Toast of the town

Danielle Shugarue photo

Players in the Mosquito Division of the Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Baseball program hold up their hardware after the year-end banquet at the Mount Peyton Hotel on Aug. 31. Pictured from left; Ryan Ricketts, Tyler Anthony, Michael Maher, Michael Hurdle and

Published on September 9th, 2010

Danielle Shuagrue

Ball players celebrate successful season at banquet

The Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Baseball Association went out in style at their summer program year-end banquet on Aug. 31. The event was hosted by the Mount Peyton Hotel and featured presentations to players of the association and its supporters in recognition of another successful year.

The program increased to over 115 participants that made up five levels of players who hit the field seven days a week to have fun and work on their skills.

Awards were presented to each division for Most Dedicated, Best Defensive Player, Top Pitcher, Top Batter and Most Valuable Player followed by overall award winners.

With several medals collected from various tournaments and a provincial AA title from a mosquito team headed to Atlantics in Nova Scotia, this year the association has had a successful season on the field.

All coaches in Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Baseball are certified level one coaches, a policy which ensures the kids are getting the training they deserve to reach the level they choose.

“We also make it a point for parents that are volunteering to help out we encourage them to get the level one certification,” said Doug Kelly, the association’s president. “It’s pretty user friendly, but it gives them the opportunity to be better versed in the mechanics of baseball.”

Kelly realized the difference it made when he first got involved with the sport when his children showed interest.

“I didn’t grow up in a baseball town. I moved here and my kids grew up in baseball,” he said. “I thought I just can’t be on the outside looking in, I have to get in there. I was encouraged to take the certification and I’ve acquired knowledge and learning some of the mechanics of baseball. I wouldn’t classify myself as a great coach, but I will say I’m a great student for coaching.”

Kelly acknowledged the skill set that the current coaching staff has and that the parents are keen observers; two factors that have helped progress minor baseball.

“We welcome them on to the team - whether it’s as a field coach or even on the bench going through the lineups and working with the kids. We take pride on our coaches.”

With the successes the coaches have helped the players receive, they have needed support from the community to keep the players travelling to competitive tournaments like the upcoming Atlantics. Kelly said they have received nothing but generosity from the community and its businesses, which they have been receiving in some cases before having to ask.

With minor baseball moving forward, the future looks bright for the summer pastime and its players.

Minor players rewarded for their efforts:

Mosquito Division

Gold Glove - Michael Maher

Top Batter - Mark Janes

Top Pitcher - Michael Hurdle

Most Dedicated - Tyler Anthony

MVP - Ryan Ricketts

Peewee Division

Gold Glove - R.J Roberts

Top Batter - Lucas Hillier

Top Pitcher - Michael Lewis