Article: Can anyone beat Sean Cleary?

Great article in the The Telegram about Sean Cleary and the St. John's Senior Men's Fastball League, which in most educated opinions is the best men's fastpitch softball league in the world.

Note that the league has trades, and an entry draft. Article here.

Micksburg wins home opener 3-1 over Stittsville UPDATED AGAIN

info from Paul Griffith

The Micksburg Twins won their home opener 3-1 on Thursday night to remain undefeated, beating the Stittsville 56ers.

Joran Graham earned the win, in relief of Corey Costello while Darren Featherstone took the loss.

The Twins got things started in the first as Corey Costello drew a two out walk and advanced to third on a Joran Graham single. Chad Costello then singled in his brother to give the Twins a 1-0 lead.

Stittsville tied the game up in the 3rd as they got a two out single by John Craig to score Ryan Bond from second base.

Both teams were struggling to get any offence going as the game remained tied until the bottom of the 6th.  Jamey Mick got things going for the Twins with a double to left field, then with two out Graham hit a 2-run shot to left giving the Twins a 3-1 lead heading into the 7th.

Graham who came in as relief in the 6th for Costello was able to get close out the game and collect the win and make the Twins 4-0 to start the season.

Featherstone had a strong game fanning 12 only allowing 4 hits in a losing effort.

Micksburg pitching
Corey Costello 5 ip 10k 4h 1er 2BB
Joran Graham WIN 2ip 2k 1H

Hitting stats
Joran Graham 2-3 HR 2 RBI
Jamey Mick 1-3 2b R
Chad Costello 1-3 RBI
Corey Costello 0-2 BB R

Stittsville pitching
Darren Featherstone 7ip 12K 4h 3er 2 Bb

Stittsville hitting
John Craig 2-3, RBI

Cephas Roth Tournament in Tavistock - UPDATED

The Cephas Roth Tournament in Tavistock, ON will be held June 18-21 with several top teams in men's fastball attending. There are fourteen teams and organizers are looking for a 15th. Any interested team can contact davebailey@baileyconstruction.ca.

The 15 teams are:

1. Australian National Team
2. Hill United Chiefs
3. Kitchener Hallman Twins
4. Scarborough Force
5. Toronto Gators
6. New York A1 Bombers
7. Kitchener Cubs
8. Shakespeare Falcons
9. Elmira Expos
10. Niagara Snappers
11. Kanata Storm
12. Toronto Batmen
13. Ponsonby Sting
14. Tavistock Merchants
15. Glanworth Gators

A schedule will be released soon.

Bellechasse Tournament Schedule

The schedule has been announced for the Bellechasse, QC tournament, with four teams attending on June 12-14.

Friday June 12
7 pm: Team Quebec vs NY Gremlins (Ste-Claire)
9 pm: Scarborough vs Team Quebec (Ste-Claire)

Saturday June 13
10 am: Team USA vs Scarborough (St-Gervais)
Noon: Minor ball All-Star Game (St-Gervais)
2 pm: Team Quebec vs Team USA (St-Gervais)
4 pm: NY Gremlins vs Scarborough (St-Gervais)
4 pm: Minor ball All-Star Game (Ste-Claire)
6:30 pm: NY Gremlins vs Team USA (Ste-Claire)
8:30 pm: 4th place vs 3rd place (Ste-Claire)

Sunday June 14
Semi-Final 10 am: Winner of 8:30 pm game vs 2nd place (St-Gervais)
FINAL 1 pm: Winner of Semi-Final vs 1st place (St-Gervais)

Kingston Axemen Shootout

The Kingston Axemen Shootout will be held on June 6-7 at the Keeley Road diamonds near Sydenham. They had 8 teams, but one dropped out so they are looking for one more to complete the draw.

Seven teams registered are:
Kingston Axemen (ON)
Northeast Drillers (PA)
CPI Classics (NY)
Napanee Shoeless Joe's Express (ON)
Grimsby Diamond Kings (ON)
Napanee Junior Express (ON)
Quebec Juniors (QC)

Visit their website for more info: https://kingstonaxemen.teamsnap.com/ or contact brad.macdonald99@yahoo.ca or 613-583-2128

ISC 2015 Canada East Qualifier in Springfield

The ISC has announced the schedule for the 11 team Canada East qualifier in Springfield, ON on June 12-14 at the Malahide Community Centre.

The top four teams will earn berths to the 2015 ISC World Tournament in South Bend, IN with the winner receiving a paid entry as well as travel money. Additional invites may be provided.

The bracket is scheduled on Al's Fastball here.

The eleven teams participating are:

• Harwood Corners
• Toronto Batmen
• Great Lakes Pirates
• Glen Williams Ale Stars
• Ponsonby Sting
• Tavistock Merchants
• Elmira Expos
• Kingston Axemen
• Wiarton Nationals
• Kitchener Cubs
• Waterdown Hammer

Harbour Ball update

A few guys have asked me if anything interesting has happened yet in Harbour Ball (aka Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League).

I have the following to report from last night's action between Shouldice Mechanical and All-In-One Septic and Excavation.

1) A batter got hit by a pitch last night in the.....uh....groin area. Not sure I have ever seen a guy turn to face the pitch and take it directly in that location. Thankfully pitches don't generally travel too fast in Harbour Ball. But he did still require a courtesy runner.

