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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Monday, September 30, 2013

GeeGees win six straight on the weekend

from Andrea Nelson

The GeeGees started off their six-game road trip this past weekend in Kingston, where they played two evening games against Queen's and new head coach and former GeeGee Jill Taylor. Jean Cardona was the starting pitcher for the GeeGees and came out as her usual strong self, keeping the Queen's hitters relatively under control while the GeeGees offence helped her out by scoring 4 runs.  And then in the 5th inning things got interesting.  The Gaels had a runner on first, and after retiring what the GeeGees thought was the third out of the inning, both teams left the field, after which someone clarified there were only two outs.  Through a controversial call by the umpire, the Queen's runner was allowed to resume her position on first base, and the very next batter hit a line drive into the gap in right-centre field.  This was the beginning of a two-run inning for the Gaels, adding to a run they had scored earlier in the game. The game was now 4-3 and going into the seventh the GeeGees knew they just had to hold the Gaels and they would get the win.  The GeeGees were able to hold them and ended the Gaels chances with a game-ending line drive double play.  The GeeGees took the win 4-3 over Queen's in their first of two games. 

      In the second of two games, the GeeGees came out on a high from their final play from the first game, and were more than ready to take the second game from the Gaels. Baylie Gigolyk started the game off for the GeeGees, being incredibly effective, getting ground ball after ground ball out, and not giving Queen's much of a chance to generate any offence whatsoever.  The GeeGees bats were not as lively as usual, though they still managed to score four runs to gain Baylie some insurance as she continued to retire the Gaels, until they managed to move their runners around for one run in the seven innings. This did not phase Gigolyk however as she finished the game strong, with the help of the stellar defence of the GeeGees. Ottawa took the second game against Queen's 4-1. 

      The second day of their weekend was a beautiful day for baseball. With the temperature feeling like summertime, the GeeGees were feeling loose and ready to play.  For the past couple of weekends, four seemed to be the magic number for the GeeGees, only scoring four runs in the majority of their games.  It has been enough to win, yes, but for a team of strong hitters, four runs does not satisfy the GeeGees.  So starting on Saturday their hitting muscles started to wake up and they were able to get the mercy at 8-0 after five innings.  The 8-0 win consisted of solid hitting through the line up, with a notable 2-run homerun for Taylor Rogalsky, her second of the year. Jean Cardona was dominant as always against the Brock hitters, recording her seventh win of the year for a flawless record.

      The Brock hitters came out more aggressive in the second game against Baylie Gigolyk, putting more pressure on the GeeGees defence to perform.  Early in the game the GeeGees defence was tested, when the Badgers had the bases loaded with one out.  Ottawa was able to make the plays and get out of the inning, keeping the Badgers at bay at least for another inning.  In the third and fourth innings the pressure was on again, as some missed opportunities for outs allowed the bases to be loaded again for the Badgers.  This time with the infield in for Ottawa, they were able to squeeze a ball up the middle for a run.  Luckily, that was all the damage that was done, as the GeeGees settled down, found their rhythm for the later innings and kept the Badgers to one run for the game.  Gigolyk's curve ball was also working well, as she was able to limit Brock to ground balls only from that inning on. On offence, the GeeGees once again showed their ability to generate runs, using power hitting as well as their short game go score five against the Brock defence.  In the end, Ottawa took the second game against the Badgers 5-1. 

      Sunday was another beautiful day for ball, and as always the GeeGees showed up determined to finish with a 6-0 record for the weekend.  Sunday was really the day where the GeeGees showed their versatility and consistency; where defensive switch-ups did not phase them, the defence not missing a beat in either game, and getting key hits, extra base hits and multiple RBIs from absolutely anywhere in the batting order.  In the first of two against McMaster, Jean Cardona absolutely dominated their hitters, going three up-three down until the fifth when a Mac hitter took her out to left field for a base-hit.  This was the third time in the last two weekends that Cardona has narrowly missed a perfect game, though I am sure she has no problem with a one-hit shut out either.  The GeeGees also demonstrated their improvements in their short game this year as well, using bunts as a way to generate baserunners and take advantage of the Mac defence. Everything was working for the GeeGees in this game, and they took the win with a 9-0 score after five innings of play, to continue Jean Cardona's flawless record.
     
      Baylie Gigolyk's final game of the weekend was also an exciting one for the GeeGees as her constant ability to get ground ball outs kept the Mac hitters under control for the majority of the game, only scoring two runs off some well hit balls to the outfield.  While Gigolyk kept things under control on the field, Ottawa's hitters took their time at the plate and delivered some solid hitting, running up the score to 13 runs to Mac's 2, once again cutting the game short against Mac at five innings.  Centre-fielder Jacqui Timperio went five for seven on the day with three RBIs, as well as infielder Andrea Nelson going four for four on the day with four RBIs, this only being a glimpse of the strength of the GeeGees offence.  On the field, Gigolyk had some help from infielder Brye Corkum, who made a pair of impressive diving plays at second base, to stop two sure base hits and recorded the outs at first on both occasions.  Timperio, Elissa Sivel and Michelle Miller dominated the outfield with their exceptional range and strong throws that helped to keep the Mac hitters quiet on Sunday. 
     

      It was an exceptional weekend for the GeeGees, completing a 6-0 weekend and showing that they are ready for anything.  They look forward to meeting Carleton, Guelph and the University of Toronto next weekend for what they hope will be another 6-0 record. 

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Fall Ball Tournament

The schedule for the Fall Ball tournament in Blackburn this weekend is now available.

2013 Fall Ball Classic

   

POOL A                      
Naylor                                               
Trend-Arlington                                   
T-Mac                                               

POOL B
Cavanaugh
Chisisabi Jays
Mondoux

G1) FRI. 7pm- Naylor vs Trend-Arlington

G2) FRI. 845pm-     Mondoux vs Cavanaugh

G3) SAT. 9am- T-Mac vs Naylor

G4) SAT. 1045am-  Jays vs Mondoux

G5) SAT. 1230pm-  Trend-Arlington vs T-Mac

G6) SAT. 215pm-    Cavanaugh vs Jays
        
G7) SAT. 4pm-       #2 Pool A vs #3 Pool B (crossover)

G8) SAT. 545pm-    #2 Pool B vs #3 Pool A (crossover)

G9) SAT. 8pm-       #1 Pool A vs #1 Pool B

G10) SUN. 10am-     Winner G7 vs Winner G8
   
G11) SUN. 12pm-     Winner G10 vs Loser of G9


G12) SUN. 2pm-      Winner G9 vs Winner of G11

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Saturday, September 28, 2013

Fall Ball in Blackburn

2013 Fall Ball Classic
This years Fall Ball tournament will be held Oct.4-6 with all games being played at the Blackburn Arena Park. The deadline for teams entering will be this Sunday (Sept.29) at midnight. If you are interested in putting a team in please contact Ryan Naylor or Derek Martin ASAP.
The entry fee is only $200/team

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Durablilt Construction wins Trend Arlington Men's Fastball League title

from Ivan Taylor

The Trend Arlington Men's Fastball League completed their season last night.  Durabuilt Construction won the best of five finals 3 games to none against That's How We Roll.  All three games were very close. 

