|
|
|
MONKTON |
|
|
|
|
World Fastball Invitational - 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Details are at the
bottom of the page – below the schedule |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, June 28 |
|
|
Thur |
|
|
Score |
|
7:30 pm |
Gm |
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9:30 pm |
Gm |
The Farm Tavern |
7 |
|
|
2 |
Jarvis Merchants |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, June 29 |
|
|
Fri |
|
|
|
|
1:00 pm |
Gm |
|
4 |
|
|
3 |
Jarvis, ON Merchants |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3:00 pm |
Gm |
So |
8 |
|
|
4 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5:00 pm |
Gm |
|
0 |
|
|
5 |
Patsy’s |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7:00 pm |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9:00pm |
Gm |
Gremlins |
3 |
|
|
6 |
The Farm Tavern |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, June 30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat |
|
Field No. 1 |
|
|
8:00 am |
Gm |
So |
1 |
|
|
7 |
Patsy’s (6 innings) |
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10:00 am |
Gm |
Gremlins |
5 |
|
|
8 |
Jarvis Merchants |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noon |
Gm |
|
0 |
|
|
9 |
Gremlins |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2:00 pm |
Gm |
|
7 |
|
|
10 |
Madison, WI The Farm |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4:00 pm |
Gm |
|
3 |
|
|
11 |
So |
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6:00 pm |
Gm |
|
2 |
|
|
12 |
Patsy’s (10 innings) |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Playoff No. 1 |
|
|
8:00 pm |
Gm |
Number 3 Pool A - |
3 |
|
|
13 |
Number 2 Pool B -
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, July 1 – |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sun |
|
Playoff No. 2 |
|
|
8:00 am |
Gm |
Number 2 Pool A –
So |
2 |
|
|
14 |
Number 3 Pool B – Farm Tavern |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semi |
|
|
10:00 am |
Gm |
Pool “A” |
0 |
|
|
15 |
Playoff No. 1 Winner:
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semi |
|
|
Noon |
Gm |
Pool “B” First Place: - Broken Bow Gremlins |
0 |
|
|
16 |
Playoff No. 2 Winner:
- So |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2:00 pm |
Gm |
Championship Final (starting about 2:15pm) |
|
|
|
17 |
W15 - |
2 |
|
|
|
W16 So |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
So
Cal Bombers are 2007 Champions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 6, 2007
Monkton,
Ont
Truly, a Dream Come True
Tourny Wrap-up… 2007
(I apologize for the lateness of this letter, as I am currently in the US
and unable to compose and send to Al’s immediately)
It never ceases to amaze me how fast our week-end fly’s by. Mind you, my
body (and mind) tell me I’ve been far too busy and need to slow down, which
I have done the last few days. Yet still, occurrences and memories of this
tourney- and fastball in general continue to monopolize my thoughts.
The ballpark returned to its normal self Monday, unfortunately. I wish it
could look like that all summer. I feel like an artist who is unsatisfied
with his masterpiece – throwing it away and starting from scratch once
again. It’s not a good feeling, but it is reality.
However, I and my Exec. Committee are very happy and proud. Once again we
raised the bar for ourselves and met it with ease, or so it seems, but it
does not happen with a snap of ones fingers nor is it magic. A vision, a
goal, a plan, and a team to execute the plan are absolutely crucial. Doing
the absolute best job possible is our only option. This past week-end is the
fruit of that compulsion.
We were blessed to have glorious sunny days, cool fresh nights, and
spectacular fastball all week-end long. The final result had the So. Cal
Bombers claiming top honours in our tourney, and is a
true testament that
any one of the approx. top 10 ranked teams have a legit shot at winning the
World’s in Kitchener. Congrats to Kelly McGiffin, Rob
Schick, the Trejo’s –
Ralph Sr. and Jr. and the entire Bombers organization. Equally as impressive
was the Kitchener Hallman Twins, who served notice that they too can and
will contend in every game of every tourney, and relish the opportunity to
walk off with a championship ring on home turf come August.
The week-end was not without disappointment and heartache to a few teams,
yet, as any team in any pro sport can tell you, things don’t and can’t
always go as planned. Hard work, dedication, perseverance, and
professionalism are all traits that every single player and team in Monkton
come with, and the willingness to win fizzes through every fastballers
veins
each time they put on the uniform. Why else would our great game retain it’s
fascination?