2) One player, a regular in the league, showed up with no cap, in a golf shirt, jeans and Crocs. I thought he might have just picked out of the stands to spare, but apparently not. Uniform requirements are pretty lax in Harbour Ball.

3) The pitcher for All-in-One was wearing ball pants, his league issued shirt (we have numbers this year for first time ever) and a cap (though he did wear his cap backwards for a few pitches). What made his attire interesting though was that he was wearing deck shoes / moccasins / slippers for the entire seven innings he threw. It was tough to tell exactly, but they were not your standard softball footwear. I have seen guys pitch with steel spikes, plastic cleats, turf shoes, running shoes, etc. But this was a first.  Here he is on first base:

GOFL game in Quyon postponed

The I4C Victory and Quyon Flyers game tonight has been postponed at the request of the visiting team and will be played later in the season.

Kars defeats Valley As 7-0

Kars Aces hosted Valley As in the 9pm Greater Ottawa Fastball League game in Manotick on Wednesday night. Brad Porter started for the Aces, with one inning of relief from Luke Severson. Adam Rueckwald went the distance for the A’s.

Kars took an early lead in the bottom of the first. After the first two batters struck out, Kristian Knapp walked and scored on Cory Alkerton’s triple. Alkerton was stranded at third when the next batter struck out.

Kars added to their lead in the third. Nick Ellis started the inning with a single. With everyone expecting a bunt, Chad Milne hit a line shot to the As shortstop, who made a nice play to double off Ellis at first. With two out, Knapp walked again and was followed by a walk to C. Alkerton. Danny Powers then singled to score Knapp. Alkerton later scored on an error.

Kars scored three more times in fourth. A walk to Shawn Forbes and a single by Lukas Kamps put two runners on with nobody out. Ellis scored Forbes with a sacrifice fly. After a ground out, Knapp walked for the third time in the game. Both Kamps and Knapp came around to score on C. Alkerton’s mile-high fly ball that was misplayed in the As outfield and dropped in for a double, but the As recovered in time to make a slick relay to third, cutting down a racing Alkerton to end the inning.

The game was called in the fifth inning due to the mercy rule. With Matt Alkerton and Forbes both on base with singles, Kamps singled home Alkerton to end the game.

Knapp: 3 BB, 3 runs
C. Alkerton: 2-2, 2B, 3B, BB, 3 rbi, run
Forbes: 2-2, BB, run
Kamps: 2-3, rbi, run

Ottawa Valley As win first GOFL game 8-2 over I4C Victory

info from Terry Boyd

The Ottawa Valley As posted their first win in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League on Wednesday night with an 8-2 win over I4C Victory in Manotick.

Todd Wilson got the win for the As going the distance in his second strong outing of the season. Matt McNish took the loss for I4C with relief from his son Shane.

OVAs scored two runs in the top of the first on a triple from Adam Rueckwald scoring Ian King and Lindsay Medynski. I4C tied the score in their half of the inning.

In the second inning OVAs scored four runs with the key hit coming from RF Ian King, a triple to right center, and good base running from Clayton Vance and brother Jackson Vance.

In the third Gavan Boyd singled up the middle with one out and scored on a Steve Frost RBI single.

Valley As scored their 8th run in the top of the sixth inning when pinch hitter Denis Hill got on to start. Shane Boyd had an infield single and RBI single by Medynski. Medynski also had some great plays in the field at third base during the game.

Ottawa Valley As post first GOFL win, split doubleheader

The Ottawa Valley As won their first ever game in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League in the first game on Wednesday in Manotick.

The expansion As bested I4C Victory 8-2 in the 7pm game. Todd Wilson had the win while Matt McNish took the loss with relief from Shane McNish.

In the late game, the Kars Aces won 7-0 over the As. Brad Porter had the win, tossing four innings and striking out 11. Luke Severson saw an inning in relief for Kars. Adam Rueckwald took the loss for Valley.

More to follow

Micksburg Twins defeat West Carleton Electric 4-2

The Micksburg Twins defeated West Carleton Electric 4-2 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play on Tuesday night in Fitzroy Harbour.

Joran Graham had the win for the Twins, while Andy Barber took the loss for the 'Trics, even though he struck out 18 batters. Both pitchers went the distance.

The Electric had the bases loaded in both the first inning and second inning, but failed to cash any runs.

After three scoreless innings, Micksburg got on the board first with a run in the top of the fourth. Quinton Rook lead off with a line drive triple. After a strike out, Chad Costello's RBI single just off the glove of diving shortstop Michael Cavanagh scored Rook.

Fitzroy got two back in the bottom of the fourth. After Graham struck out the first two batters, Jon Daley doubled off hand to left field. He was brought in on a home run by Barber.

Micksburg's three runs scored in the fifth proved to be the difference in the game. After a strike out, Matt McIntyre walked, then moved to third on a wild pitch and a passed ball. Scott Conroy's hard grounder to short was fielded by Cavanagh, who threw to home to get the second out at the plate. Kyle Jackson then singled to put runners on the corners. A single by Rook drove in Conroy to tie the game, and subsequent double by Graham scored two runs to put the Twins up 4-2.

