Finn Barton wins CCHL Rookie of the Year

Finn Barton was named Rookie of the Year for the Central Canada Hockey League (Jr. A) 2024-25 season.

Finn, who plays hockey for the Carleton Place Canadians, will be a member of the West Carleton Electric U20 Men's fastball team and is the son of Trevor, a longtime member of the Trics.

Shawville league sign up has started

The Shawville Men's Fastpitch League will be returning for another season in 2025. The league had 4 teams last season and played Monday nights at the Shawville R.A. on the Quebec side of the river.

This league had a range of players from teenagers to 'veterans' in their 60s, and is a fun night of recreational fastpitch softball.

To sign up, enter your info in this form and Commissioner Greer will get you on the list. 

Micksburg Men's Fastball League is back for 2025

from Joe Mick

The Micksburg Men's Fastball League is looking to start up again in 2025, playing on Tuesday nights.

To indicate your interest, please use this link: Micksburg Men's Fastball League Survey

Registration is open for Blackburn Men's Fastball League

from Nick Bowman
The Blackburn Men’s Fastball League is back for the 2025 season with a 6-team league. Games will be played Tuesday, Thursday or Sundays at the Blackburn Arena diamond. A 15-game regular season schedule is planned. 

The registration fee is $310 for the 2025 season. Payments are to be sent to bmfltreasurer@gmail.com with the player name in the note information. All players to be paid in full before they are eligible to play.

New players are welcome!

Mark Schultz - now with obituary

If you have been to play or watch ball in Elkland, PA in the past decade or so, you know Mark Schultz even if you didn't know his name.

"Schultzie" was mainstay at the ballpark, wearing one of his many football shirts. You could hear him across the main diamond as he alternatively cheered and jeered the action on the field.

He was definitely loud and could sometimes be obnoxious. He was usually funny and was always creative.  A selection of classics include:

"WHO PUT THE CREAM IN THE COFFEE!"

"GET YOUR PANTS DIRTY!"

"WE GOT ALL KINDS OF GATORADE! ALL KINDS OF FLAVORS!"

"THAT ONE IS DOWNTOWN, WHERE THE LIGHTS ARE BRIGHTER!"

"TUNE UP THE BAND!"

Here is an audio example of Schultzie in action.

Here are some well-written words that Lorna Sherman posted on Facebook:

The moment Mark Schultz walked in, the atmosphere changed. He was a magnet, drawing everyone closer. At every tournament, his cheering was the soundtrack. It rang out above the music, the chatter, everything. People gravitated towards it, wanting to be part of the fun. He was a reminder that joy can be found anywhere, anytime. That's the gift he left us.

Schultzie was never quiet at the ball diamond, but he is silent now as he died on Friday. 

He will be missed.

Update - his obituary Obituary

Jamie Bramburger obituary - service details

Jamie Bramburger of Pembroke, a community leader in the Upper Valley and a big supporter of men's fastball in the area, has died.

Below is a write up in the Pembroke Observer, a newspaper to which Jamie frequently contributed stories about the Greater Ottawa Fastball League, especially covering the Micksburg Twins. Jamie was also instrumental in Cogeco's local TV broadcast of GOFL games in the past.

Jamie was also a huge supporter of junior hockey and literally wrote the book on the Pembroke Lumber Kings.

Pembroke Observer - Jamie Bramburger

Update - service details are now posted: https://www.mdbfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jamie-bramburger

Jr B hockey award winners with fastball connections - updated

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League has been announcing their award winners for this past season and two of the recipients have connections to local fastball.

Twenty-year-old Dylan Rorwick, in his final year of Junior B hockey, was the league's leading scorer with 75 points (45 goals, 30 assists) for the Richmond Royals. Dylan plays for West Carleton Electric in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League and was a key member of the WC U20 which hosted the 2024 U20 Men's Canadians in Carp last season. UPDATE: "Dido" was also named the league's Most Valuable Player. 

The league's Coach of the Year is Mike "Bundy" Seed from the Athens Aeros. Bundy has been involved for 30 years in the Junior B hockey league with Athens and formerly with Westport. He has also been involved in fastball for many years, most recently as the manager of several OASA teams based out of Westport.

An upcoming playoff series between the Aeros and the Royals starts Sunday in Richmond at 7:20 p.m.

Chiefs Challenge still has room June 20-22

from Jeff Ellsworth 

We are excited to officially announce the 2025 Hill United Chiefs Challenge Men’s Fastball Tournament, set to take place from Friday, June 20th to Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, at 75 Davis Street, Simcoe, Ontario. This tournament promises to be one of the most thrilling events of the season, bringing together top talent for an unforgettable weekend of fastball action.

$10,000 Prize Purse – Are You Ready to Compete?

This year, teams will battle it out for a $10,000 prize purse based on an 8-team format. Here’s the prize breakdown:

1st Place: $3,000

2nd Place: $2,000

3rd Place: $1,000

4th Place: $800

Bonus: $200 per win in the Round Robin (16 total round-robin games!)

Each team is guaranteed 4 games in the round-robin stage, with the top 4 teams advancing to Sunday’s playoffs. This format ensures every game counts, with bonus cash incentives up for grabs in every round-robin matchup!

Why You Can’t Miss This Tournament:

With the 2025 ISC season being shorter than usual, this is your chance to lock in valuable games and compete in one of the premier events on the fastball circuit. The Chief Challenge will feature top-tier teams, elite competition, and an electric atmosphere that players and fans won’t want to miss. Whether you’re aiming for the championship or looking to sharpen your game against the best, this is the tournament to be at.

Registration Details – Secure Your Spot Now!

We already have teams confirmed, but there are still a few spots open. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this high-stakes, high-energy tournament!

To register, email: hillunitedchiefs[at]gmail.com (Attn: Ginger P. Smith)

For questions, contact: (519) 771-2281

Or reach out to:

Jeff Ellsworth – jeffellsworth19[at]gmail.com

1-902-856-2519

Entry Fee: $600 CAD

Accommodations:

We’ve partnered with Travelodge and Comfort Inn for convenient lodging. Full accommodation details will be emailed once your registration is confirmed.

Help Us Spread the Word!

We’d appreciate your support in sharing this information with your fastball networks. Please forward this email to your contacts, teammates, and fellow coaches to help make the 2025 Hill United Chiefs Challenge an unforgettable event.

Get your team ready, because the 2025 Hill United Chiefs Challenge is gearing up to be one of the biggest and best fastball events of the season. We can’t wait to see you in Simcoe for an epic weekend of competition!