This Month's News
july2009

Monkton 2009 - tourny Wrap-up

July 9, 2009

Monkton, ON

PRESS RELEASE


    Well, what more can be said that hasn't been already. Thanks to those who have posted their thoughts and kind words of praise.

Of course, I will add my two cents worth here - as many have come to anticipate and expect - albeit from perhaps a slightly different angle than the postings already composed here on Al's. 
Once again, sleep has been at a premium since the weekend, and my apologies for not getting this done sooner, nonetheless, here are my thoughts and views from perhaps our best event yet.

As many of you know, planning this tourny is truly a 360 day a year undertaking.  In fact, I had serious discussions not 15 minutes after the final pitch to get the 2010 ball rolling. But this past event was particularly difficult, given the fact that the ISF's are playing havoc with teams player availability and scheduling.  Truth be known, it's been the most trying to date.

Again, we had both ends of the emotional spectrum.  The excitement and anticipation leading up to the opening ceremonies, to the sad and heartbreaking tribute in which we paid to our fallen Blue Crew member Lloyd Poirier, and back to joyous good times had throughout the event by the many hundreds of fans in attendance from both near and far. But perhaps the most emotional moments of the weekend for me personally, came after the park had been deserted of fans and players... Let me explain.  Immediately following the exhibition game between NZ and the South-Perth All Stars, we held an "appreciation BBQ dinner" for all our 225 plus volunteers and their families. It was nearing the end of the dinner when I stood in the middle of the beer-tent area, and gave a very heartfelt thank-you to all - and anyone who has ever had a hand in bringing this event to the world.  It is these people who deserve the credit. I needed to pass along how much the fastball world appreciates their efforts.  And it was difficult to do while fighting the lump in my throat.

We in 2009 had another first - the arrival of one of the most influential and dedicated names in the game - Jim Flanagan (Fastpitchwest.com and Ballparkradio.com) and wife Maddy (Maddysphotos.com) on hand throughout the tournament to bring  the game LIVE thru the internet for fans around the world to enjoy - and for all to see moments that will stand-still in time forever via fantastic photos.  It was a formidable task to get our tech-issues resolved in Monkton weeks in advance of the event - while none of us were within 80 miles of the park!!  Yet Jim, and his left-hand man Kyle Smith were able to get us up and running in time for our first scheduled broadcast game - and all remaining games without more than a hiccup.  The equipment, the knowledge, the patience, the resolve, the expense, the drive, the determination - and the love of the game are what truly make Jim and Maddy such household names within the fastball world, and such true, genuine, and wonderful people to work with and know.  I had the great pleasure of sitting in to do a couple broadcasts (as some of you may have had to endure - sorry!) and I want to thank Jim and Kyle for allowing me to do so.  We thank you Jim, Maddy, Kyle and crew for your presence here in Monkton, and yes - we already have high intentions and plans of having them back next year!


Another first was the New Zealand National team  coming to Monkton - and in doing so, hearing Lisette Megans perform their National Anthem live during opening ceremonies.   Well done Lisette!  Big thanks go to NZ mgr Wayne Small and headcoach Eddie Kohlhase for their professionalism and understanding in getting the schedule to work for all teams and players involved.  We wish them - and the Aussies - who made a brief appearance on Sunday at the park, all the best in Saskatoon at the ISF's in a couple weeks time.


 I get asked many times over the course of the year, as to how I got this tournament to Monkton. Or, why Monkton?   My response... "Because we can - and why not?"
Here's why.  We aim to do things bigger and better, and the efforts and appreciation does not go unnoticed by both fans and players. Case in point...or a few in fact.   Having the South Perth All Star team was not only a win-win for us, but the opportunity of a lifetime for many of those players to "toe-up" with the big-boys, their chance to test their metal.  And although they left without a win, they gave it their best, and will have some memories and stories to tell their grandkids. Now THAT's what this great game is all about. Each and every one of them personally thanked me for having them and were genuinely thrilled to have been invited.  Well done boys - hold your heads high.  