Micksburg
Joran Graham WIN 7IP 2R 2ER 6H 15K 3BB

Kyle Jackson 1-4, R
Quinton Rook 2-4, 2R, RBI
Joran Graham 2-4, 2B, 2RBI
Chad Costello 1-3, RBI
Matt McIntyre 2BB
Scott Conroy 1-3, R

Fitzroy
Andy Barber LOSS 7IP 4R 4ER 7H 18K 2BB

Jon Daley 2-4, 2B, R
Andy Barber 2-3, BB, HR, 2RBI
Jeff Cavanagh 1-3, BB
Michael Cavanagh 1-3, BB

Stittsville Midget girls start OCWFL season

The Midget U18 Girl’s Stittsville 56er’s, began their regular ball season in Quyon on Wednesday, May 20th with a 1-0 loss.  Even though the girls were not able to pull out a win, Coach Al Read was impressed with his team.  The Quyon team has been together for years and have won the Ottawa Valley Women’s Fastball League a number of times.  The Stittsville 56ers held their own throughout the game.  With the effort the girls put forth, the talent on the team, and with a few more games under their belt, things will be different next time.

Upcoming schedule – Wednesday, May 27th, in Carp vs Auckland, 8:00pm; Monday, June 1st, in Vars 8:00pm; Monday, June 8th, The Grove vs Quyon 8:30pm; Wednesday, June 10th, in Kars vs Nepean, 7:30pm

The team also travels, this weekend to Port Perry for a tournament and next weekend, June 6th to Dorion, Quebec for 2 exhibition games.  “Good Luck Girls”

A special thank-you to the following for their support, C&M Electric, Orr Motors, and EllisDon Corporation.

I4C shuts out West Carleton 2-0 - from last week

I4C Victory shut out West Carleton Electric 2-0 in a well-played Greater Ottawa Fastball League game last Wednesday in Manotick.

Andrew Putnam had the win, allowing only two hits and striking out 12. Andy Barber threw well despite taking the loss, allowing four hits and striking out 11.

The Electric had their best chance of the game in the top of the second. Jeff Barber singled to start. After a strike out and a pop up, Andy Barber and Kevin Shonfeld walked to load the bases. Shawn Rebertz hit the ball hard up the middle, looking sure to bring in runs, but Curtis Scurr's diving stab stopped the ball and Victory got the force out at second base.

Victory scored their runs in the bottom of the sixth. Kevin McGuire walked to start the inning, and stole second. A ground rule double by Putnam put men on second and third for Scurr who hit a two RBI single.

Caveman's Choice as player of the game goes to Curtis Scurr.

I4C
Andrew Putnam WIN 7IP 0R 0ER 2H 12K 2BB

Kevin McGuire 1-2, BB, R, SB
Matt McNish 1-3
Andrew Putnam 1-2, 2B, R, BB
Curtis Scurr 1-3, 2RBI

West Carleton
Andy Barber LOSS 7IP 2R 2ER 4H 11K 3BB

Jon Daley 1-3
Jeff Barber 1-3

GOFL Week #3

It is Week 3 in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League schedule and there are five games on the schedule.

Tuesday night has West Carleton Electric (1-2) hosting the Micksburg Twins (2-0) at 8:30 pm at the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre.

The Wednesday night doubleheader in Manotick sees the Ottawa Valley As (0-2) in to play I4C Victory (1-0) at 7 pm and the Kars Aces (1-1) at 9 pm.

There are two games on Thursday as I4C takes the ferry over to face the Quyon Flyers (1-1) at 7:30 pm. Also that night the Stittsville 56ers (1-1) go up the Valley for a game against the Micksburg Twins at 8:30 pm.

Bedford Rays win the Elkland Molly Sherman Memorial Tournament

Bedford went 4-1 to win the Molly Sherman Memorial Tournament in Elkland, PA this weekend.

After losing to the Northeast Drillers (4-1) in the undefeated game 7-0, Bedford beat the third-place Kingson Axemen (4-2) by a score of 2-1 to advance the single championship game against the Drillers, and won 8-3.

The Orleans Rebels went 1-2 on the weekend, beating Schuylkill, losing to the Drillers, then losing to Schuylkill.

Williamsburg Tournament Results

The Donnacona / Quebec Seniors were the champions at the 12th Annual Casey At Bat Tournament in Williamsburg, ON on May 22-24.

Donnacona had a streak of tournament wins at Williamsburg from 2010 to 2013 but did not play in last year's event.

Awards:
Most Valuable Pitcher: Patrice Leclerc, Donnacona
Top Hitter: Joe McCleary, Donnacona
Most Valuable Player: Kristian Knapp, Williamsburg

Final Order of Finish:
1. Donnacona / Quebec Seniors 4-1
2. Williamsburg Cigars 4-1
3. Kanata Storm 3-1
4. Napanee Juniors (Team 1) 2-2
5. Quebec Juniors 2-1 * (did not advance on tiebreaker)
T6. Eastons Corners 1-2
T6. Peterborough 1-2
T6. Ottawa Valley As 1-2
T9. Napanee Juniors (Team 2) 0-3
T9. Lyn 0-3

Friday night results:

7 pm:
Williamsburg Cigars 8 Lyn 0
WP: Cory Alkerton relief Trevor Lahey
LP: Shane McNish
Home runs for Williamsburg: Lindsay Medynski, Dan Loney and Kristian Knapp (grand slam)

9 pm:
Kanata Storm 14 Ottawa Valley As 0
WP: Mike Noftall relief Darren Featherstone
LP: Ryley Burns relief Adam Rueckwald
Home runs for Kanata: Paul Maher, Chad Costello and Cory Morrison (grand slam)

