|
|
|
 Welcome |
|
This site is dedicated to Men's Masters Fastball in Ontario and beyond.
This site was launched Aug. 19 / 2003.
Web Site Administrator - Dave Birnie.
E-mail : ontariomasters(at)hotmail(dot)com
Web Site Updated : July 8th. / 2008
Masters Fastball Forum
Click Here to check out the Masters Fastball Forum. You will be able to post and reply to various topics related to masters fastball
Tuesday, July 8
22nd Annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament
 |
|
22nd Annual World
SENIOR MEN'S FASTBALL TOURNAMENT
AUG. 29th, 30th, 31st, 2008
OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM
TEAM NAME
CONTACT PERSON
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE FAX EMAIL
TEAM RATING (see note 1.) check one:
A AA
* PREFERRED TIMES (indicate 2 choices):
(see note below..times may vary if 5 full innings adapted) 6:00 7:15 8:30 9:45
A vs AA Double A teams have indicated a desire for more competition. They will be grouped to provide more equitable preliminary games. Please be fair to enable this format to succeed. If you have a fairly decent pitcher you are likely a AA team.
ROOMS: PLEASE ALLOW US TO BOOK FOR YOU. THE BEST RATES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED AT LOCAL HOTELS THAT SUPPORT OUR TOURNAMENT. GIVE DAVE A CALL AND HE WILL ARRANGE ROOMS FOR YOU.
TEAM MEMBERS
( This is the list for the Official Program only. The Offical team list is to be provided at the Registration Tent when you arive)
PLEASE PRINT NAMES CLEARLY
1. 9.
2. 10.
3. 11.
4. 12.
5. 13.
6. 14.
7. 15.
8.
Player Age Restrictions
MUST BE 35 TO PLAY AND 40 TO PITCH
(the committee reserves the right to request proof of age if necessary)
REGISTRATION
1. Enclose cheque for $400 payable to WORLD SENIOR FASTBALL ($450 after July 1st, no exceptions)
- entry includes free "T" shirt and 15 free draw tickets for $500
2. Fill in team roster (no players under 35 and no pitchers under 40)
3. Once your team is registered you will be contacted and supplied with a list of rooms that have been blocked for this event.
- We recommend that you allow us to book for you. We have the best rates available and also get a rebate for all rooms used.
4. Read basic rules below
5. Submit information to:
DAVE CERISANO
552 GREENWOOD AVE.,
NORTH BAY ON P1B 5G4
BASIC RULES
1. NO METAL CLEATS - NO EXCEPTIONS - INCLUDING PITCHERS
2. Final team roster must be handed in at the Registration Tent prior to first game. (maximum 15 prizes per team to winners)
3. Unlimited defensive re-entry.
4. Unlimited pinch runners...some exceptions do apply....check final rules in event program.
5. Double flap helmets must be worn by all batters and base runners
6. Absolutely no jewelrey allowed to be worn.
7. Time limits for games: * Preliminary Round - 5 innings with time limit and mercy rule
All games after Preliminary Round to be 5 full innings
* NOTE: THE COMMITTEE IS REVIEWING THE FEASIBILITY OF PLAYING 5 FULL INNINGS
FOR ALL GAMES. FIELD AVAILABLILITY WILL BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR.
Sunday, May 4
Q & A with Dave Birnie
1) Family ? Wife Kathy, married for 22 years, Daughter Alexandra, Son Scott, Was too busy thinking and making plans for the 2007 NAFA Masters East World Series that I completely forgot our 22nd wedding anniversary, yikes !
