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 29, 2014

Softball Performance Centres are now accepting Registrations for U14, U16 and U18 Softball Players

What is a Softball Performance Centre?
Softball Ontario’s Softball Performance Centres will provide a clear training pathway to the sport's high performance system of skill development as delivered by:
  • Team Ontario Coaching Staff (Male and Female)
  • Selected Developmental Coaching Staff
  • High Performance Athletes
  • Strength and Conditioning Experts
  • Nutritionists
  • Sport Psychologists
  • Athletes Therapists
  • Performance Recovery Experts
  • Video Analysis- Dartfish Specialists
  • CANpitch Regional Pitching Instructors
Ultimately, this training will prepare the identified Train2Train and Train2Compete stage players with a clear pathway to meet the minimum fitness and skill standards to the next level of Softball- Team Ontario and Team Canada.

What are the dates of the Softball Ontario’s Softball Performance Centres?

The Softball Ontario Performance Centres will offer continuous training on four (4) weekends:
November 8-9, 2014- 1st weekend
December 6-7- 2014, 2nd weekend
January 31-February 1, 2015- 3rd weekend
February 7-8, 2015- 4th weekend

Where are the locations of Softball Ontario’s Softball Performance Centres?

St Thomas, ON – Click here to register if you are interested in attending this Softball Performance Centre

Kitchener-Waterloo, ON- Click here to register if you are interested in attending this Softball Performance Centre

St. Catharines, ON- Click here to register if you are interested in attending this Softball Performance Centre

GTA, ON- Click here to register if you are interested in attending this Softball Performance Centre

Napanee, ON- Click here to register if you are interested in attending this Softball Performance Centre

How much does it cost to attend a Softball Ontario's Softball Performance Centre?

$275.00 plus HST for all 4 weekends (2 days each weekend)
 
Who can attend the Softball Performance Centre?
  • U14 female and male softball players
  • U16 female and male softball players
  • U18 female and male softball players
How does the Softball Ontario Softball Performance Centres work?

Each Softball Performance Centre will welcome 80 softball players to have an assessment of their current softball performance skills and overall fitness testing scores according to Team Canada’s Softball National standards.  This provides an opportunity for 400 softball players to learn new fundamentals skills, refine their current skill set (hitting, throwing, catching, and fielding).  Also, Softball Performance Athletes will be introduced to all the technical, tactical, mental and physical/fitness components of the game over 4 weekends.

What are softball players provided while at the Softball Performance Centre?
  • A report card identifying their strengths and areas of their game which requires improvement based on the benchmarks for an athlete at their given age (U14, U16 or U18)
  • Softball Performance Centre T-shirt
  • U14 or U16  or U18 Players Guide
  • Dartfish Video
  • Snacks will be provided both days (Saturday and Sunday)
If you have any questions about Softball Ontario’s Softball Performance Centres, please contact Steph Sutton via email ssutton@softballontario.ca or by phone 416-426-7150.
 
Softball Ontario’s Softball Performance Centres are supported by the Ontario Government.

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

GOFL Final Weekend Showdown coverage in Stittsville News

Coverage from the Stittsville News.




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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Trend-Arlington season wraps up playoffs

from Ivan Taylor

On Monday night, Whispers Pub won the Trend Arlington Men's Fastball League playoffs with an 8-6 victory over regular season champions That's How We Roll.  Whispers Pub won the best-of-five series 3 games to 1 coming back from a 6-2 deficit in the rain delayed fourth game.  Andrew Fleck got the win in relief for Whispers Pub and Elton Cryderman took the loss for THWR.  Andrew Fleck also laid down a squeeze bunt to score catcher, Chris MacFarlane, for the insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning.  For most of the Whispers Pub squad, this was the third year in a row they have won the playoffs and for most of the That's How We Roll squad this is the third year in a row they have won the regular season.

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BMFL playoff update

from Nick Bowman

UPDATE: The Blue Jays won the championship last night with a 6-1 victory over the Knights. Congrats to Andy Barber and his team on going undefeated in the BMFL playoffs.

The 2014 BMFL finals are set for tonight at 7:00 pm at the Blackburn arena diamond. Here is a quick recap of the playoffs. The number 7 ranked Blue Jays are facing the number 1 ranked Knights. The Knights need to beat the Blue Jays twice to capture the BMFL title. The Blue Jays will have home field advantage for the first time in the playoffs.

Game 1 - #1 Knights vs #8 Goodfellows
The Knights continued their regular season dominance by beating Goodfellows 12-0. Jamie Blakely got the pitching win. Guy Millette had two homeruns for the Knights and Nate Blackburn had one. Kevin Wilson, Richard Landriault and Will Lowe all pitched for Goodfellows.

Game 2 - #4 Rogues  vs #5 Gloucester Heating
Gloucester Heating defeated the Rogues 13-8 in a high scoring affair. Ryan Mitts had two homeruns while Stephane Vinette and Paul Toonders each had one. Derick Bulley picked up the win and Matt Cox took the loss.

Game 3 - #2 Mr. Electric vs #7 Blue Jays
The Blue Jays defeated Mr. Electric 9-1. Mr. Electric jumped out to an early lead in the first, but those were the only runs they could muster. Spencer Rodd hit a homerun to tie the game and the Blue Jays scored several runs in the 5th to seal the victory. Andy Barber picked up the win and Nick Bowman the loss.

Game 4 - #3 Guzzlers  vs #6 Bandits
The Bandits upset the Guzzlers in the final game of the first round by winning 9 to 4. Pierre Lalonde picked up the win. Jeff Barber had the loss and also had the lone homerun in this game.

Game 5 - #4 Rogues vs #8 Goodfellows
The Goodfellows defeated the Rogues 12-8 in a high scoring affair. Will Lowe picked up the win and Roger Cousineau had a homerun. Chuck Musicka, Matt Cox and Matt Healey pitched for the Rogues.

Game 6 - #2 Mr. Electric vs #3 Guzzlers  
Mr. Electric knocked off the defending champs Guzzlers with a 6-4 win. Al Tomlinson had the win and Nick Bowman picked up the save. Jeff Barber picked up the loss.

Game 7 - #1 Knights vs #5 Gloucester Heating
Gloucester Heating kept the game close without their star pitcher, but fell 9 to 5 to the Knights. Jamie Blakely had the win and Derek Bergeron picked up the loss.

Game 8 - # 6 Bandits vs #7 Blue Jays
The Blue Jays continued their quest for playoff supremacy with a 7 to 2 win over the Bandits. Andy Barber had the win and Pierre Lalonde had the loss.

Game 9 - # 6 Bandits vs #8 Goodfellows
Goodfellows kept their playoff hopes alive with a 5 to 2 win over the Bandits. Will Lowe had the win and Pierre Lalonde had the loss.

Game 10 - #2 Mr. Electric vs #5 Gloucester Heating
Mr. Electric’s bats fell silent as they dropped a 3 0 game to Gloucester Heating. Derick Bulley had the win while Nick Bowman had the loss.

Game 11 - #1 Knights vs #7 Blue Jays
In the undefeated game, the Blue Jays defeated the Knights 6-1 to win. Andy Barber had MVP honours in this game, hitting 2 homeruns and striking out 18 batters. Jamie Blakely had the loss and also score the lone run via the long ball for the Knights.

Game 12 - #5 Gloucester Heating vs #8 Goodfellows
Game 12 is undoubtedly the most interesting game in the playoffs so far. Gloucester Heating defeated Goodfellows 2 to 1 in the 8th inning. Derick Bulley had the win while Will Lowe took the loss. Scott Adams of Goodfellows made some great plays at the hot corner to keep the game tied. In the bottom of the 8th, Paul Toonders made an outstanding diving catch at second base to double up the runner who was on second base as per international tie-breaking rules. Stephane Vinette then drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 8th.

Game 13 - #1 Knights vs #5 Gloucester Heating
The Knights defeated Gloucester Heating 2 to 1 in game 13 of the playoffs. Jamie Blakely had the win and also scored the winning run in the bottom of the 7th inning. Derick Bulley had the loss.