In the first game, Durabuilt won 2-1 in eight innings.  In the second game, Durabuilt won 3-2 in eight innings.  In the final game, Durabuilt was down 6-4 going into the bottom on the seventh.  After a bunt single and a triple brought the game to 6-5.  Chris McFarlane hit a walk off two run homerun to win the game 7-6.

Fred Stoneypoint pitched and won all three of the games in the finals for Durabuilt.  Rene Roncali and Elton Cryderman shared the pitching duties throughout the playoffs for That's How We Roll and both pitching well in a losing cause.

Durabuilt Construction had advanced to the finals by defeating Vipond Fire Protection 2 game to none in the best of three semi-finals.  That's How We Roll advanced by defeating Hilti Construction 2 games to 1 in their semi-finals.

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Three titles for Stittsville Minor Softball Association select teams this season

hat tip to Craig Pavia

Stittsville Minor Softball Association had some great success this year with their "select" program, winning three provincial titles.

As mentioned in an early post, the Squirt Girls (U12) were provincial champions.

Other Stittsville teams that won gold at the Select provincials are the Bantam Girls (U16) and Midget Boys (U18). The boys team played games against Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League teams and the Stittsville 56ers of the GOFL in preparation for the provincial tourney in Unionville.

Read the articles online here and here.


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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

GeeGees post 3-1 record last weekend

from Andrea Nelson

Due to the constant rain on Friday night and Saturday, the GeeGees were left with a long day on Sunday September 22, playing two games against University of Waterloo followed by two games against Wilfrid Laurier University.  

Results:
Ottawa 2 Waterloo 0
Ottawa 4 Waterloo 2

Laurier 2 Ottawa 2
Ottawa 3 Laurier 0

Jean Cardona started off pitching the first game early in the morning and kept the Waterloo hitters at bay for the majority of the game, until a couple of base-runners later in the game ruined a perfect game in the making! Luckily however, the Waterloo offence left those runners on and Cardona was able to claim the shut out. After being shut-out in the first game, the Waterloo offence was hungry for some runs in the second of the day, and they were able to string together some hits for two runs.  However, GeeGees pitcher Baylie Gigolyk was able to hold them to weak ground balls, while the GeeGees offence took over.  They themselves were able to get some key hits that led to four runs, in the end being enough to take the game over Waterloo. 


After going 2-0 against Waterloo, the GeeGees began their double header against Laurier.  After coming off a strong game against Waterloo, Baylie Gigolyk started off the first game against Laurier, though unfortunately the Laurier hitters were feeling strong as well, scoring three runs in the first inning. Both sides stayed quiet until the bottom of the fifth inning when the GeeGees went on a run for a comeback, scoring two runs, however it ended their and they dropped the first game against Laurier. Jean Cardona came out to finish the day against Laurier and again pitched an almost perfect game, until the supposed last out of the game turned into a walk. However Cardona quickly retired the next batter for another shut-out game. The GeeGees as a whole played a strong last game, with an impressive diving catch from short-stop Bryenne Corkum, a solid homerun from catcher Grace Lonergan, followed by a triple by first-baseman Taylor Rogalsky, and all-around solid defence. The GeeGees look forward to facing Queens, Brock and McMaster next weekend after coming off another strong 3-1 weekend at home!  

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Monday, September 23, 2013

Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League finals set

from TMac

GCMFL Finals start this coming week on Wednesday at 7 pm with Mattamy Homes vs East Side Mario's.

Semis results:
East Side Mario's beat Laurysen Kitchen 9-3, taking the series 2-0.

Mattamy Homes defeated Don Cherry's 5-4 to take series 2-0.

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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Ottawa 13s Masters team to be featured on CTV Ottawa news WITH VIDEO

from Eric Rosenquist

Several of the Ottawa 13s master teams that won gold at the World Masters Games in Torino will be on the local CTV Ottawa news this Friday night. Carolyn Waldo is interviewing players about their experience over in Italy. It should be on sometime around 6:25 on Friday evening.

Video here.

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Friday, September 20, 2013

Condolences to the Hanlon family

Condolences to my friend and former teammate Bud Hanlon and his family on the death of his mother Vetta.

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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League playoff update

from T-Mac

Round 2 starts tonight in the GCMFL after Don Cherry's defeated Taggarts welding 2 games to 1 last week in what was the last series of the 1st round. 

Tonight's action showcases the top 4 seeds battling it out in the Semis. 

Don Cherry's vs Mattamy Homes at 6:30 pm at AY Jackson diamond and Laurysen Kitchens vs. East Mario's at 8:30 pm at AY Jackson. 

Game 2s are scheduled for Wedneday Sept 18 at AY Jackson with Don Cherry's vs Mattamy Homes at 6:30 pm and Laurysen Kitchens vs East side Mario's at 8:30 pm.

UPDATE:

Game 1 Monday Sept 16 Mattamy Homes defeated Don Cherrys 10 - 5.
East Side Mario's defeated Laurysen Kitchens 4-0.
Game 2
Wednesday Sept 18 6:30 DC (H) vs Mattamy (V) Wednesday Sept 18 8:30 Laurysen (H) vs ESM (V)
Game 3
Monday Sept 23 6:30/8:30 pm (if necessary)

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North Fred Kings win 3rd consecutive LFL title

info from Jeff Hannah

The Finals of the Loughborough Fastball League, a men's fastball league in the Kingston area, ended last Wednesday.  North Fred Kings beat Sunbury in the Finals 3 games to 0.

North Fred, who were also OASA Men's B Champions this season, swept Enterprise 3-0 in their semi-final. Sunbury beat Sydenham 3 games to 2 in a back an forth series with the winning run coming in the top of the 7th in game 5.

Congrats to North Fred on their 3rd consecutive LFL Championship.

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Monday, September 16, 2013

GeeGees Women's Fastball results: beat Windsor, split with Western

Andrea Nelson
Media - uOttawa Women's Fastball Team

The season started strong for the GeeGees as they defeated the uWindsor Lancers in both games Saturday; 6-3 and 9-0. In the first of two games, the Lancers came out with strong hits and were able to manufacture some runs, but unfortunately could not keep up with the bats of the GeeGees and in the end lost 6-3.  In the second game of the day, starting pitcher Jean Cardona was dominant and with the help of her defence, completed 6 shut out innings, as the game was called in the 6th on a mercy.


Sunday started off well for the GeeGees once again as their bats started early against the Western Mustangs with a 2-run homerun in the 1st by Taylor Rogalsky.  Some key hits and base-running allowed the GeeGees to get a couple more insurance runs as the game played out. The Mustangs scored once later in the game to attempt a comeback, but in the end were no match for the pitching of Jean Cardona and the GeeGees took the game 4-1. This was of course a large accomplishment in the OIWFA and a big win for the GeeGees as no other team had defeated the Western Mustangs in 100+ games.  In the final game of the day Baylie Gigolyk started for the Gee-Gees and pitched five strong innings, but the bats of the Mustangs came alive in this second game and unfortunately found all of the holes they needed to take the game from the GeeGees. Despite this loss against Western, the GeeGees started with an exceptionally strong 3-1 weekend and can only hope to build from this as the rest of the season unfolds!   

