quyon combining with the St Leonard D'Aston Express, the junior team that hosted the JR Nationals that we attended in 2006.

Q: Which players from the Quyon Flyers are involved, and who are the key players from Donnacona that will go to Nationals?

A: Matt Greer, Shawn Lafromboise, Nick Armitage and myself. Drew Hathway and Joran Graham were also hoping to play but were unable to get time off for the SR Nationals in Charlottetown. The key players from their corner, are Francis Leclair, Steve Savard and Jean-Daniel Doucet.

Q: What are your expectations? Do you think you can make the playoff round?

A: I think that we will open some eyes for sure. The team is a combo of two teams that opened a lot of eyes last year at the ISC Tournament of Champions, being ranked 22 and 27 going into the tourney, we finished 3rd and 5th. We are a hard working young team that loves to be on the field and so far this season in 3 tune ups, we have not lost a game. Won the Williamsburg tourney giving up 3 hits and no runs, won an exhibition weekend in St Leo, and won Au Sable Forks going 6-0.

Q: Has Softball Quebec been supportive / helpful of this initiative?

A: We started a commitee this winter as per their request to help build the men's program up. There are a series of different criteria on which each player's season is based on (time put into ball, working out, volunteering, potential, etc...) and the Quebec Government will give out tax credits based on those criteria. Each player on the Senior men's team will automatically get some money back, with some Junior and Midget players as well receiving the money. The good part about it is that you get money back at the end of the year, so you have to put in the time. The bad part is that you get money back at the end of the year and have to fork out everything out of your pocket all year!

Q: What will the team be known as? "Team Quebec"? And what will the team colours be?

A: The colours, shockingly, will be BLUE AND WHITE! We will have a similar look to the LA Dodgers, and the Team will be called TEAM QUEBEC.

Good luck to Big Joe and the rest of Team Quebec as they participate at the 2010 Nationals from August 29 to September 5 in Charlottetown, PEI.

Found - one helmet / batting gloves

Anybody out there missing a dark blue batting helmet and batting gloves from the Gil Read Memorial Tournament this weekend?

If it's yours, contact Al at aread@lwlaw.com.

Gil Read Memorial wrap up

from Al Read

The Gil Read Memorial Foundation is extremely pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual Fastball tournament was a fantastic success. The weather held off and the fans came out to watch. The organizers sold 800 hamburgers, 500 hotdogs and over 2,500 beer. The foundation considers the tournament "our best ever" and would like to thank everyone involved including all of our volunteers, the Carp Agricultural Society, The Village of Carp and all the fans that came out to support the event and a special thanks to Warren Lathem of the Carp Community Association for all of his help both in preparation for the event and after.

The tournament featured 10 teams from across Eastern Ontario and Quebec. The teams were split into 2 divisions of 5 and each played 4 round robin games.

Friday 7pm
Kars 11 vs. Roebuck 4

Friday 8pm
Quyon 5 vs. Barrhaven 4

Friday 9pm
Carp 10 vs. Fitzroy 1

Saturday 9am
Ottawa 8 vs Trend-Arlington 0

Saturday 10am
Donnacona 2 vs. Barrhaven 0

Saturday 11am
Fitzroy 5 vs. Quebec 1

Saturday 12pm
Carp 1 vs. Roebuck 1

Saturday 1pm
Quyon 11 vs. Trend-Arlington 4

Saturday 2pm
Donnacona 5 vs. Blitz 5

Saturday 3pm
Kars 10 vs. Quebec 0

Saturday 4pm
Fitzroy 6 vs. Roebuck 1

Saturday 5pm
Quyon 10 vs. Ottawa 3

Saturday 6pm
Kars 8 vs. Carp 7

Saturday 7pm
Barrhaven 7 vs. Trend-Arlington 0

Saturday 8pm
Quyon 10 vs. Donnacona 3

Saturday 9pm
Carp 7 vs. Quebec 4

Sunday 9am
Kars 10 vs. Fitzroy 1

Sunday 9am
Quebec 9 vs. Roebuck 8

Sunday 11am
Barrhaven 5 vs. Blitz 4

Sunday 11am
Donnacona 7 vs. Trend-Arlington 2

Final Standings round robin play
Pool A
1 Kars Aces 4-0
2 Carp I4C Victory 2-1-1
3 Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric 2-2
4 Quebec Juniors 1-3
5 Roebuck Juniors 0-3-1

Pool B
1 Quyon COMBAT Flyers 4-0
2 Donnacona Blue Sox 2-1-1
3 Barrhaven Broadway Blues 2-2
4 Ottawa Blitz 1-2-1
5 Trend Arlington Shamrocks 0-4

The Semi final games on Sunday afternoon featured the the Quyon Combat Flyers (4-0) vs. the Carp I4C Victory (2-1-1) and The Kars Aces (4-0) vs. the Donaconna Blue Socks (2-1-1). Quyon defeated Carp 4-1 and Kars downed Donaconna 8-5. This set up a rematch of last years final when the Kars Aces (Formerly known as Ottawa Easton Thunder) defeated the Quyon Combat Flyers 4 - 2. The Easton team has been the only team to win the tournament thus far having defeated Carp I4C Victory in the finals of the inaugural tournament in 2008 and Quyon in 2009.

This year however Quyon took some revenge, defeating the Kars Aces 8-1 in a mercy shortened 5 inning game capturing the title and the $1,700.00 prize money. The Kars Aces took home $800 for second place.

The story of the tournament was without question, 22 year old Micksburg native Joran Graham of the Quyon Combat Flyers. Joran pitched in 4 of the Flyers games wining all 4 with 40 strikeouts in 23 innings. While being the top pitcher of the tournament and putting up impressive stats, it could not come close to his batting performance. Joran finished the tournament 10 for 14 (a .715 batting average) with 4 walks, 4 home runs and 17 RBI. In the final game alone, Joran was 3-3 with a single, a double and a 3 run home run for a total of 6 rbi’s while striking out 9 Kars Aces in the 5 inning mercy. Joran Graham was named the tournament MVP.

The foundation would again like to thank all the teams that participated in the event and the fans for all of their support. We hope to host this event in the same venue for many years to come.

Canada 30, USA 29

Honestly....putting this on TV again this year?

Gotta love the pitching lines, and no, I'm not making this up. As if they track earned runs in slopitch...hilarious.

WP: Brian Higginbothem 7IP 29R 29ER 35H 4BB 0K (He's actually from Orleans this guy.)

LP: Scott Brown 7IP 30R 21ER 32H 2BB 2K (Two strikeouts! He must have a wicked gravity drop)

Gil Read Memorial Tournament a success

Just recovering now after a "full pull" at the Gil Read this weekend. Lots of ball, beer and burgers at the Carp Fairgrounds.

Congratulations are in order to Al and Chris Read who put on an excellent event. The weather was a bit sketchy on Friday night, but otherwise it was a beautiful weekend to be at the ball diamond.

Very good idea by the organizers to move the tournament to Carp - and not just because it's a lot easier for me to get a ride home afterward. An excellent venue and a substantial savings for the Foundation.

There seemed to be a good crew of volunteers, working hard on the diamonds, the BBQ, announcing, scorekeeping, admission gate and of course tending bar. Nice to see so many people out to help a good cause - I know from personal experience these are the folks that make a tourney a success.

