PRESS RELEASE
Legends Classic Welcomes Two New Powerhouse Teams
Schedule: http://www.alsfastball.com/uploads/File/2006_Legends_ScheduleA.htm
When the Legends of Fastball Classic kicks off this Fridayevening, two new additions to the major men’s game will introducethemselves to the Ontario fans. Tournament organizers areproud to welcome the Orillia (OntarioRiversharks and the Massapequa, ( NY )Patsy’s for their first trip into Canada’s fastballhotbed. Ranked # 4 and # 5 respectively in International Softball Congress pre-seasonpolls, these two clubs will showcase some the premier fastball talent in thegame today.
The Orillia Riversharks bring a talent laden line-up thatincludes world class pitching, hitting and defence. Head coach Denny Bruckert,a two time ISC World Champion, will jockey a pitching stable that includes Ontario stars FrankCox, Robbie O’Brien, and Andy Jackson, along with legendary Kiwi and USANational Team ace, Michael White.
Offensively, the Sharks look to feast on opposing hurlersand their tank includes Sean O’Brien, Mike Taylor and Rys Casley, all ex-Broken Bow Spirit World Champions; Pat Mackintosh an ISCWorld All-Star in 2005, and former Jarvis Merchants Pat Graham and Ian Fehrman,both vying for a roster spot on Canada’s National Men’s Team.
The Riversharks will get their first taste of shark bait at 9:00 pm on Fridayevening, when they hook up with the host Innerkip Bright Cheese House Eagles .
The NY Patsy’s will make their Ontario debut inthe tournament opener Friday night , when they square off with the ISC # 3ranked team the Kitchener Hallman Twins. Make no mistake, the Patsy’s areno mamma’s boys. Their roster is a who’s who of Canadian, Americanand New Zealand National Team alumni and their head coach Ron ‘Doc’Simmons is a legend in ISC World Tournament success. Simmons has also pilotedhis clubs to both previous Legends of Fastball Classic tournament championships.
While ‘Doc’ may have seen his Broken Bow clubride off into the sunset, his focused and straight shooting style is exactlythe prescription for Patsy’s run at an ISC World title.
Pitching has always spelled success in big time men’sfastball and with a bullpen that includes Adam Folkard and Heinie Shannon (NewZealand ), and Gerald Muizelaar and Rob Scheller (Canada ), there is no doubt Patsy’s bring their own brand of head ache reliefto Simmons’ operating-theatre.
Offensively, some of the games great young guns give Patsy’sboth power and speed in the batters box. Adam Lalonde and Chris Miljavac ( USA) will set the table while Brad Rona and Travis Wilson( New Zealand ) will supply the punch in a line-upthat is solid from top to bottom.
The Legends Classic will welcome back some old friends againthis year with the return to Woodstock of theHeflin Gremlins ( NY) and the Jarvis Merchants ( ONT).
The Heflin Gremlins have made many trips into Ontario over theyears and were among the original 10 teams that made up the inaugural Legends ofFastball Classic in 2004. Led by long time coach Tom MacAvoy, the Gremlinspitching staff is anchored by long time ‘Farmer’ ace, Paul Algar.Along with ‘Alfie’ look for Canadian east coasters BlairEzekiel and Brian Urquhart to shoulder much of the pitching load. Offensively,the Gremlins are sparked by center-fielder Steve Schucker, along withpower hitting Dominicans Frankie Perez and Edward Leonardo, and Kiwi sluggerCraig Wallace.
The Jarvis Merchants continue to shine on the major men’sradar, and player-coach Adam Smith looks to both youth and tradition to fertilizehis crop of 2006. Smith has also brought in legendary player and coachDan Donahue to help teach the two-time Canadian Junior Champions how to buildsimilar success at the elite men’s level of the game. The Merchants willlook to big Andrew Phibbs and Scott Wager to build on strong years in 2005 asthe cornerstones of their pitching staff. Offensively, the ageless Smith andveteran power hitter Ryan Thompson look for continued growth in Greg Courneyea,Allan Phibbs, Bob Gillow and Chad Staats to keep the Merchants intough against the prime pitching opposition the Legends Classic will be servingup.
The Legends of Fastball Classic is set, and the 10 team, twodivision, round robin format is sure to serve up a grand slam of thrills andexcitement for players and fans alike.
The first of 25 weekend games get underway on two diamondsat 7:00 pm Friday night, with a another twosomegoing at 9:00 pm. Admission at the WoodstockDistrict Community Complex diamonds is $5 Friday night, $10 all day Saturdayand $10 all day Sunday. A Weekend Pass is withouta doubt the best value in fastball entertainment around, at just $20 for theentire tournament.
Make plans for a weekend in Canada’s dairy capital, the Legends of Fastball Classic in Woodstock, June 2,3and 4, 2006.
larry.lynch@city.kitchener.on.ca
