Click the following link to check out complete game scores, click on the winning team's name for game summaries.

http://www.iscfastpitch.com/uploads/File/2011%20ISC%20Files/2011_ISC_LEGENDS_Master.htm

 The following was sent to me by a fan who witnessed the championship game !

At 75, hurler still has his stuff

Hames's pitches may be slower, but he's still competitive

HAMES Dick Hames is considered one of the best fastball pitchers ever.

Special to the Hamilton Spectator/Eric Riehl

“A” Division Teams         “B” Division Teams
Waterdown                        Bracebridge Bills Pizza
Wateloo                             North Bay
Aurora                                Stoney Creek Scrappers
Bracebridge
Oshawa

Friday July 15th.

Waterdown – 9 ( 11 inns )
Aurora – 8
WP – Tim Neill
LP – George Karkinbasis

Waterloo – 4
Bracebridge – 0
WP – Jason Smith
LP – Frank Cox

Saturday July 16th.

Bracebridge Bills Pizza – 5
North Bay – 1
WP – Tony Peacock
LP - ?

Waterdown – 13
Bracebridge – 1
WP – Rod Fevreau
LP – Cory Stollar

Aurora – 7
Oshawa – 2
WP -  George Karkinbasis
LP – Phil Yahn

Stoney Creek – 16
North Bay – 8
WP – Rick Hames, relief by Harold Passmore
LP - ?

Waterloo – 8
Aurora – 4

Waterdown – 12
Oshawa – 9

Bracebridge – 5
Oshawa – 1

Waterloo – 4
Waterdown – 3

Stoney Creek – 7   ( 5 inns )
Bracebridge Bills Pizza – 0
WP – Doug Charlton, relief by Will Tangaroa
LP – Joe Patkowski

Bracebridge – 8
Aurora – 4

Ohsawa – 9
Waterloo – 4

Playoffs

Bracebridge Bills Pizza – 7
North Bay – 5
WP - Joe Patkowski

Aurora - 14
Waterloo – 11
WP – Ken O’Sullivan
LP – Todd Uhrig in relief of Jason Smith

Bracebridge – 9
Waterdown – 5
WP – Frank Cox
LP – Tim Neill

“B” Division Championship

Stoney Creek – 6
Bracebridge – 3
WP – Doug Charlton
LP – Tony Peacock

“A” Division Championship

Bracebridge – 5
Aurora -3
WP Frank Cox
LP – Ken O’Sullivan

“A” Division Awards
Most Valuable Pitcher – Ken O’Sullivan, Aurora
Most Sportsmanlike – Ted Conway, Bracebridge

The following is from Dave Cerisano in North Bay 

Gentlemen,

 Hate to be the bearer of bad news but we have lost our good friend  Jack Green who most of you would know was the inspiration behind the World Senior Fastball Tournament and also the North Bay Fastball League. He fought a two year battle with lymphoma and was very positive to the end. His ‘bucket list’ was pretty well completed.  Jack was also a member of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame and the attached was drawn from their website. Shed not a tear for he lived well and died well: but remember him.  Regards,

Dave Cerisano

For my best buddy

Jack Green, North Bay Hall of Fame : http://www.northbaysportshalloffame.ca/Inductee.aspx?ID=356

Jack Green, "Masters of the Game" interview : http://www.eteamz.com/omf/news/index.cfm?id=2587200&cat=0

GREEN, Jack

January 18 2011

Green, Jack – Our beloved Jack – husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend – passed peacefully at the North Bay General Hospital on January 18^th, 2011, in his 68^th year. His courageous battle with cancer was faced with his positive attitude and great sense of humour. 

Dear husband of Margaret. Loving father of Jennifer Green, Christine Green (Don Merriman) and proud grandfather of Sophia, all of North Bay. Brother of Richard and sister-in-law, Lynn, of Port Perry and their three daughters. Also remembered by Marg’s family in Thunder Bay. Born in Toronto, son of the late Jack and Peggy Green.

In 1967 Jack started his teaching career in Toronto, moving to North Bay in 1970 to become a proud West Ferris Secondary School Trojan as teacher, colleague, coach and mentor. Diligent volunteer in sports and charities, inducted into the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame. Over the years he loved baseball, golf, X-country skiing, cycling, his Four Winns boat, fishing, travelling, and being a loyal friend. 

Above all, Jack was a devoted family man travelling with his “Green girls” , inspiring his daughters to develop integrity and commitment. Always a great host with Marg – now all precious memories. 

Family receiving friends at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Road, on Sunday January 23 from 1:00 until 3:00 pm, and 5:30 until 7:30 pm. A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Monday January 24 at 1:30 pm at the funeral home. 

Donations to the North Bay Regional Health Centre (MRI Fund) will be gratefully accepted.

Three Ontario Masters pitchers come up big in Carson City Nevada at the NAFA Masters West World Series ..........

50 year old Darren Zack earned All World honours in helping lead his Massachusetts Seadogs team to the 40+ championship. Gord Scott was named Most Valuable Pitcher in the 45+ divison playing for Tulsa Oklahoma Grey Sox. The Grey Sox went a perfect 5-0 on their way to the 45+ championship. Mike Crawford was named to the NAFA All World Team in 40+ Silver Division, Mike also hit a nice little jackpot at the casino.

Tournament dates : Friday July 1st to Sunday July 3rd. These dates should be very appealing to both Canadian and American teams with Canada's holiday on Friday July 1st and the American holiday on Monday July 4th.

NAFA Masters East World Series Wrap Up

Cats continue worldly winning streak — PHOTO GALLERY

Local Sports

Posted By JORDAN ERCIT, THE NUGGET

Posted 57 seconds ago

Jordan Ercit The NuggetTom McInnes, of the Lindsay Oldtimers, makes an unorthodox catch Sunday during the World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament 'A' championship at Troy Field.

More Photos

With his hand taped and bruised collarbone a ripe red and blue, catcher Jason Hoch was ready for a cold sip of a victory beverage.

With the punishment he takes behind the plate, here's hoping his teammates won't make him pay.

Hoch, 38, made it three-for-three Sunday afternoon at the World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament as his Cobourg-based Cold Spring Cats approached dynasty territory with a third straight 'AA' championship victory at Troy Field. It's their sixth title in the tournament's 24-year history.

Sunday, Uhrig dominated the Mississauga Sox during a 1-0 complete-game shutout, allowing one hit and striking out nine with his mix of drop ball, curves, changeups and risers.

"It's a tough assignment," said Hock, of Kitchener, who has been catching Uhrig, an Elora product, for seven years. "He's not a traditional riseball pitcher. He throws down all the time.

"But it's fun to catch a guy like Todd. He throws hard and he's consistent, and the only thing I expect at the end of the day is a bruised hand."

Shortstop Terry Ehton hit a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the sixth inning to spoil a similar pitching gem by Mississauga southpaw Billy Carson, who allowed two hits while striking out five.

Hits were hard to come by Sunday as both championship games saw a combined four runs scored in chilly conditions compared to 2009. Rain also cancelled a round of games Saturday night.

"It's funny because we were (complaining) about how hot it was last year," Hoch said.

In the 'A' final, Jim Kartsomanis launched a walk-off home run in the bottom of the fifth inning as the Hamilton Stingers edged the Lindsay Oldtimers 2-1 for their first-ever World Senior Men's title.

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Stingers pitcher Randy Dalgleish struck out eight during five innings of three-hit ball, the only blemish being a Bob Lamb run-scoring single.

"We had a hero every game and today it was mine and Randy's turn," said Kartsomanis, a Stoney Creek native who hit his first-ever walkoff that included his time in minor league baseball.

jercit@nugget.ca

Hall of Famer Zack in town for world fastball tournament

Local Sports

Posted By KEN PAGAN, THE NUGGET

Posted 8 hours ago

Zack, from Garden River First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, is on the roster for the Sudbury Relics squad in this weekend's event, which features 28 teams from across the province playing on four local diamonds through Sunday.

His fastball resume is unmatched, the only player to win the outstanding pitcher award at the world championships four times (from 1992 to 2000), while being named an all-world pitcher nine times at the tournament.

In 1995, he struck out a tournament-record 150 batters in 72 2/3 innings in leading the Toronto Gators to the world championship.

He also led Canada to three consecutive Pan American Games gold medals (1991, 1995 and 1999).

This weekend, Zack's Sudbury Relics open their schedule Friday at 9:45 p.m. against North Bay Don Cherry's at CFB Field. Saturday, the Relics meet North Bay Boston Pizza at 9:15 a,m, at CFB Field, before meeting the tournament's two-time defending champions, Cobourg's Cold Spring Cats, at 1 p.m. at Johnson Field.

The Cold Spring Cats have won the tournament's 'AA' championship four of the past five years, with North Bay Casey's claiming the title in 2007.

All eight teams from the North Bay Senior Men's Fastball League are taking part, while a few other North Bay notables — Jim Lisk, Terry Vendetti and Bill Reid — joining the Val Gagne Hawks, who have advanced to the tournament championship game in recent years.

The tournament also features teams from South River, Mattawa, Temagami, Sudbury, Hamilton, Lindsay, Oshawa, Moosonee, Stratford, Ingersoll, Mississauga, Peterborough and Toronto.

The round robin wraps up Saturday afternoon, with Sunday's playoffs culminating with 'A' and 'AA' championship games at 2:30 and 4 p.m. at Troy Field.

Final Call for 81 teams in NAFA Masters

The following is posted on Al's Fastball .......