Crowds on Friday were a bit low, due most likely to the misty weather. However on Saturday and Sunday there were lots of folks there taking in some good ball. Good to see lots of "oldtimers" out there watching games as well as young families. Several lcoal "Carpies" came out to watch the games and I know many of them were impressed by the caliber of the ball on display.

Ten teams and a four game guarantee was nice. Definitely some quality ball with good pitching and talented squads. Also good to see the Trend-Arlington lads put something together during the last week to ensure they had a tenth team.

Quyon was definitely the top team in the tourney and deserved to win it. I know many locals were impressed by the young team's level of play and several people came over and asked me "How old is that Joran Graham?"

I thought the officiating was at a high level, good work by George Findley and his crew (no I'm not sucking up ha ha). Nice to see them working the "3 official system" on Sunday games.

Given the sizeable payout, quality location, and caliber of play let's hope the organizers go back to Carp and hopefully attract a few other out of town teams to the fourth annual event in 2011.

Quyon wins Gil Read Memorial Tournament

The final of the third annual Gil Read Memorial Fastball Tournament was a rematch of the 2009 championship game - with a different result this year, as the Quyon COMBAT Flyers defeated the Kars Aces to win the title.

Joran Graham was named tournament MVP.

Round Robin Standings
Pool A
1 Kars Aces 4-0
2 Carp I4C Victory 2-1-1
3 Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric 2-2
4 Quebec Juniors 1-3
5 Roebuck Rampage 0-3-1

Pool B
1 Quyon COMBAT Flyers 4-0
2 Donnacona Blue Sox 2-1-1
3 Barrhaven Broadway Blues 2-2
4 Ottawa Blitz 1-2-1
5 Trend Arlington Shamrocks 0-4

Semi Finals
Kars 8 Donnacona 4
WP Brad Porter
LP Francis Leclair

Quyon 4 Carp 1
WP Joran Graham
LP Neil Cooke

Finals
Quyon 8 Kars 1 (5 innings)
WP Joran Graham
LP Jeff Murphy

Posting on Al's Fastball

Check this out on Al's Fastball.

More on this later.

Week 13 in the GOFL

Week 13 will feature some GOFL make up games. With the standings very tight at the top, the middle and the bottom, these games will go a long way to determine playoff seeding.

North Gower vs. Stittsville doubleheader on Tuesday July 27 at 7pm and 9pm (#78 and #43). These games are actually 56er home games but will be played in North Gower.

Also on Tuesday Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric will host a double-bubble with the Blitz playing at 7pm and Barrhaven at 9pm (#82 and #65).

Stittsville at Blitz (#75) will be played on Wednesday July 28 at 7pm in Manotick. Quyon is also coming in to face the Blitz afterwards at 9pm (#42).

Barrhaven travels to Quyon on Thursday at 7:30pm (#81).

Kars has four games to make up - two with North Gower, one with Barrhaven and one with Carp. Once scheduled they will be posted to the blog and the league website.

Current standings:
1. Kars Aces 15-2-0: 30
2. Quyon Combat Flyers 13-3-3: 29
3. Carp I4C Victory 10-7-3: 23
4. Stittsville 56ers 8-9-1: 17
T5. Ottawa Blitz 6-10-2: 14
T5. Barrhaven Broadway Blues 6-10-2: 14
7. North Gower Marlboroughs 2-9-6: 10
8. Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric 4-14-1: 9

Barrhaven beats Blitz 5-4 in GOFL play

The Barrhaven Broadway Blues and the Ottawa Blitz faced each other on Sunday at the Gil Read Tournament in Carp. Since they had a make up game to be played in the GOFL schedule, it was decided the game would count in the standings.

Barrhaven were 5-4 winners, with Jason Smith getting the win and Derick Bulley the loss. Trevor Power had a homer for the Blues that went deep into the beer garden and almost reduced the Barber triplets to just a pair of twins.

Blitz defeat Carp 6-4

with info from Marcel Mondoux and Eric Rosenquist

The Ottawa Blitz defeated Carp I4C Victory 6-4 on Thursday night in GOFL play.

Frank Cox got the start for Carp (3IP) while Dan Konkle took the loss in relief (4IP).

Jamie Blakely went the distance for the Blitz. (7IP, 4 R, 1 ER)

Kevin O'neil started the Blitz off in the third with a base hit to left. Passed ball moved him to second. Jamie Blakely drove him home with a hard double to go up one.

Carp answered back in the bottom half. With players at second and third and two out, a throwing error scored two to put Carp up 2-1.

Konkle entered the fourth to have a quick 1-2-3 inning as did Blakely in the bottom half.

Top five, Blitz hitters woke up. With two out, the Blitz rallied with a walk to Russ Mitchel, a single by Jon Ferguson, a line drive to second by Blakely to score Mitchel, followed by a timely three run shot to centre field by Tony Searle. Blitz were now up 5-2.

Bottom five, Carp loads the bases and two infield bip's scored two before Blakely induced a final ground ball to end the inning. Blitz 5-4.

Top six, Marcel Mondoux started off with a single, SB and third strike passed ball to end up at third. Kevin O'neil legged out a tricky infield single to score the final run of the game and give a two run cushion. Blitz 6 - 4.

From there, Blakely finished the sixth unscaved and battled through the seventh with Carp's one through five hitters. Two runners were stranded with two K's and a 5-3 to finish the game.

Blitz Hitting:
Russ Mitchel - 2 BB's, 1 R
Jon Ferguson - 2 1B's, 1 R
Jamie Blakely - 2B, 2 RBI's
Tony Searle - 3 Run HR
Kevin O'neil - 2 1B's, 1 R, 1 RBI

Kars wins 7-1 at Quyon

with info from Shawn Laframboise

In GOFL play Thursday night in Quyon, the Kars Aces won big by a score of 7-1 over the COMBAT Flyers.

Brad Porter had the win, throwing a two hitter. Joran Graham took the loss.

Chad Milne and Kristian Knapp had home runs for Kars. Michael Baker hit a pinch hit solo shot in his first ever GOFL at bat for the Flyers.

OASA news

Some updates on local teams participating in OASA tournaments:

- Congrats to the Sydenham Midgets and Andy Barber for finishing third at the Midget A Provincials on July 17-18 in Sydenham.

- The Micksburg Bantams will be at the eight team Bantam A provincials on Aug 7-8 in Kitchener.

- McNab will be at the eight team Midget B/C Provincials on Aug 14-15 in Colborne.

- The Junior B provincials are a six team event this weekend in Ponsonby. No draw is posted, but some local junior players from the GOFL will be attending.

Blitz wins over Barrhaven in rain-shortened game

The Ottawa Blitz were awarded a win as they were leading 3-1 after two complete innings on Wednesday night in Manotick. In the third inning, storm clouds and lightning ended the game and the following second game of the doubleheader.

West Carleton Electric wins 4-1 over Stittsville

West Carleton Electric had a much needed win with a 4-1 victory over the Stittsville 56ers at the Grove on Wednesday night.

Jeff Barber had his first win of the year on the slab with a strong performance, while Darren Featherstone suffered the loss.

The 56ers threatened in the first when John Craig and Dan Jessiman had back to back singles with one out, but Barber got out of the jam with a strikeout and a ground out.