Saturday results:

9 am:
Peterborough 5 Eastons Corners 3
WP Matt McIntyre relief Jake Taylor
LP Will Lowe

11 am:
Quebec Juniors 9 Napanee Juniors (Team 2) 5
WP Marc-Andre Villeneuve
LP Alex Douglas

11:30 am:
Donnacona 10 Lyn 0
WP Neil Cooke
LP Ty McNish

1 pm:
Williamsburg Cigars 10 Eastons Corners 0
WP Trevor Lahey
LP Matt Healey

1:30 pm:
Kanata Storm 8 Napanee Juniors (Team 1) 0
WP Joran Graham
LP Eric Morgan relief Kyle Ainsley

3 pm:
Donnacona 11 Peterborough 6
WP Patrice Leclerc
LP Jake Taylor relief Matt McIntyre

3:30 pm:
Quebec Juniors 5 Ottawa Valley As 4
WP Marc-Andre Villeneuve
LP Steve Cavanagh

5 pm:
Napanee Juniors (Team 1) 8 Napanee Juniors (Team 2) 3
WP Kyle Ainsley
LP Luke Severson

5 30 pm:
Eastons Corners 13 Lyn 3
WP Will Lowe
LP Shane McNish

7 pm:
Kanata Storm 11 Quebec Juniors 2
WP Mike Noftall relief Darren Featherstone
LP Eric Villeneuve relief Jerome Demers

9 pm:
Napanee Juniors (Team 1) 6 Donnacona 4
WP Cole Bolton
LP Neil Cooke

Sunday schedule:

10 am:
Williamsburg 7 Peterborough 6
WP Trevor Lahey
LP Matt McIntyre relief Jake Taylor

10:30 am:
Ottawa Valley As 8 Napanee Juniors (Team 2) 4
WP Steve Cavanagh relief Adam Rueckwald
LP Jeremy Martin

Noon - Semi Final #1
Donnacona 6 Kanata Storm 0
WP Patrice Leclerc
LP Joran Graham
Joe McCleary - 5 RBIs incl 3-run HR

2 pm - Semi Final #2:
Williamsburg 8 Napanee Juniors (Team 1) 2
WP Jason Smith relief Cory Alkerton
LP Cole Bolton relief Kyle Ainsley
Monster 3-run HR by Matt Alkerton of Williamsburg

4 pm - FINAL
Donnacona 6 Williamsburg 1
WP Patrice Leclerc
LP Trevor Lahey

Kanata Storm Fundraiser - Blue Jays tickets

Win two tickets to Blue Jays vs Red Sox on Canada Day, plus $100 towards the trip to Toronto from Ottawa. 1/30 chance to win.

July 1st, 2015
Field Level bases
130A, Row 5, seats 110,111
Rogers Centre is offering Blue Jay Forces t-shirts to first 20,000 fans that day!

This is a Kanata Storm Fastball Team fundraiser.
30 numbers to be sold. $20 per number.
Raffle to take place by June 15th or when 30 numbers are sold. (Currently 9 sold.)
Pick a number and email macton17@hotmail.com for more information.

Media coverage: Micksburg 5 Stittsville 4

Some coverage of the GOFL game last week between Micksburg and Stittsville, in the Stittsville News.

Ashton Men's Fastball League seeks players

The Ashton Men's Fastball League, a four-team loop that plays their games in the village of Ashton, near Carleton Place, is looking for additional players for the season.

Games are Thursday nights at 7 pm and 9 pm.

If you are interested in playing in a recreational but fun men's fastpitch softball league, please contact Derek Lee at 613-223-1508.

Media Coverage: West Carleton 9 Kars 8

Some media coverage of last week's West Carleton Electric vs Kars Aces game. (No, I didn't write it!)

12th Annual Casey at Bat Tournament in Williamsburg, ON

The schedule has been released for the 12th Annual "Casey at Bat" Men's Fastball Tournament in Williamsburg, ON on May 22 - 24, 2015. The event features ten teams.

Note: All games on the half hour will be played on north diamond.

Friday:
7 pm Williamsburg Cigars vs Lyn
9 pm Kanata Storm vs Ottawa Valley As

Saturday
9 am Eastons Corners vs Peterborough
11 am Quebec Juniors vs Napanee Juniors (Team 2)
11:30 am Lyn vs Donnacona Blue Sox
1 pm Williamsburg  vs Eastons Corners
1:30 pm Kanata Storm vs Napanee Juniors (Team 1)
3 pm Peterborough vs Donnacona Blue Sox
3:30 pm Quebec Juniors vs Ottawa Valley As
5 pm Napanee Juniors (Team 1) vs Napanee Juniors (Team 2)
5 30 pm Lyn vs Eastons Corners
7 pm Kanata Storm vs Quebec Juniors
9 pm Donnacona Blue Sox vs Napanee Juniors (Team 1) (crossover)

Sunday
10 am Williamsburg vs Peterborough
10 30 am Ottawa Valley As vs Napanee Juniors (Team 2)
Noon: Semi-Final #1
2 pm: Semi-Final #2
4 pm: FINAL

Information on the 2014 edition of the tournament is featured here.

Elkland Molly Sherman Memorial bracket released

The bracket has been released for the 15-team Molly Sherman Memorial Tournament in Elkland, PA this coming weekend.

The Kingston Axemen and the Orleans Rebels are two of the teams entered.

