North Dufferin Baseball League - EST. 1930

Braves Rally for Walk-Off Win and a second Canadian Title

The Dufferin-Simcoe Braves won the 43-age division championship at the Canadian National Oldtimers Baseball Federation Championships on Aug. 2, 2026 in Red Deer, Alberta. Pictured, back row from left, Robb Stinson, Brad Soules, Craig Bessant, Bryan Post, Dan Lemmon, Aaron McMullen, Greg Slater, Steve Westbrooke, Sean Ellis. Front row, from left: Jason Thompson, Kerry Dupuis, Jeff Akitt, Shane Walker, Lance Bryan, Chad Purchase. (Jeff Akitt photo)

August 3, 2026

The local Dufferin-Simcoe Braves are Canadian champions once more after defeating the Victoria Mavericks 13-12 in the 43-plus division at the Canadian National Oldtimers Baseball Championships.

The national tournament was hosted in Red Deer, Alberta, this year, with both the Braves and the Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers in attendance.

The Braves opened the tournament with a 16-6 win over the Red Deer Brewers, followed by a 7-7 tie against the Calgary Expos. In their third round-robin game, the Braves defeated the Victoria Mavericks 13-7.

The Braves finished first in the five-team division and earned a bye to the championship game, setting up a rematch with the Mavericks. Trailing 12-10 in the seventh inning, the Braves rallied to tie the game before Kerry Dupuis scored the winning run from third on a passed ball with the bases loaded, securing a 13-12 walk-off victory.

The team has reached the championship in three consecutive years, having also won the national title in 2024.

The Rockers competed in the 60-plus division and struggled throughout the weekend losing all three round-robin games: 11-1 to the Vancouver Pirates, 15-5 to the Port Alberni Cubs and 21-6 to the Great West Legends. They then faced the Alberta Combines in the Tier 2 championship and lost 18-2.

The Oakville Golden A's won the championship with a 13-3 victory over the Port Alberni Cubs.

Junior Championship Matchup Set

July 31, 2026

The Innisfil Cardinals 1 and Barrie Baycats will meet in the 2026 Junior Division championship of the North Dufferin Baseball League.

Innisfil defeated the Caledon Nationals in the first round and swept the Orillia Royals in the second. Game 1 against Orillia was a tightly contested affair, with the Royals scoring first. Timely hits in the top of the seventh inning allowed the Cardinals to take the lead and secure the victory. In Game 2, Innisfil scored 10 runs to earn a mercy-rule win and advance to the championship.

Barrie eliminated the defending champion Creemore Padres in the first round before knocking off the first-place Innisfil Cardinals 2 in the second round. After winning the opener 7-2, the Baycats completed the sweep of Innisfil with a 12-2 victory in a game that stretched late into the evening.

This marks Innisfil's third consecutive appearance in the championship series. The Cardinals lost to the Creemore Padres in each of the past two seasons.

For Barrie, it is the club's first championship-round appearance since 2014, when it lost to the Aurora Jays. The Baycats last won the title in 2013.

The championship series schedule will be posted to the league website when finalized.

Death of Roger Anderson

July 27, 2026

The following message is issued by the North Dufferin Baseball League Executive upon learning of the death of Roger Anderson:

"It is with sadness that the Executive learned of the death of Roger Anderson on Friday, July 24.

Roger played with the Lisle Baseball Club during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s and later with the Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers oldtimers team.

"Roger also served a year on the league executive as Vice President/President in 1970.

"We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Sheila, son Perry, and daughter Penny and the Anderson family."

Details:

Roger Anderson

Passed away peacefully at home on Friday July 24, 2026.

Beloved husband of Sheila. Loved father of Perry (Angie), Penny (Greg) and loved step-father of Cindy (Michael), Todd (Laurie). Loving grandpa of Samantha, Jonah, Nicole, Brianna, Shannon, Collyn, Jordyne, Paige and great-grandpa of Zara, Jack, Ivy and Malikai. Roger will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews and many friends.

Respecting Roger's wish, cremation will take place. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Stevenson Memorial Hospital Fdn., Alliston would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Drury Funeral Centre, Alliston.