St. John's NL Senior League top three batters are all brothers

Check this out - quite an accomplishment in what is generally regarded as the world's best men's local fastpitch league. From VOCM:


For the first time in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League’s 61-year history, three brothers are the top three batters: Blair, Bradley, and Kyle Ezekiel. Blair Ezekiel of Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs captured the 2017 Senior Batting Title with a .489 batting average (23-47). Kyle Ezekiel of 3 Cheers Pub Bud Light Dodgers finished in second place with a .423 batting average (22-52). While Brad Ezekiel of the NTV Hitmen finished in third, with .400 (18-45).

Blackburn playoff update

from Derek Martin

The Blackburn Men's Fastball League playoffs are now down to just 4 teams with two games scheduled for tonight. 

Game 1 at 7pm will see the #1 seeded Knights face off against the #6 seeded Blue Jays. The Knights will need to continue their offensive output that has seen them put up 20 runs in just 2 game thus far in the playoffs. Chris Macfarlane and Derek Martin have led the way for the Knights, both hitting 2 round trippers in the first 2 games of their playoff run. Look for the Knights hot bats to carry them past the Blue Jays. 

The Jays are coming off a strong offensive showing of their own, upsetting Goodfellows 6-2 to knock off the #2 seed. Let by Tyler Borris and Andy Barber, look for the Blue Jays to silence the Knights bats and continue their push to the finals. 

Game 2 at 9pm should be a nail biter between Goodfellows and The Braves. Both teams finished the season tied with 27 points. Goodfellows won the season series 2-1 with each game being decided by only 1 point. The Braves are coming off a big 13-7 win over Gloucester Heating. Look for their bats to stay hot while Nick Bowman and Will Mood try to keep Goodfellows offence at bay. 

Goodfellows are entering tonight’s game after an intense game over the Bandits on Tuesday which saw the game go down to the wire. Ultimately ended by a walk off HR by Shannon Borho in the bottom of the 7th inning. 

Be sure to come check out the action tonight in Blackburn. It all kicks off at 7pm. 

Blackburn & Glen playoff updates

The Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League playoffs are down to the two finalists. The Kars Aces Juniors upset the first place East Side Mario's team two games to one in the semifinals to advance, while Upper Canada Elevators edged defending champions Laurysen Kitchens in the 10th inning of Game Three in their series. Start date for the UCE vs Kars best of three final is to be determined.

In the Blackburn Men's Fastball League, the double knockout format playoffs continue tonight with the winner's bracket final between the Knights and the Blue Jays at 7 pm with the losers' bracket final at 9 pm with Goodfellows playing the Bytek Braves. 

West Carleton wins semifinal 1-0 over Valley

West Carleton Electric won the Greater Ottawa Fastball League Final Four semi-final game against the Ottawa Valley As on Wednesday night in Fitzroy Harbour, prevailing 1-0.

At a well-played game of defensive fastpitch softball on both sides, in front of about 100 spectators, Andy Barber was the winning pitcher with a one-hitter. Adam Rueckwald also threw well in taking the loss.

After a three up, three down for Valley, the Electric threatened in the bottom of the first frame. Kevin Shonfield started things with a walk and was followed by an Andy Barber bunt single. After an attempted sacrifice bunt was popped up, Jeff Barber's infield single loaded the bases with one out. Rueckwald got a strike out, then Jeff Cavanagh's sharply hit ball to short was well fielded by Kyle Couvieau and the As got the put out at third to escape the inning unscathed.

The game's only run was scored in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Jeff Cavanagh hit an infield single for the 'Trics and when the As attempted to throw him out the ball went into right field allowing JCav to get to second. Cavanagh was replaced with Matt McKay as a pinch runner. The next batter popped up. McKay advanced to third on a wild pitch, then scored the game's only run when Jon Daley singled up the middle.

West Carleton had another chance to score in the fifth. Shonfield started the inning with a single, and moved to second on Andy Barber's walk. A long fly ball to the warning tracked advanced both runners sixty feet. Jeff Barber then hit a shallow fly to left fielder Dave Baird; Shonfield attempted to tag and score, but was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.

The As tried to tie things up in the seventh. Ryley Burns led off with a walk, his second of the night. He was replaced with a pinch runner, Connor Armstrong. Armstrong moved to second on a nice sacrifice bunt by Clayton Vance, and moved to third on a ground out. However, Barber ended the game with a strikeout, to move West Carleton on to the finals to face the Micksburg Twins for the GOFL title.

Fitzroy
Andy Barber WIN 7IP 0R 1H 8K 3BB

Kevin Shonfield 1-2, BB
Andy Barber 1-2, BB
Jeff Barber 1-3
Jeff Cavanagh 1-3
Jon Daley 1-2, RBI, SB

Valley
Adam Rueckwald LOSS 6IP 1R 0ER 5H 6K 2BB

Ryley Burns 2BB
Lindsay Medynski 1-2

GOFL Semi-final Wednesday in Fitzroy Harbour

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League final four playoffs continue with a semi-final game on Wednesday September 27 at 8 pm in Fitzroy Harbour, with West Carleton Electric hosting the Ottawa Valley As.

The winner of this game will face the Micksburg Twins in the GOFL Final.

Shawville tourney recap

The Shawville Men's Fastball Tournament concluded today with the Shawville Tubman Autobody Twins winning the final 4-3 over the Micksburg Twins, with Lane McMurtry hitting the walk off solo homer in the bottom of the seventh. Matt Greer got the win for Shawville while Adam Rueckwald was pitching for Micksburg.