Bracket on Al's Fastball.

Twins defeat Flyers 3-0 in Quyon UPDATED - WITH STORY

The Micksburg Twins beat the Quyon Flyers 3-0 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play in Quyon on Thursday night.

Corey Costello got the shutout win while Matt Greer took the loss with Trevor Lahey seeing time in relief.

Jamey Mick had a home run for the Twins.

info from Paul Griffith

The Micksburg Twins made the trip up the Pontiac to take on the Flyers on a chilly damp night on Thursday in Greater Ottawa Fastball League action. Corey Costello got the start for the Twins and Matt Greer countered for Quyon.

Micksburg got things going in the first with one out, as Jamey Mick continued his hot start as he took the first pitch he saw out of the park to left for a 1-0 lead.

The game stayed 1-0 until the third when Jordan Donahue drew a one out walk then advanced to third on a single by Matt McIntyre. Next up was Mick who drove a single up the middle scoring Donahue. Then with two out Joran Graham singled to score McIntyre, giving the Twins a 3-0 lead.

This score would be held up as Corey Costello earn the complete game shutout win striking out 15 batters. Trevor Lahey saw action in relief for the Flyers.

Micksburg batting stats

Jamey Mick 2-3 HR 2 RBI BB
Jordan Donahue 1-2 R BB
Joran Graham 1-2 RBI BB
Matt Mcintyre 1-4 R
Chad Costello 1-3 

Thursday night game in the GOFL is in Quyon

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League game tonight (Thursday May 21) will be in Quyon (not in Shawville) at 7:30 pm with the Flyers hosting the Micksburg Twins.

On a related note, this game will feature the four-official system as some of our local umpires get ready for international / national assignments.

Stittsville defeats Valley As 12-0

The Stittsville 56ers defeated the Ottawa Valley As in a run-rule shortened game on Wednesday night at the Grove in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play.


In the bottom of the first, the 56ers were productive as they drew two walks, hit two singles, a double for Trevor Scott, plus Dan Bradley drilled a 2 run shot to left center putting Stittsville up 6-0 after 1.

Darren Featherstone picked up 5 K’s in the first two innings bringing the 56ers back to the plate.  John Craig singled and moved around the bases to score on a couple of more hits as Stittsville picks up another run.

Bradley lead off the bottom of the third by launching his second home run of the game to left field.  Two walks and four singles produced 4 more runs for Stittsville.

Darren Featherstone threw well for Stittsville allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk, and picked up 9 K’s through the 5 inning game as the 56ers closed out the Valley A’s 12-0.

WP: Darre Featherstone
LP: Adam Reuckwald, relief by Ian King

Notables:
T. Scott – 1B, 2B, 1R
D Bradley – 2 for 2, 2HR, 3RBI,  BB
J Craig – 3 for 3, 3R, BB

Quyon beat Valley As in their GOFL debut (story from Week 1)

from Shawn Laframboise

The Quyon Flyers opened up the 2015 season in Shawville with a tilt versus the expansion Ottawa Valley A’s.  Flyer newcomer Derick Bulley got the opening day nod for the home side while the A’s countered with Todd "Willy White Shoes" Wilson.

It was a low scoring affair with the game remaining scoreless until the bottom of the 3rd.  With one out, Bulley singled to left field and scored on a Shawn Laframboise triple to make it 1-0 Quyon.

The Flyers extended their lead in the 4th.  Steve McCord reached on an error to the second baseman and advanced to second on a Dave Hobbs base hit.  Curtis Daley knocked in McCord with a base hit of his own to make it 2-0 Quyon.

The A’s answered back with one of their own in the top of the 5th.  After walking two A’s, Bulley surrendered an RBI single to Steve Frost to cut the Quyon lead in half, prompting a rare Quyon pitching change.  Bulley moved to first base, taking over for Laframboise, and handed the ball over to Trevor Lahey for the remainder of the game.  Lahey was able to get out of the inning with a strike out.

The score remained the same until the 7th.  After the OVA’s first two batters were retired on strikes they sparked a two-out rally to take the lead.  Clayton Vance reached first on an error to the Quyon shortstop and scored on Frost’s deep triple over the head of the Quyon left fielder.  Frost then came in to score on a wild pitch to give the visiting team their first ever GOFL lead.

Jordan Kearns started things off for the Flyers in the bottom of the 7th with a pinch hit single to right field.  After a strike out, Lahey walked and Dennis McCleary singled to load the bases for Matt Greer.  Greer’s base hit proved to be the game winner.

Quyon Hitting

Matt Greer 1/3  2 RBI, BB

Curtis Daley  1/3, RBI

Jordan Kearns  1/1, R

Shawn Laframboise  1/3, 3B

Joe McCleary  1/3

David Hobbs  1/3

Derick Bulley  1/3

Dennis McCleary  1/4

Ottawa Valley Hitting

Steve Frost  2/3, 2 RBI, R, 3B, BB

GOFL on Wednesday

A quick recap of results in the GOFL on Wednesday night.

In the first game in Manotick, I4C Victory beat West Carleton Electric 2-0. Curtis Scurr had a 2RBI single in the bottom of the sixth for I4C. Andrew Putnam had the win while Andy Barber took the loss allowing only 4 hits.