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Memories of Elkland 2013

Every year after the Elkland Durk Sherman Classic on Labour Day weekend, I put up a post about the weekend. It's traditionally one of the most popular blog articles - even if it does take a while to put my thoughts together. For previous memories of Elkland, check out this and the list at the bottom. Enjoy!

Have you ever looked forward to something so much that there was no way it could possibly live up to the expectations, and you ended up somewhat disappointed? Did you ever build up an event to a friend based on past experience, and then after you brought them along, that particular year wasn't that good?

Well, that didn't happen in Elkland, PA on Labour Day weekend in 2013.

Despite some dicey weather, once again the Durk Sherman Classic delivered great fastball, great fun and a chance to enjoy it all with great friends. It is quite simply the best way to spend a long weekend for anyone that loves fastpitch softball in a top notch venue.

Here are some of the memories I have retained from the weekend.

One disappointment:
There was only one disappointment in the weekend. After six straight years, West Carleton Electric's "bat boy" Jessie was nowhere to be seen. Every year faithfully on the Friday, he met us at the park and spent the weekend with us, updating us on all that he had done in the last year. We were a bit worried that maybe Jessie was in jail. Or in the army. Or maybe in US Army jail. Nothing has stopped him from attending before so we figure he must have been detained somehow. If anyone has any info on the whereabouts of Jessie Smith originally of Elkland, PA let us know and tell him that WC Electric says "hi"!

The results:
This year's event had 16 teams entered (including one that dropped out last minute). There were four eastern Ontario teams: West Carleton Electric, Carp I4C Victory, Greenbush Generals and Kanata Storm, made up of players from five different GOFL teams and guys from the Glen.

Safari Nordic (essentially the defending champs from TNT South Lebanon) were the top team in the event going undefeated, lead by USA national team player and tourney Most Valuable Pitcher Josh Johnson (who played for Elkland in the Carp tournament) and Most Valuable Player Jerlin Rutt who was the USA Junior Men's Softball player of the year 2012.

Perennial powerhouse Shaggy Dog finished second, losing twice to Safari. Blue Lake Power (PA Power minus a few guys) finished third, and the host team the Elkland Thunderbellys finished fourth.

A great summary of the results is posted on Al's Fastball.

The pitchers:
Once again, there was no shortage of top quality pitching at the event. Rob Schweyer, Gerald Muizelaar (Shaggy) Doug Hoffman (Power), Gregg Garrity (CPI) and Kyle Crawford (Elkland) were all in attendance, as were plenty of other good pitchers.

As for the eastern Ontario teams, West Carleton had Andy & Jeff Barber, as well as Ty Sebastian from U21 Team Ontario. Greenbush had Brian Belisle and Tom Berube. The Storm had Darren Featherstone and Ray Shanoush - who according to Google Map drove 1,640 km (1,019 miles) from Eastmain in northern Quebec. Brad Porter from the Kars Aces was throwing for the local Elkland team.

I4C had Neil Cooke, and Bryan Brooks until he got hurt. Down a pitcher, it was suggested that I4C could pick up "The Lip" - however, the did not exercise the option and the Lip stayed working as a volunteer announcer.

Interesting finish:
As often happens, two local teams had to play each other at the tournament. This year, it was Carp I4C Victory that played Kanata Storm, with the Storm coming away with a win in 9 innings. There were lots of other interesting parts to this game (costly errors, hit batsmen, key hits, good defensive plays) but the most bizarre was the finish. With Carp up by a run going into the bottom of the ninth, Kanata bunted over the runner that started on second via the international rule. Chad Milne then ripped a single, scoring the tying run. But apparently there was some confusion and the outfielder thought it was the winning run, allowing the ball to go to the wall, and realizing too late to get Milne who raced home to win the game.

The win by Kanata actually got them the ISC Canada East berth to the Worlds in Kitchener in 2014 as the highest finishing Canadian team.

The softballs:
The ESA moved to Dream Seam softballs instead of the KMaster 120s they had been using in the past and that we use in the GOFL. The pitchers seemed to like them and they also seemed to last longer. There was also a reduction in the number of homeruns, which may be attributable to the model of softball. However, there were still some large homers. Once hit by a player from Safari (I think it was Tyler Kelly from Michigan, but feel free to send a correction if necessary) was paced out at an incredible 375 feet.

The Elkland Softball Association Complex - and the weather:
All the usual great features of the ESA facility were once again available. Excellent volunteers, well stocked and reasonably priced beer tent and concessions, tasty chicken pit serving 800+ dinners, and top notch announcing by the one and only Ugo Barbano on the main diamond.

As well, the field themselves were in top shape for the weekend, in great condition. What was unusual was the amount of work that went into making them playable after the rain delay on Saturday. Regular attendees to this weekend in Elkland will know you essentially have to pack for all possible weather. It can be hot and sunny by day and cool and frosty at night. And it often rains. But I am not sure I have ever seen it rain as hard as it did on Saturday night. It poured just as the Elkland boys were getting off the field from their game against I4C Victory and they didn't have time to get the tarps out to cover Field 1.

It rained so hard that main infield was under water. We are not talking about a few puddles - they were completely under water with a few inches of rain. Any other tournament I am sure would have thrown in the towel and called off the tournament.

However, the ESA boys put an unbelievable amount of time and effort into making sure the event could continue, working long into the night to ensure the water was taken off and essentially rebuilding the infield until about two in the morning to make it possible to play. These are the same guys that still had to play in the tournament after doing all this work.  As some players were coming home from the Moose Lodge fully refreshed after a night of revelry, the ESA guys were still working on the fields.

If you would have been at the diamond on Saturday night and saw the field you would have said "There is no way we are playing softball tomorrow". If you hadn't been in the area and just showed up on Sunday morning and saw the field you would have said "Did they not get that rain here?!"


Check out the videos from Moe Laframboise for some of the work done to get the fields ready, which include the unique hose dragging technique to drag off the surface water. This took a while but was really effective:


As well, they brought out the John Deere machinery to strip off the mud and add new dirt.:

Video here.

Weather related activity:
While the weather took its toll on the field and the guys that had to do all the work to get it into playing shape, some people did take the opportunity to enjoy themselves.

These people included (thanks to T-Mac for the videos):
- Some local portly kids that decided to use the puddles in front of the Chicken Pit as an impromptu Slip 'n' Slide. Video evidence here.

- A certain ball player from the Kanata Storm with the initials AA who did his best imitation of the Bull Durham base-sliding-in-the-rain scene. Video evidence here.

- The kids who spend the entire day on Sunday playing in the pile of accumulated pile of mud just to the east of right field in Field 1.

- The members of West Carleton Electric who decided a fun way of coping with the delay was in order. As you can see from the videos above, it rained very hard. This hard rain made the campground part of the ESA complex very wet and slippery. Bad weather + time on their hands + beer = a new idea for an extreme sport: "campground body surfing".  First, take a large garbage bag and wear it like a body suit. Next, get a spare extension cord and tie one end around the trailer hitch of a pickup truck. It would logically follow that the person wearing the garbage bag would lie on the ground and grab onto the trailing end of the extension cord and proceed to do hot laps on their belly at anywhere from 10 to 20 mph around the campsite, as observers from other teams both horrified and amused take videos with their smartphones. While there is video evidence in existence for this, I am reluctant to post it as its probably something that the participants would not want their employers current or future to see as it doesn't really demonstrate the best judgement!