2) Age ? 48
3) Occupation ? Industrial Contractor working at Stelco, Dofasco, Ontario Hydro,Petro Canada, Ford etc.Vice President USWA Local 3692 Hamilton
4) Education : Westdale High School Hamilton Famous Westdale Alumni : Comedian Martin Short, CFL Quarterback & Coach Ron Lancaster, Comedian Eugene Levy, The Honourable Lincoln Alexander, CFL Legend Russ Jackson, Steve Staios Edmonton Oilers, Gord Lewis Teenage Head Band, David Braley owner of the BC Lions, NHL Legend Harry Howell, Brian Williams CBC & TSN Sports Broadcaster
5) What positions have you held in Fastball ? Player / Coach / Executive etc. Didn’t get involved in fastball until I was 32 years old, played a little but always enjoyed being involved with the administrative part of a team, recruiting, uniforms, waterboy, etc. 2006 ISC II Game Controller, Vice President and founding member Canadian Masters Fastball Association, 2008 OASA Men’s Committee, 2008 Co Chair & Eastern Canadian Rep. NAFA Masters World Series Committee, Web Site Administrator - Ontario Masters Fastball web site.
6) How long have you been involved in Fastball ? 16 years, primarily masters teams
7) Other sports / interests you’ve been involved in and accomplishments ? Hockey, boating, coaching my Son’s Special Olympics basketball team, amateur wrestling, track & field, baseball, MMA : City of Hamilton wrestling Champion. Track & field athlete of the year at Westdale High School Hamilton. Joined the Niagara Falls Optimists Track Club after high school. When not at a fastball tournament I like to be at the cottage cruising around on my boat. Enjoy running my annual hockey pool which I have been doing for 23 years, 171 entries in the pool this year.
8) What are some of your fastball career highlights & accomplishments ? Hamilton Men’s League Champions 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001 NAFA “ A “ Ontario Qualifier Champions with Hamilton Gators ( Innerkip, Ont. ) 2001 Played against Eddie Feigner’s The King & His Court ( Beamsville, Ont. ) 2002 Ontario Masters Champions Stoney Creek Gators. ( Ingersoll, Ont. ) 2002 Eastern Canadian Masters Champions Stoney Creek Gators ( Fredericton, NB )2004 Canadian Masters Silver Medalists Stoney Creek Gators ( Cobourg, Ont. ) 2005 OASA Bronze Medals with Waterdown Hammer Masters ( Port Perry, Ont. ) 2007 Ontario Masters Champions with the Cobourg Force ( Cobourg, Ont. ) 2007 OASA Intermediate B Champions with Cobourg Force ( Newmarket, Ont. ) 20th place @ 2007 ISC World Tournament Peterborough Windmillers ( Kitchener, Ont. ) 5th Place @ 2007 NAFA Masters World Series Cobourg Force ( Rockford, Illinois )
9) Who are some of your favourite teammates / associates and opposing players to play with and against over the years ? Fred Clyke, Mike Crawford, Sam Forbes, Jodie Schnarr, Mike Kelly, Dave Kingdon, Rory Hustler, Brian Prowse, Dan Duemo, Cam Emerson, Henry Donders, Kyle Davis, Joe Reeve, Dave Benallick, Ron Chambers, Harold Passmore, Rod Fevreau, Carl Boomhouwer, Lance Winn, Rob Gilmour, Pete Kucharuck, Brain French, Dean Carr, Pete Spitzig, Sally and Fossil, Sylvia Ryan, Craig Minifie, Al Ball, Troy Gilmour, Wayne Wells, Doug Charlton, Dave Reynolds, Blair Setford, Glenn Inglehart, Doug Levy, Benjie Hedgecock, Alex Rutherford, Gary Wren, George Ryder, Bernie Pollock, Blair McBratney, Rob & Tom Watson, Dana Seiling, Chris McSorley, Greg Bacher, Mark McEachern, Shawn Steinhoff, Mark Young, Brad Reinguette, John Kemp, Oliver brothers, Rick Hames, Brad Meldrum, Dave Martin, Steve Ketchell, Brian McGuire, Jim Flanagan & Al Doran.
10) Favourite tournament ? 2002 OASA Masters Championship, 2004 Canadian Masters Championship, North Bay Masters Tournament, NAFA Masters World Series
11) Plans for 2008 & beyond ? Retired from fastball
12) Any additional thoughts ? Thanks to some very generous sponsors over the years, Bob Litzen, Litzen’s Source for Sports, Jeff “Newf” Murphy, Bill ‘Rookie” Fairney. Probably the greatest fastball person I’ve EVER met is Sylvia “Sparky” Ryan.
