Some great work with the youth being done by the Richmond Stealers, B.C. and Vancouver Grey Sox, B.C. including Vancouver’s Rick Smith.
Click here to see more at Milt’s “The Inside Curve” website
Archive for the ‘Canada’ Category
Youth Clinic in Vancouver, B.C.
Tuesday, May 15th, 2007Chu Chua Chiefs Website
Saturday, February 24th, 2007
We welcome the Chu Chua Chiefs from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, to our “Teams” page. Kamloops, B.C. is about 350 miles north east of Vancouver, and 600 miles west of Calgary.
The Chiefs’ roster is made up of young players in their 20’s, excited about the game of fastpitch. Click here to see their new website, and find them on our “Teams” page.
Click here to see their ballpark, Charles Anderson Park. Nice !
10th Annual World Series of Fastball – Orillia, Canada – Jul 13-15, 2007
Monday, December 11th, 200610th Annual World Series of Fastball
July 13, 14, 15, 2007
Orillia, Ontario, Canada
Although it is only December, the organizing committee ofthe annual World Series of Fastball has been hard a work for a couple of monthsplanning the 10th anniversary celebration of one of the top annualinvitational tournaments. Casino Rama has been the title sponsor of the tournament since the very beginning and have monetarily supported the tournament since day one. During the past few months the casino has been reviewing all their various sponsorships and we were notified just a couple ofweeks ago that they would not be returning as the title sponsor of thisevent. As one of the original members of the organizing committee, Iwould like to thank Casino Rama for all their support over the first nine years of the tournament.
Now for the good news, after much thought process and planning I am pleased to announce that the 10th edition of theannual tournament will go ahead as planned on the weekend of July 13 –15, 2007. As a result of the loss of the tournaments title sponsor wehave had to make some minor changes but our goal is to make sure the fans ofthe tournament will not see any negative changes to the way the tournament hasalways been operated. We are presently looking for a new title sponsorand we hope to soon have an announcement with regards to securing that sponsor.
For the 2007 tournament, we will be dropping the Casino Rama name and the tournament will know be called simple the “WORLD SERIES OF FASTBALLâ€. We have developed an updated logo that we will soonrelease on our website.
We will again operate the tournament with 10 teams whichwill include the top teams in North America. We also hope to showcase some of Ontario’s premier teams and playersat this year’s tournament. If you have not already talked with me and you would like your team to be considered for one of the invitations please email or phone me ASAP. Within the next couple of weeks I hope to start announcing the teams that will be competing at the 2007 tournament.
The tournament website, www.city.orillia.on.ca/worldseries, will be updated within the next week to ten days so that everyone can access up-to-date information on the tournament. I will also continue send information out over Al’s list as we continue to finalize the plans forthe 10th anniversary of the annual World Series of Fastball.
Thanks
PaulBarnetson
MarketingCoordinator
City ofOrillia, Parks and Recreation Department
(705)325-2050
Fax(705) 329-2176
pbarnetson@city.orillia.on.ca
www.city.orillia.on.ca/tournaments
Tom Cheek shortlisted for Hall nomination
Tuesday, December 5th, 2006On the heels of our post about Vin Scully’s 79th birthday, and in deference to our many Canadian readers, including my friend and broadcast partner on Ballparkradio, Blair Setford, we share this story about former Toronto Blue Jay’s broadcaster, Tom Cheek. (Thanks for forwarding, Blair)
By SHI DAVIDI
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (CP) – Longtime radio announcer Tom Cheek is once again among the 10 finalists for the Ford C. Frick Award and the Toronto Blue Jays hope this is the year he finds his way into the winners’ shrine at the Hall of Fame. Cheek, who died after a lengthy battle with brain cancer in October 2005, was the beloved voice of the franchise who called 4,306 consecutive games for the club between 1977 and 2004. It’s the third time Cheek is up for the award, which is named after the renowned sportswriter, radio announcer, National League president and commissioner, and is given for major contributions to baseball broadcasting. Dizzy Dean, Ken Harrelson, Bill King, Tony Kubek, France Laux, Denny Matthews, Graham McNamee, Dave Niehaus and Joe Nuxhall are the other finalists, the Baseball Hall of Fame announced Tuesday. The winner will be announced Feb. 22. “There’s no doubt we want to enshrine the name of Tom Cheek,” Blue Jays president Paul Godfrey said at the baseball winter meetings. “Anything that can be done to promote his name and the great contribution he’s made to the Toronto Blue Jays becomes of paramount importance to the club. We’ve honoured him in the club’s way, now it’s baseball’s turn to honour him.” His popularity with fans was never more evident than on Aug. 29, 2004, when a crowd of 44,072 feted him as the Blue Jays added him to their Level of Excellence.