Cobourg FORCE Legends Fastball Club Crowned ISC World - Legends Champion

Game Summaries :

Game # 1 :  http://www.iscfastpitch.com/uploads/File/2010%20LEGENDS%20FILES/lg-1.htm

Game # 2 : http://www.iscfastpitch.com/uploads/File/2010%20LEGENDS%20FILES/lg-4.htm

Game # 3 : http://www.iscfastpitch.com/uploads/File/2010%20LEGENDS%20FILES/lg-10.htm

Game # 4 : http://www.iscfastpitch.com/uploads/File/2010%20LEGENDS%20FILES/lg-13.htm

Game # 5 : http://www.iscfastpitch.com/uploads/File/2010%20LEGENDS%20FILES/lg-17.htm

Game # 6 : http://www.iscfastpitch.com/uploads/File/2010%20LEGENDS%20FILES/lg-19.htm

Click the following link for complete game summaries, just click on the winning teams name for the box score.

http://www.iscfastpitch.com/uploads/File/2010%20LEGENDS%20FILES/Legends_2010ScheduleResults.htm

 2010 ONTARIO FASTBALL LEAGUE REUNION 

Join your teammates and opponents from years decades ago for an afternoon reunion.  Find out who’s still spending hot afternoons on dusty diamonds, and who, unfortunately we’ve lost over the years.  Most importantly, reminisce with friends and foes alike about those “Good Ole Days” when hours spent playing the game were more important than hours spent watching the game on TV.  

REUNION DATE:  Saturday September 25th, 2010                        1:00pm – 7:00pm 

LOCATION:         Indian Wells Golf Club 5377 Walkers Line Burlington, Ontario L9T 2X6 Phone: 905.335.2955 Toronto Line: 905.849.3701                                http://www.indianwellsgolfclub.ca/                       

Cost:  $20.00 (covers cost of facility and snack at 5:00pm) Payable at the door. If you wish to play a round of golf prior to the reunion, please contact the golf course directly to make your arrangements. Follow the E-Mail link below to register, or contact: Hal Kemp Ph: 905.331.0905E-Mail: hkemp3@cogeco.ca 

R.S.V.P.

Rob Greatrix of Niagara Falls is the winner of the 2010 OASA Jack Cook Award. Rob was the tournament organizer for the OASA Master's Provincial Championship for the last 3 years. Rob also helped his Niagara Falls Fury Masters Team win the Silver medal at this year's tourney.

The Jack Cook Award is presented annually to a player, coach or manager who displays skill, leadership and sportsmanship on and off the field.   

Previous winners .......

Doug Charlton, Sammy Forbes, John Kemp, Jodie Schnarr, Dana Seiling & Todd Uhrig.

Photo from the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney Australia.

Canadian pitcher Gord Scott ( on the left ) and New Zealand pitcher Ross Mackie.

Both played for USA based Ohio Battery who won the Silver Medal in the 45+ division.

January 29th, 2010

ASA 40+ Prescott Arizona - Aug. 27-29

ASA 50+ Prescott Arizona - Sep. 24-26

International Masters Tourney Tuscon Arizona July 17-18 teams from USA and Mexico are expected.

Contact - Herb Wisdom  Nitehawk15@webtv.net

Editor's note : The following courtesy Eastern Ontario Fastball Blog. 

By Joseph Corbiere
SooToday.com
Thursday, November 19, 2009

Magic happens!

Darren was last on the program, but number one in our hearts. His mom, Edith and father, John, sister Leslie and brother Mack were there. Of course his wife, Charlotte and son Darren Jr. Were in attendance. One of Darren’s catchers, Randy Peck and his wife, were there too.

Amidst the 300 people in attendance, 30 family and friends travelled to Ottawa to see and be with the Big Guy. Other inductees spoke highly of the Z-Man. There was a good number of umpires in attendance. It was truly entertaining to listen to the men in blue debate, when they first had the opportunity to ump one of Darren’s games. Stories were going back and forth on which of the big games did the ump with him. And here I thought Umpires didn’t have a heart.

In addition to Darren, the female player inductee was Phyllis Bomberry, a Six Nations woman from Oshweken. Phyllis was born in 1943. Her 25 year career began in 1951 and went till 1976. Phyllis collected her fair share of batting titles and MVP accolades. She was the first female to win the Tom Longboat award in 1969.

Later after the ceremony was over it was great to listen to her and Darren swap stories. Phyllis subtle humour was soon apparent. Upon hearing the Z-Man describe his arsenal of pitches including the riser, the curve and drop ball along with a multitude of off speed pitches, Phyllis did not seem impressed. She explained that a woman from Connecticut used only 3 pitches . Fast, medium and slow. The Connecticut pitcher struck out 21 batters in a row from Phyllis’s team. A perfect game!

“So why do you, Big Guy, need so many?”...You simply had to love her.

The Big Guy was so nervous, yet his speech was fantastic. A great example of heart speaking! No notes, no carefully memorised speech, yet he accepted the moment and seemed to speak to us individually. Each person who touched his life was mentioned, thought of..... it was great . The simple eloquence, honesty, respect and sincerity in Darren’s words, touched all the listeners.

Darren’s story of how it began was intriguing, yet so simple. He described how he had went away to play hardball in southern Ontario. After realizing that his life was meant to go in another direction, he returned home.

His dad, John, told him “Hey Boy we need a pitcher”. So John would come home, with his work boots on put his work glove on his catching hand and slap on his ball glove. Hours were spent throwing that ball. Gloves were worn out ...balls were worn out...and many trips to what ever was being used as a back stop were made. Of course Darren was not an overnight success. Hard work and innumerable hours of practice created him.

Darren has the unique ability to be able to learn from anyone, at any time. Stan Solomon, who was the GR pitcher, when Z first tried his hand at pitching was one of the early influences. I remember Darren trading secrets with Duke Madahbee on Duke’s mesmerising change-up. Darren also learned from local pitchers such as the late Donnie Newman, Ray Lato Jr., Jake Derosario, Shoeless Jimmy Coulis, Tony Bergman, Harold Barton, George Crack and others too numerous to mention.

Even after winning the World Championships in 1992 he was still willing to discuss pitching styles and techniques with every pitcher who would talk to him. It didn’t matter who they were a discussion on pitching was an ongoing topic that he could not pass up. It has been a pure pleasure to watch this humble but proud man.

His passion for learning is equalled by his ability to focus. After conferring with him on giving away his pitches by a particular motion. He changed his pitching style that very inning. Darren repeatedly dreamt about games he had pitched and was going to pitch. His mind and body were so in sync that during his dreams he would sweat as if he a had pitched a full game. Many a time he woke up in a soaked bed.

The Z-Man is a fastpitch softball pitcher extraordinaire. His amazing speed, dazzling control and outstanding heart make him an batter’s nightmare. The big righthander can make his ball rise, drop, curve, screw and literally dance across the plate. The icing is that he can throw bullets and then come back at you with a deceptive change up.

Darren has dazzled batters and fastpitch fans around the world. He as traveled to New Zealand, Manilla, Cuba, Argentina, Mexico and all over Turtle Island. His imposing presence and gentlemanly demeanor have made him a fan favorite where ever he goes.

Can you imagine facing a 6'3", 275 pounder with a 32 oz piece of aluminum in your hand? Now, in the 1995 International Softball Congress’s World Tournament Darren was simply miraculous.

He pitched seven straight days and on the seventh day, Darren did not rest. He hurled three consecutive games on that Sunday, in Sioux City Iowa. He won ten consecutive games to lead the Toronto Gators to the world championships. Total domination would be the classic understatement. Not only did he pitch 69 and 2/3 inning without giving up a run, he also struck out 150 opposition batters in 73 2/3 innings. Yes folks, that’s right no opposing batter crossed the plate in 10 games. He struck out an average of 2.1 batters per inning. That, readers is simply amazing.

Darren truly deserves the Hall of Fame recognition. His career began in the late 70's and has spanned some 30 years. Leading the Garden River Braves to places we never dreamed about. Pitching 6 or 7 games a weekend. Keeping the opposition from scoring, then hitting the winning home run to win the game.

Truly a magical career!!!

PS- for an added bonus...wait till you hear Darren’s magical harmonica play the Free Willy theme.!!

DARREN ZACK
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

AWARDS
SOFTBALL CANADA HALL OF FAME - 2009

WALK OF FAME - Sault Ste Marie 2007

SAULT STE MARIE SPORTS HALL OF FAME - Inaugural Inductee 2002

27th annual Canadian Sport Awards 2000
TOM LONGBOAT AWARD - outstanding male aboriginal athlete of the year

H.P. BROUGHTON AWARD - sponsored by Sault Ste. Marie - Rotary Club
Symbolic of Sault Ste. Marie Sports Person of the Year 1995

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Sports Category 1997

CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM 1991 - 2004

WORLD SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS (10 wins - 2 losses)
Gold medal 1992 ( 4 -0)
Silver Medal 1996, 2004

PAN- AMERICAN GAMES Gold Medal 1991 1995 1999


INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CONGRESS

CHAMPIONSHIPS
Toronto Gators
1993 first Canadian team to win this event
1995

1998 Tampa Bay Smokers

2000 Decatur Pride.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS

MOST CONSECUTIVE INNINGS WITHOUT ALLOWING A RUN
69 2/3 Toronto Gators 1995 (10 straight games)

MOST WINS, TOURNAMENT - (holds 1st and 2nd exclusively and is tied for 3rd)
Toronto Gators 1995
Toronto Gators 1993
Vancouver Magicians 1992

MOST STRIKEOUTS, TOURNAMENT - (Holds 1st, 2nd, 5th, on strikeout list)

150 73 2/3 Toronto Gators 1995
136 76 Vancouver Magicians 1992
108 63 Toronto Gators 1993

OUTSTANDING PITCHER
1992 Vancouver Magicians
1993 Toronto Gators
1995 Toronto Gators
2000 Decatur Pride

ALL-WORLD PLAYER (As a pitcher)
1992 Vancouver Magicians
1993 Toronto Gators
1994 Toronto Gators
1995 Toronto Gators
1996 Toronto Gators
1998 Tampa Bay Smokers
2000 Decatour Pride
2003 County Materials
2004 County Materials

CS GOLD MEDALS 91,93, 95, and 97

50,000 athletes expected for the 2013 World Masters Games in Torino, Italy.