.jpg)
|
|
Dave @ work in 1985 hanging from a cable over the Falls
|
|
view full size
|
Thursday, March 20
New OASA Masters "B" Eligibility Rules
|
|
2008 OASA Masters "A" & B" Provincial Championships
July 18, 19, 20 / 2008 Niagara Falls, Ont.
Here are the eligibilty rules as found on the OASA web site ...
OASA Masters
Current OASA Master Rules
1. In 2008 a position player must be at least 39 years of age in the year of the event. 2:5:1
Pitchers must be at least 40 years of age in the year of the event.
2. All Master players are eligible to play both Master Men and Intermediate Men but are not eligible to play for a Senior Men’s team at the Ontario championship. 2:5:1 b)
3. All pitchers on an ISC I roster in the current year are not eligible to pitch for a team in the Masters classification. 2:5:1 b)
4. A maximum of 2 unlisted player additions or changes to the affiliated Junior, Intermediate and Masters Men’s team certificate will be allowed until one week prior to the teams first event through the registrar. Signed certificates will be presented by teams at the first event. New 2:3(c)
5. Masters affiliation date June 10. New 2:3(d)
6. Masters certification date July 1. New 2:3(a)
7. All teams are restricted to 17 players and a minimum of 9 players from Junior Mite to Senior Men with the exceptions of Masters’ teams which have a maximum of 20 players. 3:4:1
Resolutions for 2008 Season
1. For the 2008 season a Masters B (recreational) division is created. Teams will select Masters A (Competitive) or Masters B. The OASA may move teams based on their competitiveness.
2. Teams using affiliated Junior or Masters players as part of their Intermediate men’s team must list those players’ names only on their Intermediate certificates with the classification they are signed. Teams must still be required to produce the appropriate Masters or Junior certificates.
Criteria Recommendations for Masters B Category
1. Unlimited Substitution
9 players must be listed in the batting order. Subs listed on the line up card are subject to normal re-entry rule restrictions offensively. All players on the line up card can be moved in and out of all defensive positions. Unlimited defensive substitutions are allowed.
2. Underage Players
Up to 3 underage players (age 35 to 38) in the year of the event who meet the Masters B eligibility guidelines and who are also not carded OASA Intermediate, OASA Senior, NAFA, ORSA, ISC, ASA or ISC II in the current year will be allowed per team. These underage players will not be allowed to pitch.
3. Carded Players
Players on a 2008 OASA Intermediate, OASA Senior, ISC II, ISC, ORSA, ASA or NAFA certificate or team are not eligible to sign a Masters B certificate.
4. Players meeting the following criteria will be eligible to play in the Masters B category:
a. All players who are not on an official roster in 2008 with the OASA, ORSA, ISC, ISC II, NAFA, or ASA.
b. They did not play in an OASA Masters tournament in the previous year.
c. They have not played on a National team, Softball Canada Senior Men’s Fastball Championship, ISC or NAFA "AAA" or higher event in the previous 10 years unless they are at least 50 years of age in the year of the event.
d. They have not played in the OASA Intermediate or Senior Eliminations, OASA Provincial A, B, or C tournaments, ORSA Grand Championship, ISC II Qualifier or Tournament of Champions, NAFA "AA" or NAFA "AA Major" tournaments in the previous 3 years.
e. They have not played in a NAFA Masters World Series or higher category tournament in the previous 3 years.
Note: The OASA Masters rules were created so all of the teams would have fair criteria to go by for eligibility reference. All teams and players may appeal their eligibility based on their submitted roster. The OASA will only consider appeals that are submitted with a FINAL roster by June 1, 2008 to George Ryder, OASA Men’s Committee Chair. The OASA has final approval on team and player eligibility for their events. Despite the best efforts of the OASA not all players and teams who may be considered ineligible for Masters B play are covered under this list of restrictions.