The number 4,306 is by his name, signifying the streak. Cheek witnessed every Blue Jays game from Bill Singer’s first pitch on April 7, 1977 until June 3, 2004 when he skipped a game in Oakland because of his father’s death – a span of 27 1/2 years. Cheek returned to the booth after the funeral only to fall ill a week later. On June 13, just 10 days after his father’s death and on his 65th birthday, he underwent an operation to remove a brain tumour. He had a recurrence of the cancer in the spring of 2005. “Tom Cheek is a slam dunk Hall of Famer,” said broadcaster Mike Wilner, who spent three seasons with Cheek in the booth. “He was a phenomenal broadcaster and far more than fulfilled the qualifications of a Ford C. Frick award winner. I feel incredibly honoured to have had the chance to share a broadcast booth with him.” The award is voted on by all 14 living recipients of the award plus six historians and veteran media members. Selections are based on a broadcaster’s longevity, continuity with a club, honours, national assignments such as the World Series and all-star games and popularity with fans. Gene Elston won the Frick last year.
The 43 Best Fastball Players in Canada
Thursday, November 2nd, 20062007 Athlete Pool – Canadian Men
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
2007 Senior Men’s Pool List.
1. Colin Abbott, Newfoundland
2. Bryan Abrey, British Columbia
3. Darren Box, Alberta
4. Ryan Brand, Alberta
5. Frank Cox, Ontario
6. Craig Crawford, Ontario
7. Jody Eidt, Ontario
8. Jeff Ellsworth, Prince Edward Island
9. Trevor Ethier, Saskatchewan
10. Ian Fehrman, Ontario
11. Korrey Gareau, British Columbia
12. Chad Ghostkeeper, British Columbia
13. Rob Giesbrecht , Manitoba
14. Pat Graham, Ontario
15. Rob Gray, Ontario
16. Dean Holoien, Saskatchewan
17. Pat Humphries, Ontario
18. Paul Koert, Ontario
19. Tyler Lessard, Ontario
20. Dale Levy, Ontario
21. Pat Mackintosh, Saskatchewan
22. Keith Mackintosh, Saskatchewan
23. Tim Macumber, Nova Scotia
24. Todd Martin, Ontario
25. Derek Mayson, British Columbia
26. Gerald Muizelaar, Nova Scotia
27. Steve Mullaley, Newfoundland
28. Scott Newitt, British Columbia
29. Sean O’Brien, Newfoundland
30. Rob O’Brien, Newfoundland
31. Andrew Phibbs, Ontario
32. Evan Potskin, British Columbia
33. Paul Rosebush, Ontario
34. Kevin Schellenberg, British Columbia
35. Don Scott, Ontario
36. Chris Shewfelt, Ontario
37. Bill Simmons, Ontario
38. Rick Smith, British Columbia
39. Dan Whiteford, British Columbia
40. Ryan Wolfe, Ontario
41. Dereck Wright, Ontario
42. Nick Underhill, British Columbia
43. Brian Urquhart, Nova Scotia
Thanks
Rick Picard
Director, Marketing & Communications
Softball Canada
223 Colonnade Road
Suite 212
Ottawa, ON, K2E 7K3
Tel. (613) 523-3386 ext. 3105
Fax/Telec. (613) 523-5761
rpicard@softball.ca *** www.softball.ca
Venezuela Gold, Canada Silver, Argentina Bronze at Pan-Ams
Monday, October 9th, 2006
(Click logo for official website)
From Als Fastball:
Venezuela defeats Canada in extra innings to win gold
BY PAT HEALEY
HERMOSILLO, MEXICO – Jeff Ellsworth of Alberton has added another chapter to the PEI softball hisotry book.
After a heartbreaking 3-2 extra innings loss to Venezuela Sunday night in the championship final of the Pan American softball championship, the rec director became the first Island softball player to bring back an International softball silver medal.