Stittsville scored their run in the second. Scott Jessiman walked, advanced on Darren Ladouceur's single, and scored on Scott Herriot's RBI single for the 1-0 lead. After an error loaded the bases, Barber was able to get a ground out to escape further damage.

WC Electric responded in the top of the third with two runs. Trevor Barton walked and moved to second on Andy Barber's single. Both runners advanced 60ft on a ground out, then scored on Jeff Barber's 2RBI single.

Fitzroy added to the lead in the fifth when Andy Barber tripled to lead off the inning and scored on Beef Johnson's sac fly to right field.

The 'Trics added an insurance run in the top of seven when Andy Barber doubled with one out, moved to third on a ground out, and scored on a dropped third strike. The youngest Barber (17) ended the night just a homer short of the cycle and scored three runs.

Stittsville threatened in the final inning when Dan Bradley walked and Featherstone singled with two out, but Jeff Barber was able to induce a ground out to close the game.

Fitzroy pitching
Jeff Barber WIN 7IP 1R 1ER 8H 3BB 9K

Stittsville pitching
Darren Featherstone LOSS 7IP 4R 3ER 8H 1BB 9K

Fitzroy hitting
Andy Barber 3-4, 2B, 3B, 3R
Beef Johnson 1-3, Sac Fly RBI
Jeff Barber 1-4, 2RBI
Derek Barber 2-4
Neil Murphy 1-3

Stittsville hitting
Scott Herriot 1-3, BB, RBI
John Craig 1-4
Dan Jessiman 1-4
Ryan Bond 1-2
Darren Featherstone 2-4
Darren Ladouceur 2-3

Gil Read news story

Jeff Maguire of the EMC provides some coverage of the Gil Read tournament.

ISC Final Rankings now out

The final ISC rankings are out - Jarvis are on top, Quyon COMBAT Flyers come in at #29.

Say it ain't so, Jennie

Jennie Finch is calling it quits to spend more time with her four-year old son, Ace. (Might talk to Mrs Fastball about legally changing the Caveman's name to "Ace".)

I4C edges WC Electric 2-1

Carp I4C Victory came back for a 2-1 win over West Carleton Electric on GOFL play on Tuesday night in Fitzroy Harbour.

Neil Cooke had the win while Andy Barber took the loss.

Carp started strong in the first as Eric Colvin led off with a single and Aaron Amo also singled to put runners on the corners with none out. Barber pitched out of the jam to keep I4C off the board.

Fitzroy took a 1-0 lead in the third on a Dave Bahm homerun.

I4C threatened in the fourth. Kevin McGuire led off with a single and moved to third on a wild pitch and a passed ball. When Al Read grounded out to short, McGuire attempted to score but was thrown out at home.

A long solo shot by Amo in the top of the sixth tied the game.

WC Electric tried to regain their lead in the sixth after Andy Barber led off with a single. After a failed sac bunt, Beef Johnson's fly ball to right was misplayed and the 'Trics has runners on second and third with one out. Cooke struck out the next batter bringing Jeff Cavanagh to the plate. I4C elected to intentionally walk Cavanagh. However, after ball two, Barber took a jump off third and Tim Power the I4C catcher threw back to third base. The throw was misplayed, but when Barber broke for home, the ball was astutely picked up by shortstop McGuire and Barber was out on a rare 2-6-2 putout to end the inning.

Carp sealed the win in the top of the seventh. Tim Power lead off with an infield single, was moved to second on a sac bunt by Shawn Simzer, and scored on the game winning RBI single by Todd Storms.

When WC Electric failed to score in the bottom of the frame, Carp won 2-1.

Carp pitching
Neil Cooke WIN 7IP 1R 1ER 3H 6K 0BB

Fitzroy pitching
Andy Barber LOSS 7IP 2R 2ER 8H 9K 0BB

Carp hitting
Eric Colvin 1-3
Aaron Amo 2-3, solo HR, SB
Kevin McGuire 2-3
Tim Power 1-3, R
Shawn Simzer 1-2, SAC
Todd Storms 1-2, SAC, GWRBI

Fitzroy hitting
Andy Barber 1-3
Derek Barber 1-3
Dave Bahm 1-2. solo HR

Make up games

Some GOFL games that have been rescheduled for Week 13. Not all of these have been 100% confirmed but hopefully all will be firmed up:

North Gower vs. Stittsville doubleheader on Tuesday July 27 at 7pm and 9pm (#78 and #43). These games are actually 56er home games but will be played in North Gower.

Also on Tuesday Fitzroy Harbour will host a double-bubble with the Blitz playing at 7pm and Barrhaven at 9pm (#82 and #65).

Stittsville at Blitz (#75) will be played on Wednesday July 28 at 7pm in Manotick. Quyon is also coming in to face the Blitz afterwards at 9pm (#42).

Barrhaven travels to Quyon on Thursday at 7:30pm (#81).

This leaves four games to make up, all involving Kars:
#33 Kars at North Gower
#57 Kars at North Gower
#40 Barrhaven at Kars
#60 Carp at Kars

ISC Announces World Tournament brackets

The ISC has published the 48 team World Tournament brackets for this years championship in Midland, Michigan.

First up for Quyon COMBAT Flyers will be a 9pm game on Saturday August 14 against the St. Thomas, ON Storm - with the winner to face the New York Gremlins.

3rd Annual Gil Read Memorial Tournament Schedule

Ten teams will play for the title in the 3rd Annual Gil Read Memorial Fastball Tournament, to be held at the Carp Fairgrounds on July 23-25.

There will be two divisions of five teams, with each team playing four games in the round robin.

The top two teams in each division will advance.
 
Group A                         
Carp I4C Victory                        
Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric             
Team Quebec                     
Roebuck Juniors                 
Kars Aces                               
 
Group B
Quyon COMBAT Flyers
Barrhaven Broadway Blues
Donnacona Blue Sox
Trend Arlington Shamrocks
Ottawa Blitz

Round Robin Schedule

Diamond 1                                                      
                                                       
Friday 7pm      Kars    vs.     Roebuck                        
Friday 9pm      Carp    vs.     Fitzroy                        
                                                       
Saturday 9am    Trend   vs.     Blitz                          
Saturday 11am   Fitzroy vs.     Quebec                         
Saturday 1pm    Quyon   vs.     Trend                          
Saturday 3pm    Quebec  vs.     Kars                           
Saturday 5pm    Blitz   vs.     Quyon                          
Saturday 7pm    Trend   vs.     Barrhaven                              
Saturday 9pm    Carp    vs.     Quebec                         
                                                       
Sunday 9am      Fitzroy vs.     Kars                           
Sunday 11am     Barrhaven vs.   Blitz                          

Diamond 2                                                      
                                                       
Friday 8pm      Quyon   vs.     Barrhaven                              
                                                       
Saturday 10am   Donnacona vs.   Barrhaven                              
Saturday 12pm   Carp    vs.     Roebuck                        
Saturday 2pm    Donnacona       vs.     Blitz                          
Saturday 4pm    Roebuck vs.     Fitzroy                        
Saturday 6pm    Carp    vs.     Kars                           
Saturday 8pm    Donnacona       vs.     Quyon                          
                                                       
Sunday 9am      Robuck  vs.     Quebec                         
Sunday 11am     Donnacona       vs.     Trend                          

Playoff Round

Sunday 1pm  Winner of A  vs.  2nd place B
Sunday 1pm  Winner of B  vs.  2nd place A
Sunday 3:30pm  FINALS

GOFL Week 12

Hard to believe but we are now at the 12th week of the GOFL season. A 13th week has been added for make up games and games are being scheduled and will be posted as soon as dates and times are confirmed.