Appeals
When teams appeal or request information about appeals the OASA may want to consider asking for some of the following information:
1. Give a history of the team, is this an established team or a new team for 2008?
2. Does the team play together in a league or is this an all-star team assembled with pick up players?
3. List any tournaments the team or any of the players have played in during the last 5 years and identify all top 3 finishes.
4. Have you or any of the players won individual awards in league or tournament play?
5. Has the team won any league championships? Include contact information for league president.
6. Identify all pitchers on the roster.
7. Identify underage players on the roster.
Monday, January 21
2008 OASA Masters Host : Niagara Falls
The OASA has confirmed Niagara Falls as the official host for the 2008 OASA Masters "A" & "B" Championship. Stay tuned for further information including accomodations etc.
Location : Ker Park, Niagara Falls
Date : Fri. July 18, Sat. July 19th & Sun. July 20th
One new team so far : Niagara Falls
2 teams returning after a 1 year absence : Waterdown and Alvinston.
http://www.infoniagara.com/
http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
|
| Kevin Kammueller - Most Outstanding Pitcher 07' NAFA Masters East World Series
|
|
Wednesday, February 20
Jordan Realty @ 07' NAFA Masters World Series
Back Row(left to right): Gerry Gubash, Mike Applegate, Pat Rieger, Kevin Kammueller, Dick Klitzke, Paul Arntzen
Front Row(left to right): Bill Hafner, Jim Dardine, Sean Dunford, Dave Wolf, Mike Jordan, Rick Lathrop
Jordan Realty results from the 2007 NAFA Masters East Region World Series
40 & Over Division
Rockford, Illinois USA
Game 1
Jordan Realty 12(We only have 10 runs marked in the book, but I know we scored 12. I am assuming we were the away team and scored 2 runs in the top of the 5th that did not get marked down)
Bud Illinois 0
WP: Kevin Kammueller
LP: ?????
Doubles: Paul Arntzen, Mike Applegate, Pat Rieger
Triples: Mike Applegate, Jerry Gubash
HR's: Mike Applegate
Mike Applegate 3-3 4RBI's 3 Runs. He also had the game winning RBI in the first inning.
Pat Rieger 1-1, 2BB, 2B, RBI, 2 Runs
Rick Lathrop 1-2, SAC, 2RBI's
Game 2
Jordan Realty 1
Planggers 0
WP: Kevin Kammueller
LP: Bobby Ginger
Doubles: Jimmy Dardine
We had 3 hits, 3 walks, 2 sacrifices and one hit batter.
Paul Arntzen led off the 4th inning with a walk. Mike Applegate reached on an error with Arntzen going to second. Dick Klitzky then reached on a fielders choice, with Mike Applegate out at second base and Paul Arntzen moving to third. Planggers walked Jerry Gubash to load the bases, then Pat Rieger singled in the only run of the game.
Game 3
Jordan Realty 6
Weiners 2
WP: Kevin Kammueller
LP: ??
Doubles: Paul Arntzen
Triples: Mike Applegate
HR's: Mike Applegate
Jimmy Dardine 2-4, 3 SB, Run
Paul Arntzen 2-2, BB, 2B, RBI, 2 Runs
Mike Applegate 2-3, 3B, HR, 4 RBI's, 2 Runs. Had the game winning 3 run HR in the third.
Pat Rieger 2-3, SB
Weiners got both runs in the top of the first and then we took over. 2 runs in the first, 3 in the third and 1 in the fourth.
Game 4
Jordan Realty 6(The Nafa site says 5, but our book has 6)
Goshen 1
WP: Kevin Kammueller
LP: ??
Doubles: Paul Arntzen(2), Mike Applegate
Jimmy Dardine 3-4, Run
Paul Arntzen 2-3, BB, (2)2B, RBI
Pat Rieger 1-1, 2BB, SB, Run
Mike Applegate had already had an MVP performance for us, but was absolutely snake bit in this game. He crushed line drives to left in the first and right in the second. His double in the sixth inning was another rocket at the right fielder that happened to knuckle as it got to him.
