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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-07-28, Page 9Erom the sidelines Could they outplay the ladies? By Hugh Nichol Midwestern Ontario has always enjoyed a strong rela­ tionship with intermediate softball dating back to 1945 when the WOAA first introduced a men’s and ladies’ intermediate “A” division for championship playdowns. Today numerous Bluewater, South Perth and Huron County Fastball League teams co-exist within a\Mark McGwire homerun of each other, all built on the same solid foundation of letting locals provide the entertainment. One of the area’s most loyal supporters has been the village of Brussels, home to this weekend’s 28th annual invitational fastball tournament. Its success is a tribute to the knowledge and loyalty of our fans for unlike other tournaments that have been forced to reduce or revamp, Brussels has retained the same 16 team format first introduced in 1973. My first introduction to intermediate softball was made during the 1960s era of the Tri­ County, a highly successful local homebrew league. In 1964 Brussels entered a team into the association’s south division alongside Walton, Moncrieff, Cranbrook, Ethel and Jamestown and eventually became the league’s centrepiece attraction for one simple reason. Victoria Park was equipped with lights allowing for nighttime baseball, a major step in the survival of the league as the majority of players were of agricultural employment and often could not begin their recreation until after sunset. Although I am sure Brussels was always a contender, and I assume Moncrieff was better than average to win four of five league titles, in the mid 1960s my most vivid recollection involves the Jamestown pitching and catching duo Neil and Dave Gowing. While many may have been as good, none were better, for it was their dominance that led Jamestown to three consecutive and four of the league’s last five championships. By mid 1970s interest in the Tri-* County had wavered and in 1975 Brussels was accepted into the South Perth League. Two seasons later the retirement of several veterans and the uncertainty of future prospects brought an end to our village’s intermediate men’s softball program. There was however never a lack of public support and after a three year absence a second generation of intermediate ball players took the field. Shortly thereafter the Junior Tigers were formed and for the next three summers Brussels enjoyed its first crosstown rivalry. When the second team of intermediates disbanded following the 1984 season the Tigers dropped their junior denomination allowing the legacy of intermediate ball to continue. In 1993 yet another intermediate team was formed and until their recent demise the Bulldogs and Tigers recreated the battle for Brussels supremacy. No history of intermediate ball in Brussels could be complete without mention of Ritchie’s Rockets, a colourful, exciting, completely unpredictable but very successful ball club. Founded by our own Ken Ritchie for the purpose of tournament play it was Ritchie’s strong with the glove, average with the bat, but number one in heart personality that fueled the Rockets. Today they remain the only Brussels team to have their name engraved on a Brussels Fastball Tournament trophy, a feat accomplished in 1973 with a victory over a Stratford pitcher whose style was so unorthodox only Louis Ebel could appreciate its intricacy. So which team was the best in our softball history? The question isn’t whether it was the 1969 Tri­ County champions, or the 1973 Rockets, or even the 1997 Tigers, winners of the HCFL title as well as the WOAA Grand Championship but more importantly would any of them have outplayed our 1948 ladies’ team. Local match-up The Brussels U-9 I and III teams took to the soccer field on Monday, July 19 in regular season play. Evenly matched, the squads were neck and neck with the U-9 I squad squeaking out a 3-2 victory. Ashley Gropp photo) Mites taste victory Wolves have good season With well over half the season behind them, Brussels Wolves’ coaches Paul and Kathy Sebastian are proud of how the Wolves have played together as a team. They all enjoy goaltending, they practise good defensive skills and great passing. The Wolves played the Rugrats on July 7. Nic Gowing of the Wolves scored less than a minute into the game. Gowing scored another followed by one from Heather Hill. Gowing scored three more and Ty Sebastian got two, ending the game 8 - 0 for the Wolves. Meagan Dolmage was the captain for the Wolves against the Lions on July 14. Dolmage started at centre with a great kick to begin the fast-paced game. Patti Blake, Marlene Dale and Holly Sholdice did great goaltending for the Wolves. Lane Sebastian got a piece of the ball that night. Kabrina Bishop and Hill were running hard as forwards. Austin Steffler was playing good on defense. Sebastian scored six goals and Gowing got MEETING NOTICE TOWNSHIP MORRIS The Morris Township Council Meetings will be held in August as listed: 1/ Tuesday, August 10, 1999 7:30 p.m. 2/ Tuesday, August 24,1999 7:30 p.m. LHEALTH on the hillj A Review of activities at SEAFORTH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Farewell to Monica Ruston of Mitchell, Ont. who has been a familiar face in the Physiotherapy Dept. She is concluding a 6 week placement in conclusion of her Occupational & Physiotherapy Assistant Course requirement through Conestoga College. Congratulations and Best Wishes for your future Monica upon your upcoming graduation. It was a solid victory for the Blyth Mites, July 22 when they hosted Varna. The visitors got an early lead helped by a triple. In the home half, Blyth got two walks cashed in by doubles. Vam^ came back in their inning scoring from several singles. Blyth U-9 teams tie Home field advantage helped the Brussels l U-9 soccer squad to a 2- 2 tie against Newton, July 5. Thomas Cronin and Ben Gowing scored for Brussels. Solid performances by the entire team made for an exciting game. Brussels headed to Listowel, July 12 to take on their #2 squad. Tak­ ing and maintaining control, Brus­ sels players put six in the net while stopping some great shots by Lis­ towel. Scoring for Brussels were William King (two), Gowing (two), Taylor Prior and Danica Zwep with Continued on page 10 left them standing on all three bags in the bottom of the inning. A tag-out at third ended the top of the third and helped by many walks Blyth took the win 17-8. Pitchers for the home squad were Erin Moore and Kendall Whitfield. Catching was Justin Ritc.ae. one. The Lions’ Alex Raynard scored their only goal. The game ended 7- 1 for the Wolves. The Brussels Sprouts played the Wolves on July 21. It was a very close game. The Wolves managed to score two by Gowing and Sebastian. SEAFORTH MEDICAL CLINIC REMINDS PATIENTS of Dr. Woldnik and Dr. Zettel To contact the clinic for appointments and other health needs, and to bear with us as we seek replacement physicians. Welcome to Teresa Snell currently enrolled and going into her last year in B.Sc in Physiotherapy Program at University of Western Ontario. We trust you will gain many practical and clinical skills as you interact with our clients in the Rehab. Dept. “MORNING OUT” New Parent Support Group please note, there will be NO SESSION Friday, JULY 30th. 1999. $500.00 BURSARY OFFERED Seaforth Hospital Auxiliary invites eligible students (resident of the Seaforth Community Hospital catchment area as defined by Seaforth Community Hospital Board of Directors) and accepted by a College or University approved by the Ministry of Education in a course leading to a health related career, to apply. Application forms available by contacting Nursing Office 527- 3001. Application Deadline: ALL applications must be received at the Nursing Office no later than Friday, August 13,1999. APPLICATIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE TEEN VOLUNTEERS are being accepted now for orientation in September. Any interested teen is requested to contact Frances Teatero, Teen Volunteer Co-ordinator by calling 519-522-1979 for further information. HOSPITAL AUXILIARY QUILT FUNDRAISER tickets are now avaible ($1.00 ea. or 3 for $2.00) on a beautiful hand made quilt donated by Doris Allin. Draw to be made at the Seaforth Fall Fair. Tickets can be obtained from any Hospital Auxiliary Member or inquire at Hospital Switchboard. CHILD FIND ONTAIRO acknowledge their sincerest appreciation to all who generously donated toward their recent “Green Ribbon of Hope” campaign. Thanks for your contributions, “Hope” is more than just a word.