Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Video – MidWest Pickoff Play

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Bob Rosthenhausler of MidWest Stampede picks off Kitchener Rivershark Twins Jody Eidt at second base in the first inning of the championship game at the Monkton World Fastball Invitational. Watch carefully and you can see Rosthenhausler and shortstop Greg Cascaes signal each other for the pickoff after the first pitch to batter Blair Ezekiel. Ballpark Radio’s Steve Sabourin, of CKNX Radio 920 am, makes the call. You can watch in standard definition or click the HD button in the bottom right of the video to see in high definition.

(Sorry, Jody. Stay tuned, we have your RBI hit in the same game)

A Chance to Help Ken Vierling

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

From Lori Sorenson:

Stand Up for Ken

He Needs YOUR Help!

Here is a brief update on our “Comic Dude”. Ken is now back in Minnesota at St. Mary’s in Rochester for rehab. It is hard for Ken as he is really not able to do a lot for himself yet. They are teaching him to try and feed himself and brush his teeth. He is riding around in a motorized chair (he could use a few driving lessons though!). After rehab Ken will be going to assisted living. Ken is also an avid bowler, umpire and loves to play poker. Those of us who know Ken know of his sense of humor and spirit and love for life. He loves to sing and make people laugh.

Ken is now paralyzed from the chest down. He does have some sensation in his legs but the sensations move around. He can move his arms but has no use of his hands. The prognosis is that Ken’s chances of ever walking again are not great. But Ken is a “battler” and along with some help and support from us, he will fight this battle.

Obviously, Ken will face great financial issues in the future. Aside from astronomical hospital bills, down the road, there will be income issues for a long time, as employment potential will certainly be very questionable.

This tragic event has certainly changed Ken’s life in many ways. Therefore, we are planning a couple different fundraisers at this time to help Ken and his family. The first one is Saturday August 29th at the Farmington American Legion. This event will include a Silent Auction, Beer Bash and Sandwiches and music by Chopper. The second event will be Saturday Sept 12th at the Owatonna Knights of Columbus. This will include a Spaghetti Dinner, Silent Auction and Bake Sale.

Here’s how you can help us affect the future of Ken. Please consider contributing a gift basket or other auction items to one or both of the silent auctions. Some ideas that have sold well at past auctions include:

* Gardening, Movie Night, Arts & Crafts, Scrapbooking
* Coffee Time, Spa and Relaxation, Wine and Cheese, Sports Basket
* Breakfast Basket, Italian, Birthday Party, Book Basket, Afghans, vacations/trips
* Pet Basket, Baby, Night on the Town, School Basket, Game Night, Car Care Basket

The baskets will be used to raise money for the sole purpose and benefit of Ken. Your help and generosity can make these benefits a success and make a significant impact on this very special man that has put a smile on so many faces throughout the country and beyond. Please help give Ken an opportunity to meet the many challenges facing him today and in the years ahead. Your donation can truly make a difference in the life of this man who has made such a difference in so many lives. We sincerely thank you for you consideration.

Donations can be sent to:

Dave Vierling
14725 Portland Ave S #311
Burnsville, MN 55306

We will also be available to pick-up donations. Please call 952-236-7835 or email vierlingd@yahoo.com with any questions or to schedule a pick-up.

Hope to see you all at one or both of the benefits.
Thank you for your consideration on making these events a success for Ken!

God Bless You All,
Dave & Lori

TV & Internet streaming for Maccabiah Games

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Editor’s Note: We share the following from our good friend David Blackburn.

I thought you would like to see this important news release on live TV broadcasts and live Internet streaming of the 18th World Maccabiah Games in Israel .

In mid-July 2009, over 8,000 Jewish athletes from over 60 countries worldwide will be competing in over 30 sports, which will make these games the world’s 3rd largest sporting event.

I will be playing on the Maccabi USA Master’s (Over 35) fastpitch Softball team, and participating in my 6th World Maccabiah Games Softball Tournament.

I hope you all get a chance to tune into Israel for the festivities, and the competitions. The Opening Ceremonies will be streamed live from Ramat Gan Stadium.

A daily wrap-up studio show of games highlights will also be broadcast each day during the games.

In the middle of the JLTV homepage, www.jltv.tv, there is a section titled JLTV Live Stream. You will need to install a simple application called RayV but this offers the highest quality web streaming available.