The campground got so muddy that one of the Carp players staying onsite got bogged down with his large camper. He was still there when I left Monday and for all I know the camper and truck are still there!

Return of the Gorilla:
This year marked the return of Bud Hanlon to the venue. Bud has been in his home province of Newfoundland for the last two years and has missed the Elkland trip. He made a special return to the Labour Day event. While he is no longer playing ball due to his work schedule, he was certainly known by many locals in Elkland who remember the big man for some of his best pitching at the tournament and of course his presence at the Moose.

The Moose:
One again the local Moose Lodge was a popular place for ballplayers to congregate during the evening. While it may not have been as busy as some years, it was just still packed with guys enjoying the camaraderie and cheap drinks. (I still find it hard to believe I can buy a round for five guys for $10.)

There were lots of stories, rumours, discussion of the past season and talk about next year.

A night at the Moose is always best finished with the breakfast provided by the ladies of the Moose Lodge. As described in previous "Memories" it is a tasty US American breakfast served from midnight until they run out. 

One of the WC 'fans' in attendance asked the ladies on Saturday night what they had on offer for the meal. A very pleasant and patient Moose Lady said they had bacon, eggs, toast, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage - pretty much everything you would want. So with a smile he asked for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He was told that was unavailable and a few laughs were shared all around. Fast forward to Sunday night, the same crew goes for the breakfast at a late hour. The Moose Ladies see the clown from the night before - and say "wait a minute". They come back with a Ziploc baggie with a PB&J sandwich they had made especially for him! Now that is customer service.

However, he may have been pushing his luck after breakfast - when he decided to take a ride on the handicap "stair chair lift" that was available for Moose patrons unable to use the stairs. I don't think the Moose Ladies like that idea.

Base Camp:
Some ball players stay at motels in nearby towns, but many camp for free at the campground generous provided by the ESA guys. With the free power and water and easy access to the ball fields and the Moose, it's a great place to stay, as long as you don't mind a bit of noise at night and/or bring ear plugs. Our team had four campers that we parked into a square that was affectionately called base camp.

Base camp is a place where great ideas turn into action. In the years past, many ideas / antics to pass the time have been cooked up, generally aided and abetted by a few adult refreshments. This year's base camp activities included the body surfing described above, beer pong and entertaining large groups of locals after the Moose. But most definitely the most entertaining activity was the beer can wrestling match.

After a two days of drinking beer, a large quantity of empty beer cans were on hand, and properly stored in two large clear garbage bags. The bags put together were large enough to resemble a mat. After a few challenges / discussions a wrestling match ensued between two of the smaller in stature members of the WC team. These guys may be small, but they are strong - so the body slams, DDTs, suplexes, arm bars and other assorted wrestling moves were quite entertaining, with each move ending with one of the participants being driven crashing into the mat made of beer cans. The best move definitely had to be when one guy got on top of the card table and gave the other a flying elbow, with both crashing into the beer can mat. Quite incredible that no one was injured and it was highly entertaining.

A sign of a good night at base camp is when you awake with sore guts, and you realize that your "injury" has occurred from laughing so hard the night before.

We tried to leave the base camp in decent shape. All that was left was a bunch of broken lawn chairs, the aforementioned large size bags of beer cans - and for some reason, a pair of size 7 women's figure skates. In the haze of memories from three nights there, I still have no idea where they came from.


The conclusion:
Despite the rain, it was an excellent event, with an outstanding venue, great softball and a superior bunch of guys that run the show.

I always make sure to go around and say goodbye to the Elkland boys that made the weekend possible. All top-notch "lads" with which I have become friends. Leaving the place makes me sad....but I do have something to look forward to - the 62nd edition of the Durk Sherman Classic in 2014. As I have said many times on this blog, if you haven't been, make plans to go. It is really worth the trip.

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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Caveman enjoys the Final Weekend tournament

Note: Memories of Elkland is coming soon - almost finished it!

Thanks to all players and fans that supported the Final Weekend tournament in Fitzroy Harbour. We had excellent crowds especially on the Friday night and great support from our local 'Trics fans as well as the large contingent from Micksburg.

The Caveman really enjoyed the event too.

Friday morning he was pumped and ready to go for his big gig singing the anthem. He sprung out of bed, and whipped off his PJs to brush his teeth in the nude, as he does every morning (charming habit). Then, without getting dressed, he did a practice version of O Canada, and asked how it was. When told he sounded ready to go, he asked if was possible to do it that night naked too!

Then Friday night he actually went through with it, and sang the National Anthem in front of the 200+ crowd in attendance. He was decked out in a WC ball cap and t-shirt when he arrived. However, before he took centre stage his ball cap was missing. I asked him where his WC ball cap was and with an exasperated look he said: "Uh, Daddy, you can't wear a hat when you hear the anthem." Tough to argue with that.

You may have wondered what all the pointing was about at the end of the anthem. That was the Caveman's version of Rene Rancourt, the anthem singer at the Boston Bruins games.

Afterward I told him how proud I was. He took the praise in stride and said: "Daddy, I just looked at Fitzroy Junior and pretended he was the only one there!". Good advice to potential anthem singers!

Since it was late when the WC Electric vs Kars game started at around 9 pm, Mrs Fastball wanted to take him home to bed. He was pretty upset, but after a few tears, the two of us convinced his mom to let him stay and watch. He was very pleased with the result as the 'Trics pulled off a victory over the Aces.

He was also lucky enough that night to have get an autograph from Stittsville's legendary Johnny Leroux who was in attendance. Caveman thought it was pretty cool to have his ball cap signed by a guy who had an arena named after him.

Despite having done something that most adults wouldn't have dared to in front of a crowd, he claimed his highlights of Friday night were the WC win over Kars ("you never beat them, Daddy!") and his brush with greatness and getting that autograph.

After the weekend wrapped up, Caveman was suitably impressed with the Micksburg squad and how they swept their games to win the championship. He asked on Sunday morning: "Daddy, do you have to live in Micksburg to play for the Micksburg Twins?"  I told him that while most of the guys did live in or near Micksburg it wasn't a requirement to play on the team.  So he said "Ok that's good. When I grow up I am going to live in Fitzroy but I am going to play ball for Micksburg because they win all the time!" Some dedication to WC!




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North Leeds Men's Fastball League finals

The North Leeds Men's Fastball League wrapped their playoffs up in late August. The eight team league had a four team Championship round of playoffs and a four team Consolation round.

Lyn won the final in two straight over Greenbush Generals, who were regular season champs.  Game 1 was 4-3 in eight innings and game 2 was 6-0.

Domville won the Consolation side by beating Athens in the final.

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Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League playoff update

from TMac

The GCMFL playoffs are well on there way with the round one almost complete.

The first round saw Laurysen Kitchen defeat Broker 4 Tickets 2-0 in series with scores of 4-3 and 9-6.

Mattamy Homes defeated Ottawa Home Services 2-0 in series with scores of 8-2 and 4-1.

East Side Mario's defeated Upper Canada Elevators 2-0 in series with scores of 7-1 and 8-1.