The second game in Manotick was ugly as the Kars Aces prevailed in another lengthy game against WC Electric with a 14-9 win. Brad Porter had the win in relief of Luke Severson. Jeff Barber took the loss. The game was ended early in the top of the 6th when the lights went out.

In Stittsville, the 56ers beat the Ottawa Valley As 12-0. Darren Featherstone had the win while Adam Rueckwald took the loss with relief from Ian King.

GOFL Week #2

Week #2 in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League has four games on the schedule.

West Carleton Electric (1-0) will go to Manotick on Wednesday for a doubleheader against I4C Victory in their first game of the season at 7 pm, followed by a rematch with the Kars Aces (0-1) at 9 pm. Also that night the Ottawa Valley As (0-1) will play the Stittsville 56ers (0-1) at the Grove at 8:30 pm.

Thursday night as the Micksburg Twins (1-0) into Shawville to face the Quyon Flyers (1-0) at 8 pm.

Micksburg Twins open fastball season (news article)

Some Micksburg Twins media coverage in the Pembroke Observer by Jamie Bramburger.

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/05/14/fastball-micksburg-twins-open-fastball-season

Quyon Flyers beat Ottawa Valley A's 4-3

The Quyon Flyers needed a Matt Greer walk off single in the bottom of the seventh to come back and defeat the expansion Ottawa Valley A's in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play on Thursday night in Shawville.

Trevor Lahey earned the win in relief of Derick Bulley. Todd Wilson took the loss for the A's.

more to follow

Micksburg beats Stittsville 5-4 at the Grove - WITH GAME STORY

The Micksburg Twins opened their season with a 5-4 win over the Stittsville 56ers in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play on Wednesday at the Grove in Stittsville.

Jason Smith, a new addition to the Twins this year, had the win in relief of Joran Graham.

Dan Konkle took the loss in relief of Darren Featherstone.

Trevor Scott had a home run for Stittsville while Jamey Mick's grand slam was the difference in the top of the seventh for the Twins.

Micksburg 5 Stittsville 4
info from Paul Griffith & John Craig

The Twins and 56ers squared off in the Grove on Wednesday night with Joran Graham (Micksburg) and Darren Featherstone (Stittsville) getting the start for their teams.

Stittsville got on the board in the first as John Craig got to second on a misplayed ball by the left fielder then advanced to third on a passed ball, later scoring on a RBI ground out by Featherstone.

Twins managed to tie the score in the 5th when Kurt Levet reached on a walk then stole second. He was able to score as Kyle Jackson hit a single to left.

Stittsville got the lead back in the 6th. With new Twin Jason Smith in relief of Graham, Craig walked, Featherston singled and Ryan Bond reached on a fielder's choice. With two out Trevor Scott hit a 3-run shot deep over the right centre fence giving the 56ers a 4-1 lead going into the 7th.

In the 7th the Twins were able to get the first two runners on via walk and infield single by Jordan Donahue off Dan Konkle who was now in the game pitching, Konkle was able to strike out the next two batters. The next batter Graham battled to get a walk loading the bases. Next up the clean up batter Jamey Mick drove a 2-2 pitch deep over the centre field fence for the grand slam giving the Twins a 5-4 lead.

Smith was able to retire the 56ers three up and down in the seventh collecting the come behind win for the Micksburg Twins.

Twins
Joran Graham 4IP 1H 9K
Jason Smith WIN 3 IP 3ER 2H 2BB 4K

Kyle Jackson 1-3 RBI BB
Joran Graham 1-2 R 2BB
Jordan Donahue 1-3 R
Kurt Levet 2BB R
Jamey Mick 3-4 GS 4RBI

56ers
Darren Featherstone 5IP
Dan Konkle LOSS 2IP

John Craig, 1B, BB, 2R
Trevor Scott – 1B, HR, 3RBI

Shawville Men's Fastball League starts May 25

Men's fastball is back in west Quebec as the Shawville's league is back with four teams for 2015. The season will start on May 25, with games every Monday.

There are four teams participating. Joining Hursty's Bar and Grill, the Pontiac Royals and the Bucks, all back from 2014, is the new "Team 4".

Team 4 is looking for a sponsor, so if you want to support men's fastball in Shawville, let them know at shawvillefastpitch@gmail.com.

Sal Gara to officiate at Women's World Cup in Irvine, CA

Congratulations to Sal Gara, an official from the Eastern Ontario Umpires Association, for being named as an umpire for the Women's World Cup of Softball in Irvine, California on June 29 to July 5, 2015.

Campbellford Tournament

Campbellford OPG Cougars Men’s Fastball Tournament
Intermediate/Junior/Midget
May 30th-31st
Campbellford Kinsmen Ball Park
guaranteed 3 games
$300/team

Contact:
Gary Torrance H: (705) 653-1418 C: (705) 653-6185 gatch99@persona.ca
Rod Torrance (705) 632-0871

West Carleton wins GOFL opener 9-8 over Kars

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League season got off to a start on Tuesday night in Fitzroy Harbour, with the home town West Carleton Electric winning 9-8 over the Kars Aces on a wet and blustery night.

Steve Cavanagh earned the win in an inning of relief of Andy Barber. Luke Severson took the loss, relieving starter Brad Porter and Cory Alkerton.

Kars got on the board in the top of the first. Kristian Knapp singled and moved around the bases on a passed ball and two wild pitches to score.