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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Peter Chambers added to Gil Read Honour Roll

Local players and fans will recognize Pete Chambers as the coach of the Waterdown Hammer who made a few trips up this way for tournaments in the past ten years.

from Mike Goodridge

Every year the Ontario Amateur Softball Association names one coach to the Gil Read Honour Roll. This year's winner is Peter Chambers from the Waterdown Hammer. Recently the OASA held their awards banquet and here is part of Peter's biography.

Peter has been involved in the game of fastball for over 40 years. Peter grew up in Woodstock and played his minor ball there. He then went to Oxford Centre to play men's ball in the ORSA. Work took him to Oakville where he continued playing in a men's league there. In 1998 Pete started coaching the Waterdown Hammer, a Men's team that has competed in the OASA for many years.

The Hammer does not enjoy the high profile reputation that some Ontario senior fastball do, but they have constantly fielded a competitive team. The team currently plays in the Golden Horseshoe Fastball League.

Men's teams have folded for various reasons, including a lack of dedicated individuals who are willing to coach, organize, raise money and keep a team together. Pete Chambers is one of those individuals. He has been the glue that has kept this team together for the past 15 years. One of his philosophies is that he wants players that will compete with intensity and class. The joy he receives from coaching is watching the camaraderie and love of the game of his players.

The Waterdown Hammer are a team that does not pay any ball players. They play because they have a deep love of fastball and enjoy their teammates. The successful teams in Ontario today treat the team as a family and Pete Chambers of the Waterdown Hammer is no exception.

This past season The Hammer captured the OASA Masters gold medal and had a extremely successful ISCs.

Peter was unable to be present to receive the award in person and it will be presented next spring.

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Gee-Gees skills clinic on October 11


from Phil Thomson

On October 11th the uOttawa Gee-Gees will be taking on Queens in Stittsville at the Alexander Grove diamond. This will be a double header with the first of two games starting at 11 am. The ladies will begin warming up at 10 am and welcome all to watch them during their pre-game routine and for the games themselves.

Afterwards, at 3:00 pm the ladies will be hosting a skill clinic for all those at the house league level free of charge.

More info here.

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff survey

48 responses so far of Sept 22 - still time to give your opinion.

With the conclusion of the Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoffs at the Final Weekend Showdown this past weekend, blogging will be a bit more infrequent but will still continue. Please continue to send on results from area leagues that are still playing fastball. Also, be sure to check back for the GOFL all-stars which will be posted in the near future, as well as regular updates on the Caveman and Fitzroy Junior.

As the GOFL season ended on Sunday, there was some talk in the beer garden about the playoff format used by the league. Some love it, some are okay with it, others would like to see changes.

I personally can see both sides of the story. The I4C Victory vs Micksburg final would have been great as a series instead of just one game. Some locations would get a good crowd out for playoff games. Teams with only one pitcher wouldn't be at as big a disadvantage. But then again, who wants to be playing ball when it starts to get freezing cold? Would it be difficult to get the every series completed in a timely manner? And it can be entertaining to have a group of teams together for a final event.

Well, here is a chance for blog readers to have their say. See below for a poll to gather feedback. Please leave comments in the survey to help give context to your answers.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

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Saturday, September 20, 2014

Keith Forbes of Kemptville obituary

Keith Forbes of Kemptville, who was very active in fastball in the area and with the Ontario Amateur Softball Association, died recently at the age of 94. Read the obituary here.

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Thursday, September 18, 2014

Press coverage of the GOFL finals

A small typo in the winning team name, but nice of the West Carleton Review to give us some coverage.


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Memories of Elkland 2014

Well, here it is at long last - the much anticipated Memories of Elkland post. This is the eighth annual. If you are new to the blog, it's a tradition that I post my recollections of my team's annual trip to Ekland, PA for the Durk Sherman Classic on Labour Day weekend. Several people have asked me "when is it coming?"....so here it is. I hope it doesn't disappoint. Names withheld - for the most part - to protect identities where appropriate.

Once again this year, as I have every year since 2007, I packed my bags and left my teacher wife to deal with Labour Day long weekend alone - 'cuz it's the Durk Sherman Classic tournament in Elkland, Pennsylvania. Now, to my credit, I have always made it back for the first day of school on Tuesday, a little worse for wear. And the recovery time required, plus GOFL playoffs / final weekend, work commitments, kids' hockey tryouts, and so on mean it takes a while to get this post up on the blog. But I am finally getting around to it.

As I packed my stuff and got ready to go, the Caveman asked: "Can I go too, Daddy? I like ball!" Oh my, could you imagine? Some time in the future I can pretty much guarantee he'll come with me - not sure what the appropriate age will be, seeing as he is only nine (in person years) right now. Maybe when he does come with me I will get him to write the Memories of Elkland post.

Here are some recollections of this year's event, the 62nd Annual Durk Sherman Classic, named after the late patriarch who started the tournament and built the diamonds, with the tradition carried on by his family today.

The results:
This year's event had 14 teams entered - unfortunately several squads (including long-standing participants I4C Victory / Broker4Tickets which had player issues) dropped out in the preceding week. There were only two eastern Ontario teams: West Carleton Electric and thirty-year plus attendees the Greenbush Generals.

This year the champions were, perhaps unsurprisingly, Team USA. The American men's national team were the class of the event, rolling through the competition, beating the Team USA Futures in the final. The host Elkland team was third and the Bedford Rays were fourth. PA Power and CPI tied for 5th. Josh Johnson of Team USA was the most valuable pitcher and Nick Mullins of Team USA the most valuable player.

West Carleton Electric finished 1-3 (losing to Bedford, CPI and PA Power, and beating Dick's Diner). Greenbush ended up 1-2.

The pitchers:
There were several good throwers in attendance this year. Top arms included Gerald Muizelaar & Josh Johnson (Team USA) Tyler Kelly (Team USA futures). Doug Hoffman (Power), Gregg Garrity (CPI), Chris van Volkenburg (NY Bombers), Ty McKinney (Farmersville), Kyle Crawford (Elkland), and the ageless Chuck Smith (Dick's Diner) were all in attendance. Brad Porter also threw for Elkland.

West Carleton had Andy & Jeff Barber, as well as Jason Smith. Greenbush had seasoned veteran Chris Bresee, and McNish father (Matt) & son (Shane).

One guy that has pitched every year that I've been there unfortunately didn't toe the rubber for this year's event. If you've been there, you've seen him throwing for a local team. Fair-sized fella, named Dean, with a big grunt. His son Dean Jr. was telling me that Dean Sr. took a hard liner off the boiler, and had hung up the pitching cleats. The end of an era!

The Elkland Softball Association Complex, the weather and the schedule:
The ESA complex was once again in top shape for the event as Bill Sherman and crew had the place looking great. As every year, there were many dedicated volunteers working hard to keep things going.

There was a one small issue in left field of the main diamond - a large bee hive was attached to the foul line fencing. It was cordoned off with caution tape. Since the boys are prone to the odd "antic", there was a suggestion that perhaps one of the West Carleton players could get himself a bee beard to wear to the Moose that night, but it (un)fortunately never materialized.

There was of course a well stocked and reasonably priced beer tent and concessions. If you have heard of Elkland, you have heard about the chicken pit. While it seems hard to believe, the chicken was probably the best I have had since I've been there. Very tasty - the guys that cook these birds know what they're doing. And they were of course assisted by the littlest Sherman son, who was spotted taking a nap on the counter in the chicken pit. Not surprisingly he wasn't wearing a shirt or shoes.

There was also a new food stand this year at the park selling breakfast sandwiches, gyros, Philly cheese steaks and other great grub. An excellent addition to the food options available.

Ugo the announcer was in fine form again, working every game on the main diamond from morning to night from Friday to Monday. A great job as always - I think I may have him convinced to make the trip up to announce at the Gil Read tournament in 2015.

Regular attendees to this weekend in Elkland will know you essentially have to pack for all possible weather. Friday night, it was very cold, single digits Celsius easily (that's 30s or 40s in US American). Saturday afternoon, it was sticky hot. Sunday morning it poured rain. You pretty much get it all on Labour Day weekend down there. The rain on Sunday pushed things back. The 10 am games eventually got started shortly after 1 pm.