Our sport is blessed to have some of the most genuine and caring people in
the world. We read stories about a number of teams and players dedicating
their time and efforts to our youth in hopes of having them carry on the
legacy of our game for generations to come. Part of our intention in
Monkton, is to bring fastball back to it’s glory days. To watch children
play on their lawns, schoolyards, and ball parks – FASTBALL! Some playing
by themselves, mimicking the pitching motion pretending to be a young Darren
Zack or Andrew Kirkpatrick. Or swinging a bat – hitting one “out of the
yard” – as does Travis Wilson, Jody Eidt, and others
too numerous to
mention. We need our children to have dreams, and for them to have
“fastball” dreams should make us all feel like a proud “parent of the game”.
Our inaugural “Sun-Life Day Camp for Kids” was in fact just this. Kids
having fun, making crafts, learning more about the game, and simply just
being at the ballpark. Some of them had their dreams come true when the
entire Broken Bow Gremlin team arrived to interact, answer questions, and
partake in an autograph and picture session at the end of the camp. To see
the smiles, looks, and twinkle in the children’s eyes was priceless and
something even I will never forget. Thanks Sun Life and thank you Gremlins
for fulfilling dreams that day!
Big thanks go to Easton, who sponsored our 2nd edition of the Easton Home
Run Challenge. The 9 participants: Brad Robinson – Jarvis, Dale Levy –
Twins, Pat Shannon – Gremlins, Lois Joglar – Patsy’s,
Pat McKintosh –
Saskatoon, Jeff Goolagong – Farm, Darren Box – So
Cal., Steve Mullaley –
Orillia, and defending champion Travis Wilson – Patsy’s put on a fantastic
show for a huge crowd! Round 1 had Dale Levy, Darren Box, and Travis Wilson
advance to the second round, where everyone watched as Travis put on a “home
run derby hitting clinic” by smacking balls consecutively over the fence –
and all with only 1 “out”. Incredible job Travis – thanks and well done!
I have so many thank you’s to send, I don’t know
where to begin. So here
goes… (I sincerely hope I don’t omit anyone – if so, please accept my
apologies)…
Set-up and tear-down crew – huge thanks! It was hot on Monday and Tuesday!!
Grounds crew – amazing job all week-end!
Umpires – world class once again.
Scoring and announcing crew – excellent!
Broadcasting – well done Steve, George and Al.
Food booth – delicious and with a smile!
Pie & Ice Cream Concessions – scrumptious!
Bar and Beer tent staff – always cold, and with a smile!
Security Staff – must have been good, it’s all still here!
Parking Crew – organized to a ‘T’
Day Camp staff – well done!
Night clean-up crew – immaculate!
Gate staff – welcoming, cheery and friendly…great job!
Arena staff – huge thanks and praise!!
The tourney Executive Committee… words cannot express how I feel, nor will
it do justice to the time and effort you all sacrifice.
It does not happen without you!!!!!
As mentioned earlier, to the teams, players, coaches, managers and
owner/sponsors. It is always a pleasure to not only have you here, but to
work with you all months prior to our event. Classy, friendly, co-operative,
professional, and very friendly are you all. I look forward to seeing you
all soon.
I could write forever, and my time is limited, so I must summarize as such:
To all the fans of this beloved game.
I will speak for not only myself, but for the teams and players too. A
tournament is nothing without fans. The game would not exist without fans.
Your compassion, emotion, and love of the sport is unlike any other. Many
are “regulars” here. Many come from distant places. Many are former players
themselves. But most importantly, each and everyone of you simply love the
game.
Heartfelt thanks, best wishes, and god-speed to all.
World Fastball Invitational
theace012@hotmail.com
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Well one day late
this week but that is due to the July 1st long weekend in Canada.
Results are still
trickling in but for the most part we believe that we have received the bulk of
the results from those tournaments that were scheduled including at least two
that we did not know about.
As is becoming my habit, on those
weekends where there is a lot of activity I have not been sending out updates
to my List as its just too much information to send to over a 1,000 subscribers
at a time. Thus, I am sending this weekly "blog"
to summarize what happened (that we know of) over the weekend. By the
way, I do not use e-mail to send out this newsletter, it’s web-based and
takes about 30 minutes for each issue to go to the subscribers.