Goshen got their run in the top of the first. We came back with five runs in the bottom of the second inning, all with 2 outs. I can not tell from the book who got the game winning hit, but Pat Rieger walked with 2 outs and was followed by singles from Billy Hafner, Rick Lathrop, Sean Dunford and Jim Dardine. Paul Arntzen then capped off the scoring off with a double. Mike Applegate ended the second inning with a screaming line drive to the right fielder.
Game 5
Jordan Realty 1
Planggers 0
WP: Kevin Kammueller
LP: ???
We had 9 hits in the game, all singles. I only remember Planggers having 2 hits, including a lead off single in the seventh. We did make a couple of nice defensive plays as well.
Pat Rieger 1-3, Game winning RBI single in the first inning.
Rick Lathrop 3-3, SB
We scored our run in the first inning again with 2 outs. The first two guys struck out. Mike Applegate singled, Jerry Gubash singled and Pat Rieger singled to drive in Mike Applegate with the winning run. We had a couple of other good scoring chances as well. In the third we had runners on second and third with two out and Pat Rieger grounded out to first base. In the bottom of the sixth with had runners on first and third with two outs and Sean Dunford hit a line drive right to the first baseman.
Planggers got a lead off single in the seventh, sacrificed the runner to second and then had a ground out that advanced the runner to third. Planggers then sent up a pinch hitter who struck out to end the game.
We played really well as a team, only giving up 3 runs in 5 games on the weekend. We had some spectacular individual stats as well.
Jim Dardine 7-16, Double, 4 SB, 4 Runs
Paul Arntzen 6-12, 4 BB, 4 Doubles, 3 RBI's, 5 Runs
Mike Applegate 7-15, BB, 2 Doubles, 2 Triples, 2 HR's, 9 RBI's, SB, 6 Runs
Pat Rieger 6-11, 4 BB, Double, 3 RBI's, 2 SB, 3 Runs
Rick Lathrop 6-10, SAC, 2 RBI's, SB, Run
It probably helped that Jim Dardine, Paul Arntzen and Mike Applegate hit 1-2-3 for us in all 5 games. We beat Planggers 1-0 twice and Pat Rieger drove in the winning run both times.
This team has no corporate sponsor. All league fees, uniforms, pick up player costs and tournament entry fees are paid by Mike Jordan and Kevin Kammueller. Hence the name of the team. All team players pay for their own rooms, food and transportation costs to and from the tournaments. Because of this and the fact that this team has no "ringers" I couldn't have been more proud of the fact that we won this tournament. We like competing against "better" teams and seeing what we can do. We competed out in Portland in the ASA Masters last year for the first time in a National tournament. We faced Planggers in the first round and lost a heart breaker 5-4 and a couple games later lost to Terry Luster and the DeMarini crew 3-0. We played as well as we could both games, but ultimately couldn't pull it out. I guess we just stepped it up a notch this year.
Wednesday, February 13
2008 NAFA Masters World Series - Dates/Locations Confirmed
Sunday, February 10
Men's 50 & over Fastpitch
Sunday, February 10
East Enders returning to Glory Days - Beaches Major Fastball League
Tuesday, October 16
Q & A Survey
See the attached Q & A survey form.
Please consider filling out the following questionnaire, I'm looking for ANYONE associated with Masters fastball in Ontario & beyond, players, coaches, executives, umpires, sponsors etc. Got an interesting story to tell ? If you would like to be featured please answer the 12 questions on the Q & A survey and forward your answers to ontariomasters(at)hotmail(dot)com You don't need to answer any of the questions you don't want to. Please remember this is to promote you and masters fastball in a positive way. Try to put the emphasis on masters fastball as much as possible. Returned questionnaires will be featured on the Ontario Masters Fastball web site.