This also meant that games got pushed back during the rest of the day. The complex has three fields, but only one is lit. So, the 8 pm game actually started about 11 pm, featuring PA Power and WC Electric. This was definitely the first time I was in a game that ended at 1:30 am. It didn't help that the opposition's pitcher was not the fastest worker on the slab. "I don't like this ball, give me another one." Really? It's a quarter to one here. Can't we just move things along?

WC Electric ended up losing the game 5-1 - it was a long day at the park with three games spaced over 12 hours and a late finish due to the rain delay. What impressed me - but didn't surprise me given my experience with the guy - was a play in the top of the seventh inning. We were down 5-0 at the time, it was well past one in the morning, we had only one hit all game, and it was clear there was little chance were going to win. However, that didn't stop our shortstop from laying out on a screamer up the middle to make a diving stab to grab the ball and make a play at second based to end the inning. Great effort by a great guy who showed no matter what the situation, he comes to play.

Base Camp:
Many of the ball players stay at motels in nearby towns, but many camp for free at the campground onsite at the complex. It's provided free of charge by the ESA with water and electrical hook ups. (Probably other kinds of hook ups too, but none at our site!)

As in past year, our team had four campers that we parked into a square that were refer to as "base camp", surrounding a makeshift fire pit and near some crazy locals (see below).

Base camp is where we spent the rain delay, sipping refreshments and telling stories, remembering players from years gone by and fastball tournaments and teams long since folded.

We ate like kings at base camp, with some excellent eats generously provided by one of our teammates. Deep fryer + chicken wings + cod + turkey = heaven. It was like being at an all inclusive resort, without the beach. We were definitely the best fed campers on site.

The "antics" level was diminished this year, as one of our crew renowned for his wooden shoes, Terminator eye and beer can wrestling (note: if the previous sentence makes no sense to you, read this and this and this) took a vow of #noshenanigans. We did still manage lots of laughs. Word is that the shenanigans ban will be lifted in 2015!

I believe I slept a total of about 12 hours over the three nights we were there, but it was worth it as it was great times with a fun group of guys both West Carleton regulars and the guys we added for the weekend.

The locals
One of the fun things about going to Elkland is meeting some local residents, whether they be players or fans. For instance, this year we met a Squeak, an enterprising businessman who was in sales.

We also met another guy I will call LOUD GUY who befriended us, and ended up cheering us on at our games. LOUD GUY was in a trailer near our area and he also happened to be a bootlegger, selling moonshine. (Not making this us - it came in a re-purposed Gatorade bottle and had 'apple pie' flavouring.)

LOUD GUY also insisted on giving us his pro tips of softball wisdom. When you read these three nuggets of wisdom, please remember to a) picture a big burly dude screaming these 'suggestions' b) with a Pennsylvania accent and c) repeating them several times in a drunken stupor.

Pro Tip #1: GET YOUR PANTS DIRTY! (Git yo paints durt-tay). "When I played ball, I got my pants dirty every game. Every game! Dirty!"

Pro Tip #2: YOU GOT TO SCORE A RUN TO GET RUNS! (You gotta score a run to git runs). "If you score a run, then youse can get ten runs. You got to score a run!"

Pro Tip #3: DON'T THROW THE BALL AROUND! (Don' throw da ball aroun'). "When you throw the ball around, you throw it around and nothing good happens when you throw the ball around."

Fairly sound advice.

Other assorted locals were observed sleeping outside overnight: one dude passed out by their campfire, on top of his sleeping bag; a girl sleeping on a couch in the back of a pick up truck; and another guy who passed out in middle of the campground on what would be regarded as the 'road', in the pitch black. As far as we know, they all lived.

There is also "The Neighbour". Or I guess more properly spelled the US American way, "The Neighbor". The Neighbor is a guy who is not pleased with the ESA ball park - even though he lives directly adjacent to it. The Neighbor is the guy that called the cops that resulted in some citations a few years ago for some eastern Ontario guys. The Neighbor has been to court with the Sherman family. The Neighbor is not a happy guy, as evidenced by his screaming "turn that music down or I am calling the cops!" Which of course resulted in the music being turned up. The police never did show. The Neighbor did have his revenge though. Promptly at 7 am on Sunday morning, he was out with the weed whacker making as much racket as he could, I am sure in hopes of waking up / p***ing off all the campers. What a lovely guy!

He's baaaaaaaack:
Back in 2007, we had a 14-year old bat boy who befriended West Carleton Electric and became our unofficial mascot. Good old Jessie then came back every year for the next five years to help us out. However, last year he was nowhere to be seen. Was in the Army, as we suggested to him? Was he in jail? Was he in Army jail? We didn't know and we were kinda worried.

Well, this year he made a return appearance to visit his old friends from Canada. A 21-year old Jessie came by to visit briefly at base camp, where he knew to find us. It was a quick visit but it was good to know he was still breathing. During his time with us we were updated on his employment situation (unemployed), his housing (trailer park), his parents (bank foreclosed on their house) and his offspring (two year old girl with his baby mama). He really didn't follow any of the advice we gave him, but it was good to see him back in Elkland.

The Moose:
As in previous years, the local Moose Lodge was a popular place for ballplayers to have a drink or three after their games were over. It's still a place to get a $2 beer, and that's tough to beat.

One of our guys ordered a pitcher of rye and Coke, "Canadian Style". That consisted of the bartender grabbing a 26er of Canadian Club, pouring it over ice and topping it up with Coca-Cola, with the resulting product approximately the colour of iced tea. Now that's a real Canadian drink.

There were many ball players there talking about the GOFL, rumours, discussion of this season and who's doing what next year.

This year we got into the complimentary popcorn pretty heavily. It was so salty so it encouraged multiple refreshments. It got to the point where guys were saying "Gawd, this popcorn is so salty it's gross!" as they ate another fourteen handfuls. While the appropriate method of serving is in the little wicker baskets they provided, there were some unorthodox way used to serve the tasty snack. Perhaps that's why one guy on our team ended up with a big butter stain on his ball cap that we remarked on in the morning!

Of course, 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. Mmmm, bacon, eggs, toast, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage, just before bed. Takes the edge off in the morning.

The conclusion:
Once again, despite this year's absence of a key member of the Sherman family who was missed, it was an outstanding venue, with some excellent softball played and a top notch group of guys on the Elkland Thunderbellys team that make it happen.

I like to win as much as the next guy, and I was disappointed with West Carleton Electric's 1-3 finish. We brought a strong team but played against some other good teams and couldn't get wins. But as I have explained to some of my non-ball playing friends, it's like being at the hunt camp (without the guns). Even if you go all the way up to the camp and come home with no deer, it's always a great weekend with the guys doing something you love.

As one of my teammates said on Monday: "It's the saddest day of the year - the day Elkland ends."

I have written it many times on this blog: if you haven't been, make plans to go either as a player, coach or fan. It is really worth the trip.

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Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Glen Cairn League Playoff update

from Facebook

The Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League playoff schedule:

The playoff semi-finals start tomorrow:
Tues 16-Sep 6:30 Don Cherry's vs Upper Canada Elevators
Tues 16-Sep 8:30 Stittsville Midgets vs Laurysen Kitchens
Mon 22-Sep 6:30 Upper Canada Elevators vs Don Cherry's
Mon 22-Sep 8:30 Laurysen Kitchens vs Stittsville Midgets
Tues 23-Sep 6:30 Don Cherry's vs Upper Canada Elevators
Tues 23-Sep 8:30 Stittsville Midgets vs Laurysen Kitchens

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Monday, September 15, 2014

I4C Victory 2014 GOFL Champions

2014 Greater Ottawa Fastball League Playoff Champions - I4C Victory
Back row left to right - Ryan Clare, Curt Scurr, Andrew Putnam, Joe Murray , Don Cox , Shawn Simzer
Front row left to right - Mike Money, Dan Loney , Neil Cooke , Bobby Jack Hart , Adam Fleming , Kevin McGuire

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Sunday, September 14, 2014

I4C Victory wins GOFL playoff title for the first time

I4C Victory won the Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff title, going undefeated throughout the post season. This was the first title for Victory since joining the GOFL in 2006.