Here are this week's games:

On Tuesday night at 8:30 Carp I4C Victory will visit Fitzroy Harbour to play West Carleton Electric (#70).

The Wednesday night doubleheader in Manotick sees the Ottawa Blitz and Barrhaven Broadway Blues face off for two games (#24 and #41) at 7pm and 9pm. At the Grove that night, the Stittsville 56ers will host WC Electric at 8:30pm (#72).

Thursday night has Kars Aces travelling to Quyon for a big game at 7:30pm that could potentially decide who finishes first overall in GOFL regular season play (#80). Also that night, the Ottawa Blitz travel to Carp to face I4C Victory at 8:30pm (#79).

Quyon sweeps the Blitz on Friday night

The Quyon Combat Flyers hosted the Ottawa Blitz in a Friday night GOFL doubleheader in west Quebec.

Game 1 saw Quyon win 8-3, with Drew Hathway getting the win and Jamie Blakely taking the loss with relief from Will Mood.

Game 2 was a 10-0 victory for the home side, with Joran Graham earning the victory and Derick Bulley taking the loss with help from Mood.

Quyon takes 3 of 4 points over Carp in doubleheader

from Shawn Laframboise

Quyon had a win and a tie in the GOFL doubleheader in Carp on Thursday night.

Game 1 Quyon 7 Carp 4
Drew Hathway win, in relief of Matt Greer.
Frank Cox loss, in relief of Neil Cooke.
Drew Hathway HR for Quyon
Matt McNish HR for Carp

Game 2 Quyon 0 Carp 0
Drew Hathway threw all 7 for Quyon.
Frank Cox started and came out after 3, Neil Cooke finished the game off for Carp.

56ers edge Blitz 10-9 on Wednesday

as per GOFL.ca

On a Beautiful night at the Grove the Stittsville 56ers hung on to beat the Ottawa Blitz 10-9.

In the first inning Scott Herriott got it started for the 56ers with a double. Ryan Bond singled to drive in Herriott. In the Third inning John Craig got on with an Error. He moved to Second on on a hard hit ball by Darren Featherstone. Bond drove in Craig with a double. This was followed up by Tyler Nystedt hitting a single to score Bond. The inning was ended when Kyle Jamieson hit into a well turned double play by the Blitz.

In the fourth Inning the 56ers broke it opened sending 13 batters to the plate scoring 7 runs. Scott Jessiman got it started with a great battle at the plate drawing a walk. Dan Bradley followed this up with a single. After Darren Ladouceur hit into a Fielders choice moving Jessiman and Bradley over Herriot and Craig both walked. Featherstone followed this up with a single driving in Herriott and Craig. Bond then hit a hard single to cash Featherstone. Nystedt the singled home Bond. After this Jessiman flew out to centre field Bradey scored Nystedt on a single to finish the scoring of the inning.

With the game on the line in the 5th the Blitz faced a man on second with none out and the 56ers 4-5-6 hitters coming to the plate thinking the mercey rule would come into play if they could score the run. The Blitz pitcher beared down and stuck out the heart of the 56ers order which allowed play to continue. The Blitz then came back to score a run in the 6th and 5 in the 7th before Featherstone stuck out the third out to end the game.

Blues and Marlies tie at 4

Barrhaven Broadway Blues and North Gower Marlboroughs tied at 4-4 in GOFL play on Wednesday night.

more to follow

Kars goes undefeated to win Peterborough tournament

from Cory Morrison

Kars went undefeated to win the 1st annual Peterborough Tourney, giving up only one run in five games.

Game 1
Kars 5 - Cree Nation 0

Brad Porter had the win with a 2 hitter while Ray Shanoush took the loss while striking out 12. Dan Jessiman was 2/3 with 2 homeruns and 3Rbi for Kars.

Game 2
Kars 3 - Douro 0

Cory Costello had the win tossing a no hitter while Matt Leahy took the loss. Chad Costello and Kyle Jamieson homered for Kars.

Game 3
Kars 7 - Whitehouse 0

Brad Porter had the win with relief from Kyle Jamieson. Brad Pender homered while Dan Jessiman was 2/3 with 3Rbi.

Game 4
Kars 2 - Cobourg 0

Cory Costello had the win tossing a 3 hitter while Jeff Murphy took the loss also tossing a 3 hitter. Chad Costello and Chad Milne hit back to back jacks in the 2nd to account for both Kars runs.

Game 5 (Championship)
Kars 5 - Cavanaughs 1

Brad Porter got the win while Ian Knott took the loss with relief from Luke Leahy.
Cory Morrison homered with 3Rbi while Kurtis Summers and Andy Davey each had an Rbi.

Volunteers Needed! 3rd Annual Gil Read Memorial Fastball Tournament

from Al Read

The 3rd Annual Gil Read Memorial Fastball Tournament is now only two weeks away!!! The tournament is being held at the Carp Fairgrounds in West Carleton from July 23rd to the 25th. Here is the link for directions, http://tiny.cc/carpdirections. For those of you not familiar with the Gil Read Memorial Foundation, our objective is to give back to local athletes who are unable to afford their respective sports for various reasons. Please visit our website at http://www.gilreadmemorial.com.

We are still short about 20 to 25 volunteers and could use your support. If you are interested in selling some tickets, flipping a hamburger or two or even announcing or scorekeeping a game we would love you hear from you! The volunteer shift is only 4 hours long (or 2 games if you’re announcing or scorekeeping) and all the proceeds go to the charity.

If you, or somebody you know is interested, please contact either Al Read at aread@lwlaw.com or Peter Read at pread@rogers.com who will be organizing all the time slots. We’d love to have your support.

For those of you who would simply like to help out by attending the tournament to watch a game or two and enjoy a cold beer and burger, we’ll see you at the park in a couple of weeks.

If you would like more information, Please let me know.

Thanks to everyone for all your help.

Al Read
613-435-3199

GOFL Week 11

The GOFL has six games on the schedule this week. (Captains if any changes let me know)

No games until Wednesday when the Ottawa Blitz go to the Grove to play the 56ers at 8:30pm (#67). In Manotick that night, the Barrhaven Blues will host the North Gower Marlboroughs at 9pm (#54)

Thursday night will feature a doubleheader in Carp with Quyon in for two games to play I4C Victory. Games are at 7pm and 9pm (#68 and #69).

Things finish up with a Friday night doubleheader in Quyon with the Blitz in for two games, starting at 7:30pm (#62 and #63).

AuSable Tournament - some info from Pugs

from Pugger Williams

Going from memory Carp and Barrhaven both went 2-2 in the same division but Barrhaven advanced on run differential.

Barrhaven won Friday night over local team Northline Utilities 4-2. Paul Ceppi threw a 3 hitter with 13K's. Great game from Cepp! Jason Smith of Williamsburg took the loss for Northline.

