The game lives on

I think there a lot of things to like about men's fastpitch softball. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you probably think so too. 

One of the things I feel is important is the long time connections made over the years through fastball, and how involvement in the game can continue with new generations.

Consider this photo.

This picture was taken at the Bay Bash tournament up in Campbell’s Bay, QC in July 2003. That's Al Kuehl of Shawville at bat, and I'm pretty sure Chad Costello of Micksburg is catching. 

Bay Bash was a really fun tournament featuring some great softball. In the red circle in the upper left corner, you can see me in a black jacket watching Al bat. To the left of me, in the West Carleton jersey, is Don Rorwick. We were probably playing the next game after Micksburg vs Shawville or maybe had just finished.

I only knew Al a bit then, as the guy who ran the Shawville team.

If Al and I would have seen each other in the beer tent at Bay Bash afterwards (and I am almost certain we did!) we may have said a passing "hello". But we are friends now, and he likes to talk about softball as much as I do.

Twenty-three years later, Al and I play on the same Shawville Men's Fastpitch League team. 

And what's even better is this past weekend Al's son Cade played on the Tri-City Logsplitters team in the Glen tournament, alongside my sons Fitzroy Junior, the Caveman as well as Don's sons (and my boys' cousins) Matthew and Dylan Rorwick, and they all had a great time doing so.

Here is a picture from this past weekend showing the Logsplitters being half made up by our five boys.

Imagine telling Al, Don and I in that beer tent that almost a quarter century later our boys (some of whom didn't even exist then - only Fitzroy Junior and Matthew were born and were babies at the time) would be teammates in a future tournament!

Two photos, separated by 23 years, demonstrating a cross-generational connection of our game. This is something to embrace, celebrate and be proud of. Some say our men's game is dying, and while it will never will be as big as it was "in the day", it is connections like this which help the game live on.

Glen Cairn league and Fitzroy leagues have started

The Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League and the Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League (aka Harbour Ball) both got started last week.

In The Glen (website), Vance's Service Centre got off to a hot start with two wins, led by pitcher Luc D'Entremont. There are seven clubs in the league for 2022 and they play Mondays and Tuesdays. Last year's champions, the Osgoode U23 Chiefs have left The Glen to play in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League.

Harbour Ball also has seven teams - six men's and the West Carleton Electric U17 team - that plays on Wednesday nights. Opening night in Fitzroy Harbour was a big deal last week, as the park was full of players and fans, the patio was full, and the bar was open. The West Carleton Junor Electric, which played a winless season in 2021, got their first ever Harbour Ball win in a close 6-4 game. Blake Bramburger and Gabe Brown combined for the pitching win. Brett Almeida played some spectacular defense at shortstop to help the Junior 'Trics.

A life lesson ..... at Harbour Ball

Last night the Caveman learned a life lesson.....at Harbour Ball of all places.

His U16 West Carleton Junior Electric team, plus a few reinforcements including Fitzroy Junior, have joined the Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League and had their first official game last night.

The boys played well, and the game was close. The Caveman was the closer, throwing the three final innings, allowing two (unearned) runs, two hits, walking two and striking out six, including one guy who went down swinging on a Lahey-like change up that had the whole crowd - even the other team - cheering.

Going into the bottom of the seventh, the Junior Trics were down 8-6, due to the aforementioned two unearned runs in the top of the frame. The first two batters struck out, bringing up the Caveman's buddy B.A. to the plate. He doesn't hit a lot but he's fast, and he legged out an infield single. Next up, the Caveman sliced an offhand double to left field to cash a run and make it 8-7. 

The kids were excited - could the young lads win their first men's game? The next batter was Calabogie D who has been swinging a hot bat. He hit a soft single to left. Caveman came into third as fast as he could (not fast) and rounded the base as the coach (his dad) was watching the left fielder come in quickly to pick up the ball. With the coach putting up a big stop sign, the boys on the third base bench were screaming "go go go".

So, despite the stop sign from the coach, the Caveman tried to score - and was thrown out by 15 feet to end the game. 