The final series is Taggarts Welding vs Don Cherry's with the series tied 1-1. Taggarts took the opener 7-0 and Don Cherry's responded with a 18-3 win. Game 3 goes tonight at 6:30 pm.
Round 2 starts next Monday.

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Micksburg Twins 2013 GOFL champions

Back row: Mike Moss, Joran Graham, Chad Costello, Kevin Humphries, Corey Costello, Paul Griffith, Kyle Jackson
Front row : Riley Hennessy, Ryan Clarke, Jamey Mick, Kerr Childerose, Brandon Jackson, Mark Bell, Nick Eckford

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Monday, September 09, 2013

Nominate a "Coach of the Year"

Softball Ontario is looking for the "Coach of the Year". Nominate by October 1, 2013. Learn more on their site.

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Saturday, September 07, 2013

Saturday action at the Final Weekend Tournament in Fitzroy Harbour = Micksburg Twins are champs

In their first season in the GOFL, the Micksburg Twins won the playoff title at the final weekend tournament in Fitzroy Harbour. The eight-team league has a best-of-five playoff round, and the remaining four teams participate in a double knockout tournament to determine the league champion and winner of the I4C Consulting Trophy.

Micksburg Twins were undefeated at the tournament, breaking the three year reign of titles by the Kars Aces. Good crowds were on hand, especially on Friday night to watch the top fastball teams in eastern Ontario play off.

Corey Costello of Micksburg had two of the three pitching victories for the Twins and hit a homerun in each game. Brad Porter for Kars also had a good tournament, winning two games and throwing 22 innings on Saturday.

Results

Friday night:
Micksburg Twins 6 Stittsville 56ers 2
WP: Corey Costello
LP: Darren Featherstone with relief from Dan Konkle
HR: Corey Costello

Scoring:
Micksburg 2nd: Mike Moss single, scored on Kerr Childerose double. Childerose scored on Corey Costello's two-run homer. Micksburg 3 Stittsville 0

Micksburg 4th: Moss singled. Childerose sac bunt misplayed. Both scored on Corey Costello double. Costello scored on Joran Graham single. Micksburg 6 Stittsville 0

Stittsville 6th: Ryan Bond singled. Scott Herriot singled, Bond scored on error by the right fielder, Herriot advanced to second. Herriot scored on Scott Jessiman double. Micksburg 6 Stittsville 2

West Carleton Electric 7 Kars Aces 0
WP: Andy Barber
LP: Jamie Smith with relief from Brad Porter
HR: Dave Bahm (WC) 2HR, 6RBI

Scoring:
West Carleton 4th: Jeff Barber walked. Michael Cavanagh singled. Dave Bahm 3 run homer. West Carleton 3 Kars 0

West Carleton 6th: Michael Cavanagh doubled. Neil Murphy singled. Bahm 3 run homer. Jon Daley single. Andy Barber doubled scored Daley. West Carleton 7 Kars 0

Saturday:
Micksburg Twins 7 West Carleton Electric 0
WP: Joran Graham
LP: Jeff Barber with relief from Steve Cavanagh
HR: Corey Costello (Micks)

Scoring:
Micksburg 1st: Kerr Childerose walk. Corey Costello single. Joran Graham single scored Childerose. Jamey Mick reached on fielder's choice, Costello out at home. Chad Costello single scored Graham. Micksburg 2 West Carleton 0

Micksburg 2nd: Riley Hennessy singled. Paul Griffith sac bunt moved Hennessy to second. Ryan Clarke single. Childerose single scored Hennessy. Corey Costello sac fly scored Clarke. Graham walked. Mick double scored Childerose and Graham. Micksburg 6 West Carleton 0

Micksburg 4th: Corey Costello solo homer. Micksburg 7 West Carleton 0

Kars Aces 4 Stittsville 56ers 3 (8 innings)
WP: Brad Porter
LP: Darren Featherstone
HR: Jamie Smith (Kars)
Walk off single by Cory Morrison for Kars

Scoring:
Stittsville 1st: Darren Featherstone singled. Scott Herriot doubled. Featherstone scored on John Craig double. Stittsville 1 Kars 0

Stittsville 3rd: Feathstone singled. Herriot singled. Dan Jessiman singled. Featherstone and Herriot scored on John Craig's single. Stittsville 3 Kars 0

Kars 3rd: Danny Powers singled. Power scored on Jamie Smith 2run homer. Stittsville 3 Kars 2

Kars 5th: Powers singled. Matt Pollard reached on error to the shortstop, Power moved to third. Powers scored on Kristian Knapp sac fly to left field. Stittsville 3 Kars 3

Kars 8th: Knapp started on second base as per international rule. Knapp advanced to third on Nick Ellis fly ball to centre. Knapp scored on Cory Morrison single. Kars 4 Stittsville 3

Kars Aces 6 West Carleton Electric 4
WP: Brad Porter
LP: Andy Barber with relief from Steve Cavanagh
HR: Michael Cavanagh (WC) Jeff Cavanagh (WC)

West Carleton 1st: Andy Barber singled. Derek Barber walked. Andy Barber scored on Jeff Barber single. West Carleton 1 Kars 0

West Carleton 2nd: Solo homer by Mike Cavanagh. West Carleton 2 Kars 0

Kars 2nd: Chad Milne singled. Danny Powers walked. Jamie Smith singled, scoring Milne. Matt Pollard singled scoring Powers. Kristian Knapp singled scoring Smith. Pollard scored on error by centrefielder. Kars 4 West Carleton 2

West Carleton 3rd: Trevor Barton singled. Barton moved to second on Derek Barber sac bunt. Barton scored on Jeff Cavanagh two run homer. Kars 4 West Carleton 4.

Kars 3rd: Cory Morrison singled, moved to second on passed ball. Morrison scored on Milne single. Kars 5 West Carleton 4

Kars 5th: Knapp doubled, moved to third on wild pitch. Knapp scored on ground rule double by Milne. Kars 6 West Carleton 4

FINAL: Micksburg Twins 7 Kars Aces 1
WP: Corey Costello
LP: Brad Porter
HR: Kerr Childerose (Micks) Kyle Jackson (Micks) Corey Costello (Micks) Andy Davey (Kars)

Micksburg line up: Kerr Childerose cf; Corey Costello p; Joran Graham dp; Jamey Mick 2b; Chad Costello c; Riley Hennessy ss; Kevin Humphries 1b; Kyle Jackson rf; Mark Bell lf; Nick Eckford 3b (not batting)

Kars line up: Kristian Knapp 2b; Nick Ellis ss; Cory Morrison lf; Chad Milne 3b; Andy Davey c; Matt Alkerton cf; Danny Powers 1b; Jamie Smith dp; Matt Pollard rf; Brad Porter p (not batting)

Top 1st: Childerose reached on error by 1b. Corey Costello walked, Childerose advanced to second. Graham walked, Corey Costello advanced to second, Childerose advanced to third. Chad Costello singled, RBI; Childerose scored, earned; Graham advanced to second, Corey Costello advanced to third. Graham out 3b unassisted, Hennessy out 3b to 1b, double play. 1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 LOB. Micksburg 1 Kars 0

