The Aussie Steelers – the Australian National Men’s Softball Team – is playing several ISC II teams as part of an exhibition series as they prepare for competition in the 2009 ISF World Championships in Saskatoon July 17-26, 2009.

Saturday July 11
9:00 am – 12 noon Kids Skills Camp – $25/registrant- contact Becky Boertien for more info
2:00 pm double header vs. Port Elgin Blue Devils

Games will be held at the Arand Field, Milverton.

GAME ADMISSION: $5.00
High School & under free
Proceeds to the Arand Field upgrades

For more information contact
Becky Boertien at 519-595-2132
or George Nahrgang at 519-577-8857

The Aussie Steelers – the Australian National Men’s Softball Team – is playing several ISC II teams as part of an exhibition series as they prepare for competition in the 2009 ISF World Championships in Saskatoon July 17-26, 2009.

Friday July 10
7:00 pm double header vs. Elmira Erb Electric Expos

Games will be held at the Arand Field, Milverton.

GAME ADMISSION: $5.00
High School & under free
Proceeds to the Arand Field upgrades

For more information contact
Becky Boertien at 519-595-2132
or George Nahrgang at 519-577-8857

During a cold night cap the New Zealand Black Sox continue their hitting prowess. In game one New Zealand hit 8 homeruns to set the pace for a victory against the Bridgeport Braves, but in game two they relied on the long ball only once, instead they scratched out singles and doubles to help sweep the doubleheader. New Zealand scored 3 runs in the first inning on a Travis Wilson homerun shot. The Cubs responded in the bottom half of the inning with Grant Baechler reaching on an infield single, Bob Gillow reaching on a fielders choice and Adam Hiller singling. Paul Algar had difficulty picking up signs and proceeded to hit Brad Thomson to load the bases. Another cross up allowed both Bob Gillow and Adam Hiller to score on the same pass ball, while Thomson moved to third. New Zealand continued to show their consistent hitting ability and took advantage of several Cubs miscues that lead to 6 unearned runs. The Cubs were only able to scratch 2 more runs in the final 4 innings. Ryan French took the loss tossing all five innings. Final Score 18-4. The KW Cubs would like to thank Kitchener Fastball Promotions for inviting us to take part in the special evening.

Brad Thomson
KW Cubs

Bridgeport Braves played “good” host to the New Zealand Black Sox last night at Kitchener’s Woodside Park, in a 16-3 Black Sox win.

The Braves Todd Winkworth started off the game on the mound and proceeded to strike out their lead off hitter Nathan Nukunnuku, and enticed left fielder Gareth Cooke to pop out to third base. The Black Sox then turned up the heat and proceeded to score 8 consecutive runs in the 1st inning lead by Travis Wilson & Thomas Makea Home Runs (or as John Thompson liked to announce them as *Automatics* ).

The Braves answered back in the bottom of the 1st inning with 1 run of their own, with a walk to Terry Eaton, and two back to back singles by Ross Herald and Jamie Boyd. The Second inning was much tamer with only NZ’s Travis Wilson, hitting his Second Home Run of the game.

The Braves “owned” the Black Sox in the 3rd inning out scoring them 2-0, thanks to a two run shot by Braves Catcher Ross Herald, but that was all the Braves could muster the rest of the way against New Zealand’s up and coming 19-year old pitcher Thomas Enoka.

The Black Sox continued their torrid hitting scoring 3 more in the fourth on home runs by Catcher Patrick Shannon and Rhys Casley, and wrapped things up in the 5th with 5 more runs lead by Gareth Cooke inning lead off HR.

Travis Wilson, lead the Black Sox attack with two Home Runs and two singles, Thomas Enoka got the win giving up 3 runs on 7 hits and registered 8 strike outs. While Bridgeport’s Todd Winkworth took the loss giving up 8 runs on 10 hits, and 1 strike out. Mark Van Vliet came on in relief and gave up 8 runs on 11 hits.

It was an honour and pleasure to play against the 3 time Defending World ISF Champion New Zealand Black Sox, and wish them a safe trip to Saskatoon to defend their title July 17-26th

The Braves wish to thank Larry Lynch for the invitation to play the Black Sox, along with Kitchener Fastball Promotions and all the Volunteers for putting on a great night of “FASTBALL”

Rick Boyd
Bridgeport Braves

From Lori Sorenson, Ken’s sister-in-law:

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

The Aussie Steelers – the Australian National Men’s Softball Team – is playing several ISC II teams as part of an exhibition series as they prepare for competition in the 2009 ISF World Championships in Saskatoon July 17-26, 2009.

Wednesday July 8
7:30 pm vs. South Perth All Stars

Games will be held at the Arand Field, Milverton.

GAME ADMISSION: $5.00
High School & under free
Proceeds to the Arand Field upgrades

For more information contact
Becky Boertien at 519-595-2132
or George Nahrgang at 519-577-8857