Two games were played today at the Grove in Stittsville as part of the Final Weekend Showdown. Congratulations to John Craig and the 56ers on hosting a great event.

Semi Final - Micksburg Twins 7 Kars Aces 0

In the first game of the day, Micksburg Twins faced Kars Aces to see who would play I4C Victory in the final. Corey Costello earned the win with a four hit shutout, while Brad Porter took the loss.

Corey Costello had an RBI single in the second inning, scoring Kyle Jackson who had tripled.

In the third, Joran Graham doubled, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Kerr Childerhose's sacrifice fly.

Both Corey and Chad Costello hit solo shots in the fourth to make it 4-0 for Micksburg.

The game ended by the mercy rule in the bottom of the sixth as Joran Graham hit a three run bomb bringing in Jamey Mick and Corey Costello who had walked.

Nick Ellis, Matt Pollard, Chad Milne and Kristian Knapp all had singles for Kars.

With the win, the Twins advanced to the final, having to win twice against the undefeated I4C Victory.

Final - I4C Victory 7 Micksburg Twins 1

I4C Victory won their sixth playoff game in a row to win the Greater Ottawa Fastball League title, with all pitching wins earned by Andrew Putnam. Putnam had fourteen strike outs in the final. Corey Costello had the start and gave way to Joran Graham in the fourth.

Kevin McGuire and Dan Loney had home runs for I4C. Mike Moss had the lone run for the Twins hitting a solo shot in the seventh.

See below for the game summary.

Starting lineups

I4C Victory:
Dan Loney, cf; Kevin McGuire, 2b; Andrew Putnam, p; Bobby Jack Hart, c; Don Cox, rf; Joe Murray, 1b; Curtis Scurr, ss; Shawn Simzer, dp; Adam Fleming, 3b; Mike Money, lf

Micksburg:
Chad Costello, c; Corey Costello, p; Jamey Mick, dp; Joran Graham, 3b; Kevin Humphries, 1b; Mike Moss, cf; Kerr Childerhose, 2b; Kyle Jackson, rf; Quinton Rook, lf; Riley Hennessy, ss

Top of the first:
Loney struck out looking, one out; McGuire, home run, McGuire scored, earned, RBI; Putnam doubled; Hart hit by pitch; Cox singled, Putnam advanced to third, Hart advanced to second; Murray struck out swinging; Scurr struck out swinging. 1 run, 3 hits, 3 LOB, no errors. I4C 1 Micksburg 0

Bottom of the first:
Ch Costello struck out swinging; Co Costello singled; Mick flew out to lf; Graham hit into fielder's choice, Co Costello out 2b unassisted. 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 LOB, no errors. I4C 1 Micksburg 0

Top of the second:
Simzer struck out swinging; Fleming grounded out p to 1b; Loney reached on error by 3b; McGuire struck out looking. 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 LOB, 1 error. I4C 1 Micksburg 0

Bottom of the second:
Humphries struck out swinging; Moss struck out swinging; Childerhose popped up to 1b. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 LOB, 0 errors. I4C 1 Micksburg 0

Top of the third:
Putnam popped out to 2b; Hart struck out swinging; Cox struck out looking. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 LOB, 0 errors. I4C 1 Micksburg 0

Bottom of the third:
Jackson grounded out 2b to 1b; Rook struck out swinging; Ch Costello struck out swinging, put out c to 1b. 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 LOB, 0 errors. I4C 1 Micksburg 0

Top of the fourth:
Graham to p; Co Costello to 2b; Childerhose to 3b. Murray singled; Scurr struck out swinging; Simzer singled, Murray advanced to third, Simzer advanced to second on throw to third; Fleming grounded out 2b unassisted; Loney home run, 3 RBI, Murray scored, Simzer scored, Loney scored, all earned; McGuire struck out looking. 3 runs, 3 hits, 0 LOB, 0 errors, I4C 4 Micksburg 0

Bottom of the fourth:
Co Costello singled; Mick walked, Co Costello advanced to second; Graham struck out swinging; Humphries struck out swinging; Moss struck out swinging. 0 runs, 1 hit, 2 LOB, 0 error. I4C 4 Micksburg 0

Top of the fifth:
Paul Griffith in for Humphries at 1b; Matt McIntyre in for Jackson, goes to 3b; Childerhose to rf. Putnam struck out swinging; Hart singled; Cox popped up to 3b; Murray reached on error to cf, advanced to second, Hart scored, unearned; Scurr struck out looking. 1 run, 1 hit, 1 LOB, 1 error. I4C 5 Micksburg 0

Bottom of the fifth:
Childerhose grounded out 3b to 1b; McIntyre struck out looking; Rook singled; Ch Costello struck out looking. 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 LOB, 0 errors. I4C 5 Micksburg 0

Top of the sixth:
Simzer struck out looking; Fleming popped up to 3b; Loney home run, RBI, Loney scored, earned; McGuire struck out looking. 1 run, 1 hit, 1 LOB, 0 errors. I4C 6 Micksburg 0.

Bottom of the sixth:
Co Costello struck out looking; Mick singled; Graham struck out looking; Griffith struck out looking. 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 LOB, 0 errors, I4C 6 Micksburg 0.

Top of the seventh:
Putnam grounded out ss to 1b; Hart walked; Ryan Clare pinch hit for Cox; Clare reached out fielder's choice, Hart out p to ss; Murray singled, Clare advanced to second; Scurr singled, RBI, Clare scored, earned, Hart advanced to second; Simzer popped up to 1b. 1 run, 2 hits, 2 LOB, I4C 7 Micksburg 0.

Bottom of the seventh:
Cox re-entered to rf for Clare. Moss home run, RBI, Moss scored, earned; Childerhose grounded out 3b to 1b; McIntyre struck out looking; Rook singled; Ch Costello singled, Rook advanced to second; McIntyre to run for Ch Costello on two-out catcher rule; Co Costello flew out to rf. 1 run, 3 hits, 2 LOB, 0 errors, FINAL: I4C 7 Micksburg 1

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Saturday, September 13, 2014

Saturday action at the GOFL Final Weekend Showdown

The two 9 am games were played this morning at the Greater Ottawa Fastball League Final Weekend Showdown in Stittsville, before the rain started pouring. Remaining games for today are now going to be played on Sunday in Stittsville, starting at noon.

I4C Victory 9 Kars Aces 2
Dan Loney started off the game for I4C with a solo home run and Victory kept going after that to earn the 9-2 win in the undefeated game.

Andrew Putnam had the pitching win while Brad Porter took the loss with relief from Luke Severson. Don Cox also had a home run for I4C. Kristian Knapp hit one out for Kars.

I4C will now advance to the final, scheduled for 2 pm on Sunday.

Micksburg Twins 6 Quyon Flyers 1
Corey Costello earned the win for Micksburg while Matt Greer took the loss for Quyon.

Micksburg scored in the first, with Corey Costello walking and being brought in on Chad Costello's two run homer.

Quyon got one back in the fourth as Dennis McCleary scored on brother Joe's RBI single.

The game remained 2-1 until the top of the seventh. Two run homers from Chad Costello, his second of the game and Mike Moss made it a 6-1 lead. The Flyers could not respond in the bottom of the seventh.

Quyon was eliminated with the loss. Micksburg will play Kars at Noon on Sunday to determine who advances to play I4C Victory in the GOFL Final.

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Kars defeats Micksburg in FWS, Porter throws no-hitter

The Kars Aces defeated the Micksburg Twins in Friday night action at the Greater Ottawa Fastball League Final Weekend Showdown event in Stittsville.

Brad Porter earned the win, tossing a no-hitter for Kars. Joran Graham took the loss, allowing only two hits.