Bottom 1st: Knapp strikeout swinging. Ellis walked. Ellis out p to ss, Morrison reached on fielder's choice. Milne strikeout swinging. 0 run 0 hit 0 error 1 LOB. Micksburg 1 Kars 0

Top 2nd: Humphries doubled. Jackson flew out to lf. Bell strike out looking. Childerose home run 2RBI; Humphries scored, earned; Childerose scored, earned. Corey Costello grounded out 3b to 1b. 2 run 2 hits 0 error 0 LOB. Micksburg 3 Kars 0

Bottom 2nd: Davey flew out to rf. Alkerton strike out swinging. Powers strikeout swinging. 0 run 0 hit 0 error 0 LOB. Micksburg 3 Kars 0

Top 3rd: Graham singled. Mick flew out to lf. Chad Costello ground out 3b to 1b. Hennessy flew out to 1b. 0 run 0 hit 0 error 0 LOB. Micksburg 3 Kars 0

Bottom 3rd: Smith strikeout swinging. Pollard strikeout swinging. Knapp strikeout swinging. 0 run 0 hits 0 error 0 LOB. Micksburg 3 Kars 0

Top 4th: Humphries single. Jackson lined out to 2b; Humphries out 2b to 1b; double play. Bell flew out to 2b. 0 run 1 hit 0 error 0 LOB. Micksburg 3 Kars 0

Bottom 4th: Ellis flew out to rf. Morrison flew out to rf. Milne flew out to 2b. 0 run 0 hits 0 errors 0 LOB. Micksburg 3 Kars 0

Top 5th: Childerose flew out to rf. Corey Costello home run RBI; Corey Costello scored, earned. Graham flew out to rf. Mick grounded out ss to 1b. 1 run 1 hit 0 errors 0 LOB. Micksburg 4 Kars 0

Bottom 5th: Davey home run RBI; Davey scored, earned. Alkerton strikeout swinging. Powers strikeout swinging. Smith strike out swinging. 1 run 1 hit 0 errors 0 LOB. Micksburg 4 Kars 1

Top 6th: Chad Costello reached on error by ss. Hennessy singled, Chad Costello advanced to second. Chad Costello out p to 3b; Hennessy advanced to second; Humphries reached on fielder's choice. Jackson 3RBI home run; Hennessy scored, earned; Humphries scored, unearned; Jackson scored, earned. Bell singled. Childerose singled, Bell advanced to second. Childerose out ss to 2b, Corey Costello 2b to 1b; double play. 3 runs 4 hits 1 error 1 LOB. Micksburg 7 Kars 1

Bottom 6th: Pollard strikeout swinging. Knapp strikeout swinging. Ellis singled. Ellis out 1b to ss; Morrison reached on fielder's choice. 0 runs 1 hit 0 error 1 LOB. Micksburg 7 Kars 1

Top 7th: Graham grounded out 1b unassisted. Mick grounded out 1b unassisted. Chad Costello grounded out ss to 1b. 0 runs 0 hit 0 error 0 LOB. Mickburg 7 Kars 1

Bottom 7th: Milne strikeout swinging. Davey strikeout swinging. Alkerton strikeout swinging.

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Friday night results at GOFL Final Weekend Tournament

The GOFL Final Weekend Tournament kicked off on Friday night in front of a great crowd in Fitzroy Harbour Friday night.

The evening began with a brief opening ceremony. The City of Ottawa Councillor for West Carleton, Eli El-Chantiry welcomed the players and fans to Fitzroy and threw out the first pitch of the weekend. Councillor El-Chantiry has been a supporter of WC Electric fastball since the beginning in 2003.

Following that, the national anthem was sung by the Caveman. Yes, I may be a bit biased, but for an 8-year old with no training in singing, I think he did pretty well. (Thanks to everyone that cheered and/or complimented his singing - he was very excited and proud, as was his dad. "Daddy, I just pretended no one was there and I looked at Fitzroy Junior when I sang.")

Micksburg Twins 6 Stittsville 56ers 2
Fitzroy welcomed a large contingent of Micksburg fans who watched their team come away with a 6-2 win over Stittsville.

Corey Costello had the win for Micksburg, while Darren Featherstone took the loss and had relief from Dan Konkle.

Micksburg loaded the bases in the bottom of the first on singles by Joran Graham and Jamey Mick and Chad Costello getting hit by a pitch, but Feathers got out of the jam to keep it scoreless.

The Twins would not be held off the scoresheet in the second. After the first two batter grounded out, Mike Moss singled for Micksburg. Kerr Childerose doubled to score Moss. Corey Costello's two run shot to right made it 3-0 for Micksburg.

Micksburg added to their lead in the fourth. Moss lead off with a single. Childerose laid down the sac bunt which was misplayed, putting men on second and third. Corey Costello doubled to the fence to score both. Corey then scored on Graham's single to make it 6-0.

Stittsville got on the board in the top of the sixth. Ryan Bond singled with one out and scored when Scott Herriot's single to right was misplayed. Herriot scored on Scott Jessiman's double. However, that was as close at the 56ers would get as Micksburg closed the door to win 6-2.

Micksburg
Corey Costello WIN 7IP 2R 2ER 4H 18K 1BB

Kerr Childerose 1-3, 2R, ROE, 2B, RBI
Corey Costello 2-4, 2R, HR, 2B, 4RBI
Joran Graham 2-4, RBI
Jamey Mick 1-2, BB
Chad Costello 2-2, HBP
Mike Moss 2-3, 2R

Stittsville
Darren Featherstone LOSS 3IP 5R 6ER 8H 3K 2BB 1HBP
Dan Konkle 3IP 3IP 1R 0ER 2H 5K 0BB

Ryan Bond 1-3, R
Scott Herriot 1-2, BB, R
Scott Jessiman 1-3, 2B, RBI
John Craig 1-3

West Carleton Electric 7 Kars Aces 0
In the second game of the evening, the host West Carleton Electric prevailed 7-0 in a game shortened by the mercy rule in the sixth. Andy Barber had the complete game win with a one-hitter on an infield hit. Jamie Smith took the loss with relief from Brad Porter.

The game was scoreless through three, but West Carleton made some noise in the fourth.

Jeff Barber lead things off with a walk. After a strikeout, Mike Cavanagh's infield single had two men on. With a pop-out, there were two away. However the next batter Dave Bahm stroked a large three run shot over the grey monster in right to make it 3-0.

West Carleton scored four in the top of the sixth to put the game out of reach. Mike Cavanagh lead off with a double. He was moved to third on Neil Murphy's single. When Dave Bahm launched another bomb, this one to the centre, it was his 6th RBI of the night. Jon Daley followed with a single and subsequently scored on an RBI double from Andy Barber.

When the Aces were unable to mount a comeback, the Electric moved to the winners' side, 10am start.

Fitzroy
Andy Barber WIN 6IP 0R 0ER 1H 12K 3BB

Andy Barber 2-4, 2B, RBI
Mike Cavanagh 2-3, 2B, 2R
Neil Murphy 1-3, R
Dave Bahm 2-3, 2xHR, 6RBI
Jon Daley 2-3, R

Kars
Jamie Smith LOSS 5IP 6R 7ER 7H 4K 2BB
Brad Porter 1IP 1R 0ER 2H 0K 2BB

Kristian Knapp 1-3

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Friday, September 06, 2013

Stittsville Squirt Girls win Provincial Title

Congrats to the Stittsville Squirt Select Girls (U12) on winning the provincial title in Unionville in August.

