Kitchener, ON
The Bridgeport ‘Proforma’ Braves (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) have qualified for the 2005 Tournament of Champions ISC II Tournament of Champions in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
After losing the first game of the area qualifier in Innerkip, To Highgate, Bridgeport rallied back to finish 3rd with a 5-2 record, losing to Palermo in the semi-final. The Braves relied on the decision making of veteran player and coach, Rick Boyd. They were lead by the pitching of Jim Schnarr, Mel Ross, and veteran John McGarr. Offensively, Bridgeport exploded for a team batting average of .371 with 8 players batting over .400. Mike Kelly led the way with a lofty .600 average. It was truly a team effort.
44 Jason Hoch Coach C/ IF/ OF
52 Jodie Schnarr Coach OF
4 Sam Forbes Coach IF
21 Terry Eaton OF/IF
24 Mike Kelly IF
11 Jay Schnarr IF
17 Rob Weiler IF
96 Kevin Frank P/ DP
32 Q-Ron McWhirter C
97 Andy Dickson IF
25 Jody Dickson OF
16 Travis Murdock Utility
6 Brandon Horne IF
54 John McGarr P/ Utility
11 Jim Schnarr P
5 Mel Ross P
23 Rick Boyd Coach
This Bridgeport Braves fastball team has survived independently for over 25 years, many of the players still playing together from their childhood. The Bridgeport Braves Team Committee has always been made up of local families, with the majority of the players currently living in the local area. This year veteran players were added from the now defunked K-W Pride. The team’s main goal for the 2005 season was to qualify for the ISC II (International Softball Congress) Tournament of Champions to be held in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, August 14-19.
Sponsorship for Bridgeport has virtually all been local. The team would not exist without the continued, generous sponsorship from the community. The players have maintained great relationships with their sponsors, and are very grateful for the generous donations.
The Bridgeport Intermediate Men’s Fastball Club was very successful during the 2003, and 2004 seasons. In 2003, Bridgeport lost to K-W Pride in the final. 2004 was highlighted by winning the K-W Pride Tournament to begin the season, the Braves finished third to Sebringeville, and Tavistock in the South Perth Fastball league championships. 2005 will mark the fifth year playing South Perth League.
Preparations are now being made for the trip to Chipewa Falls, where the Braves are confident that they will put Bridgeport on the ISC II map!!
Jodie Schnarr
Waterloo, ON
mailto: jodie.schnarr@wcdsb.edu.on.ca