Snapper Shootout Teams

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

The Mick & Angelo’s Snapper Shootout is set with 16 confirmed teams. The Shootout will take place on June 2-4 at Centennial Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The field of teams promises to offer very competitive fastball at the ISC II level. Top prize will be $1500 Cdn plus Molson prizes. The host Niagara Snappers are-two time defending champions and will be in tough to repeat in 2006 as the calibre of teams seems to get better each year.

Here is a run down of the 16 confirmed teams. Teams will play a divisional format with the top two teams in each division moving on to the Sunday single elimination.

Alvinston, ON Indians – Tied for 3rd at the TOC. They had a 3-2 at last year’s Shootout. Highlight of the 2005 season was finishing tied for 3rd at the Tournament of Champions. Pitching staff is anchored by a tough 1-2 combination of Doug Charlton and Brad Young. Have added Shawn Fenton, Scott Macauley and Derwyn Hodgins.

Ashland, OH Merchants ­ The Merchants finished 9th at the 2005 ISC II Tournament of Champions and 2nd at the ASA “B” Nationals. Last year’s Shootout finalists are a veteran squad with lots of talent including ISC II All-Tournament team members Trevor Urban at shortstop and John Melchiore behind the plate.

Elora, ON Brewers ­ competed in the Ontario Challenge Cup last year, but have added pitcher Todd Uhrig and infielder/pitcher Mike Pinder to an already potent lineup. Shortstop Ryan Dilgee and outfielder Terry Martin both won two ISC II championships with Harriston.

Glencoe, ON Astros ­ after finishing fifth at the Ontario ISC qualifier in 2005, the Astros have retooled, adding DH Gary Cooke and several other top players from southwestern Ontario. Will rely again on Shaun Winship to do the bulk of the pitching.

Harrisburg, PA PA Power ­ PA Power scored seven runs with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to win the ASA “C” National Championship in 2005, finishing the weekend with an 8-1 record. Pitcher Eric Fogel was named an All-American at the tournament.

Mississauga, ON Arrows ­ finished 3rd in the GHFL in 2005 and had a 2-2 record at last year’s Shootout with wins over KMV Rise and McKie Sports. Have added highly regard junior graduate Ryan Cummings to complement Drew Hathway on the mound. Shortstop Tim Coe was the GHFL MVP in 2005.

Niagara, ON Snappers ­ 66 wins in 2005 including 6 tournament wins. Defending Shootout Champions, finished 5th at the 2005 ISC II Tournament of Champions. Were ranked as high as #1 in Ontario and #4 in North America in 2005. Have added second baseman Jamie Morey to an already potent batting order and will have Dan Duemo and Byron Demoe on the mound. Trevor Falk is back from a knee injury that saw him miss half of the 2005 season.

Orville, OH Orr Park Knights – The Orr Park Knights return after a one-year hiatus, adding a few players from the NY Bombers. The Knights will make a run at the ISCII ToC with a great group of guys led Bob Weaver (Manager) and Paul Harris (Coach) are very excited about the upcoming season and think this is the best team they’ve put together. Pitchers Chuck Smith and Justin Heyman will be on the mound for the Knights in 2006.

Oswego, NY CPI (Cutro Professional Inspections) ­ The team, formerly known as McKie Sports, finished 12th at the 2005 TOC. CPI plays a very competitive schedule and will feature pitchers Shawn Sampson and Rod Bunge, who combined to win the ASA “A” Nationals in 2004.

Palermo, ON Athletics ­ Palermo won the OASA Intermediate Eliminations in 2005 and finished second at the Ontario ISC II Qualifier and finished 3-2 at the ToC, dropping a close first-round playoff game. Led by ace Gord Scott on the mound and hard-hitting Brian Prowse at the plate.

Perkasie, PA KMV Rise ­ After a disappointing Tournament of Champions, the Rise rebounded to win the Elkland Labour Day tourney. Have added pitcher/infielder Mike Smith and top Ontario pitcher Dan Konkle to complement GM/pitcher Tom Vogel. KMV went 2-2 in the 2005 Snapper Shootout.

Shakespeare, ON Falcons ­ A young team who have played together since their minor ball days, the Falcons will be led on the mound by Fred Follings. Look for this team to make waves this year in ISC II competition.

South Lebanon, PA TNT – 2nd at the Elkland Labour Day tourney, featuring New Brunswick native Jeremy Tracy on the mound. TNT’s roster has several former Riversharks, including Paul Batt, Brad Theys and Mike Rohrer.

St. Mary’s, ON Gunners ­ St. Mary’s play in the always tough South Perth Men’s Fastball League where they compiled an impressive 14-6 record. With a few key pickups on hand the Gunners could find themselves kicking up some dirt on the Playoff Sunday.

Toronto, ON Champion Indians – Won the 2005 Hillsburgh Tournament to secure a berth to the 2006 ToC. Featuring pitchers Steve Ketchell, Tracy Woolridge and Ryan Swift, the Indians have a potent attack at the plate and have added former ISC All World player Paul Papulkas to an already formidable attack.

Waterdown, ON Hammer ­ Finished 2nd at the Elkland First Weekend Tournament, won the Waterdown league in 2005, won the GHFL regular season title in 2005. Have added pitcher Tim Neill to the lineup. A veteran team that will be looking to make a name for themselves at the Shootout in 2006.

Please check back to Al’s and the Snapper website soon for the latest Shootout announcements.

www.niagarasnappers.com

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