Any other minor teams win provincial titles? Let me know.

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Live Tweeting

Last night I "live tweeted" the game five between Stittsville and Carp from beginning to end. I wasn't sure how many folks would follow - but it turns out quite a few. There were folks following along from North Dakota, South Carolina, Barrie, ON and all around Ottawa, the Valley and the Pontiac. Thanks to everyone that followed @fitzroyfastball!

UPDATE: We even had a guy following from Abu Dhabi!

If you are on Twitter and interested in the Final Weekend tournament results, track http://www.twitter.com/fitzroyfastball tonight and tomorrow and I will update as much as possible.

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Thursday, September 05, 2013

GOFL Final Weekend Schedule

GOFL Final Weekend Weekend Schedule
All games in Fitzroy Harbour main diamond unless noted otherwise
 
Game 1: Friday 7pm : Micksburg Twins vs Stittsville 56ers
Game 2: Friday 9pm: Kars Aces vs West Carleton Electric
Game 3: Saturday 10am: Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2
Game 4: Saturday 10am (B diamond): Loser Game 1 vs Loser Game 2 (loser eliminated)
Game 5: Saturday Noon: Winner Game 4 vs Loser Game 3 (loser eliminated)
Game 6: Saturday 2pm: FINALS Winner of Game 3 and Winner of Game 5
Game 7: Saturday 4pm: IF GAME - if first loss

Beer garden on site all weekend, no admission charge. BBQ on Saturday.

Some opening ceremonies to kick things off before the 7pm game. We will have our esteemed City Councillor Eli El-Chantiry to say a few words to greet the teams and throw out the first pitch. As well we have a special guest star to sing the National Anthem. HINT: He is 8 years old, and makes frequent appearances on this blog.

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Stittsville wins deciding game 5-1 over Carp

The Stittsville 56ers punched their ticket to the GOFL Final Weekend Tournament with a 5-1 win over Carp I4C Victory on Thursday night. Dan Konkle and Darren Featherstone combined for the win while Neil Cooke took the loss.

This series went to a deciding fifth game and was played on a chilly night in Carp with about 20 in the stands, including one freezing "live tweeter".

Stittsville opened up the first with two runs as Scott Jessiman's two run shot scored Scott Parsons who had reached on a single.

I4C threatened in the bottom of the first with two walks and a single, but Konkle got out of the jam to preserve the lead.

After a scoreless second, it was Stittsville's turn to load the bases in the third, but they came up empty as Cooke managed a strike out to end the threat.

In the top of the fourth Trevor Scott singled and Tim Maisonneuve singled after sac bunt to put two runners on. Both scored on a 2RBI single by Featherstone to make it 4-0.

Carp got their run in the bottom of the fourth. Joe Murray singled, took second on a wild pitch and scored on a Andrew Fortier single. Fortier moved to third on a pair of wild pitches and Curtis Scurr walked. This prompted Stittsville to make a pitching change to bring in Featherstone, who had been hitting for Konkle. The 56ers got out of the inning without further damage with a strikeout, a pick off at first and a fly out to centrefield.

The 56ers added an insurance run in the top of the fifth. Scott Jessiman walked and Tyler Nystedt eventually came in to run for him on the two out catcher rule.  TBone Scott's double to the fence scored Nystedt to cap the scoring at 5-1 for Stittsville.

With Stittsville hanging on for the series win, they advance to the Final Weekend tournament in Fitzroy Harbour on Friday and Saturday.

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Kars wins series with 11-5 victory in Quyon

The Kars Aces won their best-of-five GOFL series three games to one with a 11-5 victory in Quyon on Thursday night. Brad Porter had his third straight win for the Aces, while Matt Greer to the loss.

Errors were a killer for Quyon as several miscues cost many runs for the home town team.

Kars now advances to the Final Weekend Showdown in Fitzroy Harbour on Friday and Saturday.

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GOFL Playoff Series final results

1st Micksburg Twins (12-5) vs 8th Barrhaven Broadway Blues (5-11-1)
Game 1 in Micksburg: Micksburg 1 Barrhaven 0 (Micks leads 1-0)
Game 2 in Manotick: Barrhaven 7 Micksburg 3 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3 in Micksburg: Micksburg 1 Barrhaven 0 in 8 innings (Micks leads 2-1)
Game 4 in Manotick: Micksburg 4 Barrhaven 1 in 8 innings (Micks wins 3-1)

2nd Carp I4C Victory (10-5-1) vs 7th Stittsville 56ers (6-10-1)
Game 1 in Carp: Carp 4 Stittsville 3 (Carp leads 1-0)
Game 2 in Stittsville: Stittsville 8 Carp 2 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3 in Stittsville: Carp 10 Stittsville 8 in 9 innings (Carp leads 2-1)
Game 4 in Carp: Stittsville 7 Carp 3 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5 in Carp: Stittsville 5 Carp 1 (Stittsville wins 3-2)

3rd Kars Aces (8-4-5) vs 6th Quyon Flyers (7-10)
Game 1 in North Gower: Quyon 8 Kars 7 (Quyon leads 1-0)
Game 2 in Quyon: Kars 10 Quyon 0 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3 in Manotick: Kars 1 Quyon 0 (Kars leads 2-1)
Game 4 in Quyon: Kars 11 Quyon 5 (Kars wins 3-1)

4th Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric (8-8-1) vs 5th Manotick Taylor's Blitz (6-8-3)
Game 1 in Fitzroy Harbour: WC Electric 8 Blitz 0 (WC leads 1-0)
Game 2 in Manotick: WC Electric 8 Blitz 0 (WC leads 2-0)
Game 3 in Fitzroy Harbour: WC Electric 4 Blitz 3 (WC wins 3-0)

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GOFL games on Thursday night and Final Weekend Schedule

Two big playoff games in the GOFL tonight.

Kars Aces will visit Quyon Flyers in game four of their series, starting at 8:30pm (the blog previously said 8pm). The Aces are leading the series two games to one and can clinch their spot to the Final Weekend Tournament tonight. If the Flyers win they will force a deciding game five to be played Friday night at 7pm in Fitzroy Harbour, with the team winning that playing immediately after at 9pm in the Final Weekend Tournament.

Stittsville 56ers will be in Carp to play I4C Victory in the deciding fifth game of their series. First pitch at the Fairgrounds is at 8:30pm. The winner will advance to the Final Weekend Showdown.