Carp lost 4-1 to Donnacona in its opener Saturday morning. I believe Frank Cox threw for Carp and don't know who threw for Donnacona as a late night at 20 Main didn't have me at the park till around 11 a.m.

Then Carp beat Barrhaven 3-0 with Dan Konkle getting the win with relief from Neil Cooke. Barrhaven had its chances with runners at 2nd and third one time and bases loaded in the 5th with nobody out. That's when Cookie entered the game and got the Victory out of the jam. I believe Steve McGillis had the loss for Barrhaven. Steve plays in the Cornwall league.

In its second game of the day Barrhaven beat Razzano's Trucking of Johnstown, NY 9-2 I think. Razzano's has been in the Au Sable final eight of the last 12 years and usually had Greg Garrity or a similar top notch hurler throwing for them. But not this year. Larry Razzano had to reach back in time and call upon Freddie Ganou who I believe is from Montreal. Freddie was the tournament Top Pitcher in.....wait for it... 1980! I was 18 at the time and in my second year of umpiring fastball! I'd put Freddie at 62 or 63 today! I believe Trevor Leahy had the win for Barrhaven in this one. Steve McGillis had a home run for Bartrhaven and I think Brian O'Neill (also from Cornwall) hit a shot but I could be wrong on that one. A lot of beer consumed by that time. I believe Greg Perrin and I each finished off a six pack in that game.

I left before Carp's last game Saturday night but on Sunday morning the report I had from Al Read was that it was a 1-0 win in the bottom of the 6th with Tony MacDonald 'driving' in the winning run as Aaron Amo scored from 2nd (can't recall how Aaron ended up at 2nd). Okay, okay.....it was a check swing that apparently barely got between the 1st and 2nd basemen. Sorry Tony. Didn't mean to steal your thunder. But hey still an exciting walk off RBI to end the game. Not sure about WP and LP for that game.

Watched most of the Carp vs. Razzanos game on Sunday morning on Diamond 2. Neil Cooke pitching for Carp and didn't know who the guy was for Razzano's. Carp had chances but ran themselves out of the game on a couple of odd plays. In about the 3rd or 4th with Aaron Amo on 2nd, Kevin McGuire hit a hard shot that Aaron would have easily scored on. But Gooey scorched the ball so hard Aaron had no time to get out of the way and when it hit him he was out on a Runner Intereference call. Then a couple innings later with one out Carp had runners on 2nd (Terry Redden) and 1st (Eric Colvin). EC was on 1st via a 'generous' call but hey, sometimes you need a break and it looked as if Carp had the break it needed. With Aaron Amo at the plate and a 1-1 or 2-1 count...something like that, it appeared that Terry Redden tried a delayed steal of third and was tagged out. Then EC trying to keep a runner in scoring position broke for second and was also tagged out for the third out of the inning and the end of the rally. Lesson to all Canadian teams. Uhhhh....ummmmm....no matter how these American teams look in crappy t-shirts, bad socks and bad pants, they play great defense. All these kids have played baseball most of their lives and they can "d" it up. They also don't sit with a bat on their shoulder. But I digress. After six complete it was 0-0. Cookie was throwing a great game and a little lack of patience at the plate and some unbridled youthful enthusiasm had no runs up for Carp. Tournament rules allowed for one extra inning using the International Tie-breaker rule. Otherwise if still tied after 7 it would go in the standings as a tie. In the top of the 7th, Todd Storms started at 2nd for Carp with Tony Mac leading off. Tony flew out first pitch swinging and the Dan Konkle in to pinch hit, struck out and Shawn Simzer flew out to end the top of the 7th and now Carp had to play for the tie. Razzanos first bstter laid down a great bunt that was tough to field and to make the throw from just in front of the plate and catch at first. With runners now on the corners a bit of a slap hit ended up being a bleeder that landed in shallow right field and the runner from 3rd scored to end the game 1-0 for Razzanos.

Carp still had a chance to get through to the playoffs but needed Barrhaven to lose by six runs in its game against Donnacona. Barrhaven was up early 1-0. Paul Ceppi was throwing for Barrhaven. I don't think Frankie LeClair was throwing in this one since I recall him coming in to PH at one point and he drew a walk. Anyway Donnacona came back to win but it wasn't by more than six so Barrhaven advanced to the semis vs the Quebec Jrs.

Cepp started again for Barrhaven but when the score was I believe 5-0 after two Trevor Leahy came in in relief. I believe this ended as an 8-1 mercy after five for the Quebec Jrs. At this point I said my goodbyes and told the locals I would see them in 363 days. So I don't know what happened in the second semi between Knoxville PA/ON and Donnacona and subsequently which of those two teams would play the Quebec Jrs. in the finals. (Ed note: Donnacona beat the Quebec Jrs in the finals).

If you are a fastball fan or player get to this tournament! Soon! Its only a three hour and a bit drive from Ottawa. Next year is the 49th year of the tourney and I'm hoping they do something interesting, unique and fun for the 50th in 2012. You can drink anywhere you want in the park and bring your own. If you don't bring your own, pints are $2 at the beer booth. Cheeseburgers (mmmmm....Velveeta) are $3 and hot dogs are $1.50. And no Cookie....when they asked me what I wanted on my hamburger I did NOT say a hot dog.

20 Main is the place to go on Friday and Saturday night for a good post ballpark party for cheap drinks. Lots of great places to stay in Wilmington, Jay or Keesville. I was at the Holiday in Wilmington this year and it was $70 for a double room and included breakfast. Its supposed to be anything under $5.95 off the breakfast menu but they don't care. My brekkie would have been way more than $5.95 and when I went to pay the difference the server just said 'Don't worry all guest breakfasts are included. Okay Cookie....at that point I asked her if I could have two more of the same to go!

Always a great time in AuSable and as the locals say, "It never rains in Happy Valley."

Hope to make it out the next two years. I'll be 50 when the tourney turns 50.

Tourney results

Kars (listed as Easton) won the Peterborough tournament with an undefeated record.

Donnacona (with some players from the Quyon Flyers) won the AuSable Tournament.

Hill United won the Lackawanna, NY tourament. They beat the New York Bombers in the final, who lost early and came up the losers' side. Teams from New York, Pennsylvannia and Ohio in attendance, with lots of Ontario pitchers. Some good throwers in this tournament included Greg Garrity & Shaun Winship (Big John's host team), Mike Joseph (Hill United), Jeff van Hooser (Ashland), Barry van Hooser (Reese's local team) and Ryan Cummings.

In the Junior Elims, Owen Sound defeated Napanee in the finals to take the title. Local players from the GOFL were playing for teams in Napanee, Fingal, Smiths Falls and Brantford in this tournament. Top four teams get a berth in the Canadians, so Joran Graham and Napanee will have a spot. Fingal (Chad Hargrove, Cory Alkerton, Kristian Knapp, Joel Langford) finished fifth and just missed a berth.

Photo from the 3rd Annual Canada Day Classic in Kenmore

from TC

Carp sweeps doubleheader over North Gower, adds a new face to the line up - DEETS

info from Eric Rosenquist

Carp I4C Victory won both games of their double-header against North Gower on Thursday night in Carp, taking game 1 by a 7-1 score and following that with a 3-0 win in game 2.