Lesson: when in this situation and having to decide whether to listen to a group of sweaty teenagers yelling, or your coach with both hands up telling you to stop, listen to your coach.

Fitzroy fastballer off to New Zealand

Best of luck to the 222's Fastpitch Club, who are taking a U15 boys' team to New Zealand over the next couple of weeks to compete in a tournament and local exhibition games. They will be competing in the New Zealand nationals for U15 boys, a 17-team event in Paraparaumu from January 9 to 12.

Players on the team originate from Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with one player - Conner Hopper - from Fitzroy Harbour participating. "Hop" is a top player on West Carleton Electric (U14 last year, U16 this year) and he has been the Caveman's catcher since mites. Other eastern Ontario communities with players on the team are Springbrook and Napanee.

The 222's are coached by former national team player and ISC hall of famer, Dean Holoien.

West Carleton Junior Electric U14 team wins OASA C Provincials

West Carleton Junior Electric U14 boys rep team played in the Ontario Amateur Softball Association provincial "C" tournament on the weekend in Wilmot Township and came away with gold medals.

The mini Trics started off with a 10-2 win over Oshawa Double Bs.

Next up was a game against the Tara Twins that saw WC prevail 12-4.

This set up a final with the Elmira Heat. Given the double knockout format, West Carleton had to be beaten twice.

The first matchup saw WC up take 8-7 lead into the seventh inning only to fall 9-8, resulting in an "if necessary" game.

West Carleton got off to a 9-0 lead in the last match up and held on for a 10-6 win to earn gold.

Back row: Coach Josh Pennock, Coach Blair Armstrong, Will Potten, Zach Branchaud, Conner Hopper, Blake Bramburger, Will Herrick, Jack Armstrong, Coach Adam Brown

Middle Row: Taelyn Lecuyer, holding plaque - Kobi Stevenson and Gabe Brown

Front row: holding banner - Coach Sean Lecuyer, Dawson Pennock, and Hayden Khan; Colton Lecuyer

Missing: Josh Langford

Caveman's Harbour Ball debut

In Harbour Ball action tonight (Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League), Campbell Fuels faced All in One Septic and Excavating.


With Campbell Fuels short a player, the 14 year old Caveman got to make his debut in the league, not counting a couple of short appearances in the past.


After playing right field for five innings, he got the nod to finish out the game on the slab, with his dad catching. Over two innings, there were no runs scored, no walks, two hits and a strikeout. Not bad for a wee fella in a men's league.


Afterwards, he joined me on the deck where dad had a pint and he had a Gatorade - "Am I allowed on here?" Yes, son, all Harbour Ballers are welcome on the deck post game!

Yes, he chose to wear his "Space Cadet" shirt for the game.

Caveman at the ISC Worlds

Sunday and Monday, the Caveman and I were in southern Ontario so we took the opportunity to drop in to watch some of the International Softball Congress World Tournament in Kitchener.

It was great ball to watch, and lots of fun to run into former teammates and opponents from across North America.

On Monday afternoon, we were watching a game featuring the Rio Grande Senators from Texas on the main diamond. The Caveman says to me "This guy pitched for Mexico when we went to the PanAm Games."

I'm sceptical, "How do you know that?"

"I remember him", he says. "He's gained some weight but I remember the way he pitches and makes that noise."

I look him up online. Sure enough, he is correct it's Samuel Villalvazo, who threw at the PanAms in Toronto in 2015. Three years ago (when he was ten) he saw the guy throw at one event, and he recognizes and identifies him at the Worlds.

Caveman wins silver

For the first time ever since we started keeping score, the Caveman's team didn't win a West Carleton House League title. In a tight 13-11 tilt against Fitzroy 2, his Fitzroy 1 team lost in the U14 Boys A final. He seemed to get over it quickly.