Kars scored both their runs in the first inning. Kristian Knapp lead off the game with a very unorthodox triple. His hit was extremely high but never actually left the infield. It dropped in and by the time the ball was fielded the speedy Knapp was on third. An infield single by Cory Morrison scored Knapp. Chad Milne then reached on an error and runners were on the corners. A sacrifice fly by Matt Alkerton scored Morrison to give Kars a 2-0 lead which never changed.

Porter got in a little trouble in the bottom of the first, walking Joran Graham and Chad Costello with two out, A pop up to short got the Aces out of the inning.

With no further hits in the game, Kars won 2-0.

This means Saturday at the Final Weekend Showdown will be as follows:

G3: 9 am (Diamond 1): Kars Aces vs I4C Victory - undefeated game
G4: 9 am (Diamond 2): Quyon Flyers vs Micksburg Twins - loser eliminated
G5: 11 am: Winner G4 vs Loser G3
G6: 1 pm: Winner G5 vs Winner G3 (FINAL)
G7: 3 pm: if necessary game

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Micksburg wins Game 5 on Friday night

Micksburg Twins won game five of their series against Kanata Pirates with a 2-0 win Friday night in Stittsville.

Corey Costello of Micksburg had the win with a two hitter, while Jason Smith threw well for Kanata, allowing only five hits.

The Twins scored in the top of the first as Corey Costello walked, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Chad Costello's RBI single.

Micksburg added a run in the fourth. Chad Costello lead off with a single and was moved to second on a sac bunt by Kevin Humphries. After a ground out that moved Cozzy to third, Kerr Childerose's infield single made it 2-0.

Micksburg threatened again in the fifth. With Jamey Mick on after a single (his second of the game) and Joran Graham walking with two out, the Pirates elected to intentionally walk Chad Costello to load the bases. The gamble worked as Smith was able to get the next batter to strike out to end the inning.

Kanata got hits from Lindsay Medynski in the third and Aaron Amo in the seventh, but were unable to get Smitty a run, and Micksburg won the game 2-0 and took the series three games to two.

With the win Micksburg adavanced to play Kars in the first round of the Final Weekend Showdown tournament.



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Friday, September 12, 2014

Shockers win Ashton League

The Ashton Shockers are playoff champions for the four-team Ashton Men's Fastball League. The Shockers defeated the Ashton Farmers in the finals two games to none. Steve Cavanagh and Bill Gerber combined to pitch a perfect game in the final match on Thursday night.

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Thursday, September 11, 2014

GOFL news coverage

Some news coverage in this week's West Carleton Review.


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Final Weekend Showdown schedule - UPDATED

The schedule for the Greater Ottawa Fastball League's Final Weekend Showdown event has been released. All games will take place at the Alexander Grove in Stittsville.

UPDATE: With the Micksburg - Kanata series getting rained out on Wednesday and the Twins tying the series on Thursday night, the decisive game five will be played Friday night as part of the event.

Things kick off on Friday night at 7 pm with a brief opening ceremony, follow by two games that night and games all day Saturday to determine the GOFL playoff champion and winner of the I4C Consulting Trophy.

The Stittsville 56ers will be hosting a BBQ and the Stittsville Legion will be operating a beer garden on site.

FWS Game 1: I4C Victory 5 Quyon Flyers 1 (already played Monday night)

Friday 7 pm: Micksburg Twins vs Kanata Pirates (Game 5 of playoff series)
FWS Game 2: Friday 9 pm : winner of Micksburg / Kanata vs. Kars Aces

Saturday:
FWS Game 3: 9 am - I4C Victory vs winner G2
FWS Game 4: 9 am (Diamond 2) - Quyon Flyers vs Loser G2 (loser eliminated)
FWS Game 5: 11 am - Winner G4 vs Loser G3 (loser eliminated)
FWS Game 6: 1 pm - Winner G5 vs Winner G3  FINAL
FWS Game 7: 3 pm - If first loss, second final game (if necessary)

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Micksburg even up series with 4-0 win over Kanata

based on Twitter live updates by Chris Pleau

The Micksburg Twins evened up their best-of-five Greater Ottawa Fastball League series with a 4-0 home win over Kanata Pirates on Thursday night.

Corey Costello had the win, allowing only one hit and striking out 19 Pirate batters. Jason Smith took the loss for Kanata, while Trevor Lahey did not allow a run in relief.

Chad Costello and Kerr Childerhose both had two runs batted in for Micksburg. The Twins scored all their runs in the first inning.

Trevor Power had the lone hit for Kanata.

The deciding game five will be played Friday night, in Stittsville at 7 pm.

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Kars Aces complete series comeback, defeating West Carleton 3-2

The Kars Aces got down two games to none in their Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff series with West Carleton Electric, but on Wednesday night in Fitzroy Harbour they completed the comeback to win the series three games to two.

The Aces won by a score of 3-2 on a night with steady drizzle but playable weather. Despite the wetness, it was a well played game with a a hardy group of fans were on hand to watch Brad Porter win his third straight of the series. Andy Barber took the loss.

Kars scored in the top of the first as Kristian Knapp beat out an infield single to start, then moved two bases on wild pitches, and scored on a Nick Ellis sacrifice fly.

West Carleton evened the score in the bottom of the second. Shawn Rebertz lead off with a double, and scored on Jeff Barber's single. Barber advanced to second on the throw to the plate. After a strike out, Jon Daley then singled in liner that just dropped in front of the left fielder. Jeff Barber attempted to score, but was thrown out a home.

The Aces then regained the lead as again Knapp scored - he walked, stole second, moved to third on a ground out and scored on a wild pitch.

The Electric responded in the bottom of the third. Neil Murphy lead off with a single. He moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Michael Cavanagh's RBI double with two out.

West Carleton had a chance in the fourth as Jeff Barber lead off with a walk and was moved to second on a sac bunt by Jeff Cavanagh. However, two line drives were caught by Kars to end the inning.

In the sixth it looked like Chad Milne would have a multi-base hit with two out, but Jon Daley made a spectacular catch at the fence  in centre field.

The home team had another chance in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Jeff Barber legged out an infield single - Knapp made an excellent play from his second base position to get to the ball on the other side of second and make a throw that made the play close. Jeff Cavanagh then grounded into a fielder's choice, Jon Daley's infield single put two men on but Porter got out of the inning with a strikeout.

Kars scored the winning run in the top of the seventh. Matt Alkerton walked to start. Matt Pollard then reached on a misplayed ground ball. That was followed by a perfect bunt by Alex Boswall to load the bases with none out. Barber got the next two batters to strike out bringing up the top of the order. Knapp drilled a hard grounder to short which took a hop and hit Michael Cavanagh in the chest and throat, scoring Alkerton to put the Aces up 3-2. The next batter grounded out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, with the rain finally stopped, the Electric went down in order with three ground outs to end the game.

With the win, the Kars Aces advance to the Final Weekend Showdown tournament in Stittsville.

Kars
Brad Porter WIN 7IP 2R 2ER 7H 7K 1BB

Kristian Knapp 2-3, 2R, RBI, BB, SB
Nick Ellis RBI (sac fly)
Cory Morrison 1-3
Matt Alkerton 2BB, R
Alex Boswall 1-3
Lukas Kamps 1-2, BB

Fitzroy
Andy Barber LOSS 7IP 3R 2ER 5H 8K 4BB

Michael Cavanagh 1-3, RBI, 2B
Shawn Rebertz 1-3, 2B, R
Jeff Barber 2-2, BB, RBI
Jon Daley 2-3
Neil Murphy 1-3, R

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Kanata at Micksburg postponed

Game four of the best of five Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff series beteween Kanata Pirates and Micksburg Twins series was postponed tonight due to the weather. The game will be played Thursday night in Micksburg at 8 pm. Kanata leads the series 2-1.

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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

GOFL playoff games tonight

There are two Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff games tonight.

In Micksburg at 8 pm, the Twins hope to extend their series as they host the Kanata Pirates. Kanata leads the best of five series two games to one.

In Fitzroy Harbour at 8:30 pm, a deciding game five will be played in the series between the Kars Aces and West Carleton Electric.

