Elkland tournaments for 2023

Elkland, PA will be hosting four men's fastpitch tournaments this upcoming season.  As always, you can contact Tournament Director, Bill Sherman at esabill30@yahoo.com or (607) 857-8128 for more information or to enter a team.

Carp Shootout coming in 2023

The same organizing committee which put together the Ontario Amateur Softball Association Boys U19 provincials in 2019 as well as the Softbal Canada Men's U23 Championship in 2022 presents the Carp Shootout, a Men's International Softball Congress level tournament this July 21-23 at the Carp Fairgrounds.

The committee hopes to attract several teams that intend to compete in Wisconsin at this year's ISC World tournament. See below for the poster and stay tuned as teams are confirmed for the event.

Hugh Murray tribute night - February 4

 from Tony Riches

The Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League has reserved the party room at Local Heroes sports bar on Clyde Avenue (Merivale and Baseline, near the Queensway) in Nepean on Saturday February 4 from 7PM to close for a ballplayers gathering to celebrate Hugh Murray. The idea is for friends and teammates to reminisce and honour his memory with the approval and support of his family, some of which will be in attendance. At 8PM there will be a tribute, then a moment of silence and a toast. Also available will be a collection bowl so we can make a donation to the cancer society in Hugh's name.

This central location was chosen because Hugh also played in the Blackburn league as well as the GOFL, and their players are invited. As for the date, there are no NFL games and the NHL is on hiatus for its all star break.

Hugh was a longtime GCMFL member and absolute gentleman that spared actively and often for all teams that requested.

U23 Men's Roster announced

Softball Canada has announced the list of the 16 athletes who will represent Canada at the Men's U23 World Baseball Softball Confederation U23 World Cup championship in Argentina in April.

The "core 11" has been named earlier this month, but today's announcement finalizes the roster.

Tyler Branchaud of Metcalfe is on the team. He plays in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League with the Manotick Brewers and his U20 club team is the Napanee Express.

Also on the team is Connor Brooks of Napanee, also of the U20 Napanee Express. Brooks has played some GOFL games with the Micksburg Twins.

Many of the players on the team were standout participants at the Softball Canada Men's U23 Championship in Carp this past summer.

Go Fund Me online to support Easton Adams

 A "Go Fund Me" has been established to support Easton Adams, a three-year-old local cancer patient.

Easton is the son of Jordan Adams, a long-time local fastball player in Blackburn Men's Fastball League and formerly of the Greater Ottawa Fastball League.

For more information and to donate, visit the webpage: gofund.me/450a5ca7.

NY Gremlins invitational coming to Elkland

The Men's major fastpitch circuit is back in Elkland, PA this summer with a five-team event on July 28-30. 

Hugh Murray (obit added)

Hugh Murray of Algonquin (near Brockville) died yesterday from cancer-related complications. He was 60.

Hugh was a very avid and skilled fastpitch softball player. He played in at least four leagues in 2022, including the Blackburn Men's Fastball League, the Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League, the North Leeds Men's Fastball League with Lyn Lightning, and the Greater Ottawa Fastball League with West Carleton Electric. He also enjoyed playing in the North Augusta Old Timers tournament.

Hugh played at the Legends 50+ level with the Waterdown Hammer this past season, including at the International Softball Congress event in Illinios. He played all over North America with various teams in tourneys throughout the years and had many friends through softball across the continent. He was also instrumental in getting Latino players in the Ottawa area involved in local leagues and tournaments.

Hugh was also a hockey player, participating in many leagues and tournaments each winter.

The onset of Hugh's illness was relatively quick. To quote the Caveman, "How can Hugh be dead, Dad? He was hitting bombs in August." 

Above all, Hugh was a kind person and a great guy. I know from personal experience, you could take a 15-hour road trip with him, and he would never tire of talking about softball, hockey, and his grandchildren's hockey and baseball exploits.

Condolences to Hugh's mom, children, grandchildren and extended family and friends on their loss. I'll post arrangement information once available.

UPDATE: Obituary, with arrangements added: Hugh Murray Obituary - Maitland, ON | Irvine Memorial - Funeral Homes - Crematorium - Cemetery | Brockville (irvinefuneralhome.com)

Napanee to host men's tournament May 19-21

The AFW Men's open fastpitch softball tournament will be held May 19-21 at the Napanee Fairgrounds. Entry fee is $600. Open to Men's, U23 and U20 teams. The winner will gain a berth at the ISC World Tournament. Canteen and BBQ onsite.

Contacts:
Ryan Reynolds, napexpressu19{at}gmail.com or 613-453-8224
Cory Brooks, brookscory8{at}gmail.com or 613-453-2018