The other teams participating in the event were the Shawville Hursty's Bar and Grill As, Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric and Goodfellows.

Results from Friday night at the Shawville Tournament

Game 1: Shawville Tubman Autobody Twins 11 Micksburg Twins 4
WP: Lenny Burger
LP: Matt McIntyre, relief Adam Rueckwald

Game 2: Shawvilly Hursty's Bar & Grill As 2 Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric 0
WP: Trevor Lahey
LP: Matt McKay

Game 3 - Saturday 11 am - Shawville Tubman Autobody Twins vs Goodfellows
Game 4 - Saturday 12:30 pm - Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric vs Micksburg Twins
Game 5 - Saturday 4 pm - Winner Game 3 vs Shawville Hursty's Bar & Grill

Softball Canada survey

Softball Canada’s members are invited to complete the 2017 Member Satisfaction Survey. This survey is designed to provide feedback on your experience of softball in Canada.

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and in return, members will be entered into a draw to win newly branded Softball Canada prizes!

Softball Canada is seeking feedback in key areas that will help us measure our member satisfaction levels and provide us with insight into possible future programs/initiatives.

The survey will close on October 13th, 2017 and we encourage you to take this opportunity to have your say about the game you love!

Your input is highly valued, thank you.


Survey available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SoftballCanadaSurveyEN

Shawville Tournament starts tonight

Shawville men's fastpitch tournament starts tonight, in conjunction with a slopitch event, at the Shawville, QC RA Centre.

G1 Friday 6 pm Shawville 1 vs Micksburg
G2 Friday 7:30 pm Shawville 2 vs Fitzroy

G3 Saturday 11 am Winner Game 1 vs Goodfellows
G4 Saturday 12:30 pm Loser Game 1 vs Loser Game 2
G5 Saturday 4 pm Winner Game 3 vs Winner Game 2
G6 Saturday 5:30 pm  Loser Game 3 vs Winner Game 4

G7 Sunday Noon Loser Game 5 vs Winner Game 6
G8 Sunday 3 pm Winner Game 7 vs Winner Game 5

Murphy's Plumbings wins "B" playoffs in Fitzroy league

Murphy's Plumbing were the Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League "B" side champs this week, defeating Clean Cut Construction. The "B" side is contested by the first four teams eliminated from the Harbour Ball playoffs.

Murphy's were led by veteran pitcher (59 and holding) Jim Ryan and Harbour Ball Commish Brendan Coker. Clean Cut's pitchers were Andrew Jahn and Johnny Coe.

That wraps up Harbour Ball for 2017, another successful season, composed of 8 teams with players ranging from teenagers to 60.

The Murphy's Plumbing team enjoying a well-earned post-game refreshment in the Fitzroy Hall.

Glen Cairn playoffs update

from Eric Colvin

Both Semi-final series in the Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League playoffs will go to a do or die game three next Monday, September 25^th @ AY Jackson diamonds in Glen Cairn (Kanata).

Kars Juniors Aces versus East Side Mario’s will play the 6:30 pm game while defending champions, Laurysen Kitchens square off against Upper Canada Elevators at 8:30 pm.

Blackburn League playoff update

from Nick Bowman

The Blackburn Men's Fastball League playoffs continue on Thursday at 7 pm at the Blackburn arena diamond. The first game of the night features the number 2 ranked Goodfellows against the number 7 Guzzlers. Goodfellows had a great defensive regular season, giving up 85 runs in 20 games. Two left handed pitchers, Will Lowe and Shannon Borho, toe the rubber for Goodfellows which features arguably the best defensive infield with Brendan Clark at 2^nd, Scott Adams at shortstop and Jordan Adams at 3^rd. Those 3 players also play key offensive roles. Look for Jeff Barber to get the start for the Guzzlers who will spearhead the offense and defense. Kevin Shonfield and mid-season pickup Jonady Nunez will also need to play key offensive roles to upset Goodfellows.

The second game features the number 4 ranked Bandits against number 5 Gloucester Heating. Perennial innings pitched leader Pierre Lalonde will likely be on the mound with son Max Lalonde behind the plate. Phil Bedard and Max Lalonde each hit 4 homeruns for the Bandits. Derick Bulley and Derek Bergeron have shared most of the pitching duties. Bulley and Paul Toonders both hit 6 homeruns for the Heat and will look to continue their regular season success. Both these teams have strong offensive lineups so pitching and defense will be key to determine the winner of this match.

Game 1: The Knights came from behind to beat the Rogues 6 to 3. Ryan Chatten picked up the win and Matt Cox went the distance and picked up the loss. Derek Martin and Jefferson Roman hit homeruns for the Knights and Rogues.

Game 2: The Blue Jays beat the Braves 6 to 4. Andy Barber went the distance and picked up the win and Nick Bowman had the loss. Tyler Borris hit a homerun for the Jays and Jeremy Regan hit one for the Braves.

Ottawa Valley As beat Kars Aces 6-5, advance to semifinal

The Ottawa Valley As advanced to the Greater Ottawa Fastball League Final Four semifinal game with a 6-5 win over the Kars Aces on Wednesday night in Manotick. The Aces were eliminated from the playoffs with the loss.