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Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League update

from Facebook:

The Stittsville Midgets and Laurysen Kitchens Ltd. are moving on to the GCMFL semi-finals. The other 2 series are knotted at a game a piece with the deciding games being played tonight: 6:30 pm sees Don Cherry's Ottawa @ Ottawa Homes Services and 8:30 pm has Broker 4 Tickets @ Upper Canada Elevators.

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GOFL media coverage

From last week in the West Carleton Review.


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GOFL history lesson

Even year around this time, the blog provides an annual local fastball history lesson. The Greater Ottawa Fastball League and its predecessor, the Kemptville Men's Fastball League have been around since 2000.

Here are the past winners/finalists, as well as the league teams.

2000 Dolco defeated Macton (3-0)
2001 Macton defeated D.T.I. (3-1)
2002 Lomor defeated Macton (3-0)
2003 Team Easton defeated Macton (1 game final, 8 innings)
2004 Team Easton defeated West Carleton Electric (3-1)
2005 Team Easton defeated Stittsville (3-1)
2006 Team Easton defeated Stittsville (3-1)
2007 Team Easton defeated West Carleton Electric (3-0)
2008 Stittsville defeated Team Easton (3-1)
2009 Stittsville defeated Quyon (3-2)
2010 Kars defeated Quyon (2-0, series shortened to best of three)
2011 Kars defeated Quyon (FWS tournament format)
2012 Kars defeated Quyon (FWS tournament format)
2013 Micksburg defeated Kars (FWS tournament format)

2000 - 6 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kemptville D.T.I.
Stittsville 56ers
Kemptville Dolco Printing
Kemptville Thunder Juniors
Kanata Pirates Juniors

2001 - 5 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kemptville D.T.I.
Stittsville 56ers
Kemptville Dolco Printing
Kanata Pirates Juniors

2002 - 4 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kemptville Team Easton (formerly D.T.I.)
Stittsville 56ers
Kemptville Lomor Printers (formerly Dolco Printing)

2003 - 4 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kemptville Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Kemptville Lomor Printers

2004 - 5 teams
Kemptville Macton Muckdogs
Kanata Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Manotick Lomor Printers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric

2005 - 4 teams
Kanata Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Manotick Lomor Printers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric

2006 - 6 teams
Kanata Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Manotick Lomor Printers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Carp I4C Victory
Ottawa Blitz

2007 - 8 teams
Ottawa Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Manotick Lomor Printers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Carp I4C Victory
Ottawa Blitz
Quyon Combat Flyers
Orleans Gators

2008 - 9 teams
Ottawa Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Manotick Lomor Printers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Carp I4C Victory
Ottawa Blitz
Quyon Combat Flyers
Orleans Gators
Greely DNTW Eagles

2009 - 9 teams
Ottawa Team Easton
Stittsville 56ers
Manotick Lomor Printers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Carp I4C Victory
Ottawa Blitz
Quyon Combat Flyers
Orleans Gators
Greely DNTW Eagles

2010 - 8 teams
Kars Aces (formerly Team Easton)
Stittsville 56ers
Barrhaven Broadway Blues (formerly Lomor Printers)
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Carp I4C Victory
Ottawa Blitz
Quyon Combat Flyers
North Gower Marlboroughs (formerly Greely Eagles)

2011 - 7 teams
Kars Aces
Stittsville 56ers
Barrhaven Broadway Blues
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Carp I4C Victory
Ottawa Taylor's Blitz
Quyon Combat Flyers

2012 - 7 teams
Kars Aces
Stittsville 56ers
Barrhaven Broadway Blues
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Carp I4C Victory
Ottawa Taylor's Blitz
Quyon Combat Flyers

2013 - 8 teams
Kars Aces
Stittsville 56ers
Barrhaven Broadway Blues
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Carp I4C Victory
Manotick Taylor's Blitz (changed name to Manotick)
Quyon Flyers
Micksburg Twins

2014 - 7 teams
Kars Aces
Stittsville 56ers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
I4C Victory
Quyon Flyers
Micksburg Twins
Kanata Pirates

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Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Enterprise wins Loughborough Fastball League championship

from Jeff Hannah

Enterprise beat Sydenham 2 games to 0 in the Loughborough Fastball League Final.
Game 1 was 2-1 for Enterprise
Game 2 was 11-7 for Enterprise
Congratulations to Enterprise for their Championship Season!

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Kars evens the series with West Carleton Electric

The Kars Aces evened their best-of-five series with West Carleton Electric by winning 3-0 on Monday night in Manotick, setting up a game five on Wednesday to see who earns the trip to the Final Weekend Showdown in Stittsville on the weekend.

Brad Porter had the shutout win, allowing only five hits. Andy Barber took the loss.

Kars scored two in the first to take an early lead. Kristian Knapp lead off with a double, then scored on a triple by Nick Ellis which was deep to centre. After a pop up, Ellis took home on a misplayed ground ball.

The only other run of the game was in the fifth for Kars. Alex Balswall singled down the first base line to start the inning. Balswall then took second on a wild pitch. A bunt single by Lukas Kamps put runners on the corners. After a strike out, Knapp's fielder's choice (which put out Kamps) scored Balswall to make it 3-0.

In the sixth, West Carleton had men on second and third with one out after hits by Jeff Barber and Michael Cavanagh, but Porter got two strikeouts to end the threat.

Game five will be played in Fitzroy Harbour on Wednesday September 10 at 8:30 pm to determine who advances to the Final Weekend Showdown.

Kars
Brad Porter WIN 7IP 0R 5H 11K 0BB

Kristian Knapp 1-3, 2B, R, RBI
Nick Ellis 2-3, 3B, RBI
Chad Milne 1-3, RBI
Alex Balswall 1-3, R
Lukas Kamps 1-2

Fitzroy
Andy Barber LOSS 6IP 3R 3ER 6H 9K 1BB

Jeff Barber 1-3
Michael Cavanagh 1-3
Dave Bahm 1-3
Andy Barber 2-3, 2B

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I4C defeats Quyon in first game of the Final Weekend Showdown (now with some details)

I4C Victory faced the Quyon Flyers in the first game of the Final Weekend Showdown tonight in Manotick. Due to scheduling conflicts, the game which was supposed to be played on Friday was played tonight.

I4C prevailed by a score of 5-1, with Andrew Putnam earning the win and Matt Greer taking the loss.

Victory opened the scoring in the top of the first. Kevin McGuire singled, Bobby Jack Hart pushed a bunt single between the pitcher and first base. McGuire scored on Joe Murray's single down the third base line.

I4C added to their lead by scoring three in the third. McGuire (solo) and Murray (two run shot) both homered to make it 4-0.

Quyon's only run came in the fourth. Shawn Laframboise led off with an infield single and scored on Joe McCleary's double.

I4C scored one more in the sixth to make the game 5-1 as Putnam tripled and was cashed to make it a four run lead.

Both teams will resume play on Saturday, with the schedule to be announced shortly.

more to follow

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Joel Langford named to Team Canada (updated)

Congratulations to Joel Langford, originally of Orleans and a former GOFLer, on being named to the Senior Men's National Team by Softball Canada.

He will be representing Canada at the 2014 Pan Am Men's Softball championship in Argentina this fall. For more information, check out the Softball Canada news release.

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Monday, September 08, 2014

GOFL playoffs to be completed this week

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoffs wind up this week, as the Final Weekend Showdown approaches on Friday September 12 and Saturday September 13.

Due to player availability issues for Friday, the first game of the Final Weekend Showdown will actually be played on Monday September 8, as the Quyon Flyers and I4C Victory will do battle at 7 pm in Manotick.

That game will be followed by game four of West Carleton Electric vs Kars Aces, with game five to be played on Wednesday at 8:30 pm in Fitzroy Harbour if necessary. West Carleton is currently up two games to one in the series.

GOFL defending champions Micksburg Twins, down two games to one in their series, will host the Kanata Pirates on Wednesday at 8 pm to try and even up things. If they do win, game five will be in Carp on Thursday at 8 pm.

Friday night will see the winner of the Twins/Pirates play the winner of the Aces/Electric in Stittsville, with games resuming on Saturday to determine the league champion. Game schedule will be posted on the blog once available.