West Carleton responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the opener. Kevin Shonfield lead off with a walk, moved to second on a wild pitch and got to third on Trevor Barton's infield single. Mike Cavanagh reached on a fielder's choice as Barton was put out at second. Jeff Barber then hit a grounder on which Shonfield tried to score but was thrown out at home by shortstop Nick Ellis. Jeff Cavanagh walked to load the bases. When Neil Murphy's grounder was misplayed, Mike Cav and JBarb scored to put WC up 2-1.

The Electric put another two across in the second. Andy Barber walked with one out. Shonfield then singled. Barton's infield single resulted in a rushed throw, allowing Barber to score from third. Shonfield subsequently scored on a wild pitch.

The Aces tied it up in the top of the third. Ellis let off with a deep home run to centre field. Then after a strikeout, Knapp tripled to right field. Cory Morrison walked. Cory Alkerton then singled, driving in Knapp and Morrison scored when the ball was misplayed in the outfield to tie the game at four.

Cory Alkerton came in to relief Porter in the third inning.

The home side regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Mike Cavanagh singled to start the inning. After a pop up, Jeff Cavanagh reached first on a fielder's choice and the attempt at second was misplayed leaving both Cavs on base. Mike Cav moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Murphy's ground out.

However, the lead didn't last for long as the top of the fifth saw Knapp start with a walk, steal second, moved to third on a wild pitch and score on an RBI single by Cory Alkerton.

Kars half of the sixth frame saw Lukas Kamps start the inning with a walk. An infield single by Ellis put men on first and second, with a wild pitch advancing both runners. After a strikeout, Knapp was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Morrison then singled to left scoring Kamps, but Ellis was thrown out at home on a nice toss by Shonfield. When Knapp scored on a wild pitch, it was 7-5 Kars.

Once again, the game was tied up as the 'Trics scored a pair in the bottom of the sixth, facing Luke Severson who came in the game to relief Alkerton. Mike Cavanagh started the inning with a walk. Jeff Barber reached on an error. Both players advanced on wild pitches and Jeff Cavanagh loaded the bases by reaching on a dropped third strike. The next batter popped up. Dave Bahm's grounder saw Mike Cavanagh score on some good baserunning, and Jeff Barber score when the throw was misplayed.

With things tied at 7-7 in the top of seven, Steve Cavanagh took over pitching duties from Andy Barber. After a fly out, Matt Pollard singled. He moved to second on a passed ball. The next batter grounded out, moving Pollard to third. Kamps then hit a ball hard down the line past a sprawling blogger to bring in Pollard and give the Aces the 8-7 lead.

The Electric rallied in the bottom of the seventh to win the game. After a strikeout, Shonfield hit an infield single. Barton's hard hit double to the gap scored the speedy Shonfield from first. Mike Cavanagh then singled, and advanced to second on the play. With first open, the Aces elected to intentionally walk Jeff Barber. A Jeff Cavanagh single to right field was the walk off to win the game 9-8 for West Carleton and end the 2.5 hour marathon match.

Kars Aces
Brad Porter 2IP 4R 1ER 3H 4BB 1K
Cory Alkerton 3IP 1R 0ER 3H 1BB 5K
Luke Severson LOSS 2IP 4R 4H 1BB 1IBB 3K

Nick Ellis 2-5, HR, RBI, R
Kristian Knapp 2-2, BB, HBP, 4R, SB, 3B
Cory Morrison 1-1, 3BB, R, 2RBI
Cory Alkerton 2-3, BB, 2RBI
Matt Pollard 1-3, BB, R
Lukas Kamps 1-3, BB, R, RBI

West Carleton Electric
Andy Barber 6IP 7R 6ER 7H 7BB 1HBP 11K
Steve Cavanagh WIN 1IP 1R 1ER 2H 0BB 0K

Kevin Shonfield 2-4, BB, 2R
Trevor Barton 3-5, 2B, RBI
Mike Cavanagh 2-4, 3R, BB
Jeff Barber 2BB, 2R
Jeff Cavanagh 1-4, BB, RBI
Neil Murphy 1-4, RBI
Dave Bahm RBI
Andy Barber 1-1, BB, R

Greater Ottawa Fastball League season gets underway this week

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League will get started with three games this week to kick off the 2015 season.

On Tuesday, the Kars Aces will travel to Fitzroy Harbour to play West Carleton Electric at 8:30 pm.

Wednesday night will see the Stittsville 56ers host the Micksburg Twins at 8:30 pm at the Grove.

Quyon Flyers host the expansion Ottawa Valley As in Shawville on Thursday night at 8 pm.

Defending champions I4C Victory are off in week one and still start their season on Wednesday.

For more on the GOFL, visit the website at GOFL.ca.

2015 Ontario Challenge Cup to be played in Jordan

Jordan, ON - ISC Canada East is pleased to announce that the 2015 Laverne Reichert Memorial Ontario Challenge Cup will be played in Jordan on the weekend of September 18-20, 2015.

Hosted by the Jordan Jays fastball team and the Jordan Lions community club, the 2015 OCC will be contested by up to 14 teams. Defending champions Shakespeare Falcons will lead the field competing for a coveted paid berth in the 2016 ISC World Tournament.

Entry fee is $325 for the double knockout tournament (single championship game).

All men's fastball leagues across Ontario (as well as Manitoba, Quebec and Atlantic Canada if they're willing to make the trip) are invited to register to send their league representative. The first 14 paid league entries will be accepted. We encourage payment by safe, secure and convenient Interac email transfer. 