Handout:
Q & A Survey
Saturday, April 12
Q & A with Bob Tomlinson
Tuesday, March 4
Q & A with Wayne Wells
Sunday, February 10
Q & A with Umpire Steve Bedard
Monday, January 21
Q & A with John Kemp
Thursday, December 27
Q & A with Ted Conway
Monday, November 26
Q & A with Slammin' Sammy Forbes
Saturday, November 17
Q & A with Paddy Fitzgerald Nolan
Thursday, November 8
Q & A with Paul "Chico" McCart
Friday, October 26
Q & A With Rick Hames
Monday, October 15
Q & A with Rick Boyd
Monday, September 24
OASA Masters History
I did some research on the history of the OASA Masters Championship including past champions, Jack Cook Award winners and individual award winners. Some information is missing, if you can fill in the missing pieces please contact me.
Wednesday, November 21
2009 World Vintage Softball Carnival - Honolulu Oahu Hawaii
Sunday, October 28
2009 World Masters Games - Sydney Australia
Monday, September 24
Slideshow from NAFA Masters in Carson City Nevada
Check out the photo slideshow from the 2007 NAFA Masters World Series in Carson City Nevada, photos by Maddy Flanagan.
Click the following link and scroll down to the bottom of the page to the photo and then click on the photo to start the slideshow : http://fastpitchwest.com/morningbrief/?p=2181
Thursday, September 13
Western Canadian Teams @ NAFA Masters
Sunday, September 9
Cobourg Force @ 2007 NAFA Masters World Series
Tuesday, September 4
2007 NAFA Masters World Series Web Site
2007 NAFA Masters World Series web site : www.masters.nafafastpitch.com
First round game times for the Eastern Zone Championship now posted.
Monday, September 3
Cobourg Force win OASA Men's "B" Provincial Title
Cobourg Force are Ontario Champions !
The Cobourg Force Men's Fastball Team won the Ontario (OASA) Intermediate Men's "B" Provincial Championship over the Labour Day long weekend. The 8 team tournament was held in Sharon/ Queensville ( Newmarket area. )
The Force, primarily a master's team went throught the tournament with a 4-0 record.
Game # 1
Cobourg Force - 7 ( 6 innings )
Wellington - 0
WP - Wayne Wells
LP - ?
.
Game # 2
Cobourg Force - 5
Sharon / Lake Simcoe Lightning - 1
WP - Scott Evans
LP - Rick May
.
Game # 3
Cobourg Force - 1
Colborne Rutherflo - 0
WP - Wayne Wells
LP - Brad Meldrum 15 k's, 3 hits
Cobourg - Scott Evans HR
.
Game # 4
Cobourg Force - 2
Colborne Rutherflo - 1
WP - Scott Evans
LP - Brad Meldrum
.
Monday, September 3
21st ANNUAL WORLD SENIOR MEN'S FASTBALL TOURNAMENT
|
|
21st ANNUAL WORLD SENIOR MEN’S FASTBALL TOURNAMENT
AUG. 31st, SEPT. 1st, 2nd, 2007 North Bay, Ontario
Casey's comes back for title; Championship win follows dramatic rally in semifinal.
Ken Pagan / The Nugget
Sports - Monday, September 03, 2007
As Hall of Famer Yogi Berra once said, "It ain't over 'til it's over."
With Casey's trailing by six runs and down to their final three outs in the semifinal, many of the 200 fans at Johnson Field left to see the other game at Troy Field - and they missed one of the most exciting comebacks in local fastball annals.
Casey's scored six runs to force extra innings before pulling out a dramatic 12-11 semifinal win over the Oshawa Ravens, leaving enough left in the tank for a 3-1 win over the Porquis Junction KC Trappers to become the first local team in 10 years to win the World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament 'AA' championship.
A few members of Casey's - including pitchers Ken Besner and Mark Schledewitz, catcher Jim Lisk and third baseman Terry Vendetti - also played for the last local team to win, the TCR Bullets, in 1997.
But the odds of Casey's even getting to the final weren't good after they committed five errors and allowed six runs in the top of the fifth inning in the semifinal, handing Oshawa a 10-4 lead.
'Play right to the end'
But Casey's still had three outs to go and there were a lot of guys eager to make up for a bad inning.
"You never give up, not with this batting lineup," Besner said. "We had really good sticks all weekend and the guys were hitting well, so you've got to play right to the end."