The Opening Ceremony is being held on Monday, July 13th and coverage of the Maccabiah Games will continue through July 24th. Between the end of July and the end of September, JLTV will continue to run retrospective coverage of the 18th Maccabiah Games.

To date, the World’s Jewish Television Channel has produced 74 historical short-features of past Games from 1932 to 2005 in our Maccabiah Moments program. In addition, the network is producing 63 Maccabiah Nation’s program features, highlighting the countries represented in the Games, focusing on general information and Jewish community life.

To follow all of the 3 Maccabi USA softball team (Masters, Open, and Women’s) schedules and results, the Web Site for Maccabi USA in all sports is: www.maccabiusa.com

Cheers,

Dave Blackburn
Maccabi USA
Masters Fastpitch Softball Team

We note for the record that our Canadian friends are also participating in the Maccabiah softball tournament.

Video – New Zealand Black Sox perform ceremonial Haka in Monkton

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

The New Zealand Black Sox, three-time World Champions, perform the ceremonial Haka in honour of Paul Walford, a former member of the national team. The Black Sox were playing in Monkton, Ontario at the World Fastball Invitational. The ceremony was performed prior to the Black Sox game against the South Perth All-Stars. Walford had just played in the Monkton WFI championship game for the MidWest Stampede and was named the top hitter in the tournament. You can watch in standard definition or click the HD button in the bottom right of the video to see in high definition.

WFI Playoff Game 16

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

WFI at Monkton Playoff game 16 – Midwest Stampede 3, Aspen Saskatoon 2, WP: Sean Whitten. Midwest advances to the champ.game vs. Kitchener

Ken Vierling Fundraiser Info

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

4th of July message from Ken Vierling, from his website:

Background on Ken Vierling in prior post

Hello everyone. Just to let you all know Ken is dictating this update for you all to read.

I am doing fine. I am operating an electric wheelchair pretty well and eating regular foods. I want to thank everyone who stopped to visit or who called. Those visits and calls are allways welcome.

The rehab department has set a tentative date of August 3rd, 2009 as the day I leave here. Where I go to from here is to be determined. Feel free to call my voice activated phone in my room. The number is 507-287-4513. I will look forward to hearing from you!

Letter from Les Novak re: Fund Raiser for Ken Vierling

(more…)

WFI Updates on Twitter Sunday

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

Click Twitter logo below:

Not familiar with Twitter? Read more at our earlier post “Tweet Tweet”. In short, it’s short messages with fastpitch news – which you can read online, respond to, and/or get directly on your cell phone’s text messaging system.

WFI Playoffs – Game 15 at Monkton

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

WFI Playoffs – Game 15 at Monkton – Kitchener 10, The Farm 2, 5 innings. Kitchener advances to championship game at 1pm

Posted over at our Twitter page:

FastpitchwestWFI at Monkton Playoff game 15 – Kitchener 10, The Farm 2; 2 run homer by Blair Ezekiel
less than 5 seconds ago from web

FastpitchwestWFI at Monkton Playoff game 15 – Kitchener 8, The Farm 2; RBI for Dean Holoien
less than 5 seconds ago from web

FastpitchwestWFI at Monkton Playoff game 15 – Kitchener 7, The Farm 2; 2 more RBI for Steve Mullaley
less than 5 seconds ago from web

FastpitchwestWFI at Monkton Playoff game 15 – Kitchener 5, The Farm 2. 2 run homer by Rob Gray of The Farm
less than 5 seconds ago from web

FastpitchwestWFI at Monkton Playoff game 15 – Kitchener 5, The Farm 0, 3rd inning
less than 5 seconds ago from web

FastpitchwestWFI at Monkton Playoff game 15 – Kitchener 4, The Farm 0, 3rd inning
less than 5 seconds ago from web

FastpitchwestWFI at Monkton Playoff game 15 – Steve Mullaley hit 3 run homer for Kitchener in the first inning, Kitchener up 3-0
12 minutes ago from web

FastpitchwestWFI at Monkton Playoff game 15 – underway – # 1 seed Kitchener vs. The Farm, Don Scott v. Frank Cox, 9am on

WFI Playoffs – Game 14 at Monkton

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

WFI Playoffs – Game 14 at Monkton

Aspen over Jarvis, Aspen advances to 11am game Sunday vs. Midwest Stampede

WFI Playoffs -Game 13 at Monkton

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

WFI Playoffs – Game 13 at Monkton

The Farm 7, Vancouver 1. The Farm advances to the 9am playoff game on Sunday vs. Kitchener.