Fitzroy #1 U14

Front row: Cousin Herb, Mini HK, Tyrone, Caveman

Back row: Coach, J.O., No Hat Sam, ConMan, Pampy, Aligator Al, Beastman, Coach #2

Caveman's latest adventures

For those you who aren't on Twitter and have missed the following Caveman stories, the following are provided for your amusement.

Caveman the Actor

Caveman will be starring as Captain Shang in his elementary school's upcoming production of "Mulan". In many of the online images for Shang he is shirtless, so that's a natural fit for Caveman.

Caveman's Christmas

Caveman phones Nana to thank her for a Christmas gift.
"Is this Nana?"
*Pause*
"Thanks for the basketball net!"
*Pause*
"Whoops, sorry!"
Looks at us: "Wrong Nana!"

Caveman likes all sports

December 10: Actual line from me to the Caveman: "Get to bed quickly or you won't get to stay up late to watch curling again."  This is not a thing I thought I'd ever say to my kid.

Caveman - easy to impress

November 12: Supper tonight was grocery store souvlaki. Caveman: "Ooooooh chicken on a stick! Fancy."

Caveman the playmaker

October 22: Caveman set up the tiniest kid on his peewee hockey team for goal this morning. The tiny kid doesn't get too many goals. I asked the tiny kid how come he didn't celebrate his big goal. He says "I was so excited I forgot the celly!"

Caveman in the "Hall of Fame"

October 19: Found out today that the Caveman was a minor celebrity at the Harbour Days summer festival back in July. With a pocket full of money borrowed from his mother, Caveman was a frequent customer of the onsite food truck there for the festivities. After his 6th pogo, the truck staff were so impressed they asked if they could take his photo for their "hall of fame". They said he could eat for free after his "induction". So he had two more pogos for a total of 8. This is a 100 lb 12 year old boy. I wonder if there is a category for pogos / corndogs in the competitive eating circuit?

A few thoughts on the GOFL final

A few thoughts on the the Greater Ottawa Fastball League championship final last night in Micksburg.

- There was a great crowd on hand to watch. I got there an hour ahead, and there were already fans that had staked their claim to seats on the bleachers. While the majority were Micksburg supporters, there was also a good contingent of West Carleton fans that made the hour or so trek up the Valley to watch. I'd guesstimate around 200 fans onsite - great support for the GOFL.

- Having the local Your TV OV (Cogeco cable Pembroke / Ottawa Valley) on hand to broadcast the game was excellent. There was seven cameras and apparently they had replay capability too. Thanks to Jamie Bramburger for his continued support of men's fastball and setting this up.

- I've seen Corey Costello pitch some big games before and this was in my opinion one of his best in the last ten years, throwing perfect ball through five. Too bad it was against my team but it's great to see him in top form again.

- WC had a little BBQ with some refreshments post-game to cap off the season. Some of the Micksburg guys were nice enough to join us for a bit and invited us down to the clubhouse to join in their victory party. Battle on the field then drink together afterward - it's what fastpitch is all about.

- The Caveman took in the game and was a bit disappointed in the result. However, he was pretty excited afterward to get some pitching tips. The Caveman was a bit shy, which is a rare, but he worked up the nerve to ask Corey in the clubhouse how he threw his rise and drop. A pitching lesson ensued (while I held Corey's beer) showing his grip and form. Then, brother Chad (Corey's catcher) took the Caveman out to work on some practice pitches. And not a just a couple - they spent a good chunk of time throwing. What a great gesture for both guys to take time out of a championship celebration to help out a 12 year old kid improve his pitching!

- We left relatively early into the celebrations but apparently the Twins party went on well into the night. Word is that one particular Twins player had a wedding he had to get to in Windsor, with a very early morning flight to catch on Saturday at the Ottawa Airport over an hour and half from Micksburg - and he boarded the plane in full ball uniform!

West Carleton Squirts win silver at Provincials

A nice article on Caveman's team winning silver at OASA Squirt Provincial "B" tournament last weekend:


https://www.ottawacommunitynews.com/sports-story/7505333-wc-electric-squirts-earn-silver-at-provincials/

Caveman gets comfortable

This weekend, Caveman's Squirt U12 team played at the Ontario Amateur Softball Association East qualfier in Grafton. After a first game win against Oshawa, Caveman got the start versus a strong team from Tweed.

