CANADIAN NATIONAL OLDTIMERS’ BASEBALL FEDERATION NOTE: Please pass this newsletter around,
or make copies for your players. Share the information.
NEWSLETTER MAY 2009 TOURNAMENT 2011
November 30 this year is the deadline for bids to be submitted for the next tournament in the Central Region. This region finally includes teams from the province of Quebec, which leaves Newfoundland as the only province that has never participated in our tournament. Information on how to develop your bid can be obtained from the secretary.
NEWSLETTER PARTICIPATION
We thank this newsletter’s contributors: Bob Spence, Gary Duke, Gord Leduchowski, George Purdy, Sam Lamb, Lyle Lorenz, and Jim Hambrook. Watch for their articles as you read through the newsletter.
PLAYER POOL
If you know players who want to play in the national tournament, but do not play for you because of age, distance, etc., put them in contact with Gary Duke. He will make every effort to place individual players on a team that may be a couple of players short. This worked well for last year’s tournament. Gary can be reached by phone at 613-225-4547 or at southpawproduction@sympatico.ca (no ‘s’ after production). For further details, check the national website www.canadianoldtimersbaseball.ca and check the bottom of the Home page.
2009 TOURNAMENT
As we prepare for our return visit to Yarmouth, NS, you need to be reminded that if you have not booked your hotel and sent in your deposit cheque, you may be too late. Accommodations for all of our tournaments need to be made early because we are playing in the middle of the summer, which is usually a peak time for tourism across Canada. Host teams also need lead time to prepare for the incoming teams. Information like, how many teams will be participating, and in which age group, is absolutely critical information. The pools and schedule, which everyone wants to know about, can not be done at the last minute. It often requires weeks of preparation to make the schedule as fair as possible for all teams. Hopefully no teams will be disappointed.
CONTACT LIST
If you have changed your mailing address, your e-mail address, or your phone number, please notify the secretary immediately so that we do not lose contact with you. Some September newsletters came back through Canada Post and e-mails. Tracking you down may be impossible, depending on who knows you and if they still have contact with you. If you really want to lose touch with us, that is also easy. Contact the secretary and we will change you from our “Contact List” to our “Do not call” list.
DATE OF BIRTH INFORMATION
It was decided at the 2007 AGM in Red Deer that players’ ages should be kept on file. When you enter a team in the national tournament, you will be required to include on your roster list, or the waiver form for each player, full date of birth (DOB) information for all players.
COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS TO THE MEMBERS
…from Bob Spence of the Hamilton Hobos When 45 is not 45? What is one tournament organizer's 45, is another organizer's 44. If you have one or more players close to the minimum qualification age for a tourney, such as a "45-plus" tournament, it is always worthwhile asking the tournament organizer just how he, she or they define 45. Some keep 45 as the minimum age; others allow anyone who will turn 45 the year of the tourney to play. And some tournament organizers use other criteria to determine eligibility. For example, Dan Radobenko, who runs the annual Welland, (Ontario) tournament (and capably co-ordinates the Ontario 45-plus and 50-plus tournaments), sets the minimum age for the 45-plus tournies he runs, as anyone who is in his 45th year. That means that a player who turns 44 the day before the tournament starts and who will not be 45 until the following year - is eligible. If you are entering a tournament for the first time, or returning to one that has been running for so many years that such things as minimum age eligibility are taken for granted, consider asking what the actual minimum age is.
format in order for it to be clearly understood for all. This alleviates rephrasing, rewording and/or miscommunications when process of seconding a motion occurs. 2. Voting by show of cards for decisionmaking process is a very open and acceptable format. 3. Each motion must be voted on without an attachment or amendment. 4. Umpiring staff must be familiar and consistent with CNOBF rules to ensure fair application to all: i.e. re designated batter rule/application. For this situation, up to and including 3 names must be identified on the game card prior to the start of game, not added after the game starts. 5. I would support the decision that CNOBF award rings to the Tier I winners of each age category. Entry fees should be boosted to reflect the additional cost for this. 6. The timing of the opening ceremonies in Hamilton was ideal-if not the best time frameafter the first game was played. 7. Suggestion of a sign-in form for use at this tournament whereby each team's roster lists each player's name and space is provided for that player to sign in (once only) before playing (similar to OBA form). This ensures a complete roster/player verification for teams, officials and scorekeepers. 8. Secure additional funding from any level of government. 9. Manage time more efficiently during games: i.e. removal of catcher as soon as he reaches base. Should the batter (catcher) hit a triple after 2 men are out, and be followed by a batter who pops up on first pitch, he may need additional time to change and adjust to playing on an extremely hot day. When the batter (catcher) reaches base and is then substituted by a runner, he not only gains more time to get back into the game, but also allows the game to carry on with minimal delay.