The World Masters Games, like the Olympics are held every 4 years, the World Masters Games are goverened by the ( IMGA ) International Masters Games Association. The IMGA is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

Softball/Fastball/Fastpitch is one of the 15 core sporting events.

The following with thanks to Adam Brown & the Eastern Ontario Fastball Blog 

Click the following link to see the video.

1970 London Cable national champions

 Fastball Down Under 

An article in the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder about the Aussie trip for the Cornwall Masters team.

The following with thanks to Adam Brown & the Eastern Ontario Fastball Blog  
Posted By TODD HAMBLETON

He spearheaded a Cornwall club's participation -- as Team Canada -- at the 2009 World Masters Games in Australia.

And, at age 58, local softball legend Jim Martell played in the competition, too.

And he may not be done yet. Martell, of Glen Walter, suggested that his next international project could have Cornwall players representing their country in two years at a fastball competition in South Africa. Beyond that, there's the World Masters Games again, in four years in Italy.

"It took a lot of money, a lot of sponsorship from businesses in Cornwall and (support from) family and friends to put this all together,' Martell said of what was a silver-medal-winning adventure Down Under.

"Now that everyone was there, now that they've experienced it, they have the bug (to go again).'

The Cornwall-based squad may still be catching its breath after a whirlwind visit to Sydney that had the club play 15 times in eight days, advancing to the gold medal game and taking the silver after a 7-0 setback against the Krushers from New Zealand.

Cornwall mixed in some culture, too -- Martell, no stranger to the Aussie lifestyle, cooked up a kangaroo meat backyard barbecue at a friend's place in Sydney.

It was all part of an unforgettable visit to the Games that have become the world's largest multi-sport competition in terms of participation numbers, with thousands of athletes representing over 100 countries in 28 different sports.

And it all got started four years ago, involved detailed planning, the obtaining of personal and financial commitments and an ambitious fundraising drive that included a Murder Mystery Night dinner theatre performance.

It was all worth it for Martell, a former tour player with the California Cuties novelty squad in the late Seventies who went on to front his "Prince and his Knights' team.

"I tried to get a (Cornwall) team to go to Edmonton (for the World Masters) four years ago,' Martell said the other day during a construction break at his new home in Glen Walter.

"I didn't give myself enough preparation time back then . . . it's a lot of work, getting the commitment from people.'

So Martell, now a veteran of seven international masters tournaments, immediately got to work on Sydney, 2009, and his efforts were concurrent with the growth of the then fledgling Cornwall Men's Fastball League. (Indeed, all four league founders, Martell, Brian O'Neill, Steve McGillis and Frank Marceau, made the trip to Australia.)

"You know, I was going to all of these world championships,

but we didn't have a league in Cornwall,' Martell said. "We got the league going, and this (Masters Games) was an opportunity to play (internationally) with friends from home . . . it really was a dream I had, to put together a league in Cornwall, which would (eventually) allow us to put together a team to play at the World Masters Games.'

The league, by the way, is, according to

Martell, "looking very solid. Now

that we've accomplished

this, I think we'll have other fastball players from other areas who'll want to

be a part of our league.

"And the fans who come out to our

games (at King George Park), game after game, they deserve a lot of credit -- they help us to play at a higher level.'

Martell made a more personal committment to be ready for Sydney, dropping 40 pounds before the event.

"I wanted to make sure I was in shape to play with these guys,' said Martell, who's on track to reach another of his fastball goals -- playing internationally at the age of 60.

On Cornwall's overall performance in Sydney -- the team was 7-5 in round-robin play before going 2-1 in the playoff round--Martell noted the hardship of competing with a 15-hour time difference.

"We were playing when we should have been sleeping,' he said. "But overall, everybody just contributed so much. I'm proud of our guys. The umpires would come over and say it was a privilege to (work) our games. I was taken by that, to hear that game after game from umpires. I think they appreciated our sportsmanship and our approach to playing the game.'

Martell also noted the contribution made by Cornwall umpire Herman Rogalsky who made the trip, and he had special thanks for the support from the City of Cornwall, Team Cornwall, and the players in the fastball league.

"They push us, they're the ones who make us better, especially the younger ones we have coming into the league,' Martell said. "Hopefully, the younger ones will stay with us, and (eventually) take over all of the (international event organizing).'

* Playing in the 35+ B division, Cornwall dropped its opening-day doubleheader to the Krushers (6-1) and the Tweed Phantoms from Australia (5-1).

But Cornwall had a bounceback day two, posting wins over Australian teams the Animals (8-3) and Midwest Masters (7-0).

Cornwall would go on to win six straight round-robin games, before dropping three of its last four, including a 1-0 setback against Rollyview from Alberta.

But at crunch time, third-place Cornwall thrashed the fourth-place Animals 8-1 in a playoff opening-round showdown.

And, in the bronze medal/semifinal contest, Jason Smith tossed a one-hitter and Cornwall advanced to the gold/silver game with a 7-0 decision over Rollyview.

Cap tip to our friend Jim Flanagan of Fastpitchwest.com for the following ...

Article courtesy :  SEAN DURACK insidetoronto.com

World Champion Beach fast-pitch team inducted into Hall of Fame

Cornwall wins Silver in Australia ! 

Team Canada from Cornwall Ontario are competing at the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney Australia. There are 13 teams in the 35 and over Competitive " B" division. Pitchers include Mike Crawford and Jason Smith, Slammin' Sammy Forbes is also with the team.

The team roster:
Mike Crawford
Sam Forbes
Thorin Gault
Tom Hutchingame
Bryan Lamarche
Dan Loney
Frank Marceau
Jim Martell
Steve McGillis
Brian O'Neill
Pat Quinn
Graeme Simpson
Jason Smith
Jason Woodside

Sun. Oct. 11th.

Game # 1 - Krushers 6, Cornwall 1

Game # 2 - Tweed Phantoms 5, Cornwall 1

Mon. Oct. 12th.

Game # 3 - Cornwall 8, Animals 3

Game # 4 - Cornwall 7, Midwest Masters 0

Tues. Oct. 13th.  ( playoff results )

Game # 5 - Cornwall 7, Melbourne Warriors 35's 0

Game # 6 - Cornwall 16, NAMSA Nites 1 

Wed. Oct. 14th.

Game # 7 - Cornwall win, opponent & score ?

Game # 8 - Cornwall win, opponent & score ?

Team Record 6 wins, 2 losses

Thurs. Oct 15th.

Game # 9  Rollyview Fastball Club 1, Cornwall 0

Game # 10 - Cornwall 12, Vikings SC 1

Team Record 7 wins 3 losses, currently in a 3 way tie for 2nd.

Fri. Oct. 16th.

Game # 11 - PK Pride 6, Cornwall 3

Game # 12 - Bruins 9, Cornwall 0

Team Record 7 wins 5 losses

Cornwall finished in 3rd position after the round robin. The playoff format was #1 (Krushers - New Zealand) vs #2 (Rollyview - Alberta) and #3 (Team Canada - Cornwall) vs #4 (Animals - Australia).

Krushers beat Rollyview to go straight to gold medal game scheduled for 9AM Sunday. Cornwall beat Animals 8-1.

Cornwall then played Rollyview with the loser taking the bronze and the winner moving on to the gold medal game. Cornwall beat Rollyview 7-0, with Jason Smith throwing a 1-hitter.

35+ "B" Gold medal final.

New Zealand 7, Cornwall 0

Other teams competing from North America are ..............

45 A - Qmax, Calgary Alberta

45 A - Rossini’s, Vancouver B.C.

45 A - Northeast Selects, Alberta

45 B - Ohio Battery, Ohio

45 B - Saskatchewan Flatlanders

45 B - Centennials, Kelowna B.C.

35 B - Rollyview, Alberta

35 B - TC Cornwall Ontario

I would like to find a good home for 2 rare / hard to find items.

One is a framed event poster ( 24 x 16 ) from the 1975 Canadian Softball Championships held in Oshawa Ontario. The other is a framed poster/photo ( 28 x 18 ) of the 1995 World & Canadian Champions, the Toronto Gators. These 2 items would look good in a Hall of Fame or as part of someone's fastball/ softball memorabilia collection.

These items might have a greater sentimental value to someone other then me.  If you are interested in either of these items send me an e-mail with a short note why you are interested in the item.

If there is more then one person interested in an item I will select the person who I think has the best reason for wanting the item. If you are interested let me know by November 30th. at the latest.

Dave Birnie

ontariomasters(at)hotmail(dot)com

Info courtesy FastpitchWest web site.

NAFA Masters’ World Series

Cold Springs Cats win North Bay "AA" Title with a 3-1 win over Ingersoll Centennials.

Sudbury Athletics defeated the North Bay Boston Pizza 7-3 to claim the "A" Championship.

 2009 World Senior Men’s Fastball Tournament MVP's

http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1732204

Results are posted at the following link .................................. 

 http://www.eteamz.com/omf/files/2009results_1.pdf

The following is courtesy of the Eastern Ontario Fastball Blog (http://fitzroyfastball.blogspot.com/), it has nothing to do with masters fastball but it is darn entertaining, funny etc.

Memories of Elkland, the 2009 edition

Some hot rumours about the ISC adding a masters division for the 2011 tournament in Kitchener Ontario. 

http://jrdiamondbacks.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=masters&action=display&thread=1445

23rd Annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament

North Bay Ontario Canada

Sep. 3-6  2009

Some of the pitchers expected are Darren Zack, Pete Landers and Mike Crawford.  Make sure you attend the opening ceremonies on Fri. Sep. 4th @ 7:00 pm at Troy Field. During the opening ceremonies Brad Rienguette will be introduced as this year's Honourary Chair.