As always, we thank you for your support and look forward to a terrific upcoming fastball season, capped by the 2015 Ontario Challenge Cup at the Jordan Lions Community Park in September. https://goo.gl/maps/YVHp0

For additional information, please contact any of the following:

Blair Setford

blairjs@gmail.com

Joe Todd

ftode739@rogers.com

Kyle Smith

kyle.smith@ballparkradio.com 

"Boys of Summer" in Wisconsin seeking one more team

from Dean Kane

The 15th Boys of Summer Open tournament is still looking for one team, we had it filled and now lost a team this week.  It will be held July 10-12 at Circle Tap in Denmark, Wisconsin.  The 2nd and 3rd fields are a couple of miles away.  Denmark is located about 10 miles south of Green Bay.  Entry fee is $200 and we pay out $200 per victory.  It’s tough to beat the atmosphere at this tournament.  Please let me know if you are interested or need any more information on the tournament.  Here is the current list of teams:

1.       Circle Tap Dukes

2.       A1 Bombers

3.       Saskatoon Diamondbacks

4.       J&B Painting

5.       Dolan & Murphy

6.       Topeka Toros

7.       Bloomington Stix

8.       Kegel Black Knights

9.       Great Lakes Mariners

10.   The Bar Buzz

11.   SME Threshers

Contact: dkane@jminsure.com  

Condolences to Pugger

Condolences to Shawn "Pugger" Williams, former umpire and coach in the local fastball scene, on the death of his father, Ted Williams. Obit here.

Greater Ottawa Fastball League starts May 12

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League, with seven teams this season, will start on Tuesday May 12. The blog will feature a season preview shortly and the league website is being rebuilt.

This year teams include West Carleton Electric, Kars Aces, Quyon Flyers, Micksburg Twins, Stittsville 56ers, I4C Victory and the expansion Ottawa Valley As.

Harbour Ball starting this week

The Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League (aka "Harbour Ball") is back for the 2015 with eight full teams playing fastpitch softball at a recreational level in Fitzroy Harbour on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Games start this week and continue through the summer, representing 8 sponsors:

• Anderson Automotive
• Clouthier Custom Carpentry
• Shouldice Mechanical
• Nixon Enterprises
• Clean Cut Construction
• Murphy's Plumbing
• Cheshire Cat Pub
• All in One Septic & Excavating

The league doesn't have a website (maybe someday, maybe not), but watch this blog for updates.

Still Some Openings in the Trend Arlington Men's Fastball League

from Ivan Taylor

The Trend Arlington Men's Fastball League will begin their regular season on Monday, May 4th with two games at 6:30 and 8:30.  The games are played at the Trend Arlington Fastball Diamond on the corner of Bellman and Greenbank beside the Trend Arlington Tennis Club.  This four team league consists of Whispers Pub, That's How We Roll, DCI Durabuilt Construction, and Hilti Construction.  Games are played every Monday and Wednesday at 6:30 and 8:30.  The teams plays a 24 game regular season that will wrap up in early August and will be followed by playoffs.  There are still a couple of teams looking to increase their roster.  Anyone interested in finding out more about the league should contact the league executive at info@tafastball.ca or come out the diamond and check it out!

"The Glen" starts soon

The Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League will start up Monday with seven teams playing, one down from last year.

• Kanata Sports Club
• Ottawa Home Services
• Laurysen Kitchens
• Stittsville Midget
• East Side Marios
• Don Cherrys
• Upper Canada Elevators

Games are played in Kanata, with a tournament scheduled for mid-June in Carp. For more information on the league, visit their website www.gcmfl.com.

Blackburn League back with 8 teams

The Blackburn Men's Fastball League is back for 2015 with eight teams this year.

• Goodfellows
• Guzzlers
• Blue Jays
• Rogues
• Mr. Electric
• Knights
• Bandits
• Gloucester Heating

The season starts this week - full info on their website www.bmfl.ca.

PanAm games softball schedule announced

The schedule for the softball competition for Team Canada at the PanAm games in Toronto has been announced.

Canada’s men’s softball schedule:

• Sunday, July 12 vs. Mexico at 7 p.m. (SB001)
• Monday, July 13 vs. USA at 7 p.m. (SB002)
• Tuesday, July 14 vs. Argentina at 7 p.m. (SB003)
• Wednesday, July 15 vs. Dominican Republic at 7 p.m. (SB004)
• Thursday, July 16 vs. Venezuela at 4:30 p.m. (SB005)

The men’s semifinals will be held on Friday, July 17, at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (SB006), followed by the bronze- and gold-medal games on Saturday, July 18, at noon and 3 p.m. (SB007).  

Canada’s women’s softball schedule:

• Sunday, July 19 vs. Brazil at 4:30 p.m. (SB008)
• Monday, July 20 vs. Cuba at 7 p.m. (SB009)
• Tuesday, July 21 vs. USA at 7 p.m. (SB010)
• Wednesday, July 22 vs. Dominican Republic at 7 p.m. (SB011)
• Thursday, July 23 vs. Puerto Rico at 7 p.m. (SB012)

The women’s semifinals will be held on Friday, July 24, at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (SB013), followed by the bronze-medal game on Saturday, July 25, at 5 p.m. (SB014) and the gold-medal game on Sunday, July 26, at 11 a.m. (SB015).

For the full new release click here.