The As will play West Carleton Electric next week on a night to be determined in Fitzroy Harbour. The winner of that game will play Micksburg Twins in the final.

Adam Rueckwald had the complete game win for Valley, while Cory Alkerton took the loss with relief from Brad Porter.

Kars got on the board in the bottom of the first. Brad Pender doubled, took third on a passed ball and scored on Nick Ellis' sacrifice fly.

In top of the second, the Valley As took a 2-1 lead. Clayton Vance was hit by a pitch and Kyle Couvieau singled to put two on. Vance stole third and the throw went into left field to allow him to score. Dave Baird's ground out allowed Couvieau to score from third.

Ben Wade led off the third for the As with a walk. A sac bunt by Steve Frost was then thrown into right field, allowing Wade to score. Ryley Burns reached on a walk and both Frost and Burns scored when what looked like a sacrifice fly by Vance dropped in. Vance then plated on a wild pitch to make the score 6-1 for Valley after two and a half innings. Porter then relieved start Alkerton and got out of the inning.

The Aces had a chance for multiple runs in the fifth but the As only allowed one. Porter led off with a single, followed by a single by Pender. An infield single by Ellis loaded the bases with none out. After a strikeout, Porter scored on ground out to first by Kurtis Summers. Another strikeout ended it and the score was 6-2 for Valley after five.

The sixth saw Kars score three to make it a one run game. Cory Morrison started things with a single, followed by a single by Milne. A hot grounder by Danny Powers got by first to score Morrison. Then Porter singled, scoring Milne with none yet out. After a pop up, Ellis hit a single that scored Powers, but Porter got thrown out at third on a close play. A strikeout ended the rally.

In the top of the seventh, a big catch in right field with one out by Morrison saved a baserunner and a subsequent single by Couvieau might have cashed a run, but Porter got out of the inning keeping the score at 6-5.

The bottom of the seventh saw the first batter go out on a pop up. Then.....the lights went out, even thought it was only 10 o'clock. After a 13 minute delay, play resumed. The subsequent batter struck out, but Morrison hit an infield single to keep the game alive. When the next batter lined out to short, the Valley As had completed the upset win and advanced to the GOFL semifinal.

Valley
Adam Rueckwald WIN 7IP 5R 5ER 9H 2BB


Ben Wade  1-3, BB, R
Steve Frost 1-2, BB, R
Clayton Vance HBP, 2R, RBI,
Kyle Couvieau 3-3, R, HBP
Dave Baird RBI
Ryley Burns BB, R
Gavin Boyd 1-2, BB

Kars
Cory Alkerton LOSS 2IP 6R 1ER 3H 2BB 3HBP
Brad Porter 5IP 0R 3H 1BB

Brad Pender 2-4, 2B, R
Nick Ellis 2-3, 2RBI
Cory Morrison 3-4, R
Chad Milne 2-3, BB, R
Brad Porter 2-2, R, RBI
Kurtis Summers RBI, R

GOFL Final Four playoff update

The Final Four teams in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoffs are now set. The teams will play in a double elimination format.

**UPDATE: Micksburg advances to the final for the fifth year in a row. Their opponent will be determined in a game between West Carleton Electric and the winnner of the Kars Aces / Ottawa Valley As game on Wednesday. **

Game 1: Tuesday September 12 in Fitzroy Harbour, 8 pm
West Carleton Electric 6 Ottawa Valley As 3

Game 2: Thursday September 14 in Micksburg, 8 pm
Micksburg Twins 6 Kars Aces 2

Game 3: Monday September 18 in Fitzroy Harbour, 8 pm
Micksburg Twins 3 West Carleton Electric 0

Game 4: Wednesday September 20 in Manotick, 8 pm
Ottawa Valley As 6 Kars Aces 5 (Kars eliminated)

Game 5: Wednesday September 27 in Fitzroy Harbour, 8 pm
Ottawa Valley As vs West Carleton Electric

FINAL: Date / Time / Location TBD
Winner Game 3 vs Winner Game 5

************************************************

First round playoff results best of three)

Micksburg (2nd) vs. I4C (7th) - Micksburg wins series 2 games to 0
Game 1: Tuesday September 5 in Micksburg at 8 pm - Micksburg wins 3-0
Game 2: Monday September 11 in Manotick at 8 pm - Micksburg wins 8-0

Kars (3rd) vs. Stittsville (6th) - Kars wins series 2 games to 0
Game 1: Wednesday August 30 in Manotick, 8 pm - Kars wins 3-1
Game 2: Wednesday September 6 in Stittsville, 9 pm - Kars wins 12-4

Quyon (4th) vs. Valley (5th) - Valley wins series 2 games to 1
Game 1: Thursday August 31 in Quyon, 8 pm - Valley wins 4-2
Game 2: Wednesday September 6 in Carp, 8 pm - Quyon wins 8-0
Game 3: Thursday September 7 in Quyon, 7:30 pm - Valley wins 5-4 (8 innings)

West Carleton (1st) - bye to Final Four

Blackburn playoff update

from Nick Bowman

The Blackburn Men's Fastball League playoffs, in its 35th season, get underway tonight at 7:00 pm at the Blackburn arena. The BMFL uses a double elimination format for its playoffs. 

