STDMFL ALL-STARS DOUBLE ST. THOMAS
Last evening, before an estimated 200 fans, the St. Thomas & District Fastball League’s finest players were on hand, for the 2007 edition of the St. Thomas & District Major Fastball League All-Star game. Heavy clouds held off, as a beautiful evening of 9 inning ball was enjoyed by the fans, in an entertaining All-Star battle.
Last year’s 2006 STDMFL Playoff Champions, the St. Thomas Storm had the honour of facing off against the 2007 STDMFL All-Stars.
The STDMFL All-Stars opened the game in the top of the first inning, with some serious offence. Mark Johnson sparked the attack with a solo homerun to deep centre field. After a one out Joe Triest infield single, Jason Dawdy clobbered a first pitch strike, for a two run home run, and a 3-0 lead for the All-Stars.
In the third inning however, St. Thomas would return the favour, plating three runs of their own off of Blenheim starting pitcher Rob Fawcett, and knotting the game at 3’s. Jamie Peat singled for St. Thomas, Kevin Lynch reached on an error, and then Peat scored on a pass ball to score St. Thomas’ first run. Aaron Gould then followed with a 2 RBI single, scoring both Lynch and Lessard to tie the game.
The League All-Stars would take the lead in the top of the fifth, when after a Scott Smith infield single, he eventually scored on an RBI single by Rowan Lam. On the mound for the League All-Stars was Shedden hurler Mike Joseph in the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings. Joseph sat down the St. Thomas order in order, allowing no hits, while fanning four Storm swingers.
In the top of the seventh, the STDMFL All-Stars would add to their lead, adding two runs. Mark McCallum reached base on a fielder’s choice, and Norm Logan followed with a single. With runners on first and third, Calvin Miller walked to load the bases, and Jason Dawdy’s RBI fielder’s choice (his third RBI of the game) plated McCallum, while Norm Logan folllowed him home, after an error by the Storm.
Now with a 6-3 lead in the game, the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings belonged to Glencoe pitcher Shaun Winship. Winship would keep St. Thomas’ offence at bay, striking out seven Storm swingers, and earning the save as he preserved the 6-3 victory for the STDMFL All-Stars over the St. Thomas Storm.
Mike Joseph was named the 2007 STDMFL All-Star game MVP, as he retired St. Thomas in order in his three innings, with no blemishes on his outing on the evening, while earning the victory.
Andy Triest
STDMFL