 Courtesy : The Kamloops Daily News

Kamloops – Rich Haldane was named MVP for leading the Kamloops Sandman Inn Blazers to the Western Canadian Masters Men’s Fastball Championship title at Charles Anderson Stadium on Sunday, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more deserving MVP anywhere.

Haldane, a 40-year-old Vernon resident, did pretty much everything for the Blazers as they won a pair of Sunday games to win the title on their home field.

The tournament featured eight 40-plus men’s teams and six 35-plus women’s teams from the western provinces and territories. It started Thursday.

In the men’s final, a 5-3 victory over Kelowna Andre’s, Haldane was the winning pitcher — his seventh victory of the weekend — and he also went 3-for-5 and belted a two-run home run.

That came only an hour or so after he finished pitching nine innings in a 6-5 extra-inning victory over Ladner in a semifinal.

For the weekend, Haldane was 7-1 in 53 innings of work, his ERA was around two and he batted around .400.

He also was named the top pitcher for the round-robin, in which he went 5-0 with a 1.13 ERA, striking out 45 batters in 31 innings.

Haldane lives in Vernon but travelled here throughout the summer to play in the Kamloops Major Men’s Fastball League during the week. He helped Great Britian to a seventh-place finish at the ISF World Softball Championship in Saskatoon in late July.

Kevin Derdall of the Moose Jaw Masters was named top batter for the round-robin, going 11-for-15 (.733) with a home run, six runs and four RBI.

The Moose Jaw Chillers Relics won the women’s title at Charles Anderson on Sunday, hammering Edmonton Silverline, 8-2 in the championship final.

The Relics went through to the final after winning a playoff game on Saturday afternoon. Edmonton had to beat the Saskatchewan Connextion, 7-2, in a Sunday morning semifinal.

Kim Neithercut of the Relics was named MVP for the women’s division.

All she did was bat .423 with eight runs and eight RBI, including a three-run home run in a Saturday game. She also pitched a victory in the round-robin and closed out the final by throwing four solid innings to end the game.

Her teammate, Yvonne Carlton, was named top pitcher in the round-robin. Carlton was 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in 14 innings of work.

The top batter in the round-robin went to Edmonton Silverline’s Tammy Davies, who was 11-for-15 (.733) with nine runs and nine RBI.

The lone local women’s team, the Kamloops Dearborn Ford Classics, went 0-5 in the round-robin and did not qualify for the playoff round.

Fastball a respite from cancer fight

To the fastball community :

Our friend Brad Rienguette is currently battling pancreatic cancer.

If any former teammates, friends or opposing players want to give him a shout to offer their support and well wishes you can contact Brad at 705-694-4456

Many know Brad as the big burly larger then life right hander pitching for various Sudbury and area teams.

Results from the OASA Masters Championships in Niagara

First the thank you's

To Dana (Waterloo), Sylvia, Wayne and Rookie (Cobourg), Paul (Aurora), Pete and Moe (Waterdown), Herb (Fury), Bob (Mitchell) and Smitty (Chili Pepper) thanks for organizing your teams and managing them to play a competitive tournament in a very sportsmanlike manner . Managers do not get enough accolades in this sport.

To the volunteers, the Niagara Storm's Fury boys for all their work over the weekend as well as our regular beer tent volunteers including Herb Beckman, Al Greatrix, Butch Provost and Phil John who live at the park for the weekend and all the scorekeepers and announcers, especially Tommy Watkinson and Ray Carr who called most the games.

To the OASA especially Bob Abbot and Paddy Fitzgerald-Nolan who spent the entire weekend administering the tournament. As well to Mary Myers for her assistance.

To Mark Korten for field maintenance and Shawn Whitely for marketing help

And of course to Al Doran for keeping the info flowing while a couple provinces over

It was a weekend of great fastball with tons of camaraderie. They teams spent the majority of the weekend renewing old friendships, great to see. 

Sunday morning

Quarterfinals

Aurora 7

Waterdown 5

wp - Ken O'Sullivan

lp - Rod Fevreau

Aurora builds a large lead and scrappy Waterdown makes a late charge but falls a bit short. Workhorse Fevreau I believe pitches all but one game for the Hammer.

QF #2

Waterloo 8

Storms Fury 0

wp - Don Stebbings

lp - Rick Provost

Fury hung in there and stranded runners throughout the game but Waterloo was too much to handle.

Semi finals   

Waterloo 7

Mitchell 1

wp - Todd Uhrig

SF #2

Cobourg 4

Aurora 3

wp - Wayne Wells

lp - George Karkambasis

Cobourg - HR Scott Wasson

Cobourg scores 4 early including an inside the park homer from Cobourg leadoff stick Scott Wasson. Aurora nips away at the lead while Karkambasis holds the fort. 4-3 lead heading into the 7th when the number 9 hitter for Aurora leads off with a triple to the gap. Wells gets an out and the next Aurora hitter sends one to medium CF where Dave Brownhill camps underneath it. Aurora sends the runner and only a perfect throw gets him. Brownhill unleashes a cannon and Cobourg catcher Brian McGuire applies the tag on a very close play the runner is called out. Wells finishes things off and throws a gem.

Final

Cobourg 7

Waterloo 0

wp - Tim Neill

lp - Todd Uhrig

Rematch of Saturday nights game and the defending champs Waterloo Classics up against undefeated Cobourg Force. The combination of a fresh Tim Neiil throwing darts, any team would have trouble scoring against Neill the way he was tossing along with it being the third game in a row for Waterloo makes this one a bit anti climatic. Cobourg scores early and often and Neill really doesn't get into any trouble. Congratulations to Cobourg Force for winning the Jack Cook OASA Provincial Masters championship. Cobourg was managed by Sylvia Ryan, Bill Fairney and Wayne Wells.

Each year, OASA presents the Jack Cook award to the Masters player, manager or coach who best exemplifies the sportsmanship, leadership and competitive spirit of Masters fastball in Ontario. Bob Abbott, OASA Executive Vice President, presented the award to Todd Uhrig of the Waterloo Classics. It was the fourth time in five years that a member of the Classics received the award. Sam Forbes (2005), Jodie Schnarr (2007) and Dana Seiling (2008) were the previous recipients.

Special recognition to the Red Hot Chili Pepper and coach Craig Smith. The Pepper were outfitted in new uni's for the weekend, rusty orange. They also changed the team name to Rusty's for the weekend. This was to honour former Pepper catcher Rusty Dekker.

Rusty was the consummate team player. Hard nosed yet the ultimate sportsman and gentleman both off and on the field. Whether he was hustling down the first base line to cover the infield throws, running out fly balls or taking foul balls off the body Rusty was a throw back old fashioned baseball player, but most of all he was he was a friend to all in the league. Rusty left us much too young. Very appropriate given that many of Rusty's former teammates returned to play in the tournament for the Pepper. Some of those same players played ball with Rusty for over 25 years and they are all the best of buddies. Great touch Smitty.

To everyone best of luck with the remainder of your seasons

Robert R. Greatrix, CGA
Chief Financial Officer
rob@integrityhealth.tv
Integrity Health Group
Mailing address only:
12-111 Fourth Ave, Suite 365
St Catharines, ON
L2S-3P5

905-324-6341 (cell)
905-641-9111 X 224 (office)
800-360-4179 (toll free)
905-641-9144 (fax)

 

OASA masters Fri-Sat-Sun

NIAGARA FALLS CANADA

2009 OASA Masters Championship

July 17,18,19  Niagara Falls, Ontario

All Games @ Ker Park 

Red Division                      Blue Division

Cobourg                            Niagara Chili Pepper

Waterloo                          Niagara Fury

Aurora                              Waterdown                                           

                                          Mitchell

Ker Park 1    Fri. 17^th

7.30pm Chili Pepper vs Fury

Sat. 18^th

9:00am Waterdown vs Chili Pepper             

10:00 am Mitchell vs Fury KER Park 2             

11.00am Cobourg vs Aurora               

1.00pm Waterdown vs Mitchell               

3.00pm Waterloo vs Aurora                

5.00 pm Mitchell vs Chili Pepper               

7.00pm Waterloo vs Cobourg               

9.00 pm Waterdown vs Fury                                    

Sun. 19^th          Ker Park 1                            Ker Park 2

10.00am    3 RED vs 2 Blue  (A)            3 Blue vs 2 RED  (B)

12.00 pm    1 RED vs Winner (A)            1 Blue vs Winner (B)

Championship 

2.00 pm      Winner  12.00pm  vs  Winner 12.00pm

2009  OASA Masters Tournament Rules 

NAFA Masters East World Series  55-Over, 50-Over, 45-Over, 40-over, 35-Over, Womens 35-Over

Rockford, Illinois(near Chicago)

September 11-13, 2009, Friday evening to Sunday afternoon

Format - 4 game guarantee, 3 round robin games that seed all teams into a single elimination (If the number of teams is significant in any age class, teams will break into the single elimination portion in Upper and Lower Brackets on Sunday)

First game Friday evening 5 PM or later or Saturday Morning at 8 am with the championship at 3 PM on Sunday

Entry Fee - $410

Ball - the new NAFA 120 stitch white cover, white stitch, cork center 47 core, .375 compression

Host Motels   Motel 6    815-397-8000     Location I-90 at US 20

NAFA Masters West World Series  50-Over, 45-Over, 40-over, 35-Over, Women's 35-Over

Carson City, Nevada(fly to Reno)

September 18-20, 2009, Friday evening or Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon

Format - 4 game guarantee, 3 round robin games that seed all teams into a single elimination (If the number of teams is significant in any age class, teams will break into the single elimination portion in Upper and Lower Brackets on Sunday)

First Game Friday evening at 5pm or later or Saturday Morning at 8 AM with the championship game at 3 PM on Sunday

Entry Fee - $405

Ball - the new NAFA 120 stitch white cover, white stitch, cork center 47 core, .375 compression

Host Motels Gold Dust West Casino 775-885-9000    Close to park on Hwy 50 East

NAFA Masters East vs West Masters Champions World Championships

Las Vegas, Nevada

October 17-18, 2009,  Saturday to Sunday afternoon

Format - 4 game guarantee, East Champions vs West Champions battle for supremacy in the Masters Program

Entry Fee - $400

Ball - the new NAFA 120 stitch white cover, white stitch, cork center 47 core, .375 compression

Host Motels

The following item is courtesy of the Fitzroy Fastball Blog web site.