Game 1 will feature the number 1 ranked Knights against the Rogues. The Knights will look to continue their strong regular season performance, leading the league in runs for and the least amount of runs against. Offensively, Chris MacFarlane, Nate Blackburn and Derek Martin will hope to continue using the long-ball to drive in runs. BMFL wins leaders, Jamie Blakely, will likely get the call to the mound. Rogues will need stellar pitching from expected starter Matt Cox, who finished second in the league in innings pitched. The Rogues will need a strong defensive game and a team-hitting game to upset the Knights. 

Game 2 will feature the number 3 ranked Bytek Braves against the number 6 ranked Blue Jays. Throughout the season, the Braves relied on a team-game to finish tied for 2nd place. Nick Bowman and Will Mood will likely share pitching duties. Steve Walman, a veteran of 30 years in the BMFL, is looking to celebrate the milestone with a championship. The Blue Jays are led offensively by Andy Barber, Spencer Rodd, and Matt Ellis. Andy Squared (Barber and Dunn) have shared pitching duties throughout the year. Come out tonight at 9 pm to find out who the General Manager will send out to toe the rubber for the Jays.

Micksburg wins 3-0 over West Carleton

The Micksburg Twins won the Greater Ottawa Fastball League Final Four playoff game on Monday night in Fitzroy Harbour by a score of 3-0 over West Carleton Electric.

Corey Costello had the complete game win, allowing only three hits and striking out thirteen. Andy Barber threw well in taking the loss for WC.

The Twins scored one in first. Matt McIntrye led of with a double off the fence, just missing his first career home run. Jamey Mick's hard come backer to the pitcher looked like McIntyre might be thrown out at third, but he slid under the tag and Mick reached on the fielder's choice. A walk to Joran Graham loaded the bases with none out. Corey Costello then hit a sacrifice fly to right centre that scored McIntyre. Barber got out of the jam with a strike out and a pop up.

The game remained at 1-0 until the fifth. Mick started things with a single and pinch runner Andrew McIntyre stole second. Graham then walked. A misplayed ground from Corey Costello loaded the bases. A walk to Chad Costello scored Andy Mac. After a fielder's choice erased a runner at the plate, followed by a fly out to centre, another walk, this time to Connor Moss scored another run.

Micksburg
Corey Costello WIN 7IP 0R 3H 13K 0BB

Matt McIntyre 1-4, 2B, R
Jamey Mick 1-4
Joran Graham 2BB
Corey Costello 1-3, Sac Fly RBI, R
Chad Costello 3BB, RBI
Quinton Rook 2-3
Connor Moss 1-1, BB, Sac Bunt, SB, RBI

Fitzroy
Andy Barber LOSS 7IP 3R 1ER 6H 10K 5BB

Jeff Barber 1-3, 2B
Jeff Cavanagh 1-3
Alex Boucaud 1-3, SB

uOttawa hosting Canadians, seeking volunteers

The uOttawa women's fastpitch softball team is hosting the Canadian Collegiate Softball Association Championships on October 6 - 8 at the Ottawa R.A. Centre diamonds and they are looking for volunteers for the following jobs.

1) Game Controller
2) Scorekeeper
3) Tournament Convenor

If you are available, please contact Steph Bouchey stephbouchey@gmail.com.

Twins win Shawville League

The Twins won the Shawville League playoffs with a 2-1 victory over the Royals on Friday night in front of a good crowd.

Matt Greer was the winning pitcher while veteran lefty Lenny Burger threw well but took the loss.

Darron Bruce went 2 for 3 for the Twins, driving in both runs. Dave Hobbs went 2 for 2 with a walk and James O'Brien was 1 for 3 with an RBI for the Royals.

The Shawville League is a four team recreation men's fastpitch league that plays at the Shawville, QC RA diamond.

Shawville Tournament schedule announced

Shawville is hosting a men's fastpitch tournament for the first time in many years on the weekend of September 22 - 24. There are five teams competing in a double knockout event which is being held at the Shawville RA Centre in conjunction with a slopitch tournament.

G1 Friday 6 pm Shawville 1 vs Micksburg
G2 Friday 7:30 pm Shawville 2 vs Fitzroy

G3 Saturday 11 am Winner Game 1 vs Goodfellows
G4 Saturday 12:30 pm Loser Game 1 vs Loser Game 2
G5 Saturday 4 pm Winner Game 3 vs Winner Game 2
G6 Saturday 5:30 pm  Loser Game 3 vs Winner Game 4

G7 Sunday Noon Loser Game 5 vs Winner Game 6
G8 Sunday 3 pm Winner Game 7 vs Winner Game 5

BMFL playoffs start Tuesday

The eight team Blackburn Men's Fastball League start their playoffs on Tuesday night. They will be using a true double knockout format to declare a champion. The bracket is online here.

Four teams remaining in the Glen

There are four teams remaining in the playoffs for the Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League. The Glen had nine teams this season.

Playoff results so far in the Glen:
Ottawa Home Services defeats Kanata Sports Club in "play in game"
Laurysen Kitchens defeats Don Cherry's 2 games to 0
East Side Mario's defeats Ottawa Home Services 2 games to 0
Kars Aces Juniors defeats Ken Leslie State Farm 2 games to 1
Upper Canada Elevators defeats Broker4Tickets 2 games to 0

Next round sees Laurysen Kitches vs Upper Canada Elevators and Kars Aces Jrs vs East Side Mario's in best of three series, starting Monday.

