June2014

World class fastball on tap

June 7, 2014

Orillia, ON

ORIGINAL STORY by Dave Dawson


World class fastball on tap

Dave Dawson

Pitcher Brad Robinson delivers a strike to an Argentina Junior National Team member in 2011 at Vasey Park. The Argentina Senior National Team will be in VaseyJune 24 to take on a select team that will feature former national team member and Canadian champion Grant Patterson.

Pitcher Brad Robinson delivers a strike to an Argentina Junior National Team member in 2011 at Vasey Park. The Argentina Senior National Team will be in VaseyJune 24 to take on a select team that will feature former national team member and Canadian champion Grant Patterson.

World-class fastball is returning to Oro-Medonte Township.

Argentina’s senior men’s national fastball team, fourth-place finishers at the 2013 world championship, will play a double-header against the Vasey Selects June 24 at Vasey Park.

“We hosted the junior national team from Argentina in 2011 and when we found out the senior national team was touring Ontario this summer, we asked them to return,” said Jamie Robinson, one of the event organizers. “They had a great time when they were here before and jumped at the chance to come back.”

Vasey is one of six teams in the Simcoe Rural Fastball League, a competitive league with deep roots in the north end of Simcoe County. The league partnered with the Orillia and District Fastball League this year for the first time; teams from the two leagues now play an interlocking schedule so each team plays each other once.

“It’s worked out really well,” said Robinson. “It gives us some variety and the chance to play against some different teams.”

Robinson and others are trying to keep the sport alive and thriving. There is a strong minor fastball league program, the Georgian Bay Minor Softball League, that is flourishing in 11 small communities like Coldwater, Perkinsfield, Lafontaine, Elmvale, Vasey and others.

“What we’re trying to do is create a link between that league and us so that those players have a chance to continue playing when they are older,” said Robinson, who noted fastball is a true local sport.

“It’s a sport you can play even if you don’t live in a big centre. It’s a neighbourly thing and, to me, it’s what rural life is all about,” said Robinson. “Historically, that’s what the diamond has been: a meeting place for neighbours.”

That’s what he hopes will happen June 24.

“Last time we did this, we had between 300 and 400 people there even though we only had a couple of weeks to promote the event,” said Robinson. “We’re expecting a very good showing this time.”

He’s also expecting a good showing from the Vasey Selects.

“This is a team of local athletes who have placed at International Softball Congress (ISC) competitions … It will be a good team.”

Vasey will be bolstered by Penetanguishene native Grant Patterson, a former Team Canada pitcher, ISC world champ and Canadian champ, along with Andy Jackson, who has played with top ISC club teams throughout North America.

“There will be a lot of familiar faces for those who used to attend the World Series of Fastball events in Orillia,” said Robinson.

While the event is a showcase of fastball talent, it’s also a grassroots fundraiser, said Robinson, noting the entry fee is a $5 donation. There will also be a barbecue dinner.

“All the proceeds go to Vasey Minor Baseball and the Moonstone Parks and Recreation Committee, which is looking to put a roof on the outdoor arena in Moonstone,” said Robinson.

Opening ceremonies will kick off the June 24 event at 6 p.m. The first game will begin at 6:30 p.m., with Game 2 scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. at tree-lined, picturesque Vasey Park. On-site parking is available.

“This is an international event, which is not something you get to see every day,” said Robinson. “It’s a great way for newcomers to the area to get a taste of rural life, to meet people and to see what world-class fastball is all about.”

For more information, call 705-487-2171.

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