Fitzroy Fastball's Travel Tip

The following is courtesy of the Fastpitchwest Morning Brief website.

Less Dough, More Show

The following is courtesy of the Fastpitchwest Morning Brief website.

ISC Appoints Rick Boyd as Canada East Regional Commissioner

Looking for some fastball news, well look no further, every fastball link you'll ever need is located on the links page on the Golden Horseshoe Fastball League web site. Go to www.ghfl.ca then click the "Fastball Links" page.

Some of my favourite web sites in no particular order.

 Al's Fastball : http://www.alsfastball.com/

Golden Horseshoe Fastball League : http://www.ghfl.ca/

Fastpitchwest : http://www.fastpitchwest.com/

Eastern Ontario Fastball Blog : http://fitzroyfastball.blogspot.com/

International Softball Congress : http://www.iscfastpitch.com/

1)         Family ? I have been married for 13 years to my wife Astrid. We have 2 daughters, Inga 12 and Greta 2. Plus the extended family of birds, dogs, cats, fish and geckos. 

 2)         Age ? I will be 43 in September.  

3)         Occupation ? I work as an Actuarial Analyst for United Health Care.

4)         Education ? I have B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota. I have also passed several Actuarial exams, but never finished the exam process.

5)         What positions have you held in Fastball ?   Have always been just a player. Although I guess I could be thought of as a sponsor as well.

6)         How long have you been involved in Fastball ? I didn't start playing Fastpitch until I was in my mid twenties. A friend of mine's dad had throw when he was younger and rounded up the neighborhood kids to make a team. I generally played catcher or outfield. After a couple years I tried my hand at pitching and have pretty much pitched exclusively ever since. Although it took a couple years before anyone got up the courage to get in the batters box and actually let me pitch to them. 

 7)         Other sports / interests you’ve been involved in and accomplishments ? In high school I ran track and cross country. We were the 1983 Minnesota state cross country champions, although I got hurt just before the meet and couldn't compete. Did not compete in sports at all at the collegiate level. Never played organized hockey, but skated all the time as a kid. Tried playing bandy for a couple years but the team folded. Now I just play pick up basketball to stay "in shape" in the off season.

   8)         What are some of your fastball career highlights & accomplishments ? 2003 NAFA Class "A" Champions (Jeraldine's), I was selected to the First Team All World. 2007 NAFA Masters 40+ East Champions(Jordan Realty) I was selected the MV Pitcher. My team, Jordan Realty, is also the 3 time defending Minnesota State Masters champions and after more than 15 years of trying we finally won the Minnesota State ASA Class "B" championship in 2007. There is no Class "A" or Major ball left in Minnesota, so I guess that makes us the best team in the state for the year. I would have to say that playing with Team Minnesota for 2 years in the AAU tournament in Orlando was another career highlight. Sharing the field with high level ISC players and a few US and Canadian National teams members was an absolute treat for me. 

10)      Favourite tournament ? Besides the National tournaments, I would have to say that my favorite tournament to participate in was the Eau Claire tournament. It was an invitational tournament, so I have only played on a few occasions, generally on teams that were called at the last minute to fill out the draw. To be able to watch teams like The Farm, County Concrete, Decatur Pride, Circle Tap, Townline play each other was amazing. To actually play against them was even more fun. We never did very well, in fact we have only won a couple games that I can remember, but it is was always a great time.

In the 1990's the Minnesota State ASA tournament used to be 60+ teams strong. It would start on Friday night and end on Sunday night. Quite a grind.

11)      Plans for 2008 & beyond ? I am hoping to make a return to the ISC2 tournament this year. We will definitely be defending out State titles as well as the NAFA Masters title. We made a pathetic showing at the NAFA Worlds last year, but it is being held right in our backyard so we may give it another go. Definitely depends on the dates and at what level we will have to play. Beyond 2008 is hard to say. Our team has become mainly a Masters team and I was the youngest of the bunch. We definitely have a couple more good years under our belts but a lot of the guys have kids that play sports now, wife's reminding us that we aren't getting any younger and other commitments that make staying a competitive team difficult. Hopefully we can ride this wave a little longer. 

  1)                 Family  ?  

one son Robert ,granddaughter Samantha(17) grandson Tyler (16) 

2)         Age ?

65 

3)         Occupation ?

Home daycare provider for 20 years fostered for 12 years before that 

4)         Education :

W.A.Porter Collegiate Institute 

5)         What positions have you held in Fastball ?   Player / Coach / Executive etc.

President Oshawa City and District Fastball League  (present)

Manager Claremont Rebels 32 years

Manager Durham Heat 2004-05-06

Canadian Masters Executive

Manager Peterboro Pros

Manager Cobourg Force  (present)

Manager Peterborough Murphy Windmillers

Asst Manager Oshawa Double “B” Juniors  (present)

Asst Manager Oshawa Double “B” Int.  (present)

Secretary/Treasurer Oshawa City and District Fastball League

Treasurer Oshawa Double “B” Sports Club  (present)

OASA Executive  (present)

OASA Expo Committee (present)

Editor OASA High & Inside newsletter (present)  

6)         How long have you been involved in Fastball ?

35 years 

7)                 Other sports / interests you’ve been involved in and accomplishments ?

     Love Motorhoming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

8)         What are some of your fastball career highlights & accomplishments ?

1979 Pee-Wee OASA Champions,

1981 Bantam OASA Champions,

1984 Midget OASA Champions,

1999-2000-2001-2003 OCDFL Champions,

2001 World Tournament,

2004-05-06 Canadian Masters Executive,

2004 Canadian Senior Men 5^th place finish Peterborough Ricart Pros,

2004 World Tournament,

2006 Feaver Award winner  OASA (first woman to win award,)

2006 Iris Yahn award winner OCDFL,

2007 Ontario Masters Champions with the Cobourg Force,

2007 OASA Intermediate B Champions with Cobourg Force, 

2007 World Tournament Peterborough Murphy Windmillers 20^th place finish, 

2007 NAFA Masters World Series Cobourg Force 5^th place, 

2008  OASA Mens Champions (Cobourg Force,) 

2008  ISC II second place finish  Appleton Wisconsin with Waterdown Hammer            

9)     Who are some of your favourite teammates / associates and opposing players to play with and against over the years.

Bob Ryan, Frank Hendy ,Ken Leonard, John Mather, Jim Spiers,Wayne Wells, Troy Gilmour, Craig Minifie, Dave Waldie, Mike Crawford, Bll Fairney, Dave Birnie, Sam Forbes, Jodie Schnarr, Mike Kelly,  Kyle Davis, Todd Martin , Paul Koert Rino Dambrosio, Jamie Baker, Brad Bricknell, Ted Conway, Chris McColl, Swift boys,(Ryan,Matt,Jason,) Mike Samways, Pat Humphries Scott Evans,Rob & Tom Watson,  John Kemp, Steve Ketchell, Brian McGuire, Jim Flanagan, Dave Reynolds, Bob Abbott, Alex Rutherford 

10)      Favourite tournament ?

1984 Midget OASA Stittsville Ontario,

2001 World Tournament,

2005 AAU Tournament Orlando Florida,

2007 Ontario Masters Championship, 

2006 North Bay Masters Tournament,

2007 NAFA Masters World Series Rockford Illinois,

2008 OASA Mens Cobourg On, 2008 ISC II Appleton Wisconsin 

10) Plans for 2008 & beyond ?

Looking forward to the 2009 AAU Tournament  in Florida with the Cobourg Force            

11) Any additional thoughts ?

I have met so many great people through fastball, Fastball is my life , I hope to continue to be involved for many more years.

1)         Family ? Widowed- Daughter Heather (29) Son Connor (15) Grandson Marty (4) 

2)         Age ? 51 

3)         Occupation ? Business Development Manager ( Palmac Truck Bodies) 

4)         Education ? Birchmount Park C.I. (Scarborough) Durham College (Oshawa) 

5)         What positions have you held in Fastball ?   Player / Coach / Executive etc.           Player/Coach & "Food & Beverage Manager" 

6)         How long have you been involved in Fastball ?             40 yrs (give or take an innning) 

7)         Other sports / interests you’ve been involved in and accomplishments ?             Golf/Squash, Ball Hockey/Floor Hockey City & Provincial Champs 

8)         What are some of your fastball career highlights & accomplishments ?             Beaches Fastball (Toronto) through the 80's/90's-Batting title-1992            Dieppe Park (Toronto) 80's/90's League Champs ( Hollingers 1988)            Scarborough Mens Fastpitch/ I.S.C. (Scarborough Royals 1995-1998)            League Champs/World Champs NAFA-Kansas (1996)            Represented Canada ( Bill Jefferies Tournament 1998)                       Oshawa City & District League/I.S.C/Masters. ( Oshawa Fastpitch 1999-2005)            League Champs/NorthBay Champs            World Masters Games ( Edmonton 2005) Bronze Medal (Australia Redbacks)           

9)         Who are some of your favourite teammates / associates and opposing players to play with and against over the years ?                        All the Scarborough/Oshawa Boy's & met some great people associated with this great game. 

