A SPECIAL THANK TO LARRY LYNCH AND EDUARDO SABATE FROM VASEY!
Larry and Eduardo,
Thank you Larry and Eduardo for all of your efforts organizing the tour and having the perseverance to get the Argentine’s to come and play in Vasey with the stormy weather in the area. The enthusiasm of the Team Argentina was definitely contagious and it was special to see the team helping us to get the diamond ready for play.
It was a special evening for our community and the great article that you posted on Al’s Fastball was the icing on the cake. Â
I’m already being asked...... “what’s next?â€
Thank you Gentlemen – and best of luck on the rest of your tour!
Kindest Regards,
Â
Jamie Robinson
Â
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Â
The Argentina Men’s National Team travelling road show got a taste of real small town hospitality last evening in Vasey,Ontario in sweeping both ends of a twilight double header 2-1 and 10-4. The Argentines travelled through nearly 2 hours of pouring rain, lightning and thunder, turned around and started home, then turned around and headed back to Vasey in hopes of a break in the storm in order to get at least one game in with the Vasey Selects. As it turned out the softball gods were smiling in Ore Medonte Township and as the forecast predicted the rain stopped, the players and volunteers jumped on the diamond, removed the tarps, spread a truck load of saw dust and the field was fit to go at the scheduled 6:30 start.
Â
An enthusiastic crowd greeted the Argentine squad and was treated to an inspiring national anthem sung by Jonny Vasey. In concluding an emotional opening ceremony, Grant Patterson, who grew up in nearby Midland had the surprise honour of delivering the first pitch and a hug to his dad Fred, a long time community softball volunteer.
Â
The opening game saw a pitchers duel with Patterson going the distance in the loss while Pablo Migliavacca earned the close 2-1 victory in relief. Vasey’s Keith Rankin homered for the locals.
Â
Between the games a long time Vasey tradition “ the case race “ saw a lively relay around the bases by two youth teams vying for a case of root beer. Vasey then challenged Argentina to a race of their own for a coveted liquid prize. The crowd roared as Argentina raced to victory and finished with an enthusiastic team hug.
Â
In the nightcap Argentina’s Lucas Mata, with relief from Migliavacca, earned the 10- 4 victory. Vasey’s Andy Jackson took the loss and was relieved by Jason Giffen in the 5th. Leonardo Latasa and Juan Cruz Zara each homered for Argentina while DH Brad Robinson hit two moon shots for Vasey.
Â
After the game both teams were treaded to some “country hospitality†with a bbq and local home made pies.
Â
Special thanks to the people of Vasey and the Township of Oro Medonte for being outstanding hosts, and a tip of the hat to Team Argentina for making the trek under very ominous weather conditions. Small town softball is truly the essence of the game and both fans and participants were rewarded with a great evening at the park.
Â
Larry Lynch
Â
 Photos from last night on Facebook
 
Â
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game 1
Argentina takes game one of the double dip by a slim 2-1 margin. They also take home the case of beer in the case race! Game 2 up next.
Game 2
Make the final 9-4 Argentina! He'll of a night of ball. Many thanks to @SoftbolARG for not turning the bus around!
Â
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vasey Countrymen â€@Vaseycountrymen 1m
@AlsFastball change of plans. game on! pic.twitter.com/1BzZ6JkVum
 
earlier, game was cancelled, but now its ON!
| Â |
| Â |
 |
Â
 