The teams were scheduled to play a pair of games beginning at 7:30, but the skies opened up shortly after 7PM and dropped a lot of rain on the field over the next 45 minutes. Luckily the field was very dry and absorbed a lot of the rain that didn't run off, so once the skies cleared and the infield puddles were dealt with, the teams agreed to play two 5-inning games.

North Gower got off to a fast start when lead-off hitter Kevin Shonfield singled, stole second, and was driven in by #3 hitter Stephane Vinette's triple to left field. After that, Carp pitcher Neil Cooke settled in and only allowed one more North Gower player to reach base when Tyler Cox drew a walk in the second inning.

Carp put four runs on the scoreboard in their half of the second inning. Tim Power started off the inning with a solo home run to centre field. Shawn Simzer followed that with a single and was driven in two batters later by a Todd Storms single. Tony MacDonald then hit a double to give Carp runners on second and third with only one out.

North Gower elected to make a pitching change at that point, replacing starter Ryan Chatten with veteran lefty Gord Flannery. Carp DP Dan Konkle greeted Flannery with a single that scored Todd Storms and Neil Drummond, who had been inserted to pinch-run for Tony MacDonald at second. Flannery was able to get out of the inning without any further runs crossing the plate.

In the bottom of the third inning, Carp added two more runs when Tim Power hit a single, stole second, and scored on Brooks Paziuk's single. Carp added a single run in the fourth when Eric Colvin led off the inning with a single, took second on a passed ball, and scored on Aaron Amo's RBI single.

The top of the fourth inning saw Carp newcomer Frank Cox make his GOFL debut. Cox pitched the final two innings of the shortened game, striking out three North Gower batters.

Game number two began shortly before 10PM after a 15 minute break for the umpires to change gear. This game was a coin toss for home team; Carp won the toss so they took to the field and gave Frank Cox the ball. North Gower countered with lefty Shannon Borho. Cox had recently relocated to the Ottawa area from PEI and was interested in getting some regular work in league games. Victory pitchers Neil Cooke and Trevor Wood had maintained contact with Frank over the past couple of seasons ever since attending some of his pitching clinics, and they were more than happy to make room on the Victory roster for him given the recent shoulder injury to Carp pitcher Kyle Olson.

Cox worked two perfect innings, fanning four North Gower batters. Dan Konkle took over in the third and had one of his best outings of the season, allowing just a pair of singles by Eric Sanchez and Anil Hayne and striking out four.

Carp got on the board in the bottom of the first when leadoff hitter Aaron Amo drew a walk from Borho, then stole second and came home when the throw to second bounced into the outfield. They added a second run in the bottom of the second when Brooks Paziuk reached on an error and then scored when a Tony MacDonald single temporarily eluded the outfielder. Carp right fielder Neil Drummond then beat out an infield bunt and stole second, but Borho got out of the jam with a pair of strikeouts to end the inning.

The highlight of the night came in the bottom of the fourth when Neil Drummond hit a liner to centre field that was just a hair away from being a spectacular diving catch by the North Gower centre-fielder. With the ball scooting all the way to the fence, the speedy Drummond rounded the bases for an inside-the-park home run.

Quyon blanks Barrhaven 3-0

from Moe Laframboise

Quyon defeated Barrhaven in the GOFL play in the PQ on Thursday night by a score of 3-0.

Drew Hathway had the win and Paul Ceppi the loss.

Joe McCleary had two RBIs, including a solo bomb, while Nick Armitage also had a solo shot.

Random fastball info

- Gosh, it's been hot for ball. But as a left fielder, I guess I should shut up as our catcher wrings out a litre of sweat from his t-shirt and our pitcher nearly collapses from heat stroke.

- Good luck to the teams at tourneys this weekend. Kars is in Peterborough. Carp, Barrhaven and the Blitz are in AuSable Forks. (Unfortunately Quyon had to withdraw from the event). Several local young lads are at the OASA Junior Elims in Cobourg. BONUS: Fitzroy Fastball will also have an update on the Lackawanna, NY tournament this weekend.

- Gotta love the Fitzroy Town League. Last night good ol' Fitzroy Fastball had 6 at bats in a single game against a pitcher who is 62 years old. As well, our centrefielder took to the field on defense and lasted two pitches still wearing his batting helmet from his previous at bat. 34 degree heat and he didn't notice he was still wearing his bucket and wondering why every other person at the diamond, including the ump, was stifiling a chuckle. Good times.

Barrhaven and Stittsville tie at 8

Barrhaven Broadway Blues and Stittsville 56ers tied at 8 in GOFL play on Wednesday night at the Grove.

Barrhaven went out to a 7-2 lead but the 56ers came back to go up 8-7 before the Blues tied things up.

Darren Featherstone threw for Stittsville while Trevor Lahey started and Paul Ceppi finished for Barrhaven.

The "Johnny Leroux Community Centre"

City of Ottawa advertisement in the Stittsville News this week:

Commemorative Naming Proposal – “Johnny Leroux Community Centre”
In 2002, City Council created the Commemorative Naming Program as a means to formally recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence, courage or exceptional service to the citizens of Ottawa, the Province of Ontario, or Canada. This program provides the opportunity for the

contribution and dedication of these individuals to be honoured through the naming of municipal streets, parks and facilities.

Further to an application received under the Commemorative Naming Program, the City is considering a proposal to name what is commonly referred to as the Stittsville Arena the “Johnny Leroux Community Centre.” This Centre is located at 10 Warner Colpitts Lane just off of Stittsville Main Street.

John Leroux is an upstanding member of the Stittsville community and is particularly well-known for his dedication to sporting initiatives. John is a former Canadian Army Featherweight Boxing Champion and has won the Golden Glove competition in Montreal. He served his country in the

Korean War and is an integral member of the Stittsville Legion. John’s passion for sports led him to form a local boxing club, a recreational men’s fastball league, as well as the bantam girls’ softball team, the Stittsville Roadrunners. John is also the founder of the Stittsville Merchant Select

teams who have hosted numerous old-timer hockey tournaments and participated in national and international tournaments, including the Can-Am Tournament in Lake Placid. In addition to playing and coaching, John has been a stick boy, an umpire, an official time keeper, and a referee. He

has also maintained baseball diamonds in Stittsville for 15 years and has contributed to fundraising efforts by hand-crafting benches for the benefit of local sports teams.

John has many accomplishments under his belt, and his charitable spirit has touched the lives of so many people in the community. He has received several awards of appreciation from the sporting community, including the Stittsville Men’s 30 Plus Hockey League and the men’s and women’s recreational softball leagues, and was inducted to the Goulbourn Sports Wall of Fame in 1999.

He also received the Legionnaire of the Year Award in 2002 and the Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada for his contributions to his community. In recognition of John’s dedication and contributions over the years, the City has been asked to name the Stittsville Arena the “Johnny Leroux Community Centre.”

If you would like to provide comment on this proposal or require any further information, please contact:
Beverley Watt, Policy & Projects Co-ordinator
City Clerk & Solicitor Department
Ottawa City Hall
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1
Tel: 613-580-2424 ext. 21835
Fax: 613-580-2416
Email: namingottawa@ottawa.ca

Comments on this proposal must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 6, 2010.

Answering service

As per this blog entry, Fitzroy Junior is a bright kid, but he's only seven - and often mixes up messages.