Caveman was on his game for this match, shutting out is opponents over the first two innings - however, he was complaining about some 'discomfort' with his new ball pants that Mrs Fastball acquired for the event. He felt the pants were too tight and cramping his style.

So, after the third inning in the field, the Caveman had had enough. He ran off as quickly as he could to a near-by Go Hut - and removed his underpants.

He pitched the remainder of the game, which went into 8 innings, "commando" style with no underwear on under his ball pants. While he ended up losing the game due to a couple of untimely errors, he did throw a gem, striking out 16 kids over 8 innings. There may be chance he never pitches another game with underpants on!

Squirt East Qualifier this weekend

The Squirt Boys (U12) Ontario Amateur Softball Tournament for the east will be held this weekend in Grafton with eight teams participating.

West Carleton Junior Electric will be among the teams, with Caveman toeing the rubber.

The schedule bracket is posted online here.

Championship Saturday for West Carleton House League Softball

West Carleton Softball will have their annual Championship Day for Squirt (U12) and Peewee (U14) Boys, as well as the Fun Day for Atom (U8) and Mite (U10) in Carp on Friday June 23 and Saturday June 24.

The Fun Day activities are two games for each team, while Championship Day will declare A champs, B champs and C champs for older age groups.

Full schedule is posted online here - Caveman's Squirt team is in the A Final at 10:50 am on Saturday morning.

Caveman spelling bee

I was helping Caveman tonight with his French homework.

He says "Dad, is this how you spell 'possibilities' in French?" : posibilités

I tell him, "You're close, Caveman, but it has two 's'es."

"OK, but that looks weird."

"No, it definitely has two 's'es,  very similar to how it's spelled in English."

"Alright, if you're sure Daddy."

On his paper he writes: posibilitéss

Fitzroy Harbour to host OASA Squirt U12 East Qualifier

This weekend, Friday July 15 to Sunday July 17, the Ontario Amateur Softball Association "east qualifier" for U12 Squirt boys will be held at the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre diamonds.

There are 11 teams participating from across eastern Ontario in this competitive fastpitch softball event.

Action starts at 5:30 pm on Friday evening and continues until the final at 3 pm on Sunday afternoon.

The host West Carleton team, featuring the Caveman, plays their first game at 9 am on Saturday morning. Other local teams participting include Micksburg, Laurentian Valley, Westport and Greely.

There is no charge to attend and there will be a bbq and canteen onsite.

Full schedule is here: http://oasa.ca/2016_Info/Fitzroy_Harbour_Info_Squirt_East_Qualifier.pdf

Following this event, based on results, teams will be seeded "A", "B" or "C" for play in the Provincial tournaments on August 13-14.

Caveman in Elkland

The Caveman accompanied me this past weekend to the Molly Sherman Memorial tournament in Elkland, PA. This was his first trip to Elkland and he seemed to enjoy himself as I had hoped he would. I helped coach (and played a little bit) for CanAm Power which was a combination of Broker4Tickets / Team Quebec and a few guys from Pennsylvania.

Here is the "Caveman By the Numbers" for this past weekend:

5: Servings of french fries consumed from Molly's Red Barn.

1: Chicken dinners eaten, smearing his hands and face with grease.

200: Approximate number of practice pitches he threw to me in between games and innings over the weekend.

6: Number of times he heckled an umpire for a call he thought was incorrect.

5: Number of times he asked awkwardly in front of the team "When are you going in, Daddy?" somewhat suggesting (incorrectly) that I could do a better job than the guys in the lineup.

1: Combination chirp / cheer comment when I came up to bat.

1: Exclamation of surprise when I actually got a hit.

3: Number of times sunscreen was applied due to the blazing sun and 35 C temperature.