NAPA Shockers win the Ashton League

The NAPA Shockers won the Ashton Men's Fastball League finals with a 7-6 win in nine innings over the Lee Plumbing Rockets. Steve Cavanagh and Chris Parrish combined for the pitching win for the Shockers, who have won the league title three of the last four years. The Ashton league has four teams.

Micksburg beats Kars 6-2

Twitter reports from Jamie Bramburger

The Micksburg Twins won their Greater Ottawa Fastball League Final Four playoff game at home on Thursday night, defeating the Kars Aces 6-2.

Joran Graham had the start for the Twins, but stopped pitching in the first after a being shaken up on a play. He stayed in the game however and hit a two run homer. Corey Costello finished the game and earned the win for the Twins. Brad Porter threw well for Kars in taking the loss. Jamey Mick was 3-3 for Micksburg.

Micksburg will face West Carleton Electric in Fitzroy Harbour in the winner vs winner game on Monday September 18 at 8 pm. The Aces will host the Ottawa Valley As in Manotick on Wednesday September 20 at 8 pm with the loser of that being eliminated.

More to follow

GOFL annual history lesson

As per the annual tradition, it is time for blog readers' annual history lesson on the GOFL.

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.

Past winners / finalists
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 (Final Weekend Showdown tournament format)
2012 Kars defeated Quyon (FWS tournament format)
2013 Micksburg defeated Kars (FWS tournament format)
2014 I4C Victory defeated Micksburg Twins (FWS tournament format)
2015 I4C Victory defeated Micksburg Twins (2-0, best of three)
2016 Micksburg defeated Kars (Final Four format)

League Composition

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 (home diamond moved to Manotick)
Quyon Flyers
Micksburg Twins
Kanata Pirates

2015 - 7 teams
Kars Aces
Stittsville 56ers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
I4C Victory
Quyon Flyers
Micksburg Twins
Ottawa Valley As

2016 - 7 teams
Kars Aces
Stittsville 56ers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
I4C Victory
Quyon Flyers
Micksburg Twins
Ottawa Valley As

2017 - 7 teams
Kars Aces
Stittsville 56ers
Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
I4C Victory
Quyon Flyers
Micksburg Twins
Ottawa Valley As

Franchise History - Current Teams

Kars Aces
Home Diamond: Manotick
Years in League: 18 (2000-17)
Previous Names: D.T.I., Team Easton
Previous Home Diamonds: Kemptville, Stittsville, Kanata, North Gower
Championships: 8 (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012)
Finalists: 4 (2001, 2008, 2013, 2016)

Stittsville 56ers
Home Diamond: Stittsville
Years in League: 18 (2000-17)
Championships: 2 (2008, 2009)
Finalists: 2 (2005, 2006)

West Carleton Electric
Home Diamond: Fitzroy Harbour
Years in League: 14 (2004-2017)
Championships: none
Finalists: 2 (2004, 2007)

I4C Victory
Home Diamond: Manotick
Years in League: 12 (2006-2017)
Previous Home Diamonds: Carp
Championships: 2 (2014, 2015)
Finalists: none

Quyon Flyers
Home Diamond: Quyon
Years in League: 11 (2007-2017)
Other Home Diamond Used: Shawville
Previous Names: Quyon Combat Flyers
Previous League: Ottawa R.A. League
Championships: none
Finalists: 4 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)

Micksburg Twins
Home Diamond: Micksburg
Years in League: 5 (2013-2017)
Previous League: Upper Ottawa Valley Men's Fastball League
Championships: 2 (2013, 2016)
Finalists: 2 (2014, 2015)

OttawaValley As
Home Diamond: Carp
Years in League: 3 (2015-2017)
Other Home Diamond Used: McNab, Pakenham
Championships: none
Finalists: none

Franchise History - Defunct Teams

Kanata Pirates
Home Diamond: Carp
Years in League: 1 (2014)
Championships: none
Finalists: none

Manotick Taylor's Blitz
Home Diamond: Manotick
Years in League: 8 (2006-2013)
Previous Names: Ottawa Blitz, Ottawa Taylor's Blitz
Championships: none
Finalists: none

Barrhaven Broadway Blues
Home Diamond: Manotick
Years in League: 14 (2000-2013)
Previous Names: Lomor Printers, Dolco Printing
Previous Home Diamond: Kemptville
Championships: 2 (2000, 2002)
Finalists: none

North Gower Marlboroughs
Home Diamond: North Gower
Years in League: 3 (2008-2010)
Previous Names: Greely DNTW Eagles
Previous Home Diamond: Greely
Championships: none
Finalists: none

Orleans Gators
Home Diamond: Orleans
Years in League: 3 (2007-2009)
Championships: none
Finalists: none

Macton Muckdogs
Home Diamond: Kemptville
Years in League: 5 (2000-2004)
Championships: 1 (2001)
Finalists: 3 (2000, 2002, 2003)

Kanata Pirates Juniors
Home Diamond: Kemptville
Years in League: 2 (2000-2001)
Championships: none
Finalists: none

Kemptville Thunder Juniors
Home Diamond: Kemptville
Years in League: 1 (2000)
Championships: none
Finalists: none

Shawville League final playoff game on Friday

Shawville Men's Fastpitch League playoff final is this Friday at 8:30 p.m. in Shawville, PQ with the Royals playing the Twins.

Softball Ontario Seeks Members for its Coaches Committee

Softball Ontario's Coaching Committee is pleased to announce three (3) openings on the Coaching Committee.