Lisk smashed a two-run homer with none out.
Three batters later, left-fielder Luc 'Red' Gagnon made amends for a couple of earlier mistakes with another monster shot over the centre-field fence.
Second baseman Reg Reichstein, who was drilled on the hand by a pitch, later came around to score and send the game to extra innings.
After the Ravens went up 11-10 in the top of the sixth, speedy centre-fielder Bill Reid of Casey's drove home Vendetti for the tying run and Reid came around to score the winning run on Lisk's lined shot into the gap to cap the dramatic comeback.
"We were down six runs (in the fifth), but we had the top of the order coming up and all you have to do is get a couple runners on - we had a couple of home runs and we were right back in it," Lisk said. "That was probably one of the best games I've ever played in." The Porquis Junction KC Trappers, led by hard-throwing pitcher Frank Kujawinski, knocked off the two-time defending champion Cold Spring Cats in the other semifinal.
But Casey's, the North Bay Senior Men's Fastball League champions, carried their semifinal momentum into the championship game.
In the second inning, seeing his first pitch of the game, Gagnon crushed another long home run to centre-field to give Casey's a 1-0 lead.
Leading off the third inning, Casey's shortstop Ed Roy uncoiled like Reggie Jackson and crushed the first pitch over the right-centre field fence for a 2-0 lead. The next batter, Reid, followed with a triple and came around to score on Lisk's single.
The Trappers answered in the top of the fourth when Pete Barber had his second hit to drive in Mike Bourgeois, but Besner dug deep to grind out the final five outs - he surrendered a couple lined rockets in the fifth, but one was snared by Vendetti at third base and the other by Gagnon in left field.
Besner, named most valuable player of the championship game, pitched six of the seven games on the weekend - including all four in the playoffs after Schledewitz, who was picked up to provide some weekend relief, injured a hamstring Friday.
"If Sledge would have been able to keep pitching, we would have been in really good shape, but after you get going, you don't feel it too much," Besner said of the weekend workload.
Both Besner and Lisk, who have played together for more than 20 years, credited some weekend additions to the lineup for helping put Casey's over the top.
"This year, we picked up a couple of guys - Serge Violette at first base and Eddie Roy (who usually plays with a Garson team in tournaments) at shortstop - so that really helped us defensively and offensively," Besner said. "And our team was already close, so I think it just all came together."
"We brought Schledewitz out of retirement to throw a few innings to help Kenny stay fresh and it was appreciated," Lisk said. "Kenny was (fading) at the end, but those extra innings helped us a lot."
Kent Trusses 8, Peterborough 4
In the 32-team tournament's 'A' division final, Kent Trusses from South River made it a regional sweep with an 8-4 win over the defending 'A' division champions from Peterborough.
Don Folliott, named most valuable player in the championship game, had a two-run triple that broke the game open, while Darryl Percival also had two hits and two RBIs. Pitcher Steve Attwell, who combined on the mound with Folliot during the weekend's seven games, earned the win in the final game.
"I think it was a real team effort," said team captain Eldy MacIntosh, one of five members of the South River team who have played together since 1979. "Don (Folliot) logged a lot of innings, he's our horse. But he knows when he runs out of gas and we were able to save Steve (Attwell) for when it counted in this game."
The South River team no longer plays regularly in a league, instead getting together for weekly practices and playing three tournaments each summer.
But they play hard, evidenced by a takeout slide at second base which knocked down the Farquhar Chrysler shortstop and broke up a double play in the quarter-final, Sunday morning.
"For us, playing seven games is pretty tough, so it was huge - the guys gave a great effort," MacIntosh said. "I really have to commend the guys, because when you only practise, it's tough. It's not the same as playing games."
Smith named honorary chairman
Longtime local fastball supporter Karl Smith served as honorary chairman for the 2007 tournament.
Smith, who plays with Farquhar Chrysler, was a founding member of the North Bay Senior Fastball league and has been in all 21 world tournaments as well as 27 CFB Silver Fox tournaments.
Earlier this season, Smith took a line drive on the shin that later became infected and l | |