…from Sam Lamb, the 82 year-old mastermind behind the Tillsonburg Old Sox (Editor’s Note: This is an e-mail sent to many of last year’s participating teams) I am giving some feedback for your consideration. I am pleased to say that the AGM was run with professionalism and a good deal of organization. 1. It would be more beneficial to have motions handed into the chair in a written
…from George Purdy (Yarmouth) Baseball in South Western Nova Scotia 2008 It has been a pretty busy schedule for the Yarmouth based teams with the Yarmouth Red Knight Old-timers winning 3 out of the 4 tournaments they played in, losing in the finals in the tournament that they lost. We have just finished our 23 Annual Donnie MacDonald over 35 Baseball Tournament this past week-end (09/14/08) with the Petit de Grat Red Caps beating the Yarmouth Red Knights 5 to 3 in the finals. It was a very successful tournament with 10 teams participating. We had quite a bit of rain on Friday night taking one field out for the entire week-end and a second field not fit to use Saturday, but we managed to revert to another field and our major field Gateway Park held up in good shape. There was a lot of talk between the clubs about the 2009 Canadian championship being held in Yarmouth with five of the teams that I know of booking accommodations for next year. If for any reason you can’t make the Nationals next year in Yarmouth in August, you can always come to our annual tournament in mid September. Keith Bridgeo has most of his former 2006 executive on board and they have had a couple of preliminary meetings after being handed the 2009 Canadian Oldtimers Championship at this late date. There should be no problem as Keith and his staff are very capable of the task in hand and with so much experience, they will be trying to improve on 2006, which anyone that attended knows, that will be quite a feat. Their website is not up yet, but should be shortly. Hope to see a lot of old friends and many new ones at the 2009 Championships in Yarmouth Nova Scotia. (Editor’s Note: The website is up and running at www.canadianoldtimersbaseball.ca . I first met George at the 1993 tournament in Hamilton. It is nice to hear from the “original” tournament participants who are still involved.)
…from Gord Leduchowski (Chatfield, Manitoba) “Let's keep playing ball.” My name is Gordon Leduchowski. I am 59 years old and like all of you still love to play baseball. I have arthritis in my left wrist and have knees that get sore after playing and hurt when I get out of bed. My wrist and knees no longer hurt, I sleep better and have more energy since I was introduced to a great product called Monavie. Monavie is a high antioxident juice made up of 19 different exotic fruits from around the world. The crown jewel of the monavie blend is acai, a fruit grown in Brazil, that is known for many health benefits for both men and women. The Boston Red Sox have many of their ballplayers using monavie as well as many other athletes and people. Monavie has 3 different formulas each with 19 fruits. Monavie: This premier formula delivers essential antioxidents and phytonutrients to help fight free radicals and maintain your body's overall health. Monavie Active (the monavie I use): This advanced formula features the added benefit of plant-derived glucosomine to target joint mobility and flexibility while supporting your body's performance and recovery. Monavie Pulse: Monavie pulse nutritionally supports your cardiovascular system. With added heart health benefits derived from plant sterols, resveratrol, and omega 3 fatty acids, maintaining existing healthy cholesterol levels has never been easier. For further information call 1-204-255-7055 or email me at gleduch@mts.net Editor’s Note: Gord is member of the C.N.O.B.F. As such, the Federation is printing Gord’s letter, but is neither endorsing nor disapproving of this product. If one other person elects to use this product and meets with success, then the decision to present this information has been worthwhile.