 
Softball Ontario's Coaches program mandate is to create and implement coaching development programs that improve and enhances the quality of Softball Coaching in Ontario.  Our Coaches program offers the following services:

• National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) - Community Sport Stream and the Competitive Sport Stream contexts
• Workshops- Beyond the NCCP - interactive clinics for Coaches
• Coaches Conferences/Symposiums- host and provide coach education opportunities for softball coaches
• Coach Resources/Materials- designed specifically for softball coaches

Successful candidates will take a leadership role in the development of the Coaching Program in Ontario and will assist the Coaching Committee Chairman in setting program goals and objectives, representing the Coaching Program and working to provide coach education in the Province of Ontario.

Coaching Committee members will be expected to attend all committee meetings (approximately two (2) per year) as well as facilitate two (2) National Coaching Certification Program clinics. Ideally, a Coaching Committee Member will have experience coaching softball in addition to the following qualifications and responsibilities:
 
Qualifications:

• Good communication and administrative skills
• A willingness to do tasks as assigned by Softball Ontario Coaches Chairman
• A keen interest in Coach Development
• Coaching experience is an asset
• A good understanding of the National Coaching Certification Program
• Must be Certified in  Competition-Introduction, Softball
• Must sign Softball Ontario’s Confidentially Agreement
• Must complete Softball Ontario’s Volunteer Application

 Responsibilities:

• Attend all Coaching Committee Meetings
• Receive and review all materials/meeting minutes distributed by Softball Ontario
• Do tasks assigned by the Coaches Committee and/or Chair
• Help promote the Softball Ontario Coaches Program
• Instruct/Facilitate Coaches Clinic(s)
• Submit articles for Coaches Clipboard
• Be a mentor to another softball coach if requested

Click here for a copy of the Softball Ontario Coaches Committee Member Job Description

How to Apply

All interested candidates are asked to apply in writing, expressing your interest in a cover letter along with a detailed resume outlining your softball and coaching background and qualifications for this position. Applications should be received by the Softball Ontario office no later than at Friday, September 29, 2017, 4:30 pm.  If you have applied in the past for a position or held a position on the Coaching Committee, Softball Ontario asks that you re-submit your resume/letter of intent.

Email your resume to Steph Sutton, Technical Program Coordinator atssutton@softballontario.ca for consideration.

All in One Septic & Excavating "Three-Peats" in Harbour Ball

All in One Septic & Excavating won the Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League playoff title last night with a 9-4 win over Anderson Automotive to take the final series two games straight.


Captain Rory Burns and Adam Rueckwald pitched for All in One, while Shawn Ryan and Chris Douglas threw for Anderson, who were led by captain Chris Trafford.


While "Harbour Ball" is an eight-team draft league, substantially the same core has played together and won the playoff title for the last three years.

West Carleton Electric wins 6-3 over Valley As

West Carleton Electric prevailed for a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Valley As in Greater Ottawa Fastball League Final Four playoff action on Tuesday night in Fitzroy Harbour.

There was a good crowd on hand of approximately 70 spectators - evenly distributed support for both teams - on a beautiful night for fastpitch softball.

Andy Barber had the win for the Electric while Adam Rueckwald went the distance for the Valley As.

The Valley As got out to an early lead with two runs in the first. Jackson Vance led off with a walk. Ben Wade dropped a bunt which was misplayed to put two on with none out. A walk to Steve Frost loaded the bases. Ryley Burns then singled, scoring two.

West Carleton answered back in the bottom of the first to tie, with Andy Barber hitting a homer, scoring  Kevin Shonfield who had walked.

Steve Cavanagh's solo shot gave West Carleton a 3-2 lead after two complete.

However, the Valley As battled back to tie it up at 3 in the top of the third. Wade led off the inning with a double to left-centre. After a strikeout, Burns walked, then Clayton Vance singled to score Wade and tie it up at three.

The game remained knotted at three until the Electric finally put three across in the sixth. With one out, Trevor Barton's hard hit ball was misplayed in the infield to put him on. A ground out advanced Barton to second, and he scored on Jeff Cavanagh's single. Neil Murphy then walked. JCav and Murph came home on Steve Cavanagh's double to left, putting the Electric up 6-3.

In the top of the 7th, Valley got a base runner when Wade was hit by a pitch with one out. Barber got a ground out, and then Burns hit a hard liner that was surprisingly caught by some blogger in left field to end the game and get the Electric the win.

Fitzroy
Andy Barber WIN 7IP 3R 2ER 5H 5BB 13K 1HBP

Kevin Shonfield BB, R
Andy Barber 1-2, BB, HR, 2RBI, R
Jeff Cavanagh 1-3, R, RBI
Neil Murphy HBP, R
Steve Cavanagh 2-3, HR, 2B, R, 3RBI

Valley
Adam Rueckwald 6IP 6R 3ER 4H 3BB 5K

Jackson Vance BB, R
Ben Wade 1-3, 2B, 2R, HBP, 2SB
Steve Frost 2BB
Ryley Burns 2-4, BB, SB, 2RBI
Clayton Vance 1-3, RBI
Lindsay Medynski 1-3

Micksburg advances with 8-0 win over I4C

The Micksburg Twins advanced to the Final Four with a 8-0 win over I4C Victory in Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoffs on Monday night in Manotick. The wins won the best of three series two games to none.


Joran Graham had the win for the visitors, while Neil Cooke took the loss. Connor Moss had an inside-the-park homerun for Micksburg.