Another example, is having Jim/Ballpark radio receive an email while broadcasting live a game featuring The Farm - and young 18 yr old Aussie pitcher Andrew Blackshaw.  Jim printed the email and showed it to me - it read something like this...   "This is Andrew's parents and family here in Australia. Just want to thank you all in Monkton for broadcasting the games so we can listen in and catch how Andrews doing!"   I promptly walked it over to The Farm bench following the game, and Andrew was quite tickled to have had his parents catch the action - and to have sent the email. He gave me/us a large thank you. (Might I also add, that Andrew confided in me that pitching here in Monkton, and for The Farm no less - had him s****** in his pants when he first stepped on the mound!  And who can blame him!  Helluva spot for the young man - and he did very well!)

The final example I want to share involves yet another young Aussie. (very gracious these young lads)  Late Sat, evening, while walking out the arena door following the live performance by the band, I heard someone yell my name from a distance behind me - in the arena.  Recognizing the Aussie lilt, I turned to see from whom it came. It was young Adam Bint - here playing for Vancouver (and a last minute addition being they were short a couple players)   He simply wanted to sincerely thank me and pass along his gratitude and thoughts of being able to play in what he called "the most awesome tournament in the world".  Thank you Adam, and thanks Vancouver for making their first trip here – hopefully it will be an annual affair.
 
Congratulations go out to our Champions – and Defending ISC World Champs the Kitchener Rivershark Twins. They ran the table and looked impressive in doing so. I must also thank the entire Twins organization for taking part on our kids autograph session Sat. Dozens of children (my own included) were in awe of the guys as they sat and signed anything and everything the kids had, and seeing the looks on their faces is something I wish everyone had a chance to witness (you will see Maddy’s phots of this soon!). Gracious, giving, professional, down to earth, full of class and dignity are the Twins… Thanks fellas. Bob, Sue and Jim oughtta be proud (and I know they are) Good luck to those of you ( and the entire Canadian team) who are competing in Sask.!
Equally impressive this weekend – perhaps more so are the Midwest Stampede. Knocking off the worlds #2 ranked team, and last yr’s runner-up is quite an accomplishment – and without their usual line-up of starters. Well done!
Huge thank you’s go out to each and every team for coming to compete in the tournament. Without you – the game does not exist. I look forward to having you all back again next year!
 
There are in fact so many thank-you’s to be given – too numerous to count. But I will attempt a few here… (my time is getting thin too!)
 To our major sponsor Steelback Brewery, and Pres Ian MacDonald for throwing out our first pitch…well done, even if you were wanting to throw it over-hand! I would like to encourage all of you to take a moment and write Mr MacDonald to thank them for their generosity and involvement with the tournament. You can contact him with your kind wishes at:     imacdonald@steelbackbrewery.com
 
Thanks also to AM 920 CKNX and Steve Sabourin, and to ALL of our tournament sponsors, advertisers, and affiliates.
 
To our Blue Crew – as close to perfection as you will ever see! Fantastic job Peter and perhaps the best crew ever assembled!
To Easton – and our area rep. Mr Jason Phelan and Dunny of Dunny’s Source for Sports. The job you do in putting together and bringin us the Easton Home Run Challenge, and so much behind the scenes is paramount.
To my good friend Al Doran, who of course kept the world up to date with all scores and events. And again thanks for taking part in our opening ceremonies Al – was long overdue and you don’t get near the recognition you deserve – as humble as you are, your work is appreciated by thousands world-wide.
 
I am saving the biggest thanks for those who MAKE this event happen.
 For the nearly 300 people (that MORE than the entire population of Monkton folks) that are involved in this event, who all-tolled put in over 5000 hours of their own time each and every year… From the Executive and the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU
 
And to the Executive…yes, we are already planning 2010, but take a breather, put your feet up for just a few minutes, and look back on what we’ve done. Nothing else compares. The love of your community, the desire and drive to make- and keep it such a wonderful place to grow and live, to see it prosper. You are some of the most amazing people on the face of the earth. THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH in seeing this event thru. We wanted to be the best - We have succeeded.
 
A though I will leave you all with….
 
 
 
"To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To give of one's self; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - This is to have succeeded."

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
 
 
 
 
See you at the park.
 
 

Maddy's Photos from World Fastball Invitational at Monkton, Ontario,
Canada - July 2-5, 2009
http://fastpitchwest.com/morningbrief/?p=3433
Brian Baillie
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