As usual, all the results received have been posted to our main site, NEWS-1 at
http://www.alsfastball.com/ and many items have been
posted at NEWS-2 at http://fastpitchwest.com/alsfastball including
many inning by inning updates via my blackberry from the park in beautiful
downtown Monkton where the 4th annual Monkton World Fastball Invitational was
just held, June 28 to July 1.
Those individual inning reports on NEWS-2 are very short and sometimes contain
more than a few spelling errors as I am typing blind (sun) onto a QWERTY
keyboard. My apologies for the spelling errors and shortage of info, but it was
one way to give updates from the park while the game is still on. The erors stay as we cannot remove postings from NEWS-2, they
are there for good.
Luckily in Monkton I have super facilities to work with after each game as I
have access to the Monkton Arena office complete with a high speed connection.
Normally I have updated my main site with a complete game summary within 20
minutes of the end ofeach game. Thanks there to the
professional score keepers in Monkton for handing me a Game Summary Sheet right
after each game. Each game went into the News section of our main site and was
added to the running report from Monkton at http://www.alsfastball.com/uploads/File/Monkton2007.htm
That link is from the Monkton logo on our front page.
Individual reports may be found on the NEWS section of http://www.alsfastball.com/
or you can look at all the July postings at http://www.alsfastball.com/index.php?page=25
and since the weekend covered June and July, you can see the June postings at
http://www.alsfastball.com/index.php?page=142
Now back to the
Monkton tournament. This was the 4th Monkton World Fastball Invitational
tournament and the 3rd for me.
First off, it is an honour and a privilege to be
invited back to the Monkton tournament. It is so easy to see why this annual
event is now regarded by many fans and players as the best or one of the best tournaments
of its kind. A lot of credit goes to
Some personal comments on this year's
Monkton tournament:
The ball: Simply
outstanding! Each day dozens of people would say to me "the ball today was
great", "what a fantastic game", "the ball this weekend was
the best ever", "so many great games on one weekend", and so on.
This was because they had some of the best teams in the world there and they
were evenly matched. There were a lot of very close games, some so-called
upsets, and not a lot of blow outs.
They few games with lopsided scores were not as bad sometimes as the score
might indicate. Example: local teamJarvis Merchants vs The Farm Tavern. This was a close game most of the way
and we saw Brian Urquhart throw five innings of world class fastball (just ask
home plate umpire
Going into the
weekend, everyone had their own predictions on who would play in the
championship on Sunday, for some it was going to be Broken Bow Gremlins vs Patsy's. For others it may have been local favorites
Kitchener Hallman Twins vs that other
The win over
Patsy's set the Twins to face the So Cal Bombers in the Championship Final.
Congratulations to
all the teams that played this weekend in Monkton, you provided a lot of fans
with a great weekend of ball.
Thanks to the people of Monkton for hosting this terrific tournament. Your
hospitality was outstanding and will not be forgotten by the many fans that
came out to enjoy fantastic ball in a great setting.
Thanks to allthe players who traveled no matter how
far this weekend to Monkton to play your best and provide great entertainment
to a large group of your best fans. Some of you came a long way while others
just came down the road a bit, but no matter what the distance, your dedication
to your game is very much appreciated by those people who sit in the stands
each week and cheer you on. Thanks to So Cal for going to bed early so I could
get a few hours of sleep. You did not know I was next door did you? Once again
I enjoyed the hospitality of the Listowel Hilton, aka
the Country Inn http://www.listowelmotel.com/
A special thanks to all the team sponsors who make it
possible for their even to be teams to play in a great tournament like Monkton.
It’s fully appreciated that without you, we would not have this level of ball
to watch. Not only do you give a lot of time and money to build and field your greatteams, but you come out and cheer them on, as well as
becoming part of the experience. I had the pleasure to talk to a number of
sponsors over the weekend, sometimes before and even after they had completed
their games, and what struck me most was the sportsmanship manner you all left
the park with. No matter if you went home early or got to play in the final
game, your professional manner will leave a lasting impression with us all.