…from Jim Hambrook (Burlington Vintage Baseball) B.V.B Turns 10!!! B.V.B will celebrate 10 years of Vintage baseball activity this year and have added a 10th Club team to commemorate the anniversary. B.V.B is the Home of the Vintage 49er program, and current back to back National Champion (35) Black 49er’s. The 49er’s “nickname” was tagged as a dedication/ memorial to former league member Paul Depodesta who was an original league member and participated in three national Championships prior to his passing in 2005. B.V.B entered four 49er teams at the ‘08 Nationals in Hamilton Black -35 Blue – 35 Grey – 44 Silver - 50 color coded nicknames to represent division. (blue was a trial balloon) I would be interested in floating some discussion around the designation of “Old Timers” vs “Vintage” As Canadians we seem to fall into the “Infamous Hockey Trap”. Old-timers is clearly a hockey term that defines hockey; it has been used for years to define so called Old timers hockey leagues across the country, Baseball has always been defined by its own language and some traditional names that represent an age group: Tyke, Pee-Wee, Bantam, Midget, Juvenile, Junior, Senior and (KLUNK!) Old Timers……Triple A, double A, Single A, Sand Lot, PONY. Etc. We as a defining group of organized adult baseball people in Canada have the opportunity to define a level of baseball that would make current and future generations simply define the fact it is “Senior Baseball” at an adult level. We have a great word that represents age and quality in “Vintage” and could apply this as a baseball standard in Canada.
If we wish to still follow Johnny Canuck and his hockey stick we could consider colour coding divisions: Vintage Black (35 and over): many still with black hair Vintage Grey (44 and over): some light black with lots of grey Vintage Silver (50 and over) some grey lots of silver Again the language would automatically indicate the level you are playing at. I suggest we give hockey back their “Old Timers” monicker and let the baseball people show some independence and creativity. I believe it is time for the “VINTAGE NATION”. Editor’s Note: Jim has made some interesting suggestions. What do you think? Let’s hear from the membership. Responses will be published in the September 2009 newsletter
CONSTITUTION AND RULE CHANGES
As of this time, there have not been any submissions for changes to our two major documents.
2009 TOURNAMENT
Arrangements have been finalized and we are pleased to announce that the tournament in 2010 will be heading over the Rocky Mountains for the first time. The “Boys from Burnaby” will be our hosts as the “second biggest sporting event of the year” visits in B.C. Details will follow hopefully in the September newsletter and/or on the national website.
ANNUAL MEETING
The AGM will be held on Thursday, July 30 in Yarmouth. Bring your copy of the minutes from last year’s meeting, and your copy of the constitution for reference.
…from Lyle Lorenz (Red Deer); also Alberta’s Director in the C.N.O.B.F. Baseball diamonds in Phoenix, Arizona were the scene of another “snowbird” invasion from Canada in October, 2008. The Canada Snowbirds—14 in total from three Canadian provinces—took on all comers in the 65+ division of the World Series of Amateur Baseball. The result was a perfect 7-0 record, beautiful championship rings and lots of great memories for the Snowbirds. But it wasn’t easy! The Snowbirds put their 6-0 round robin record on the line in the championship final against the St. Thomas Hurricanes from the Virgin Islands. The Hurricanes got off to a great start and quickly built a 6-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The Snowbirds didn’t panic and chipped away at the lead. When the diamond dust finally settled, the Canadian boys emerged with a 15-7 victory, thanks in main to an eight-run 8th inning. An exciting time for all! Members of the world championship team are: Alberta: Len Zemlak, Bob Stevenson, Al West, Lyle Lorenz, Larry Murray, Garry Andrews, Peter Kolopenuk, Elmer Kreutzer, and Fred Vanouck Saskatchewan: Randy Munch, Jack Garinger and Bob Armstrong Ontario: Dick Hames and Clyde Goldsmith Editor’s Note: Congratulations on being “World Champions”. I have had the pleasure to play with many of these fine gentlemen in Phoenix and I know how much effort goes into winning a title at this tournament. Well done!
From Gary Duke (Ottawa Braumeisters), the C.N.O.B.F Player Pool Co-Ordinator Nothing confirmed as of yet, but in eastern Ontario there may be a team from Winchester entering the 35+ division in Yarmouth. I'm starting to get some interest from another group here in Ottawa, but again nothing confirmed. Editor’s Note: Gary sent this information on March 10. As of April 10 the Ottawa Pirates are listed as an entry on the Yarmouth website. Great work, Gary. The Petawawa Indians are being revitalized in the Ontario VBF (Vintage Baseball Federation) under the guidance of Bart Campbell (campbellbp@aecl.ca). They travelled to Kingston last season for a 35+ tournament and have already committed to a home and home series this season with the Braumeisters. Editor’s Note: Gary sounds like a man on a mission, going out into the wilderness to find new members for his flock. We should all be successful “missionaries” like Gary and the number of teams across Canada would be greatly increased.
WEBSITE
Our thanks go out to Terry Laschuk for another year of keeping our website in good shape The contributions of the membership are always welcomed by Terry, who would like to see more input from you, the members.
Produced and edited by Phil Beaudoin