September2012

2002 Alvinston Indians To Be Inducted to Sarnia Lambton Sports Hall Of Fame

September 24, 2012

Alvinston, ON

ALVINSTON INDIANS - 2012 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The 2002 version of the Alvinston Indians will be inducted into the Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame this coming week.  On Saturday evening, September 29, the Indians will be inducted into the team category section, at the enshrinement dinner, being held at the Camlachie Community Centre.  The team is being recognized for their ISC II World Championship that they earned in 2002, after compiling a record of 6-1 in the five day tournament that was held in Kitchener, Ontario. 

The team was composed of several of Lambton County's finest fastball players at the time.  After fastball teams and players began dwindling in Lambton County in the mid to late 90's, it was Alvinston that was fortunate, as they built a powerhouse that is still going today, thanks to their triumphant success in 2002.  They went 3-1 in the round robin portion of the ISC II Tournament of Champions, and then were a perfect 3-0 in the playoffs, en route to their highest achievement as a team, over their 17 year history.    

Point Edward's Brad Young and Doug Charlton of Strathroy, gave the Indians two legit number 1 pitchers, that made them tough to beat in the 2000's.  Young led the Indians at the 2002 ISC II Tournament of Champions, after posting a 5-0 record, and a 0.20 earned run average, allowing only 10 hits in 35 2/3 innings pitched, with 42 strikeouts.  His efforts earned him Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.  

Behind the plate was Scott Smith of Wyoming, who ended up catching over 500 games in a Indians uniform, collecting many key hits in his career in blue and red, as well as eliminating most base runners that ever tried his arm. 

Randy Livingston of Wyoming only suited up one year in an Indians uniform, but had a dominant season in 2002, earning all-world honours and recognition, after driving in 10 runs over the course of the tournament.  

At second base and still at second base is long time Alvinston Indian Joe Triest, who has been playing with the Indians since 1995, which is 17 seasons.  In 2002, Joe batted .500 in the tournament, pounding out 11 hits in 22 at bats.  Joe has now played over 1100 games in an Indians uniform.  

At third base for the Indians was their leadoff hitter Mike Black, from Glencoe.  Mike was selected to the all-world team as well, as he had 15 hits in 22 at bats, which is a .682 average.  He always set the table for Alvinston, and was widely recognized as one of the best leadoff hitters in Ontario in his prime.  

At shortstop was silky-smooth Scott McAuley from Petrolia.  Scott was always a standout defensively, and offensively he was underrated.  In the 2002 ISC II Tournament of Champions, McAuley had the big hit in the championship game, putting the Indians up 4-0 early when he cleared the bases with a timely grand slam.

In centre field was Corunna's Marc Greenwood.  There was no better defensive centre fielder.  Marc was best known for his defence, but often his hits were big, and of the extra base hit variety.  

The Manager of the team and still the Manager of the Indians is Paul "Chico" McCart.  His years of dedication and commitment to the Indians, is what has helped to keep them so competitive for so long.  He has kept the team a winning product since 2002, and he is who constructed the roster to make it a winning team in 2002.  Chico, since 2001, has guided the Indians to 520 wins, against 282 losses, over that 11 year period, with many league, tournament, and Ontario Championships over this period.     

The balance of the Indians roster in 2002 also made incredible contributions to the team, but no one on the team would argue against the core players addressed above.  Ian McEachern played in the outfield and was an original Alvinston Indian, from when the team started up in 1995.  Ian was a pesky batter who was always a speedy runner and threat on the bases  Murray McLean was a utility player from Melbourne.  Murray could play any position and was always known for being able to get the clutch hit when needed.  Jim McNally of Inwood, had a long career in the sport of fastball, and came over to Alvinston late in his career, to help mentor some of the players, to coach third base, and to put an exclamation point on his career with the 2002 ISC II World Championship.  Andy Triest and Ryan Chapman of both Alvinston and Inwood respectively, were both very young in 2002, but still suit up for the Indians in the present, and are now core players.  Kevin Morgan of Sarnia was a very strong defender in the outfield, with a strong and accurate arm, and now helps out the Indians as a member of the coaching staff.  Ron Pazitka of Glencoe provided a threatening bat off the bench for the Indians, and was often a home run threat.  Brett Neal was a promising young pitcher for the Indians in 2002, and was a very big reason why they made it to the ISC II Tournament of Champions that season.  Chris Wismer and Dan Beecroft are both from St. Thomas, and were added to fill the roster.  Wismer ended up playing an important part, as he helped to solidify the outfield and the lineup, as he provided key offensive hits.  Adam Swan completed the roster for the team, while Brady Davenport and Justin Scott were out bat boys..

Saturday will be a reunion of sorts for many of the Indians players.  A night that will bring this championship team together once again.  A chance to reminisce and to remember what they accomplished in 2002, and to finally be recognized on a higher scale for their efforts.  And most of all, be a team that is very deserving of being inducted to the Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame.                          

 fastballchico13@hotmail.com
 
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