I would like to give a special mention to one group that seldom gets the
courtesy of a Thank You and that is the Blue Crew. The Monkton tournament gets
almost as many requests for umpires to work as does the ISC World Tournament
each August. Umpires take their craft seriously and once they have reached a
certain level they all want to work the best tournaments like Monkton and The
Big Show. Umpires apply for and lobby hard to get on the crew for the Monkton
tournament and only the best are selected. Thisyear
saw a rather small contingent of umpires working the games but we saw some of
the best in the business. I was very happy to see
A mix of long in experience blue like Doug Cundall, Brian Sharples and Steve
Bedard who have worked many major senior level
tournaments over the years to some newer guys who have proven their
ability at ISC II Tournament of Champions and ISC World Tournaments. The
Blue Crew sometimes does not have an easy job or an enviable job but they do it
the best they can and the group in Monkton excelled at it.There
will always be some level of controversy in the game; it’s a fast paced
game with the ball, and people moving very fast. When a call is close there
will always be one side pretty happy with the call while the other side may not
be exactly pleased about it. Either way there has to be a well trained and
competent umpire making the call and one way or the other everyone has to work
within the rules of the game. Thank You to the Monkton Blue Crew of 2007.
I should also thank the fans, however this year; I think their greatest thanks came
in the way of great ball for four days in the lovely setting of Monkton. I will
not even attempt to thank anyone individually as I would be sure to miss a few.
We all know who you are, many of you come out to every tournament while others
can only get to a few but make Monkton a regular stop and we all know
why. We had large crowds each evening in Monkton, my guess from 400 on Thursdayevening, to over a thousand on Sunday and lots in
between. Thanks to the many old friends who stopped by to chat while I watched
from the same perch all weekend behind home plate, it was great seeing you
again. And thanks to the many new friends who stopped by to comment on the
reports we turn out. I hope you realize that the major part of what gets posted
on Al's Fastball is written by people like yourselves, fans and players who
care about the game. And a special thanks to the guardian angels of Monkton who
make my job easier and more enjoyable each year.
I had mentioned to my good friend Jim Flanagan that Monkton is a very special
place to visit. I am sure my blood pressure level dropped a dozen points after
I made the turn from
Coming up
next for us is Orillia, another great tournament, July 13 -15. See the
Follow all the action this summer at:
Al's
Fastball News
*Email: fastball@pmihrm.com
NEWS-1: http://www.AlsFastball.com/
NEWS-2: http://fastpitchwest.com/alsfastball
Our
Sponsor: http://www.pmihrm.com/
Friday, June 29, 2007
Monkton,
Ont.
Although the temps were much cooler than they've been of late, it certainly
didn't dampen the enthusiasm and spirit of fastball fans and players as we
officially kicked off the 2007 edition of the World Fastball Invitational
last night in Monkton.
Some extremely hot, and humid weather made way for
some much needed cooler,
fresher air through the night on Wed. and as a result has made the temps
feel that much cooler, although as the players all said - "it's great for
playin ball though!"
Approx 400 fans were on hand for the opening ceremonies and the first two
games of the tourny.
Game #1 saw a great pitching duel between the Twins Don Scott, and
their spots extremely well. If not for a first inning double by Todd Budke
(the only real blemish on Holoeins stats) that scored
Jody Eidt (leadoff
walk), the game would have certainly went into extra innings. GREAT GAME!!
Game #2 was another pitchers game. Korrey Gareau battled with Brian
Urquhart and the game was very tight up until the 6th inning, when the bats
came alive for the Farm. The final score is not a true indication of just
how tight this game was. Play of the game (possibly the tourny!!)
was made
by Rino Dambrosio - RF for
Jarvis, as he made an incredible flat-out
horizontal diving catch on a ball that was lined hard to right-centre by
Colin Abbot that had double (or triple) written all over it.
An inning or two later he gunned down a Farm runner at the plate, who
attempted to tag from third after a pop out to right.
I must apologize to everyone who attempted to catch the live broadcast via
the internet. CKNX had technical difficulties for the first 5 innings I'm
told - and thus the streaming was not available. They would like to
apologize sincerely as well, and welcome everyone to catch the final game on
Sunday at 2:00pm.
The night had great atmospere, (- as is always the
case in Monkton) , great
games on the field, and great crowds!
Bring your sunscreen - during the day the sun will be out!!! , and a light
sweater or jacket when the sun goes down tonight.
Forecast for the rest of the week-end is nothing but sunny skies, warm temps
during the day - cool at night, and nealry a 0% percent chance of rain the
entire week-end!!!