10)      Favourite tournament ?                     Holland/Minden/NorthBay 

11)      Plans for 2008 & beyond ?             Stepped away from Fastpitch 2005.Working out hard to come back to Masters for             summer 08.Looking to hook up with Ontario team for Sydney 2009. 

You tube video of Eddie Feigner and the King & His Court.

Eddie is 32 years old in the video which would make the video from 1958.

 Click here to watch the video.

Adrian "Bob" Smith is the Player / Manager for the Toronto Bingo Senior Fastball team and has been very supportive of the World Senior Men’s Fastball Tournament for many years

Article courtesy of Jordan Ercit, North Bay Nugget  

Fastball 'was his life'

Fastball tourney honours fallen comrade with award

Posted By JORDAN ERCIT, THE NUGGET

Posted 17 mins ago

Roland Williamson never got to shake hands or compare pitching strategies with Rob Gilmore, but he was nonetheless quite honoured" Sunday to be holding a most valuable pitcher award handed out in Gilmore's name.

It's special for sure," said Williamson, the 45-year-old hurler for the Stratford-based Shakespeare Isotopes, winners of the 'A' Division championship Sunday at the World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament at Troy Field -- a 5-1 four-hit victory over the Hamilton Stingers.

Especially when you get to shake the hand of someone in his family, it's

certainly quite the honour."

For the first time in the 22-year history of North Bay's Labour Day fastball tradition, the 'A' and 'AA' c h amp i o n s h i p MVP and most valuable pitcher awards were doled out in the honour of one man --

Gilmore, a former competitor at the tournament in 2000 and 2001 with the Stoney Creek Gators masters' team.

The idea, said tournament volunteer Dave Cerisano, arose when the Gators' Dave Birnie contacted the North Bay Senior Men's Fastball League, the organizers of the tournament. Birnie wondered if the awards could be named in honour of their former teammate, who passed away two years ago at the age of 48 following a battle with cancer.

The league gladly obliged, Cerisano said.

We couldn't have been more honoured," he said.

Friendships formed

Gilmore, who helped steer the Gators to the 2002 Ontario and Eastern Canadian masters' championships, also had more of a connection to North Bay than just a love for wind-milling bullets across the plate during the final long weekend of the summer. He also spent most of his summers at the family cottage in Callander.

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Gilmore's widow, Cathy, said her husband would have been honoured to know his love for the game of fastball would be remembered.

It was his life," Cathy Gilmore said of her husband who grew up in the town of Wainfleet, on Ontario's Niagara peninsula.

I think he was still in diapers when he began playing.

But what he enjoyed most about playing masters was the friendships he formed after the games and the guys he met across the province from the various tournaments."

Gilmore may have had one final bit of business to take care of this weekend, though. Compared to the rest of the summer, the weekend weather was perfect for the tournament, making it seem like there may have been some help from above.

We might have had an extra contact up there (in heaven)," she said.

Article courtesy of the North Bay Nugget

Southern squads sizzle on Sunday

Posted By JORDAN ERCIT, THE NUGGET

Posted 8 hours ago

Pitching certainly won the day Sunday at the 22-annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament.

That and teams from southern Ontario.

Led by the masterful pitching of 41- year-old drop-baller Todd Uhrig, the Cobourg-based Cold Spring Cats won their third World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament in four years, shutting down the Toronto Bingos 3-0 in Sunday's 'AA' Division championship. It was the Cats fourth title overall.

Uhrig, from Elora, Ont., pitched a pair of one-hitters when it counted the most -- the semifinals and final -- Sunday afternoon, mixing in his patented drop ball with some well-placed heat, finishing with 12 strikeouts in the championship game as the tournament's most valuable pitcher in the 'AA' Division.

For Uhrig, it all came down to a breakfast of champions.

A couple of Tim Hortons breakfast sandwiches," he said with a laugh, choosing to forgo the more-conventional bowl of Wheaties.

About all the offence Uhrig needed all came in the top of the third inning, when the Cats capped a three-hit, three-run inning with a line-drive dinger to left field off the bat of tournament MVP Rob Ellis. Uhrig shut down the Bingos the rest of the way after allowing his only hit against in the first two innings.

And despite a couple of complete-game no-hitters, Uhrig's arm was feeling just fine.

My shoulder gets sore, but it's nice weather," he said. So once it gets some use, then it's not too bad."

In the 'A' final, Stratford's Shakespeare Isotopes , who eliminated the Bear Island Braves in the semifinals, scored two runs in both the third and fourth innings as they downed the Hamilton Stingers 5-1. Starting pitcher Roland Williamson pitched a four-hitter and struck out six.

For Williamson, it was his first time competing in North Bay's Labour Day classic. He hopes it won't be the last.

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The Mississauga resident, who is originally from Cape Breton, on the northern tip of Nova Scotia, said it is tournaments like this that keep fastball alive in Canada.

It's (fastball) dying in Cape Breton, but they're trying to keep it going," he said while enjoying a post-game beverage while his teammates laughed and traded jokes in the background, some at Williamson's expense.

It's tournament's like this that keep the game going."

Locally, the top finisher in the 'AA' Division was Howard's Plumbing, eliminated in the quarter-finals by the Oshawa Ravens. The Bear Island Braves were the top finishers in the 'A' Division, falling to the Isotopes.

Last year, two local teams swept the championships -- Casey's and Sundridge's Kent Trusses.

In all, 28 teams took part in the four-day tournament.

The Cold Springs Cats won the "AA" Championship at the 22nd Annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament.

 "AA" Championship

Cold Springs - 4 vs. Toronto Bingos - 0

Winning Pitcher Todd Uhrig 1 hitter

Championship Game Awards

Most Valuable Pitcher - Todd Uhrig ( Cold Springs)

Most Valuable Player - Rob Ellis ( Cold Springs )

One of the North Bay area's top softball pitchers has been named the 2007 winner of the Al Knapp Memorial Trophy for contribution to the sports of softball and baseball.

Ken Besner, who began playing softball as a 13-year-old 32 years ago with the Bonfield 7 Ups of the East Nipissing Fastball League, before continuing up the ladder through the intermediate and oldtimer levels, was recently named winner of the annual award, which honours the memory of longtime softball/fastball great Al Knapp.

During his early years, Besner played several seasons with the 7 Ups, winning a pair of championships, while handling pitching duties and also doing some catching.

After graduating from the ENFL, Besner played for 13 seasons in the Gateway Major Fastball Association with Father's, Kent Trusses, North Bay Merchants and Northern Honda, winning 10 league championships, as well as 10 top pitcher awards.

He was also honoured as the loop's most valuable player on two occasions.

During his time with the Northern Honda, Besner and his teammates also won five Northern Softball Association championships and an Ontario Amateur Softball Association title in 1991, when Besner pitched the North Bay squad to a 2-0 win over Owen Sound in the championship game.

During the 1991 season Northern Honda boasted an impressive 44-4 record, including a perfect 4-0 in the provincial championship.

A year earlier (1990) in Sheddon, Ont., Northern Honda, also in an OASA final reached the championship game before bowing out despite a two-hitter by Besner.

Besner pitched five games during the final day of that tournament and was presented with a "Merit of Achievement Award" by the OASA to honour a player's outstanding performance.

In the 1998 GMFA final, Besner suffered a serious (torn ligaments) bicep injury that prevented him from playing the following season. He was forced to take the next year off, before returning to complete his career.

After concluding his GMFA career, Besner played seven seasons with Overtime Lounge and Casey's of the North Bay Senior's Fastball League (oldtimers), four of which he was eligible to pitch. During that time he compiled a 36-1-1 record while winning four league titles.

During his tenure with Casey's and Overtime, Besner hurled his team to a pair of World Senior's Fastball tournament titles (2003, 2007), compiling a 7-0 record.

Besner will receive the Knapp award at the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner at Best Western North Bay, April 26th.

World fastball tourney hits 22 seasons

Posted By NUGGET STAFF

Posted 2 days ago

North Bay's growing Labour Day weekend tradition continues this week with 28 teams from across Ontario gathering for the 22nd annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament.

The tournament, staged at four fields in the city (Troy, Johnson, CFB and Centennial) opens Thursday with action between eight teams from the North Bay Senior Fastball League and continues through Sunday.

The senior fastball tournament, for players aged 35 and over, started in 1987 and has grown to become the largest in the province, with teams coming from places such as Toronto, Oshawa, Hamilton, Peterborough, Sudbury, Scarborough, Lindsay, Stratford, Porquis Junction and Moosonee.

Last year's 'AA' championship was won by North Bay's Casey's, the first local team to win the tournament since 1997.However, several players from the team hung up the cleats after the tournament and Casey's is no longer together.

The Cold Spring Cats, from Cobourg, Ont., the tournament's 'AA' champions in 2005 and 2006,will return seeking another championship.

The Toronto Bingos, who have been travelling north for the over-35 tournament for several years, will feature a big name on the roster for the weekend.

Peter Landers, a legendary left-handed pitcher and member of Softball Canada's Hall of Fame, is joining the Bingos for the weekend.

Locally, Boston Pizza won the regular- season championship in North Bay's nine-team senior league this summer, led by big hitters such as Richard and Ron Gribbons. Other area teams include The Fraser, North Bay Legion, Hopper's, Callander Legion, Howard's Plumbing, Powassan Legion, CFB Silver Foxes, Mattawa Legion, Bear Island Braves and last year's 'A' division champions, Kent Trusses of Sundridge.