Last night somebody called the Fastball Hotline and this is the message I got from Junior:

"Daddy, somebody called about ball. He wants you to call him. His name starts with a 'T' I think."

So, if your name starts with a 'T' and you called me last night or even if it doesn't start with a 'T' and I haven't called you back, give me another shout because I didn't exactly get all the info I need to return your call.

Kars 10-3 over North Gower

from Cory Morrison

Kars defeated North Gower 10-3 in GOFL play on Tuesday night in the Gower. The heat was on and the bugs were out as the Aces came back from a 3-2 deficit to defeat the Marlboroughs.

Cory Alkerton took the win in relief of Brad Porter, while Shannon Borho had the loss with relief from Ryan Chatten. Borho had a homer for the Marlies, while Chad Costello hit a bomb for the Aces.

Peterborough tournament schedule

July 9-10-11 Tournament in Peterborough

Div 1 – Cobourg – Cavanaugh's – Renegades – Bulletproof
Div 2 - Kars – Douro – Whitehouse – Cree Nation
Games One hour and a half – No new inning after
Tie is a tie – 10 runs after 3 7 runs after 5

Fri G1 6pm Douro vs Whitehouse
G2 7.30 Cobourg vs Cavanaughs
G3 9pm Renegades vs Bulletproof

Sat G4 8am Kars vs Cree Nation
G5 9.40 Cobourg vs Renegades
G6 11.20 Cree Nation vs Whitehouse
G7 1pm Kars vs Douro
G8 2.40 Bulletproof vs Cavanaugh's
G9 4.20 Douro vs Cree Nation
G10 6pm Cobourg vs Bulletproof
G11 7.40 Kars vs Whitehouse
G12 9pm Cavanaughs vs Renegades

Top 3 in each Division move on
Top 1 in each get a Bye

Sun G13 9am Div 1 #2 vs Div 2 #3
G14 11am Div 2 #2 vs Div 1 #3
G15 1pm Div 1 #1 vs WG14
G16 3pm Div 2 #1 vs WG13

Final G17 5pm WG15 vs WG16

Blitz defeat WC Electric 9-5

The Ottawa Blitz were 9-5 winners over West Carleton Electric in GOFL play on a hot and muggy Tuesday night.

Derick Bulley was the winner and Andy Barber the loser as both throwers laboured over complete games in the humid conditions.

Blitzos score two in the top of the first frame when Russ Mitchell reached on an error and scored on Derick Bulley's home run.

Mitchell's solo shot made it 3-0 after two and a half.

The 'Trics responded with a pair of runs in the third. Andy Barber hit an infield single, move to second on a wild pitch and scored on Beef Johnson's single. Johnson stole second and scored on Jeff Cavanagh's single.

Ottawa put across four runs in the fifth for a big lead, putting together six hits and a sac fly in the inning.

Two runs by Fitzroy in the bottom of the sixth made it a bit closer as Dave Bahm doubled and was cashed on Adam Brown's single. Shawn Ryan's triple scored Brown to make it 7-4 for the Blitzos.

Back to back doubles and a triple in the top of seven padded the Blitz lead to 9-4.

The Electric could only respond with one in the seventh as Mitch Taylor plated Johnson who had singled and advanced on a walk and a fielder's choice.

Fitzroy pitching
Andy Barber LOSS 7IP 9R 8ER 15H 1BB 1HBP 8K

Blitz pitching
Derick Bulley WIN 7IP 5R 5ER 9H 3BB 3K

Fitzroy hitting
Andy Barber 1-3, BB, R
Beef Johnson 2-4, RBI, SB, 2XR
Derek Barber 1-3, 3B, BB
Jeff Cavanagh 1-3, BB, RBI
Mitch Taylor 1-4, RBI
Dave Bahm 1-4, 2B
Adam Brown 1-3, RBI, SB
Shawn Ryan 1-3, 3B, RBI

Blitz hitting
Derick Bulley - 1/3, 2 run HR, 2R, BB
Tony Searle - 1/4, R, 2RBI
Andrew Bruce - 4/4, R, 2RBI
Marcel Mondoux - 4/4, 2R, SB, 2B
Russ Mitchel - 2/4, 3R, RBI
Darron Barr - 2/4
Jamie Blakely - 1/1, RBI, 3B

Micksburg Bantams have good showing at OASA Elims

from Jerry McIntyre

Based on their 2-2 performance at the OASA Eliminations this past weekend, the Micksburg Bantam Twins have qualified for the provincial "A" tournament in August in Kitchener.

Game 1: Micksburg 8 Emira 7
Game 2: Stratford 17 Micksburg 2
Game 3: Micksburg 2 Pickering 1
Game 4: Caledonia 12 Micksburg 9

The seeding for the Provincial A tournament is as follows:
Napanee
Kitchener
New Hamburg
Caledonia
Stratford
Cobourg
Micksburg
Owen Sound

A seventh seed in the province is a good showing for the young Twins, as they have all first year Bantams except for two players.

Junior Elims this weekend

The Junior Elimination tournament will be held July 9-11 in Cobourg to determine Ontario representatives at the Nationals.

There are 15 teams this year, including the Smiths Falls Juniors. As well, several local players will be participating on other teams such as Fingal and Brantford.

GOFL Week 10 - updated a second time

Some changes to the GOFL schedule for Week 10 for various reasons. Here is (as of now) for the tenth week of the GOFL season - team reps, if you see any mistakes or omissions please advise.

Tuesday night in Fitzroy Harbour the Ottawa Blitz will face West Carleton Electric at 8:30pm (#59). As well, the game between Kars and North Gower is apparently back on for Tuesday at the North Gower diamond at 8pm (#66).

Wednesday night in Stittsville will see the Barrhaven Broadway Blues face the Stittsville 56ers at 8:30 (#61).

On Thursday, Barrhaven travels to Quyon to face the Flyers at 7:00pm (#20) and North Gower Marlboroughs will face I4C Victory in Carp at 7:30pm and 9:30pm (#64 and #83).

This weekend will also be busy for many GOFL teams and players as the Au Sable Tournament features four GOFL teams (Quyon, Barrhaven, Blitz and Carp), the Peterborough Tournament has Kars attending, and the Junior Eliminations will see several young GOFLers in Cobourg.

Quyon wins 7-3 at Harbour Days - THE DEETS

The Quyon COMBAT Flyers won 7-3 in front of a good crowd at the Harbour Days game in Fitzroy Harbour on Friday night. Lots of fans in the stands and beer garden cheering both sides on in this one.

Joran Graham had the win with Drew Hathway picking up the save. Andy Barber went the distance for WC Electric.

Barber at first appeared to be a bit nervous throwing in front of a couple hundred fans and Quyon jumped to a quick 4-0 lead in the top of one. Joel Langford led off with a double for the Flyers, was moved to third on Shawn Laframboise's sac bunt and scored on Nick Armitage's double. After a walk to Graham, Hathway launched a three run shot for a big lead. Barber induced two ground outs to end the first half inning of the game.

Fitzroy responded in the bottom as Andy Barber walked to lead off, moved to second on a wild pitch, moved to third on a ground out and scored on a wild pitch.

Despite the tough start, Barber settled in and started throwing well. The hard hitting Flyers managed only two hits in the next four innnings and Barber also threw out of a base loaded jam in the fifth caused by two errors and a walk.