Gotta run....
World Fastball Invitational
theace012@hotmail.com
www.monktonfastball.com
www.alsfastball.com
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Monkton,
Ont
After another night of very little sleep, I awake this morning to an
absolutely gorgeous sunrise, complete with fresher cooler air and glorious
blue skies - what a great way to start a fastball tourny!
Good morning all!
I began to compose this posting at approx 5:30am, and have somehow managed
to burn an hour and a half of time doing all of my last minute "computer,
web, email, and press" related business. How time fly's by when you need
it
the most.
Late yesterday, and into the night, Southwestern Ontario had a few
thunderstorms roll through and we antipated getting
some much needed help
from Mother Nature in having some rain fall on our very dry, hard lawns and
fields. In various areas nearby, they got the rain they needed - for now.
But in Monkton, we were (unfortunately) spared the rains and our lawns may
turn a little more "sun dried yellow". BUT - the outfield grass at
the
ballpark looks fantastic - as does the entire park, as it has been abuzz
with an army of people preparing it for the thousands of fans who will
decend upon our little village for the greatest
week-end in fastball!
The weather forecast for Monkton:
Thurs night - partly cloudy, 20% chance of rain, 21 degrees
Friday - sunny, 0% chance of rain, 23 degrees
Saturday - sunny, 10% chance of rain, 22 degrees
Sunday - sunny, 0% chance of rain, 22 degrees.
The weather system that rolled through last night has definitely cooled
things off, as we were stuck in some awfully hot, humid, sticky days here.
I must get going, but I once again want to re-iterate a few words of thanks:
-to Labatt's, Sun Life, Coke, Easton, CKNX and a list of hundreds more
business who support and assist with our tourny.
-to the approx 200 volunteers who make our event happen
-Al Doran for his on site reporting
-the press and media for their promotion and coverage leading up to the
tourny
- all the teams - players, coaches, managers, owners.
- the umpiring crew
- our scoring and announcing crews
- the set-up and tear-down crews
- the kitchen and bar crews
- our parking and gate attendants
And of course - our Executive!!! Please thank any or all of these people
you see this week-end. As I said in an earlier post, good things don't
happen without good people, and in Monkton, we have the best!!
See you all at the park!!!
World Fastball Invitational
theace012@hotmail.com
www.monktonfastball.com
www.alsfastball.com
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Monkton,
Ont
Once again we are very pleased to have CKNX
on hand at the 2007 edition of
the World Fastball Invitational, as they will not only broadcast the final
game, but will also the opening night game between the Kitchener Hallman
Twins and the Saskatoon Aspen Interior Black Sox.
The opening ceremonies get under way at 7:15 , and the
first pitch of game
#1 slated for 7:35pm
You can catch all the action at www.am920.ca
and click on the "listen
live" box near the upper right of your screen.
CKNX sports broadcaster Steve Sabourin will once
again be doing the
play-by-play, and George Nahrgang doing the colour.
Many thanks to am920, FM101.7, and 94.5 The Bull for
their promotion and
marketing of our event!!
World Fastball Invitational
theace012@hotmail.com
www.monktonfastball.com
www.alsfastball.com
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Monkton, Ont
Following on the heels of an extremely successful
inaugural competition, we
are very anxious to once again host the Easton Home Run Challenge in
Monkton, as part of the World Fastball Invitational.
On Friday June 29, the
games premier long-ball hitters will no doubt wow the
crowd - as they did last year! , and give their best in hopes of capturing
the crown and win an
But not only do the participants get a chance to win, but kids 12 and under
have a chance to win $500.00 of
to fill out a ballot (at the
draw 9 ballots prior to the competition, and those names drawn will be
paired up with one the sluggers. (and will wear that
players jersey AND sit
on the bench with the other players watching the event!!) The player
hitting the most home-runs wins - and so does their "junior slugger"
to whom
they were paired with!!
RULES:
- each team will nominate a player to compete in the competition
- each participant MUST use an Easton bat (either their own, or one of the
many demo's provided by Easton)
- there will be 2 rounds of competition, with each hitter being allowed 10
"outs" (an "out" being: any ball hit in fair territory that
does not go
over the outfield home-run fence)
- the top 3 hitters from round 1 will advance to a second round, and will be
given another 10 "outs" for round 2. ( in
the event of a tie, we will
proceed to a third round of 5 "outs")
- hitters must provide their own pitcher for the
competition
Last years event drew a HUGE crowd, and we expect the same this year!