“It was an experience of a life time,†Ellsworth said following the game. “I didn’t know what to expect coming into the event but got to play in all 12 games of the tournament.”
“Really proud of what we done, being my first international event a silver medal is great in my books.â€
The Canucks led 2-0 until Venezuela tied it up in bottom of the seventh a two run home runand won in the eighth.
Derek Mayson of North Vancouver, B.C. had a huge home run for the Canadian side.
Frank Cox of Owen Sound, Ont. suffered the loss.
In the semi final, the Canadians beat Argentina 5-1, led by strong pitching from Nick Underhill of Campbell River, B.C. going six with Cox relieving in the seventh.
Canada led from start to finish in the game.
Ellsworth went 1-for-1 with a run scored in the win over Argentina.
“Thank you to everyone who kept sending emails cheering us on, it was greatly appreciated,†he said. “It’s a trip of a lifetime coming to an event like this one no doubt about it but like I always say “there is no place like home and I can’t wait to get back to the Island.â€
USA loses to Canada, finishes 4th at Pan Ams
Sunday, October 8th, 2006
(Click logo for official website)
From Als Fastball:
HERMOSILLO, MEXICO – Team Canada is two steps from capturing Pan American gold after eliminating the defending champions, United States 4-1 here at the 2006 Pan American Softball championships Saturday night.
The Canucks can finish no worse then a bronze medal placing with the win.
Canada used a long bomb off the hot sticks of Ian Fehrman of Townsend, ONT., and Ryan Wolfe of Melbourne, ONT., as
each connected for two run blasts in the win.Frank Cox of Ontario earned the pitching decision.
Team Canada will play the loser of the first place-second place game between Argentina and Venezuela at 4 pm Pacific Sunday for the right to play that game’s winner in the final at 7 pm.
Pat Healey
pathealey@eastlink.ca
In their final round robin game, the USA team record fell to 6-3 with an 8-4 loss against Puerto Rico at the 2006 Men’s Pan American Softball Championships.
The United States struck first putting up two runs in the bottom of the first. Frank DeGroat (Ringwood, N.J.) took the long ball for a two-run homerun, his third of the Championships, scoring Omar Morago (Tucson, Ariz.) who reached on a fielder’s choice.
It was scoreless through the second until Puerto Rico responded with a five-run third inning off three doubles. It started off with a double by Guarronex Rodriquez. Santos Santiago followed three batters later with his own double for two RBI scoring both Jose Santiago who was hit by a pitch and Rodriquez. A double by Victor Ayala, which scored two runs, wrapped up Puerto Rico’s scoring drive, giving them a 5-2 lead.
Puerto Rico struggled from the circle with Morago scoring after landing on base with a walk and then scoring when Luis Joglar (Fairview, N.J.) drew a walk. The team drew four walks during the third cutting the lead to 5-3.
With two on in the fourth, Santiago homered to give Puerto an 8-3 lead. Their lead would not be challenged until the bottom of the fifth. For the second time of the game, Joglar drew a walk for an RBI scoring Degroat who landed on base on balls. A double play by Puerto Rico closed out the inning and scoreless innings through five and six gave Puerto Rico an 8-4 win.
Michael White (Sioux City, Iowa) walked away with the loss for the United States after throwing 2 1/3 innings with one strikeout and three hits.
Canada advances with win over Guatemala
Saturday, October 7th, 2006
(Click logo for official website)
From Als Fastball:
CANADA ADVANCES; TOPS GUATEMALA 10-0
Canada secures playoff spot
(HERMOSILLO – Mexico) – Team Canada earned a berth into the playoffs at the Pan American Championships in Hermosillo, Mexico with a 10-0 victory over Guatemala.
Canada struck for three quick runs in the top of the 1st inning to take the early lead. Scott Newitt (Delta, BC) started things off with a leadoff walk followed by a Jeff Ellsworth (Alberton, PEI) bunt single. After Guatemalan starter Cesar Sajche retired the next two batters, Canadian 1st baseman Tim Macumber (Newport, NS) launched a 1-0 pitch from Sajche well beyond the center field fence for the 3 run lead.