The Electric scored a single run in the fourth on a Michael Cavanagh solo homerun - this in Cavanagh's second at bat after an almost two-year absence from fastball.

The home team added another run in the fifth to pull within a run. Andy Barber singled to lead off and scored on Beef Johnson's RBI double.

Quyon pushed their lead to two when Joel Langford hit a solo bomb in the top of the sixth.

Fitzroy had a big chance in the sixth but failed to score. With one out, Graham walked Mitch Taylor, hit Mike Cavanagh with a pitch and walked Jeff Barber to load the bases. At this point Flyers' manager Kenny Fleck made a switch and moved Graham to first base and brought Hathway in from the one bag to throw. Hathway got out of the jam with two strikeouts.

The game was briefly delayed in the sixth when a beligerent fan taunting the Flyers almost touched off an altercation. Cooler heads prevailed and nothing happened but the spectator (who was not a Fitzroy resident) narrowly avoided a beating.

The Flyers put across some insurance runs in the seventh. Graham walked to lead off and later scored on Matt Greer's fly ball to the outfield which was misplayed. With Greer on third after the error, Joe McCleary's ground out scored him.

Hathway shut things down in the bottom of seven, allowing only a walk and earning the save.

Fitzroy pitching
Andy Barber LOSS 7IP 7R 5ER 6H 4BB 4K

Quyon pitching
Joran Graham WIN 5.1IP 3R 3ER 4H 5BB 1HBP
Drew Hathway SAVE 1.2IP 0R 0H 1BB 3K

Fitzroy batting
Andy Barber 1-2, 2xBB, 2xR
Steve Johnson 1-4, 2B, RBI
Neil Murphy 1-4
Mike Cavanagh 1-1, Solo HR, BB, HBP

Quyon hitting
Joel Langford 2-4, 2B, Solo HR, 2xR, SB
Nick Armitage 1-4, 2B, RBI, R
Joran Graham 1-2, 2XBB, 2xR
Drew Hathway 1-4, HR, 3RBI
Luke Young 1-3, SB

North Gower and Carp tie in Canada Day Classic

At the third annual Canada Day game in Kenmore, Carp I4C Victory and North Gower Marlboroughs tied 4-4.

The Marlies scored 3 in the bottom of the seventh to earn the tie. Neil Cooke went 7 for Carp. Gord Flannery and Ryan Chatten split the game for North Gower.

Stittsville 56ers 4 Ottawa Blitz 1 - details

If it's Wednesday, it must be raining.....but the GOFL games got in.

Passenger window report from Dan Jessiman

Stittsville 56ers defeated Ottawa Blitz 4-1 in GOFL action in Manotick on Wednesday night. Darren Featherstone had the win while Derick Bulley took the loss.

from John Craig

The 56ers were Manotick last night against the Ottawa Blitz and while they were happy to pick up the 2 points it was a tough night for Tyler Nystedt.

Pick it up in the top of the first when John Craig reached first on a walk just in time to be part of Dan Jessiman's 2 run blast giving the 56ers a 2-0 lead, his 3rd of the season. Darren Feather-Stalone then singled and Kyle Jamieson (KJ) picked up a walk setting the table for Nystedt. A patient Nystedt looking for his pitch got to a full count only to be rung up on a pitch that crossed the plate somewhere around his shoe laces, at which point he shared some advice with the umpire.

With runners still at 1st and 2nd one aging Jamieson lumbered around the bases making it all the way from first to third on a Scott Jessiman double before stopping for oxygen. Derek Bulley then settled in - 3 was all the 56ers could manage in the first.

Russ Mitchell lead things off for the Blitz with a line drive single but was thrown out at second on the next play when Andrew Bruce tried to bunt him over. Bruce reached first on the play and that would be it for base runners for the Blitz in the first.

The 56ers couldn't get much going through the next 3 innnings and the Blitz picked up 1 in the second on singles from Tony Searle and Jamie Blakely.

In the top of the 5th KJ belted his third homerun of the season, a solo shot to left field putting th 56ers up 4-1. That brought a disgruntled Nystedt back to the plate for his third appearance. Tyler then pounded a ground ball off his own foot which changed direction and ended up in Will Martin's glove at first base. Nystedt was still hobbling around the box when he was called out at first, and just couldn't believe it. He argued to no avail the ball hit his foot and was mostly upset that his honest reputation was being called into question asking the umpire if he was calling him a liar. Craig scrambled onto the field to rescue Tyler as the they only had 9 players and after the umpires refused to discuss the play, the call stood. One can only imagine the top of the 6th and 7th were quiet innings behind the plate.

Other game highlights include a diving catch by Ottawa Blitz left fielder Derek Bergeron, and a crafty over the shoulder basket catch by 56ers Scott Herriot in shallow left which he then flipped back to second for a double play. Kyle Jamieson also grabbed a shallow bunt that he flipped back to first in one of four 56ers double plays.

That pretty well wrapped it up as the 56ers pick up a 4-1 victory where Featherstone had the win, and a loss to Bulley.

Kars Aces defeat WC Electric 14-6

Kars Aces beat West Carleton Electric 14-6 at the Grove on Wednesday.

Brad Porter had the win with relief from Corey Costello. Steve Cavanagh took the loss with relief from Andy Barber.

Fitzroy scored in the first when Andy Barber led off with a bunt single, moved to second on a Beef Johnson sac bunt, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a dropped third strike.

Kars responded with five in the bottom of the frame. Brad Pender drove in Kristian Knapp for the first run. A bases loaded triple by Matt Alkerton cashed three more, then Cory Alkerton drove in his brother to make it 5-1.

A big fourth inning from WC Electric put them in the lead. A bases loaded walk by Andy Barber scored his brother Jeff. Then Johnson's triple to right tied the game at 5. Derek Barber's single drove in Johnson to put the 'Trics up 6-5.

The lead was short-lived however as Kars sent fifteen men to the plate and put up a nine-run fourth to seal the victory. The Aces had four homers in the inning off the bats of Curtis Summers, Chad Costello, Scott Marion and Cory Alkerton. Corey Costello also had a two RBI single.

Corey Costello came in the top of the fifth on the slab to close and end the game by the mercy rule.

Kars Pitching
Brad Porter WIN 4IP 6R 5ER 5H 3BB 10K
Corey Costello 1IP 0R 0H 1BB 1K

Fitzroy Pitching
Steve Cavanagh LOSS 3IP 10R 9ER 11H 1BB 4K
Andy Barber 1IP 5R 5ER 6H 1BB 1K

Kars Hitting
Kristian Knapp 1-3, 2R, 2xSB, BB
Brad Pender 2-3, R, SB, RBI, 2B
Corey Costello 1-3, 2RBI, R
Chad Milne 2-4, 2R
Curtis Summers 2-3, 2R, HR, 3RBI
Chad Costello 1-2, BB, HR, RBI
Matt Alkerton 1-3, 3B, 3RBI
Cory Alkerton 3-3, 2R, HR, 2RBI
Scott Marion 2-3, HR, R, 2RBI

Fitzroy Hitting
Andy Barber 1-3, BB, 2R, RBI
Beef Johnson 1-2, SAC, 3B, 3RBI
Derek Barber 1-2, BB, RBI
Jeff Barber 0-1, 2xBB, R
Troy Wilson 2-3, R