Arrive to the park early to get a good seat!!
Many thanks to our
sponsorship, promotion, and generosity for this great event!!
World Fastball Invitational
Brian
theace012@hotmail.com
www.monktonfastball.com
www.alsfastball.com
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Monkton,
Ont.
After a long, HOT, gruelling day setting up the park
to host the 2007
edition of the World Fastball Invitational, I am simply overjoyed to
announce that we have another "large corporation" who has jumped
on-board
and is eager to be a part of our prestigious tournament.
Sun Life Financial ( www.sunlife.ca
) , one of the leading investment and
insurance company's in the country, have announced their intentions to
become a major player in the World Fastball Invitational, and we - the
Executive Committee of the tourny are absolutely
delighted!
Being an "eleventh hour" addition, I would thus like to announce that
we
have the "Sun Life Kids Day Camp"
for kids on Saturday for kids aged 3 - 11
FREE OF CHARGE, as well as the "Sun Life History of Local Fastball" display
all week-end long in the arena lobby adjacent to the ballpark.
Having such great sponsors in Labatt's www.budlight.ca ,
www.eastonsports.com , Coca Cola www.icoke.ca , and many others, this comes
as great news for the tourny and for major mens fastball in general. The
game needs companies such as these to gain the spotlight and attention it
deserves, and we are doing everything we can to raise the awareness of our
great game.
More tourny info to follow....
www.monktonfastball.com
www.alsfastball.com
World Fastball Invitational
theace012@hotmail.com
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monkton,
Ont.
The forecast for Monkton looks fantastic! Having just checked on various
weather reports, I am delighted to pass this along:
Wed evening - thunderstorms (we need the rain!!!)
Thurs - sunny, 10% chance of precip. 26 degrees
Friday - sunny, 0% of precip. , 25 degrees
Sat. - sunny, 10% chance of precip., 25 degrees
Sunday - sunny, 0% of precip. , 25 degrees
PERFECT WEATHER FOR FASTBALL!!
More posts to follow, including the rules and format of the Easton Home Run
Challenge.
Visit
www.monktonfastball.com
www.eastonsports.com
www.budlight.ca
www.alsfastball.com
World Fastball Invitational
theace012@hotmail.com
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monkton, Ont.
The official countdown has begun!!
At this very moment, the HUGE Bud-Light beer tent is being erected, and
thus, signaling the official countdown to the opening pitch
of the World
Fastball Invitational 2007!
The weather has been extremely hot and dry in the area for the past few
weeks, and if this pattern holds true I strongly urge all who read this to
bring your sunscreen! (the new sprinkler system may be
a godsend!!, and NO,
fans are not allowed on the diamond to run through it!! )
I must also mention that our little village looks fantastic, once again!
Hanging flowers, flags, bows and bunting – our way of “welcoming the world”,
which has become tradition for our townsfolk.
To all the players, coaches, team managers, owners, and of course FANS, I
personally want to welcome you once again to the greatest week-end in
fastball! I would like to thank the teams and their management in advance
for their professionalism and dedication not only to this tourney, but to
the game itself. You are great people.
Something that I have yet to mention in detail, is our
“History of Local
Fastball”, which will be on display in the lobby of the arena all week-end
for your perusal and enjoyment. A team of “fastball veterans” from the area
have collaborated and collected memorabilia, newspaper clippings and
stories, jersey’s and uniforms, as well as trophy’s and plaques from the
by-gone era. Take a few minutes to enjoy and reminisce – I’m sure some great
stories will echo afterwards.
I will send further updates each day as we approach the opening pitch, and
provide further information on the schedule of events for the entire
week-end.
Visit www.monktonfastball.com
www.eastonsports.com
www.budlight.ca
www.alsfastball.com
World Fastball Invitational
theace012@hotmail.com
Friday, June 22, 2007
PRESS RELEASE
Monkton Ont
June 21, 2007
We are now down to less than a week away from the 4th edition of the World
Fastball Invitational in Monkton, and final preparations have begun to
ensure the 2007 version lives up to it's billing as "the finest week-end
in
fastball".