GOFL Playoff update

First round playoff matchups (best of three)

Micksburg (2nd) vs. I4C (7th) - Micksburg leads 1 game to 0
Game 1: Tuesday September 5 in Micksburg at 8 pm - Micksburg wins 3-0
Game 2: Monday September 11 in Manotick at 8 pm (was rained out Sept 7)
Game 3: Tuesday September 12 in Micksburg, if necessary

Kars (3rd) vs. Stittsville (6th) - Kars wins series 2 games to 0
Game 1: Wednesday August 30 in Manotick, 8 pm - Kars wins 3-1
Game 2: Wednesday September 6 in Stittsville, 9 pm - Kars wins 12-4

Quyon (4th) vs. Valley (5th) - Valley wins series 2 games to 1
Game 1: Thursday August 31 in Quyon, 8 pm - Valley wins 4-2
Game 2: Wednesday September 6 in Carp, 8 pm - Quyon wins 8-0
Game 3: Thursday September 7 in Quyon, 7:30 pm - Valley wins 5-4 (8 innings)

Valley As beat Quyon in an extra inning

The Ottawa Valley As defeated the Quyon Flyers in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play on Thursday night in Quyon, winning 5-4 in eight innings. The win means that Valley takes the best of three playoff series two games to one and they advance to the final four.

Adam Rueckwald earned the win for the As. Matt Greer took the loss in relief of Trevor Lahey.

Quyon got out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning at Greer's two run homer scored Dave Hobbs who had led off with a single.

The As responded quickly in the top of the second as Gavan Boyd and Lindsay Medynski both hit RBI doubles to make it 2-2.

The visitors took the lead when Ben Wade hit a solo homer in the top of the third.

The Flyers tied things at three in the fifth inning when Lane McMurtry hit a monster solo shot.

With the game tied up after seven complete, the international rule went in effect in the eighth.

Valley started the speedy Wade as the runner at second. Steve Frost hit a bunt single, followed by an RBI single by Ryley Burns. Clayton Vance then hit into a fielder's choice, erasing Burns. The As then put in crafty veteran Bryan Armstrong. Army bunted and with the Flyers unable to make a play, the bases were loaded with one out. A fielder's choice saw Frost put out at home. With two out, bases loaded, Gavan Boyd was hit by a pitch, scoring Vance to make it 5-3. The As threatened to score more runs, but Nick Armitage's diving stab on a Medynski grounder ended the top of the eighth.

The Flyers bottom of the eighth saw Steve McCord start at the two bag. After a pop up, Shawn Laframboise hit a single to score the Toad and make the score 5-4. Following a line out to centrefield, a fly out to deep centre by McMurtry ended the game and the Ottawa Valley As advanced to the GOFL Final Four.

Micksburg vs I4C playoff game rained out

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff game between the Micksburg Twins and I4C Victory scheduled for Thursday night in Carp was rained out as heavy showers made the field unplayable.

The tentative date for game two of the series is now Monday September 11 in Manotick - to be confirmed.

Micksburg leads the best-of-three series one game to none.

Kars defeats Stittsville

The Kars Aces defeated the Stittsville 56ers 12-4 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League action at the Grove on Wednesday night to eliminate the 56ers from the playoffs in two straight games.

Brad Porter had the win while Kyle Olson took the loss. It was a home run derby as four different Aces players had two-run round trippers: Nick Ellis, Chad Milne, Kristian Knapp and Danny Powers. For the 56ers, Luc D'Entremont had two solo homers.

The Aces will now advance to the final found round, joining the West Carleton Electric and the winners of the Quyon-Valley and Micksburg-I4C series.

Quyon evens series with Valley As

The Quyon Flyers evened their best-of-three Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff series with a 8-0 win over the Ottawa Valley As in Carp on Wednesday night.

Trevor Lahey had the shutout win for the Flyers. Adam Rueckwald took the loss and had relief from Ben Broek.

Lane McMurty had a big night for Quyon with a three run homer and two-RBI single.

The deciding game three of the series is scheduled for Thursday September 7 in Quyon at 7:30 pm.

Daily Observer article on Micksburg - I4C game

from the Pembroke Daily Observer


Costello dominant in fastball playoff opener for Micksburg Twins 
By Jamie Bramburger, Special to The Daily Observer
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 4:16:15 EDT PM

The Micksburg Twins began defence of their Greater Ottawa Men’s Fastball League Championship with a 3-0 win over 14C Victory from Manotick. Corey Costello tossed a complete game, giving up only one hit and striking out 16 batters as the Twins took a 1-0 lead in the best of three quarter-final series. Game two will be played in Carp on Thursday night at 8 p.m.

Costello started strong by fanning the first five batters he faced and picked up all of the offence he would need in the bottom of the first inning. Veteran first baseman, Jamey Mick, blasted a towering solo home run over the right-field fence off of Manotick starter Neil Cooke to open the scoring.

The closest the visitors would come to scoring a run on Costello would be in the third inning when they used small ball to advance a runner to third. The number nine hitter, Matt MacDonald, hit a squibbler off the end of his bat and ran it out for an infield single. It would be the only hit of the game for the Manotick squad. MacDonald then stole second base and made it to third on a wild pitch, before Costello shut the inning down with two consecutive strikeouts.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Micksburg loaded the bases with nobody out, but failed to score when Cooke struck out Kyle Jackson, and Scott Conroy lined to the third baseman who completed a double play by tagging the runner at third.

