The Parry Island Hawks will be making their first appearance on the World Stage this coming August in Midland Mi. at the annual ISC Men's World Championships. A strong showing at the Canada east Qualifier where the team tied for 5th place in a strong field of 14 teams was enough for the Hawks to be offered a berth to this most prestigious Fastpitch event.
Speed and pure athleticism are the key components to the make up of the 2012 Hawks this along with veteran hard throwing Frank Cox has the team feeling positive and full of Optimism heading into Midland.
OUTFIELD
#1 Heikel Espanosa Elliot Lake On 32 - for those in the game that remember Billy Simmons, Espanosa is a carbon copy of Simmons but with a much stronger arm from the outfield , Heikel has been living in Canada for the past few years after Immigrating from his native Cuba. Played on national under 20 team as well as some pro ball in his native Cuba , has smoothly made the transition to Fast Pitch with ease.
#27 Walter Tabobondung Jr. Parry Island On 24 - Former basketball and track star patrols the outfield as well as any non prawn in the game right now. Plays the game with an old school approach well past his 24 years of age as Wally gets more experience against the upper levels of Pitching and continues to improve at the same rate he has the last couple of years a spot on the 40 man National team talent pool is not out of the question.
#44 Chad St Cyr Sudbury ON 36 One of the best Hitters from Northern Ontario in the last 25 years, great base running instincts and a very strong arm from the right field corner along with great leadership skills make Chad a big part of the Hawks lineup.
#8 Joel Belanger Sudbury On 43 - versatile veteran player in peak physical condition who can play 8 of the 9 positions on the field and provides a long ball presence off the bench as witnessed in the qualifier when he hit a pinch hit home run late in a game to keep a Hawks rally going.
#23 Lance Curry Parry Island On 22 - outstanding runner who works hard and will be counted on at some point in a key pinch running situation in Midland.
INFIELDERS
#10 LT Jacques Owen Sound On 22 - Good contact Hitter who isn't intimidated by the top pitching , was named All Canadian at 2011 Junior Men's Nationals , has a very bright future in the sport
#7 Brad Matheson Elliot Lake On 24 - easily the most naturally gifted athlete on the team can bunt , slap and hit line drives. Former Ontario University rookie of the year in swimming Brad just Missed qualifying for the 2008 Summer Olympics Much like Wally if Brad continues to see better pitching just a matter of time until his name on the 40 man roster of Canada's national team.
#15 Brett Hall Owen Sound On 20 - Arguably the best junior aged defensive Middle infielder in Canada. Brett hit the ball a ton at the qualifier and is having a .300 plus year with the highly rated Owen Sound Junior Selects.
#18 Craig Brown Parry Island On 36 - Former Junior "A" and Canadian University Hockey Player , Craig is Mr clutch when it comes to timely hits, plays sound defense on the hot corner and is a great line drive hitter.
#22 Matt Greer Shawville Que 28 - A pick up for the World Tournament Matt can play any position on the field and will provide some punch to the heart of the batting order in Midland.
#13 Adam Judge Parry Island On 24 - Great attitude and provides depth to a very strong infield
#11 Stef Walma Orillia On 24 - A pure Hitter has already played in 5 World Tournaments at the young age of 24 , Provides a long ball Threat to the Middle of the order.
CATCHERS
#5 Todd Parsons Garson On 38 - veteran Presence behind the plate with a strong throwing arm , great team first attitude and quality person .
#25 Joe McCleary Shawville Que 29 - A pick up for the ISC's Joe brings great leadership qualities.After a great year 2011 where he hit .400 at the World Tournament and was a big part of Quebec placing 3rd at The Canadian Mens Nationals Joe is one of the sports best non prawns at his position in 2012.
Pitchers
#30 Frank Cox Owen Sound On 42 - not the over powering force he once was now relies on sound defense and smart Pitch selection to get the job done.
#34 Cory Stolar Spanish On 42 - Crafty righty a long time fixture on the Northern Ontario Fastball scene , brings a steady bat off the bench also.
Derek Pinkerton