2: Number of times he said "Are you sure you should have another one?" after my first Yuengling on Saturday.

1: Number of times he pretended to be French Canadian when talking to a local woman, then got complimented on "speaking English so well".

14: Consecutive hours he watched ball on Saturday.

5: Consecutive hours he watched ball on Sunday.

0: Number of times he said he was bored or wasn't having fun.

As a bonus, a few Caveman quotes from the weekend:

"Are you sure we are at the right place?" (As we drove into the parking lot at the complex.)

"That.....was amazing!" (After watching Mathieu Roy grab a deep gapper to left-centre field on one hop, pivot, turn and fire a dart to second base, holding a batter to a single on what looked like at least a triple.)

"Wait a minute, that's not the same Cookie from I4C Victory." (After I greeted ESA's Jeremy Cook at the park on Saturday morning.)

Some random kid on Field 1 at the Elkland Softball facility.

Caveman's love of the game

This story happened this summer - I meant to share it earlier, but just getting around to putting online now.

With the PanAm Games in Toronto this past summer, I took the opportunity to take in some games during the Men's Softball event in Ajax, about four hours from Fitzroy Harbour.

Mrs Fastball and I brought our two boys (Fitzroy Junior, 12 and the Caveman, 10) to the opening Sunday and the Monday of the event. Mrs Fastball and Fitzroy Junior watched most of the ball but did take some time out to visit downtown Toronto. However, Caveman and I watched every inning. It was an excellent venue where you could see the action up close and follow the movement of each pitch. Caveman was very excited to be watching the games, analyzing what pitches were thrown, questioning the managerial decisions, cheering for great plays and generally enjoying himself.

We met up with a lot of local folks also there to watch the ball. The players were very accessible - Caveman got a photo with his favourite Venezuelan pitcher, Ramon Jones.

The Monday night game between Canada and USA (3-2 for the host team) was an eight inning contest and might be the best fastpitch softball game I have ever seen in person with Sean Cleary going the distance. Following the game, we walked by several of the Canadian players. One of the guys, against whom I have played a few times and know a little, greeted me by name as we passed by. Caveman was incredulous - "A guy on Team Canada KNOWS YOU Daddy?!"

We had only planned on staying for two days, but when we ran into a member of the Softball Canada staff who happens to be a GOFL veteran, he offered us passes for a third full day of games and we decided to extend our stay.

After another full day of top flight fastball, it was time to leave Tuesday evening and return home to Fitzroy. As we walked from the field to the parking lot, Caveman started to sob. "I don't want to go, Daddy. Let's stay another day." The sobbing then turned to wailing as we drove out onto the highway. "Daddy, when are ever going to have a chance to watch softball like this again!". It was a good point, and I was very close to turning the car around to stay another night. However, we had committments at home to which we had to return. He cried himself to sleep, which was an unfortunate end to a great three days, but it was overall an excellent experience.

Fast forward a month to mid-August. It was time for the International Softball Congress World Tournament in Indiana, and I was attending as a coach for the Kanata Storm. Caveman asked several times if he could come with me - "I'll be good! I promise!" but at ten, I thought he was a bit young to bring along.

I did promise however to keep him up to date via text messages. After we won our first game at the ISCs, it set up a game against the Toronto Gators. Here is the actual exchange of messages with my wife, with his real name substituted with "Caveman":

Tell Caveman that tomorrow we play Toronto Gators. They have Sean Cleary from Team Canada and 6 guys from Team New Zealand

Caveman says you don't stand a chance and can you get him an autograph?

Haha tell Caveman thanks for his support

I wasn't sure about getting an autograph. I mean, I'm a big fan of Sean Cleary, he's a great pitcher and seems like a good guy. But I thought it might be a tad awkward for a grown man to ask for autograph. But Caveman was pretty insistent with a few different messages when he grabbed mom's phone.

Hi daddy it's Caveman can you actually get an autograph if possible hope you win love you

Hi DaD did you get a chance for an autograph, If not it's no biggy

Autograph yet ????