In the fifth inning the Twins would break through for another run to take a 2-0 lead. Matt McIntyre led off the inning with a double, and after Cooke struck out Andrew McIntyre, Mick ripped a hard single into centre field to plate the second Twins run of the game. Consecutive walks loaded the bases, but again Cooke worked out of the jam by getting Kyle Jackson to ground out to first base.

The Twins got an insurance run in the sixth inning when Quinton Rook was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a throwing error by the centre fielder who tried to pick him off at first base after catching a fly ball. That error would prove costly as the next batter, Andrew McIntyre, singled to drive in Rook, giving the Twins a 3-0 lead.

Costello finished his gem by retiring the side in order in the seventh inning with three more strikeouts. The only blemish on his masterful performance was that 30-foot infield chopper in the third inning that spoiled his no-hit bid.

Micksburg finished second in the regular season, behind West Carleton Electric. The Fitzroy Harbor based team received a bye in the first round of the playoffs, while the other six league teams are playing a best of three opening round playoff series. 14C Victory finished last in the league, but gave the Twins all they could handle in the first game of the series.

The Twins have won the league championship twice in the last four years. The winners of the opening match-ups in the post season will join the top seed to play a double knockout mid-week tournament to determine the league champion.

GOFL final standings and playoff matchups - Wednesday update

Standings

1st: West Carleton Electric 11-6-1 = 23 pts (head to head advantage over Micksburg)
2nd: Micksburg Twins 11-6-1 = 23 pts
3rd: Kars Aces 11-7 = 22 pts (wins are first tiebreaker)
4th: Quyon Flyers 10-6-2 = 22 pts
5th: Ottawa Valley As 6-11-1 = 13 pts
6th: Stittsville 56ers 4-10-4 = 12 pts
7th: I4C Victory 5-12-1 = 11 pts

Playoff info, with updates highlighted

First round playoff matchups (best of three):
Micksburg (2nd) vs. I4C (7th) - Micksburg leads 1 game to 0
Game 1: Tuesday September 5 in Micksburg - Micksburg wins 3-0
Game 2: Thursday September 7 in Carp, 8 pm
Game 3: if necessary, to be determined


Kars (3rd) vs. Stittsville (6th) - Kars leads 1 game to 0
Game 1: Wednesday August 30 in Manotick, 8 pm - Kars wins 3-1
Game 2: Wednesday September 6 in Stittsville, 9 pm
Game 3: if necessary, to be determined



Quyon (4th) vs. Valley (5th) - Valley leads 1 game to 0
Game 1: Thursday August 31 in Quyon, 8 pm - Valley wins 4-2
Game 2: Wednesday September 6 in Carp, 8 pm
Game 3: Thursday September 7 in Quyon, 7:30 pm (if necessary)

Micksburg takes game one over I4C UPDATED

with details from Scott Conroy

The Micksburg Twins won the first game of their best-of-three Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff series with a 3-0 win over I4C Victory at home on Tuesday night.

A couple of seasoned veterans led the Twins, as Corey Costello had one-hit shutout and Jamey Mick hit a home run and drove in two. Neil Cooke took the loss for I4C.

The Twins got on the board in the bottom of the first inning. Jamey Mick muscled a home run with one out in the first. Both pitchers would then find their grooves and no further runs would score until the fourth.

Matt McIntyre led off with a blooping single that he was able to advance to second on some heads up base running. After a strikeout, Jamey Mick was able to take the first pitch he saw back up the middle for his second RBI of the game. The Twins would tack on one more run in the sixth inning before Costello shut down I4C in the top of seventh to win the game.

The game proved to be a pitchers duel and if it’s any indication of game two it should be a great game of ball. Neil Cooke was able to strand the bases loaded twice, one time with none out and Corey Costello threw 16 K’s for the Twins.

Game two is scheduled for Thursday night at 8 pm in Carp.

Other GOFL playoff games this week are both on Wednesday: Quyon Flyers at Ottawa Valley As at 8 pm in Carp and Kars Aces at Stittsville 56ers at the Grove at 9 pm.

Broker4Tickets wins Durk Sherman Classic in Elkland

Ottawa Broker4Tickets won the 12-team Durk Sherman Classic on Labour Day weekend in Ekland, PA. It was the 65th annual event and sources say (unconfirmed at this time) that Broker may be the first ever Canadian-based team to win it.

B4T defeated the host Elkland Softball Association team 5-2 in the final with Quebec native Patrice Leclerc earning the win and Jorge Segura from the Guatemalan national team taking the loss.

Segura was selected top pitcher for the weekend while Gregg Garrity of Broker4Tickets was named the event's most valuable player.

Broker went 2-1 in pool play and got the fourth seed, earning them a double life in the playoff round. They won three straight in the playoff round to take the title.

Elkland was also 2-1 in pool play but got the fifth seed and had to play in through the single life round. They won five straight games in the playoff round before losing in the final game.

Party Lake from Kingston finished tie for fifth at 3-2, after going 3-0 in pool play including a win over Elkland.

Other eastern Ontario teams participating included West Carleton Electric who finished with a 3-2 record and the Greenbush Generals who won 2 and lost 3.

Stats are available on Al's Fastball.

 Broker4Tickets, 2017 champions

West Carleton Electric