The 28 teams will mix together in round robin play, with the Top 14 after the round robin moving on to the 'AA' playoffs and the next 14 playing for the 'A' title.

Playoffs begin Saturday evening, with quarter-finals, semifinals and finals to be played Sunday.

The 'A' championship game goes Sunday at 2:30 p. m. and the 'AA' championship at 4 p. m., both at Troy Field.

The 2008 NAFA Masters World Series has moved to a new location due to flooding at the sports complex in Rockford Illinois.

 Masters East Coaches:

Due to the Sportscore sports complex in Rockford, Illinois being flooded, we have moved the East Masters location less than 60 minutes away just North
in Middleton(near Madison), Wisconsin at the Bowling Green Softball
Complex and the Elvers Complex. 8 fields total.

We are staying on the Same date  Sept. 13-14  but do to coaches
requests we will not be playing any games friday night. We will also
use the same format as in all previous years which is 2 round robin
seeding games on Saturday that seeds all teams into as single
elimination on Sunday.

As of today we have the following numbers in each class:
35-8, 40-12, 45-12, 50-12, 55-7

Remember you can have 3 players three years too young that are not pitchers.

Everyone please confirm that you received this email and confirm the
age division or divisions you are playing in.

If you have not mailed your entry fee it is due so mail it now to:
NAFA, PO Box 566, Dayton, Oregon 97114

Motel List for Middleton, Madison Wisconsin

Here is the motel list for Middleton, Madison or you can find your own
on the internet but this list should save you some time:

Roadstar(host motel) 608-274-6900
Colonial Inn  608-836-1131
Best Western  608-833-4200
Super 8       608-848-7829

If these are full by the time you call. email me and I will send you
the complete list.

Thanks for your patience and we look forward to the best Masters event
ever and we look forward to seeing the 32 West Masters teams in Carson
City Sept. 20-21...We will send out a motel list for Carson City this
week.

Benjie Hedgecock
NAFA Executive Director

22nd. Annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament

Aug. 29-31  / 2008   North Bay, Ont.

Current and former master's players and coaches were in action at the recent Oshawa City & District Fastball League All Star Game.

Norm Estabrooks won the home run derby held during the All Star festivities, Norm competed in the recent OASA Masters Provincial Championship with Aurora.

Ontario Fastball Legend, Sylvia " Sparky" Ryan threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

 Dean Begley ( Aurora Sholess Joes ) played right field for the North squad.

John Kemp ( Lake Simcoe Lightning ) played centerfield for the North All Star Team.

Jim Trimm & Blair McBratney ( from Oshawa Ravens ) were both on the coaching staff for the South All Star Team.

Norm Estabrooks & Bill "Rookie" Fairney ( Toronto Celtics ) played for the winning South All Star Team.

Jim Trimm was awarded the prestigious Buddy Yahn Memorial Trophy. The following is submitted courtesy of the Oshawa City & District Fastball League web site.

The 2008 recipient started his fastball career at the age of six playing for Kedron in the park system. He played together with a bunch of his friends on the same team up until 1978 when he joined the Millwork fastball team in the Brady Division of the Oshawa City & District. 

In 82 he went to the Campbell Division with Whitby merchants until 84 when he joined Oshawa Caseys Sr B Team who went 22 and 2 in the City & District. The following year he played in the OFL with the Oshawa Blues. He continued his playing career playing with OASA and ISC affiliated teams such as Oshawa Merchants Seniors, ACL, O’Tooles and Mickey Finns Intermediates. 

Most of his over 28 year history in Oshawa Fastball were spent as a Player but in 92 he added player coach to his credentials He then added yet another roll of manager/coach to his impressive list, a roll which he continues to carry out with the present day Oshawa Ravens. The 2008 Buddy Yahn Memorial Trophy recipient this evening is Jim Trimm.

          O.A.S.A Mens Open Finalists in 93.   

          A fourth place and a seventh place finish at the N.A.F.A. world fastball Championships in 1994 and 95.

          4 World Senior Masters Championships in North Bay.

          O.A.S.A. Provincial Masters Champs in 03,

          O.A.S.A Masters Silver Medalists in 05, 

          Oshawa City & District champs in 84,92,06,07.

          Durham men’s fastball league champs from 99-02.

Waterloo Classics Win OASA Masters Provincial Championship

Waterloo, Ontario – The Waterloo Classics won the Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) Masters Provincial Fastball Championship with a 6-0 victory over two-time provincial champion Alvinston Indians Sunday (July 20) in Niagara Falls. 

The Waterloo team, managed by local fastball enthusiast Sam Forbes, got off to a slow start Friday night, losing 2-1 to the host Niagara Storm’s Fury, but bounced back with a convincing 9-2 victory Saturday afternoon over Aurora Shoeless Joes. With three teams ties at a win and a loss apiece, the tiebreaker rule awarded the Classics first place in their division and a bye into Sunday morning’s semi-final game. 

After defeating Waterdown Hammer in their quarterfinal game Saturday night, the Niagara team earned the chance to qualify for the final by meeting the Classics again. This time the Waterloo bats came alive as the 2007 provincial runner-up team won the game handily by a 14-2 score Sunday morning. 

The championship game Sunday afternoon was a classic matchup between the two long-time, friendly rivals, Waterloo Classics and Alvinston Indians. Alvinston made it to the championship by defeating Aurora in the other semi-final on Sunday. The Classics prevailed 6-0 behind strong pitching from Todd Uhrig, timely hitting and errorless defense. After playing in the annual tournament for 11 years, it was the Classics first OASA provincial championship. 

Each year, OASA presents the Jack Cook award to the Masters player, manager or coach who best exemplifies the sportsmanship, leadership and competitive spirit of Masters fastball in Ontario. Bob Abbott, OASA Executive Vice President, presented the award to Dana Seiling of the Waterloo Classics. It was the third time in four years that a member of the Classics received the award. Sam Forbes (2005) and Jodie Schnarr (2007) were the previous recipients.

 2008 OASA Masters Provincial Championship

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Fri. July 18 - Sun July 20th  /  2008

July 18th – Fri. 1) 8:00 pm DIA. I - Niagara – Waterloo

Niagara 2
Waterloo 1

WP - Rich Vassos in relief of Rick Provost
LP - Sean Geehan in relief of Don Steebing

Niagara - Mark Hall 1/3 RBI, Joe McMaster 1/3 Rbi, Jeff Kranyk 2-3, Rob Greatrix 1/3 run scored, Ron Winger 2/3

Waterloo - Jodie Shnarr 2/3, Greg Scheel 1/3, Todd Uhrig 1/3, Paul Clemons 1/3

July 19th - Sat. 2) 9:00am DIA. I - Kanata – Waterdown

Kanata 4
Waterdown 0

WP - Billy Gerber
LP - Brian Lisk
Kanta - Paul Priest and Tommy Watkinson 2 hits each. great D from 3rd base Hugh Murray
Waterdown - Kres Andersdon, Kyle Davis, Paul Hird and Brett Duggan singles

3) 11:00am DIA. I - Niagara – Aurora

Aurora 13
Niagara 6

WP - Norm Estabrooks
LP - Ron Winger

Aurora - Marty Greenhop 2/4 Norm Estabrooks 2/4 4rbi, Peter Seto 3/4
4) 1:00pm DIA. I - Alvinston – Kanata

Alvinston 9
Kanata 1

WP - Dave Martin
LP - Trevor Wood

Alvinston - Brian Prowse 2 hits, Jason Hope 2 run HR
Kanata - Mike Money triple and single

5) 3:00pm DIA. I - Waterloo – Aurora

Waterloo 9
Aurora 2

WP - Todd Uhrig
LP - Norm Estabrooks

Waterloo - Jodie Schnarr, Greg Scheel, Dan Ferrede and Paul Clemons 2 hits each
Aurora - Norm Estabrooks 2/3 2 runs

6) 5:00pm DIA. I - Alvinston – Waterdown 

Waterdown 3
Alvinston 1

WP - Rick Hames
LP - Doug Charlton

Waterdown - Marcel Bilodeau 2/3, Lance Winn 2/4
Alvinston - Chris Drew 2/3 Murray McLean 2/3

End of preliminary play, Alvinston and Waterloo receive byes to tomorrows semi's

7) 7:00pm DIA. I - 2nd Red - 3rd Blue

Quarter final 1
Aurora 2
Kanata 1

WP - George Karkumbasis, save Steve Ketchell
LP - Bill Gerber

Aurora - Peter Seto 2/3 2 runs scored
Kanata - Duane Bromley, double

8) 9:00pm DIA. I - 2nd Blue - 3rd Red

Quarter final 2
Niagara 4
Waterdown 2

WP- Butch Provost, relief Rick Provost, save Rich Vassos
LP - Jim Hurst

Niagara - Jeff Kranyk 4/4 run scored, Rob Greatrix triple 2 runs scored, Dave Taylor single 2 rbi's
Waterdown - Rick Hames 1/3 run scored

July 20th Sun. 9) 10:00am DIA. I - 1st Red - Winner gm 8

Semi final 1
Waterloo 12
Niagara 2

WP - Todd Uhrig
LP - Rich Vassos

Niagara - Todd Uhrig 3/4 HR, Mike Kelly 2/4 HR, Jodie Schnarr HR, Ross Herold 3/4
Niagara - Dave Taylor and Mark Hall each with a HR

This one was over early, Uhrig was throwing darts, the only bright spots for Niagara were the two solo shots.