With the recent "test series" between
the area, I had the opportunity to hear from fans and players, just how
excited they are in anticipation of our event. Many asked what is new? What
are you doing this year? How can it possibly be any better?...
Well, first - we've added an in-ground sprinkler/irrigation system to the
infield to keep the dust down during those hot, dry summer days, and to also
solidify the reputation we boast of having one of the premier infields in
the game.
Second, we are hosting a FOOD-DRIVE promotion in conjunction with the Easton
Home Run Challenge www.eastonsports.com
on Friday evening to benefit our
local food banks. Anyone 18 and under that brings a non-perishable food
item can fill out a ballot for a chance to win Leafs/Raptors, London Knights
tickets. We will also once again give youngsters who arrive at the park in
their team uniform a chance to win the opportunity to be paired up with one
of the 9 Home Run Challenge particpants in hopes of
that player winning the
competition AND $500.00 in Easton gear for their team!! Kids - visit the
Third, we are doing something new this year - by having a "Day Camp"
for
kids aged 3-11. Parents can bring their children to the park on Saturday and
our certified and trained Child Care team will show them a day to remember!
- complete with games, crafts, amusement gym, and an
autograph session with
the players!!!! Parents interested in having their children enrolled can
pre-register by visiting our website www.monktonfastball.com
We will once again have the Softball Ontario tent on-site, promoting and
educating parents and younsters about our wonderful
game, as well as the ISC
World Tournament Host Committee from the Kitchener on site to promote the
World Championships in Aug. http://www.kwfastball.com/
As always, we will feature all the great food and drink that has made us
famous - avail. all week-end long outside in the huge Bud-Light beer tent
www.budlight.ca
as well as the Sat night Beef B-B-Q, and the traditional
Sunday morning Firemens Brunch. - oh,
and of course those delicious Anna
Mae's pies and ice cream!
And what WFI would be complete without some great live entertainment!!!
Need An Elevator will perform in the arena Sat. night. Tickets are going
fast, so get them soon!!!
As mentioned in previous postings here on Al's , we will not only be
broadcasting our final game this year, but our opening night game as well!
CKNX www.am920.ca
will be your link to click to catch all the action
live!! You can also catch all the pre-tourny
interviews with team owners,
managers and coaches and ads. by listening to the
7:00am and 8:00am
news(sports)
Stay tuned here for more info in the coming days!
World Fastball Invitational
theace012@hotmail.com
www.monktonfastball.com
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Monkton,
ON - June 28 - July 1, 2007
World Fastball
Invitational – 2007
Official
Tournament Rules & Prize Money Breakdown:
1
– ISC Rules of play are used
2
– 2 out – runner for catcher rule.
3
– home team to be decided by coin toss by umpires or
“chairman” at home plate prior
to start of each game.
4
– International tie-breaker in effect to start 8th inning (and each
thereafter) of play.
5
– Mercy Rule – 10 runs after 3 innings
- 7 runs after 5 innings
- ** final game will be 10 runs after
5innings**
6
– 3-man umpiring crew for each game, 4 man crew for finals.
7
– The following rules will apply in the event of ties after round-robin portion
to determine seedings:
a)
if two teams are tied, the winner of the head-to-head matchup between tied teams will be seeded higher.
b)
if three (or more) teams are tied:
- team
with LEAST runs AGAINST in head-to-head will be seeded higher.
If still tied:
-
team with MOST runs FOR in head-to-head will be seeded higher.
**Once
three or 4 way tie winner is determined, remaining teams revert back to rule 7 a to break remaining tie.
**ALL
GAMES including FINALS must be played to completion!! (or
as determined by tourney chairman.) Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of
ALL prize monies won, or (possibly) won.
NOTE : Prior to start of opening
& final game, chairman will meet with both participating teams to set
guidelines for “time allotted” between innings (for pitcher warm-up) due to
broadcasting requirements.
Any further questions,
feel free to email, ask me PRIOR to start of tourney!
theace012@hotmail.com
Prize Money Breakdown
- each round-robin win $250.00 (0 for loss)
- 1st round of
play-offs; winner gets $1000.00 (0 for
loss)
-
2nd round of play-offs/semi-finals: winner gets $1500.00 (0
for loss)
-
final game: $2000.00 winner take
all! (FINAL GAME MUST BE PLAYED!!)
