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ORIGINAL STORY by Brian McNair
Ajax News Advertiser
AJAX — If Saturday, July 18 marked the final game in the illustrious career of softball star Paul Koert, he sure left on a high note.
Koert, a 36-year-old former resident of Brooklin and longtime pitcher in the Oshawa and District Fastball League, was part of the Canadian men’s softball team that claimed gold at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games.
He didn’t pitch in the championship game, a 2-1 edge-of-the-seat victory over Venezuela at the President’s Choice Ajax Pan Am Ballpark, but he contributed plenty overall for Canada, which won all seven games it played.
The win came hard on the heels of Canada also winning a world championship on home soil, in Saskatoon.
“This was it for me, being in the later part of my 30s,†said Koert, who is the vice-president of sales for a veterinary medical company. “Work was very gracious in letting me follow my two dreams, winning a world championship and then a Pan American Games. Both have happened just now, so that’s a huge thing for me and a great way to finish off my career.â€
Although Koert didn’t get into the gold-medal game, he did warm up in the bullpen for a bit, as ace Sean Cleary wasn’t quite as sharp as he had been in previous games.
Koert, a big lefty, was ready to answer the bell if needed, but cared only that Canada ended up on top.
“Obviously you always want to contribute, but I was pretty happy with what was going on, so I just did what I needed to do to be prepared in case it went sideways on us,†said Koert, who allowed one earned run and struck out 11 over eight and two-third innings at the Games.
Staked to a 2-0 lead on a two-run home run by Brad Ezekiel in the bottom of the sixth inning, Cleary held the lead, but did give up a run in the top of the seventh.
The game ended in bizarre fashion, as Canadian catcher Ryan Boland tripped over Venezuela batter Pedro Gonzalez as he rushed out to celebrate, sparking a heated exchange between the two teams that lasted for several minutes.
Koert, who has seen plenty over the years, hadn’t witnessed an ending to a tournament quite like that.
“There’s been a very competitive balance between the two teams and I think emotions just ran high,†he said. “It’s something you never expect, but it is what it is.â€
Born in the United States, Koert moved to Unionville at age two and has spent most of his time living in Stouffville, but he has dual citizenship and has played softball for both Canada and the U.S.
He lived in Brooklin briefly and has pitched in the Oshawa league for several teams over the years, including this season with the Lake Simcoe Lightning.
But with a young family and demanding job, he says his career has likely come to a close.
“I’ve got three kids at home, so it’s time to start putting the focus on them and letting them grow as kids and making sure I’m part of that lifestyle,†he said.