Hi DaaaaaaaaD autograph?

Through a couple of my Newfoundland connections, I ended up getting word that my young lad was looking for an autograph from a fellow pitcher. Not only did Cleary get an autograph to me, he signed an actual official ISF softball for him. To say Caveman was pleased with this gesture is an understatement.

Hi it's Caveman YOU ARE THE BEST is it on a Ball?

yes it is on a ball

Thx for the ball wish i was there

When I got back from the ISCs, the first thing I was asked (before even 'how are you') was "Where is the ball, Daddy!?"  Shortly after I gave it to him, he disappeared off to the bathroom....with the softball with him. "I just don't want it out of my sight, Daddy."

For the next week or so, he kept it close in hand, tossing it up and down while sitting on the couch until Mrs Fastball finally told him enough, or he was going to wear off the autograph.

It currently sits on his dresser, in a place of honour, proudly displayed among his ball and hockey trophies. I think I can say confidently that this past summer was when the Caveman went from a kid who really liked softball to a kid that absolutely loves the game and can't wait to play and watch his favourite game this coming season.

Caveman, 10 year old quote machine

For those of you that aren't on Twitter and/or don't follow me @fitzroyfastball, here are some recent notable Caveman quotes / stories.

Caveman is currently enjoying a career-best hockey season, lighting things up in the U10 Atom house league.    Back in mid-November, former NHLer Radek Bonk was out to one of the Caveman's hockey practice last night. Nice guy, great with the kids. Caveman asked him "Who's the biggest goon you played against?" (His answer: "Too many to name!")

At the end of November, as I was getting ready to leave on an annual football road trip with 20 other guys, Caveman asked me: "Daddy, have you ever CHUGGED a beer?"  (Answer: "Uh.....well, I guess so.")

About a month ago, I walked in on Caveman after his bath. He was standing in front of mirror, water dripping off him, buck naked, flexing his biceps in the mirror. He said "Oh hey Daddy", and just carried on about his business posing.

Caveman's hockey team did this pre-Christmas thing where each kid on the team got a blank sheet of paper and wrote down the best quality about each their teammates. Six of 12 kids noted for Caveman that he was a "good dancer", recognizing this goal scoring "celly" and pre-game moves in the dressing room to the blasting music. (He gets this talent from his mother, clearly.)

Caveman's hockey team recently competed in the Bell Capital Cup, finishing second in a 35-team tournament. Despite his reluctance at having his leisure time over the holidays impacted - he made a deal that he would play if he got to continue to wear his pajamas for the entire event which he did for all four days as part of his annual Pyjama Mararthon - he ended up playing the best hockey I have ever seen him play. In the quarter-finals, he scored the game winning goal on a breakaway in a 1-0 win. In the semi-finals he got "hustler of the game". The final was on the big stage at the Ottawa Senators' Canadian Tire Centre arena. Not quite all of the 18,500 seats were filled, but there was a good crowd to see a bunch of ten year olds play hockey. There was even some coverage on the local TV station (Caveman is #8 on the yellow team). His team lost 2-1 in overtime, but the Caveman did score his team's only goal and he was named "second star" of the game. All in all an incredible experience. Afterward, I asked him how he enjoyed it, and wasn't it worth giving up some of his Christmas holidays. His comment: "It was OK, but a bit of a hassle."

Caveman's Cousin Herb recently made a purchase with some Christmas money: a new hamster (named Hamilton) for $3. This pet is in addition to their current cat. Caveman's comment:  "Only 3 bucks? Why buy cat food? Just keep getting new hamsters."

Caveman thinking about next season

Today, we were driving home from a trip to the dentist and Caveman spotted a kid we will call "Petey" running wild on the streets of Fitzroy. Last year Petey played softball on Fitzroy Mites 2 and Caveman played on Fitzroy Mites 1.

Caveman: "Ugh, Petey. I don't like that kid."

Me: "Oh yeah."

Caveman: "Yeah, he's not very nice. Can I hit him with a pitch next season?"