GOFL Playoff schedule UPDATED
2nd place Stittsville 56ers (8-6-4) vs 7th place I4C Victory (7-11)
I4C wins series 3-0
Game 1: I4C 4 Stittsville 0
Game 2: I4C 6 Stittsville 2
Game 3: I4C 5 Stittsville 2

3rd place West Carleton Electric (9-8-1) vs 6th place Kars Aces (8-10)
West Carleton leads 2-1 in series
Game 1: West Carleton 6 Kars 0
Game 2: West Carleton 2 Kars 1
Game 3: Kars 6 West Carleton 3
Game 4: Monday September 8 at 8:30 pm in Manotick
Game 5: Wednesday September 10 at 8:30 pm in Fitzroy Harbour (if necessary)

4th place Kanata Pirates (8-9-1) vs 5th place Micksburg Twins (8-9-1)
Series tied 1-1
Game 1: Kanata 10 Micksburg 0
Game 2: Micksburg 3 Kanata 0
Game 3: Kanata 1 Micksburg 0
Game 4: Wednesday September 10 at 8 pm in Micksburg
Game 5: Thursday September 11 at 8 pm in Carp (if necessary)

Final Weekend Showdown (all games in Stittsville unless otherwise noted)
Monday September 8 at 7 pm: I4C Victory vs Quyon Flyers (in Manotick)
Friday September 12: winner Twins/Pirates vs winner Aces/Electric
Saturday September 13: double knockout format tournament continues, times to be determined

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Friday, September 05, 2014

Kanata wins game three 1-0 over Micksburg

from Tony MacDonald

Kanata Pirates pulled out a 1-0 win over the Micksburg Twins in game three of their best of five Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff series last night in Carp.

In a game that took only an hour and fifteen minutes to play, Jason Smith earned the win allowing only three hits and striking out 13. Corey Costello took the loss despite tossing a two hitter, striking out six and walking one.

The sole run of the game came in the second inning for the Pirates. Jon Ferguson hit a double to lead off and with one out Ryan Mitts' RBI single scored Ferg.

The Pirates now lead the series two games to one, with game four to be played Wednesday at 8 pm in Micksburg.

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Thursday, September 04, 2014

Harbour Ball champs crowned

The champions of the ten team Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League (aka "Harbour Ball") were determined Wednesday night, as Nixon Enterprises, lead by pitcher Ryley Burns and captain Lee Nixon, defeated Al's Corner Store. Nixon Enterprises were undefeated during the playoffs.

Regular season title winners Shouldice Mechanical, captained by Todd "Willy White Shoes" Wilson finished fourth in the playoffs.

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Finals set for Trend-Arlington Men's Fastball League

from Ivan Taylor

Whispers will meet That's How We Roll in the Trend Arlington Men's Fastball League Finals.  The best-of-five series will start on Monday, Sep 8th at the Trend Arlington Ballpark, 50 Bellman Drive in Nepean.  Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 10th, followed by game 3 on Monday, Sep 15th.  All the games are set for 7:30.

Whispers defeated Durabuilt Construction in the third game of the best-of-three series Wednesday night.  Whispers finished second and Durabuilt finished third in the four-team league.  That's How We Roll, who finished in first place, beat Hilti Construction, who ended in fourth place, two games straight.  They finished their series on Monday night.

Jamie Prins had the complete game win for Whispers.  Will Dunk took the loss for Durabuilt with relief from Gord Flannery.

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I4C Victory wins series with 5-2 defeat of Stittsville

I4C Victory won game three of their series by a score of 5-2 to sweep the Stittsville 56ers in their playoff series.

Andrew Putnam had the win, striking out 18. Darren Featherstone took the loss.

Curtis Scurr hit a two run homer for I4C. Trevor Scott was 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs for Stittsville.

I4C will now advance to the Final Weekend Showdown. As the lowest seed, they will play first place Quyon Flyers in the first game of the event (time TBD).

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Kars Aces beat West Carleton Electric 6-3

The Kars Aces defeated West Carleton Electric 6-3 in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff game in Fitzroy Harbour on Wednesday night. The Electric now lead the best of five series two games to one.

Brad Porter had the win, while Andy Barber took the loss.

For the first time in the series, the long ball was a factor as there were five home runs in the game.

West Carleton loaded the bases in the first on three walks but were unable to get a run.

The Electric scored the games first run in the second inning. Steve Cavanagh singled, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Neil Murphy and scored on Dave Bahm's RBI double.

Kars answered in the third inning. Porter walked with one out and scored on Kristian Knapp's home run to make it 2-1 Aces.

Kars added another run in the fourth. Lukas Kamps walked and moved to second base on a wild pitch. He scored on Knapp's RBI single.

A solo shot by Jon Daley for West Carleton in the fifth made it 3-2, and another sol shot, this time by Neil Murphy in the sixth evened the game at 3.

The Aces however added three to seal the win in the seventh. Knapp lead off the inning with a solo homer to seal the Caveman's Choice as player of the game. Chad Milne's two run shot later in the inning made it 6-3.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Electric had a man on and two out.....and the timer on the lights tripped and the lights went out. After a fifteen minute delay to turn the lights back on, Porter ended the game by getting a ground out.

Game four will be Monday September 8 at 8:30 pm in Manotick.

Kars
Brad Porter WIN 7IP 3R 3ER 7H 7K 7BB

Kristian Knapp 3-4, 2xHR, 4RBI, 2R, SB
Chad Milne 1-3, HR, 2RBI, IBB, R
Cory Morrison 1-4, R
Lukas Kamps BB, R
Brad Porter BB, R

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

Jon Daley 2-3, BB, HR, SB, RBI, R
Michael Cavanagh 3xBB (one intentional)
Shawn Rebertz 1-4
Jeff Cavanagh 2xBB
Jeff Barber 1-4
Steve Cavanagh 1-4, R
Neil Murphy 1-3, HR, RBI, R, sac bunt
Dave Bahm 1-3, 2B, RBI

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Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Micksburg evens series with 3-0 win over Kanata

info from Chris Pleau via Twitter

The Micksburg Twins evened their best-of-five Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff series with a 3-0 win on Tuesday night.

Corey Costello earned the shutout win, tossing a three hitter for Micksburg and striking out 17. Trevor Lahey threw well but took the loss for Kanata, giving up four hits.

Micksburg got their first two runs on a Jamey Mick RBI single in the first and a Kerr Childerose RBI single in the second. Chad Costello doubled in the sixth and his courtesy runner Kevin Humphries made it home on a wild pitch for a third run.

Next up is a game Thursday night at 8 pm in Carp.

more to follow

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Apply to be a Softball Performance Centre Developmental Coach


Softball Ontario is seeking twenty (20) Developmental Coaches for its five (5) Softball Performance Centres – Chatham, Kitchener/Waterloo; St. Catharines, Brampton and Napanee.  Each Softball Performance Centre will have four (4) Developmental Coaches working under the direction of a Softball Performance Centre Head Coach who is a member of Team Ontario Coaching Staff.