Thanks fellas – lookin forward to it
all!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Monkton,
June 28 - July 1, 2007
Welcome, to the fourth edition of the World Mens
Fastball Invitational here in our wonderful little village. Fastball season is
back, and what a great start we’ve had to the Major/Senior Men’s season in various
locales across
Thousands of you already know what I mean. For those of you who
don’t, I encourage you to join us for great food, drink, entertainment, and the
very best fastball on the planet.
We take great pride in knowing that we are considered by many to
be the best tourney in the world, and strive towards excellence by continuing
to raise the bar for ourselves each and every year. This year, we not only
feature perhaps the finest roster of participating teams in a tournament-
anywhere on the continent, but have added such amenities as an in-ground
water/sprinkler system to the field, a Day Camp for youngsters, a history of
“local” fastball display, and karaoke on Friday night in the beer-tent.
As a result of our success, to date we have raised “tens
of thousands” of dollars that stay right here in our community to
assist various charities, service clubs, minor sports programs, churches, and
volunteer groups. Each and every year-all year round, our tournament executive
committee dedicates countless hours of their valuable time to ensure this event
goes off without a hitch. But one man in particular deserves much more credit
than anyone could imagine. He is the true “backbone” of our committee. Tim DeBlock is a leader, a visionary, a pillar in the
community, a businessman, a loving father and husband, and a friend to us all.
His contributions to this event are immeasurable, and for that we are very
grateful. I must also mention the other members of our committee – for they too
are to be thanked for their dedication, professionalism, and extreme hard
work. Sandra Machan,
Tammy Machan, Kevin Quipp, Barb
Smith, Al Stewart, Doug McEwen, Bill Young, Walter Nicholson, Ruby Smith,
“Tiny” Bowman, Doug Scholl, and Steve Wolfe.
When you see any of these people during the event,(which you will recognize by their ID tags), please take a
moment to stop and thank them. Good things don’t happen without good people,
and here in Monkton, we have the best!
See you at the park!
theace012@hotmail.com
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Monkton,
Ont.
I am pleased to announce the official tournament schedule for the 2007
edition of the World Fastball Invitational in the wonderful
As many of you already know - or have read on earlier postings here on Al's,
our field of teams is once again one of the finest you will see all summer,
and is truly represents the "who's-who" of the senior mens circuit. With
such parity among the top 8 to 10 teams, it can be "anyone's game" on
any
given week-end.
Without further adue, here are the pools and schedule:
POOL A:
Patsy's -
Kitchener Hallman Twins
Saskatoon Aspen Black Sox
Southern California Bombers
POOL B:
Gremlins/Broken Bow
Farm Tavern
Jarvis Merchants
Thurs 7:15pm - Opening Ceremonies
7:30 Twins vs.
9:30 Farm vs. Jarvis
Fri 1:00pm
3:00 So.
5:00 Twins vs. Patsy's
7:00
8:00 Gremlins vs Farm
Sat 8:00am So.
10:00 Gremlins vs. Jarvis
NOON Gremlins vs
2:00 Farm vs
4:00 Twins vs. So. Cal.
6:00 Sask. vs. Patsy's
8:00 (Playoff #1) A3 vs B2
Sun. 8:00am (Playoff #2) A2 vs B3
10:00 (Semi #1) A1 vs Playoff #1 winner
NOON (Semi #2) B1 vs Playoff #2 winner
2:00 FINALS
More details will follow regarding the complete schedule of events off the
field, as well as the format for the EASTON HOME RUN CHALLENGE, the "kids
camp" on Saturday, and much more.
World Fastball Inv.
theace012@hotmail.com
ATTENTION
MINOR SOFTBALL
You and Your
Team or Association
Are invited to
attend the
2nd
Annual
For your chance to WIN
$500.00
of
Date: Friday
June 29th
Time: 7:00PM
Where:
How: Come
to the ball park in your team’s jersey or uniform and bring a food donation for
the
BONUS: Bring your
Brothers, Sisters and friends and as long as they are 12 and under and bring a
food donation they are FREE as well.
Parents and anyone over 12 are admitted at HALF PRICE.
For More Information contact:
Tim DeBlock 519-347-2526
Kevin Quipp
519-347-4114
Jason Phelan 519-527-1758