10) 10:00am DIA. II - 1st Blue - Winner gm 7

Semi final 2
Alvinston 10
Aurora 1

WP - Dave Martin
LP - Steve Ketchell

11) 1:00pm DIA. I - Winner game 9 - Winner game 10

Championship Game
Waterloo - 6
Alvinston - 0

WP - Todd Uhrig, two hit shutout
LP - Doug Charlton

Waterloo - Mike Kelly 2/3, Todd Uhrig 1/3 and Greg Scheel 2/3
Alvinston - Joe Triest and Brian Prowse one hit each

Uhrig again was virtually unhittable, congratulations to your 2008 Provincial Masters Champs Waterloo Classics for an impressive weekend and to Alvinston for their runner up finish. Gold and Silver medals were presented to each team.

SENIOR MEN'S FASTBALL TOURNAMENT

AUG. 29th, 30th, 31st, 2008

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

TEAM NAME                                                                                                                                                                                           

CONTACT PERSON                                                                                                                                                                                        

ADDRESS                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                     

TELEPHONE                                                      FAX                                                  EMAIL                                                                         

TEAM RATING (see note 1.) check one:                                                                                                                   

                                                                   A          AA

* PREFERRED TIMES (indicate 2 choices):                                                                             

(see note below..times may vary if 5 full innings adapted)    6:00         7:15       8:30       9:45

A vs AA Double A teams have indicated a desire for more competition. They will be grouped to provide more equitable preliminary games. Please be fair to enable this format to succeed. If you have a fairly decent pitcher you are likely a AA team.

ROOMS:   PLEASE ALLOW US TO BOOK FOR YOU. THE BEST RATES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED AT LOCAL HOTELS THAT SUPPORT OUR TOURNAMENT. GIVE DAVE A CALL AND HE WILL ARRANGE ROOMS FOR YOU.

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TEAM MEMBERS

(    This is the list for the Official Program only. The Offical team list is to be provided at the Registration Tent when you arive)

PLEASE PRINT NAMES CLEARLY

1.                                                                                                      9.                                                                                 

2.                                                                                                    10.                                                                                 

3.                                                                                                    11.                                                                                 

4.                                                                                                    12.                                                                                 

5.                                                                                                    13.                                                                                 

6.                                                                                                    14.                                                                                 

7.                                                                                                    15.                                                                                 

8.                                                                                   

Player Age Restrictions

MUST BE 35 TO PLAY AND 40 TO PITCH

(the committee reserves the right to request proof of age if necessary)

REGISTRATION

1. Enclose cheque for $400 payable to WORLD SENIOR FASTBALL ($450 after July 1st, no exceptions)

                        - entry includes free "T" shirt and 15 free draw tickets for $500

2.  Fill in team roster (no players under 35 and no pitchers under 40)

3.  Once your team is registered you will be contacted and supplied with a list of rooms that have been blocked for this event.

                        - We recommend that you allow us to book for you. We have the best rates available and also get a rebate for all rooms used.

4.  Read basic rules below

5.  Submit information to:

                        DAVE CERISANO

                        552 GREENWOOD AVE.,

                        NORTH BAY ON P1B 5G4

                        tel. 705-474-4878         fax 705-474-6819       dave.cerisano@sympatico.ca

BASIC RULES

1. NO METAL CLEATS - NO EXCEPTIONS - INCLUDING PITCHERS

2.  Final team roster must be handed in at the Registration Tent prior to first game. (maximum 15 prizes per team to winners)

3.  Unlimited defensive re-entry.

4.  Unlimited pinch runners...some exceptions do apply....check final rules in event program.

5.  Double flap helmets must be worn by all batters and base runners

6.  Absolutely no jewelrey allowed to be worn.

7.  Time limits for games:       * Preliminary Round      - 5 innings with time limit and mercy rule

                                                     All games after Preliminary Round to be 5 full innings

* NOTE:  THE COMMITTEE IS REVIEWING THE FEASIBILITY OF PLAYING 5 FULL INNINGS

                  FOR ALL GAMES.  FIELD AVAILABLILITY WILL BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR.

1)         Family ?  Wife Kathy, married for 22 years, Daughter Alexandra, Son Scott, Was too busy thinking and making plans for the 2007 NAFA Masters East World Series that I completely forgot our 22^nd wedding anniversary, yikes ! 

2)         Age ?  48 

3)         Occupation ?  Industrial Contractor working at Stelco, Dofasco, Ontario Hydro,Petro Canada, Ford etc.Vice President USWA Local 3692 Hamilton 

4)         Education : Westdale High School Hamilton  Famous Westdale Alumni : Comedian Martin Short, CFL Quarterback & Coach Ron Lancaster, Comedian Eugene Levy, The Honourable Lincoln Alexander, CFL Legend Russ Jackson, Steve Staios Edmonton Oilers, Gord Lewis Teenage Head Band, David Braley owner of the BC Lions, NHL Legend Harry Howell, Brian Williams CBC & TSN Sports Broadcaster 

5)         What positions have you held in Fastball ?   Player / Coach / Executive etc.  Didn’t get involved in fastball until I was 32 years old, played a little but always enjoyed being involved with the administrative part of a team, recruiting, uniforms, waterboy, etc.  2006 ISC II Game Controller, Vice President and founding member Canadian Masters Fastball Association, 2008 OASA Men’s Committee, 2008 Co Chair & Eastern Canadian Rep. NAFA Masters World Series Committee, Web Site Administrator - Ontario Masters Fastball web site.  

6)         How long have you been involved in Fastball ? 16 years, primarily masters teams 

7)         Other sports / interests you’ve been involved in and accomplishments ?  Hockey, boating, coaching my Son’s Special Olympics basketball team, amateur wrestling, track & field, baseball, MMA : City of Hamilton wrestling Champion. Track & field athlete of the year at Westdale High School Hamilton.  Joined the Niagara Falls Optimists Track Club after high school. When not at a fastball tournament I like to be at the cottage cruising around on my boat. Enjoy running my annual hockey pool which I have been doing for 23 years, 171 entries in the pool this year.  

8)         What are some of your fastball career highlights & accomplishments ? Hamilton Men’s League Champions 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001 NAFA “ A “ Ontario Qualifier Champions with Hamilton Gators ( Innerkip, Ont. )   2001 Played against Eddie Feigner’s The King & His Court ( Beamsville, Ont. )    2002 Ontario Masters Champions Stoney Creek Gators. ( Ingersoll, Ont. )  2002 Eastern Canadian Masters Champions Stoney Creek Gators ( Fredericton, NB )2004 Canadian Masters Silver Medalists Stoney Creek Gators ( Cobourg, Ont. )  2005 OASA Bronze Medals with Waterdown Hammer Masters ( Port Perry, Ont. )  2007 Ontario Masters Champions with the Cobourg Force ( Cobourg, Ont. )  2007 OASA Intermediate B Champions with Cobourg Force ( Newmarket, Ont. )   20^th place @ 2007 ISC World Tournament Peterborough Windmillers ( Kitchener, Ont. )   5^th Place @ 2007 NAFA Masters World Series Cobourg Force ( Rockford, Illinois ) 

9)         Who are some of your favourite teammates / associates and opposing players to play with and against over the years ?  Fred Clyke, Mike Crawford, Sam Forbes, Jodie Schnarr, Mike Kelly, Dave Kingdon, Rory Hustler, Brian Prowse, Dan Duemo, Cam Emerson, Henry Donders, Kyle Davis, Joe Reeve, Dave Benallick, Ron Chambers, Harold Passmore, Rod Fevreau, Carl Boomhouwer, Lance Winn, Rob Gilmour, Pete Kucharuck, Brain French, Dean Carr, Pete Spitzig, Sally and Fossil, Sylvia Ryan, Craig Minifie, Al Ball, Troy Gilmour, Wayne Wells, Doug Charlton, Dave Reynolds, Blair Setford, Glenn Inglehart, Doug Levy, Benjie Hedgecock, Alex Rutherford, Gary Wren, George Ryder, Bernie Pollock, Blair McBratney, Rob & Tom Watson, Dana Seiling, Chris McSorley, Greg Bacher, Mark McEachern, Shawn Steinhoff, Mark Young, Brad Reinguette, John Kemp, Oliver brothers, Rick Hames, Brad Meldrum, Dave Martin, Steve Ketchell, Brian McGuire, Jim Flanagan & Al Doran. 

10)      Favourite tournament ? 2002 OASA Masters Championship, 2004 Canadian Masters Championship, North Bay Masters Tournament, NAFA Masters World Series 

11)      Plans for 2008 & beyond ?   Retired from fastball

12)      Any additional thoughts ?  Thanks to some very generous sponsors over the years, Bob Litzen, Litzen’s Source for Sports, Jeff “Newf” Murphy, Bill ‘Rookie” Fairney. Probably the greatest fastball person I’ve EVER met is Sylvia “Sparky” Ryan.

 2008 OASA Masters "A" & B" Provincial  Championships

 July 18, 19, 20  / 2008  Niagara Falls, Ont.                                     

Here are the eligibilty rules as found on the OASA web site ...

OASA Masters

The OASA has confirmed Niagara Falls as the official host for the 2008 OASA Masters "A" & "B" Championship.  Stay tuned for further information including accomodations etc.

Location : Ker Park, Niagara Falls

Date : Fri. July 18, Sat. July 19th & Sun. July 20th

One new team so far : Niagara Falls
2 teams returning after a 1 year absence : Waterdown and Alvinston.

http://www.infoniagara.com/

http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/ 

See the attached Q & A survey form.

Please consider filling out the following questionnaire, I'm looking for ANYONE associated with Masters fastball in Ontario & beyond, players, coaches, executives, umpires, sponsors etc.     Got an interesting story to tell ?  If you would like to be featured please answer the 12 questions on the Q & A survey and forward your answers to ontariomasters(at)hotmail(dot)com You don't need to answer any of the questions you don't want to. Please remember this is to promote you and masters fastball in a positive way. Try to put the emphasis on masters fastball as much as possible. Returned questionnaires will be featured on the Ontario Masters Fastball web site.