Developmental Coaches must be NCCP Competition-Introduction, Softball trained/certified of fully certified Level 2 in Softball, and have experience in player development, coaching experiences and an understanding of Softball’s Long Term Player Development.  The Developmental Coaches will work under the direction of the Softball Performance Centre Head Coach and must be available for the following Softball Performance Centre weekends:

Weekend #1 - Saturday, November 8, 2014 and Sunday, November 9, 2014
Weekend #2- Saturday, December 6, 2014 and Sunday, December 7, 2014
Weekend #3: Saturday, January 31, 2015 and Sunday, February 1, 2015
Weekend #4:  Saturday, February 7, 2014 and Sunday, February 8, 2015

Other Softball Performance Centre Developmental Coaches qualifications include:
  • Must be 18 years of age at the time of application
  • Must possess a valid G Class Driver’s License
  • Must have a current Vulnerable Sector Screening completed and be approved by Softball Ontario’s Screening Task Force
  • Must sign a Softball Ontario Confidentiality Agreement
  • Must complete a Softball Ontario Volunteer Application form
Softball Ontario’s Softball Performance Centres will provide a clear training pathway to Softball’s high performance system of skill development that will be delivered by:
  1. Team Ontario Coaching Staff (Female and Male)
  2. Developmental Coaches
  3. CANpitch Regional Pitching Instructors and Dartfish Specialists
  4. High Performance Athletes from Team Ontario/Team Canada
  5. Experts in the field of:
    1. Strength and Conditioning
    2. Sport Psychology
    3. Nutrition
    4. Performance Recovery
    5. Injury Management
Softball Performance Centre Development Coaches responsibilities include:
  • Assist the Head Coach to plan, develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the training program for (1) Softball Performance for U14, U16 and U18 softball players (female and male)
  • Create curriculum and content for Train2Train and Train2Compete players and coaches to utilize throughout the 4 weekends of training
  • Complete weekend evaluations for each player and Coach with the assistance of the other Softball Performance Centre staff
  • Submit quarterly weekend reports to the Softball Performance Centre Head Coach
The Softball Performance Centre Program will provide continuous and holistic training to Train2Train stage (U14 and U16) and Train2Compete (U18) players and coaches by preparing these identified softball players to meet the minimum fitness and skill training standards for the next level of Softball development/competition – Team Ontario and Team Canada.

 A Softball Performance Centre Developmental Coach eligible expenses as per Softball Ontario’s policies include:

Travel/Mileage: To and from their designated Softball Performance Centre at a rate of $.28/km
Meals:  $25.00/day while at the Softball Performance Centre
Honorarium:  $25.00/hour per 8 hours for 2 days for 4 weekends at the Softball Performance Centre
Accommodations: Will be reviewed on an individual basis to determine eligiblity

How to Apply
All interested Softball Coaches are asked to apply in writing, expressing their interest along with a detailed resume outlining your softball and professional background and qualifications for the interested position.  Applications should be sent no later than Friday, September 12, 2014 @ 4:30 pm.

In coming weeks, Softball Ontario will collect and evaluate all applications and successful candidates will be contacted.  Softball is confident that the Softball Performance Centres will continue to be a huge success and provides an excellent opportunity for Train2Train and Train2Compete softball players and coaches in a regional training setting across Ontario.

Email your resume to Steph Sutton via email:  ssutton@softballontario.ca for consideration.

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Loughborough Fastball League finals set - UPDATED

from Jeff Hannah

The Finals are scheduled to start tonight (weather permitting) in the Loughborough Fastball League between Sydenham and Enterprise.
Sydenham defeated the Napanee Jrs. 2 games to 0, and in the other semi-final Enterprise defeated North Fred 2 games to 0.
Game 1 is scheduled for tonight at 8:30pm in Sydenham, and Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday at 8:00pm in Enterprise.

Update: the game was rained Tuesday night so games will be Thursday in Sydenham and Monday in Enterprise.

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Blackburn Men's Fastball League playoff preview

from Nick Bowman

2014 BMFL Playoff Preview
The 2014 BMFL playoffs will be starting tonight, September 2, 2014. All games are played the Blackburn Arena diamond. The playoffs will once again be a double knockout format.

September 2, 2014 - 7:00 pm - #1 Knights vs #8 Goodfellows

The Knights kicked off the regular season with a bang and never looked back. The Knights will be led by the pitching duo of Jamie Blakely and Ryan Chatten. Offensively, the Knights have a solid all-around line-up and will be looking to Derek Martin and Jamie Blakely for some big hits. The Knights will be facing the number 8 ranked Goodfellows. Goodfellows will be needing a strong offensive performance from brothers Scott and Jordan Adams as well as Brendan Clark. A lot of the Goodfellows’ wins came as a result of committee pitching led by William Lowe. Richard Landriault and Kevin Wilson may also see some innings. Coach Mike Goodfellow will need to strategize to upset the Knights in the first round. The Knights won all 3 games.

September 2, 2014 - 9:00 pm - #4 Rogues  vs #5 Gloucester Heating

The Rogues had a great regular season. They improved from last year years 8th place finish and finished in 4th spot. The Rogues have a trio of starting pitchers in Matt Cox, Chuck Musicka and Matt Healey. Matt Cox’s strong regular season performance may give him the start in the playoffs. Offensively, the Rogues are led by Mark Cormier, Matt Healey and Jeff Houlton. The Rogues will be facing a depleted Gloucester Heating line-up without the presence of Derek Bergeron and Derick Bulley. Tyler Alexander will be pitching for Gloucester Heating. Gloucester Heating will require a strong offensive performance from their whole team and will require key hits from Ryan Mitts and Marcel Mondoux to upset the Rogues. The Rogues won the series by winning 13-3 14-3 and losing 8-5.

September 4, 2014 - 7:00 pm - #2 Mr. Electric  vs #7 Blue Jays
Mr. Electric improved last year’s 7th place finish to finish 2nd in the regular season. Mr. Electric was led by starting pitchers Nick Bowman and Al Tomlinson and had strong relief pitching from closer Will Mood. Rookie of the year candidate, Jeremy Regan played a crucial role offensively and defensively for Mr. Electric. Matt Bowman, Will Mood and Steve Walman will need good performances to beat the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays finished 7th in the regular season and despite the standings, are considered a contender to win the BMFL championship with player/coach Andy Barber in their line-up. With Ted Easterman out of town, Andy Barber and Jonathan Grimes will share the pitching load. The Blue Jays have a solid line-up and have had key hits from players batting at the top or bottom of the line-up to help them win games. Mr. Electric won the series 2 games to 1.

September 4, 2014 - 9:00 pm - #3 Guzzlers  vs #6 Bandits

The 3rd ranked Guzzlers will be looking to repeat as champions for the 6th consecutive year. The Guzzlers will be led by MVP candidate Will Dunk who helped the Guzzlers on the mound and at the plate. Jeff Barber will also be toeing the rubber for the Guzzlers. Their two pitchers as well as Steve Tsonos and Kevin Shonfield will play crucial roles in helping the Guzzlers score runs. The Bandits will be looking to continue their two game winning streak against the Guzzlers. The Bandits will rely on solid defense, as well as solid pitching from Pierre Lalonde and Gilles Roy. The Bandits have an intimidating batting line-up. Bandits won the series 2 games to 1.
Best of luck to all teams!

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GOFL playoffs update

This week there are four games on the books for Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoffs.

Tonight (Tuesday) in Micksburg at 8 pm will see the Twins host the Kanata Pirates in game two of their series. The Pirates lead the series 1-0.

Wednesday sees the Kars Aces into Fitzroy Harbour to play West Carleton Electric at 9 pm in game three of that best-of-five. The 'Trics lead the series 2-0.  Also that night is game three of the I4C Victory - Stittsville series. The game will be played in Manotick at 9 pm. I4C leads the series 2-0.

Thursday night in Carp is game three of Micksburg - Kanata with first pitch at 8 pm.

GOFL Playoff schedule UPDATED
2nd place Stittsville 56ers (8-6-4) vs 7th place I4C Victory (7-11)
I4C leads 2-0 in series
Game 1: I4C 4 Stittsville 0
Game 2: I4C 6 Stittsville 2
Game 3: Wednesday September 3 in Manotick (if necessary)
Game 4 and 5 (if necessary) to be confirmed

3rd place West Carleton Electric (9-8-1) vs 6th place Kars Aces (8-10)
West Carleton leads 2-0 in series
Game 1: West Carleton 6 Kars 0
Game 2: West Carleton 2 Kars 1
Game 3: Wednesday September 3 at 9 pm in Fitzroy Harbour
Game 4: Monday September 8 at 8:30 pm in Manotick
Game 5: (if necessary) to be confirmed

4th place Kanata Pirates (8-9-1) vs 5th place Micksburg Twins (8-9-1)
Series tied 1-1
Game 1: Kanata 10 Micksburg 0
Game 2: Micksburg 3 Kanata 0
Game 3: Thursday September 4 at 8 pm in Carp
Games 4 to 5 to be confirmed

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