“It’s always good to get an early lead” admitted Macumber. “Smith was able to control the game for us from the first pitch and jumping out with a 3 run home run in the first inning was a good momentum builder.â€
Canada increased the lead to 8-0 with a 5 run second inning. Right fielder Steve Mullaley (Freshwater, NL) led off with a single, stole second base, moved to third on a wild pitch and finally scored on a single by Ian Fehrman (Townsend, ON). Fehrman’s single was followed by consecutive singles from Rob Giesbrecht (Landmark, MB), Scott Newitt (Delta, BC) and Ellsworth bringing home Fehrman & Giesbrecht. The scoring finished on RBI ground outs by Rob Gray (Toronto, ON) and Derek Mayson (North Vancouver, BC) allowing Newitt & Ellsworth to score.
Canada capped their scoring in the third inning starting with Mullaley again when he lined a one out single to right field. Fehrman drew a walk from reliever Jorge Segura. Giesbrecht then doubled down the right field line to score Mullaley and Fehrman.
The shut out was the third straight shutout for the Canadians. In fact Canadian hurler Rick Smith (Duncan, BC) was one strike away from the third consecutive no hitter as he threw for one hit short of a perfect game. Guatemalan DP Vinicio Rivas broke the no hitter when he looped a single to center field just inches out of the reach of a diving Ellsworth. Smith promptly struck out the next batter to finish the game with a 1 hit shutout, striking out 10 in the process.
Canada will play in the 3rd vs. 4th playoff game on Saturday, October 07 at 6:00 pm. The opponent and ranking is still to be determined pending the outcome of the USA-Puerto Rico and Cuba-Mexico games later this evening.
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Canada Now 5-3 at Pan-Ams
Thursday, October 5th, 2006
(Click logo for official website)
From Als Fastball:
Canada moves to 5 and 3 at Pan Am Championships
(HERMOSILLO – Mexico) – Team Canada defeated the Bahamas 7-0 to improve their record to 5 wins and 3 losses at the Pan American Championships in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Canada’s offence started where it left off after yesterday’s big win against the Virgin Island as they combined for 7 runs in 5 innings to defeat the Bahamas in a game that ended early due to the “run rule”. Rob O’Brien (Elora, ON) threw a no hitter, giving up only 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch and striking out 9 in the contest. The no hitter was the second consecutive no hitter thrown by a Canadian starter.
Canada started the scoring in the top of the 1st inning when lead off hitter Scott Newitt (Delta, BC) walked. After stealing second base, Newitt was driven home on a double by Derek Mayson (North Vancouver, BC). Mayson would then score when Tim Macumber (Newport, NS) drove a double into the left field corner.
The Canadian offence added three more runs in the second inning when catcher Chris Shewfelt (Stoney Creek, ON) led off with a home run to give Canada a 3-0 lead. After the next two batters were retired, Newitt walked again & came home on a blast over the left center field fence by Jeff Ellsworth (Alberton, PE).
The final two runs came in the bottom of the 4th inning when Mayson was hit by a pitch from Bahamian starter Brian Neely. After a Macumber single, Steve Mullaley (Freshwater, NL) reached on a fielder’s choice as Macumber was forced out at second. Both runners then moved into scoring position on a passed ball and finally scored when Pat Mackintosh (Saskatoon, SK) lined a single to right field.
The win improves Canada’s record to 5 wins and 3 losses and improves their playoff hopes. Canada will look for a win against Guatemala on Friday at 5:00 PM, in an effort to secure a playoff berth.
.
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For more information, please contact
Rick Picard
Director, Marketing and Communications
Softball Canada
rpicard@softball.ca
(613) 523-3386
Canada Falls 1-0 to Argentina, Now 3-3
Wednesday, October 4th, 2006
(Click logo for official website)
From Al’s Fastball
Team Canada lost a stellar game I am told 1-0 to Argentina. Frank Cox was solid on the slab, but they just can’t seem to get the sticks going with back to back hits.
They sit at 3-3; one more loss and they won’t make the playoffs.
CANADA PLAYS VIRGIN ISLANDS at 11 pm ADT tonight (hoepfully just in time to get the bats working the way we know they can);
Bahamas Thursday at 12 pm ADT and then they finish against Guatamalla on Friday at 9 pm ADT.
Thanks
PAT HEALEY
pathealey@eastlink.ca