Friday night scenarios
If Kars and Carp win:
7pm: Kars Aces vs Carp I4C Victory
9pm: West Carleton Electric vs Micksburg Twins

If Kars and Stittsville win:
7pm: Stittsville 56ers vs Micksburg Twins
9pm: West Carleton Electric vs Kars Aces

If Quyon and Carp win:
7pm - Game 5: Quyon Flyers vs Kars Aces
If Kars wins Game 5:
9pm (A): West Carleton Electric vs Micksburg Twins
9pm (B): Kars Aces vs Carp I4C Victory
If Quyon wins Game 5:
9pm (A): West Carleton Electric vs Carp I4C Victory
9pm (B): Quyon Flyers vs Micksburg Twins

If Quyon and Stittsville win:
7pm - Game 5: Quyon Flyers vs Kars Aces
9pm (A): West Carleton Electric vs winner of Game 5
9pm (B): Stittsville 56ers vs Micksburg Twins

Saturday schedule
Game 3: 10am (A): Winner of Game 1 vs Winner of Game 2
Game 4: 10am (B): Loser of Game 1 vs Loser of Game 2 (loser eliminated)
Game 5: Noon: Loser of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 4 (loser eliminated)
FINAL: 2pm: Winner of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 5
IF GAME, if first loss: 4pm

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Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Kars squeaks out 1-0 win over Quyon

The Kars Aces took a two games to one series in lead in their GOFL playoff round against the Quyon Flyers after a 1-0 victory in Manotick on Wednesday night.

Brad Porter was the winning pitcher, with his second straight shut out over Quyon. Matt Greer took the loss, despite only allowing three hits.

Unfortunately for the Flyers, one of those hits was a Nick Ellis solo shot in the third that stood up as the game winner.

Game four of the series is Thursday night in Quyon, starting at 8pm. If Kars wins that game, they will advance to the Final Weekend Showdown in Fitzroy Harbour. If Quyon wins game four, then the final game of the series will be played Friday night at 7pm in Fitzroy Harbour as part of the Showdown event.

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Harbour Ball wraps up 2013 season

The Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League wrapped up another season tonight. The 10-team league featuring nine men's rec teams and a midget boys select team played a double knockout style tournament over several weeks to declare a winner.

The year's champs ran the table in the playoffs with a perfect record. "Harbour Store" with their baby blue shirts, captained by Ryan Conners and led by pitchers Todd "Willy White Shoes" Wilson and Danny Nash beat Clay Vance's team by a score of 10-3 in the final.

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Memories of Elkland 2013 edition .....

...is coming.

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Micksburg wins game 4 over Barrhaven, advances to final weekend

The Micksburg Twins won game four of their GOFL playoff series 4-1 over Barrhaven in Manotick on Wednesday night to earn a berth in the league upcoming Final Weekend in Fitzroy Harbour.

Tied 1-1 after seven complete, the game went to extra innings. When the visitors scored three in the top of the 8th and Barrhaven was unable to respond the score was a final at 4-1.

Joran Graham threw a two-hitter to earn the win. Trevor Lahey started and was relieved by Jason Smith who took the loss.

Jordan Adams had a solo homer for the Barrhaven run. Chad Costello had a two run RRI single for Micksburg in the top of the eighth.

more to follow

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Stittsville evens series with Carp at 2 - DETAILS

Stittsville 56ers came up with a 7-3 win in Carp last night to even their Greater Ottawa Fastball League series with Carp I4C Victory at two games apiece.

Darren Featherstone had the win, while Neil Cooke took the loss with relief from Andrew Fortier and Mike Money.

The 56ers came out swinging and put four on the board in the top of the first.  Darren Featherstone lead things off with a double and later scored on Scott Jessiman’s 2 run homerun.  Dan Jessiman and Tyler Nystedt then singled and both later scored on the same wild pitch giving the 56ers a 4-0 lead.

In the top of the third the Jessiman brothers singled setting the table for Scott Parsons who hit a 3 run shot putting the 56ers up 7-0.  Carp would push back in the bottom half with a walk to Curtis Scurr and singles to Shawn Simzer and Eric Colvin loading the bases.  A walk would later score Simzer and Stittsville got out of the inning giving up just 1 run.

Move to the bottom of the 6th and singles from Bobby-Jack Hart, Joe Murray, and Kevin McGuire would score another run for Carp narrowing the margin to 7-2.

In the bottom of the 7th Simzer would single for Carp and Colvin would then reach first on a fielder’s choice. Al Read then doubled to score one more but that would be all as the 56ers close out the game to force the deciding game five  in Carp on Thursday at 8:30pm.

Pitching: Win – Darren Featherstone.  Loss – Neil Cooke

Notables:
Carp:
Simzer 2H, 1R
Hart BB, 1H, 1R

56ers:
S. Jessiman HR, 1B, BB, 2R, 2RBI
D. Jessiman 2H, 2R
Parsons BB, HR, 3RBI

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Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Newfoundland 3 Cheers Pub wins nationals

The defending champions 3 Cheers Pub from Newfoundland won the Canadian Men's Nationals in Stratford, ON on Sunday, defeating Scarborough Force in the finals.

Team Quebec, with three GOFL players (Matt Greer, Joe McCleary and Scott Herriot) lost their first six games, but won their next two to finish 2-6. Quebec also got to play spoiler by winning their final game on Saturday morning to eliminate the host team.

Matt Greer was named All-Canadian at third base. See below for the honoured players.

2013 Sr Mens Fastpitch Canadians All Stars
 
Pitcher
Scott Wagar ON2  4-0 record, 20 innings pitched, 24K’s, 1.75 ERA
Catcher
Ryan Boland DC .474 BA, 3HR 7 RBI
1st Base
Steve Mullaley DC .429 BA, 4HR 12 RBI
2nd Base
Brandon Horn ON1 .444 BA, 1HR 5 RBI
SS
Ian Fehrman DC .526 BA, 2HR 6 RBI
3rd Base
Matt Greer QC .360 BA, 0HR, 4 RBI
OF
John Kelly NL .500 BA, 2HR 12 RBI
OF
Mathieu Roy QC .565 BA, 3HR 5 RBI
OF
Bob Gillow ON2 .400 BA, 3HR 6 RBI
Utility
Kyle Ezekiel NL .461 BA, 1HR 3 RBI
 
Top Batter
Jason Hill DC .619 BA, 5HR 13 RBI
Top Pitcher
Sean Whitten 18 innings pitches, 25K’s, 0.78 ERA
MVP of Qualifying Round
Jason Hill DC .619 BA, 5HR 13 RBI 2-0 record 10 innings pitched, 13K’s, 0,00 ERA
Top Player of Championship Round
Jason Hill DC .750 BA, 1HR 5RBI

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Safari Nordic wins Elkland Labour Day Durk Sherman Classic

Safari Nordic, led by pitcher Josh Johnson, won the Durk Sherman Classic this past weekend, going undefeated. Last year South Lebanon TNT won the event, with most of the same lineup playing as Safari this weekend.

Shaggy Dog, who had Gerald Muziellar and Rob Schweyer pitching finished second, with both of their losses to Safari.

Third place went to Blue Lake PA Power, who had Doug Hoffman and Doug Gillis throwing.

Four place was the Elkland Thunderbellys. Kyle Crawford, Ty McKinney and Brad Porter threw for ESA.

Fifth / sixth place finishers were Knoxville / Ontario - they had Jordan Macdonald, Cody Price and Lefty Clark as pitchers - and CPI who had Gregg Garrity.

The eastern Ontario teams did not fare too well this year. Greenbush Generals, West Carleton Electric and Carp I4C Victory all won their first games but lost the next two. Kanata Storm lost their first game, then won three (one by default), but lost their fourth of the tourney.

More details here.

And more info to follow. Much more!

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