North Dufferin Baseball League - EST. 1930

Owen Sound and Ivy to meet for the Strother Cup

September 4, 2024

A new champion will be crowned this year in the North Dufferin Baseball League as the Owen Sound Baysox and Ivy Rangers prepare to meet in the championship series.

The two teams advanced to the final round after defeating the Bolton Brewers and New Lowell Knights, both long standing powerhouse and perennial championship teams.

Ivy eliminated Bolton in semi-final action, winning Game 2 10-0, along with Games 4 and 5 by close scores of 6-5. Bolton won Game 1, 2-1 and Game 3, 11-1.

A rare Game 6 was needed in the Owen Sound and New Lowell series. The game was played Monday with the Baysox prevailing over the Knights 12-0.

Owen Sound picked up wins in the first game 7-2, and the fourth game 7-1. The Knights won Game 2, 5-4 and Game 3, 14-6. The Game 5 matchup resulted in a tie 3-3 at the end of play which set up the Game 6.

The Brewers defeat knocked them out of what would have been their seventh straight championship series. The Knights appeared in the finals the last four seasons and were back-to- back defending champions.

This is the first championship appearance for the Ivy squad since entering the loop in 2017 under the moniker Rangers. The Rangers last won the title in 1975 although the 2018 victory for the Ivy Leafs was the most recent win for the community.

This is also the first appearance for the young Owen Sound team since joining the league in 2022.

The championship series will begin on Saturday (Sept. 7) with an 8 p.m. game in Owen Sound, followed by a game on Sunday (Sept. 8) in Ivy at 4 p.m.

With the series being played on weekends, Ivy will travel to Owen Sound for Games 3 and 4 on Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. Ivy will host the next two games if needed on Sept. 21 and Sept. 22 with start times of 2 p.m. Game 7, if required, is set for Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. in Owen Sound.

Knights bested in provincial final

August 26, 2024

The New Lowell Knights made it to the championship game of the Baseball Ontario 'AA' provincial championship yesterday (Aug. 25) going down in defeat to Wyoming 10-4.

New Lowell opened the provincial championship with a 6-1 decision over Chatham and then suffered a loss to Kincardine 5-1. Rebounding, the Knights defeated Fort Erie 5-4 moving into Sunday play facing the host Wyoming. The Knights came away with a 8-1 victory and then defeated Beamsville 4-3 in the semi-final game to advance to face Wyoming again in the final game.

The 'A' championship in Thorold was a big weekend for the Bolton Brewers and Ivy Rangers, both teams coming up short in quarter-final action.

Ivy played five games in the three days, opening with a 5-4 win over Welland and a 15-4 win over Milton. In their third game they faced league and current playoff rival Bolton and suffered a 15-11 loss before picking up another win against Milton 10-3. In their Sunday morning match, the Rangers were leading in the game, but the strong Woodslee team came back to score three runs in the seventh to end the tournament for the Rangers.

Bolton won their first two games, 12-9 over Walker Homesites and then the Ivy game. The Brewers received a bye in the third round and then were knocked out of the tournament with losses to Woodslee 11-4 and Niagara Falls 12-2.

The Barrie Angels played two games in Thorold as well, losing 12-9 to Milton and 8-6 to Welland.

Woodslee won the 'A' title after defeating Niagara Falls 15-11.

The Lisle Astros made it to Sunday play at the 'B' tournament in Simcoe. The team faced Woodstock in their first game, winning the contest 4-3. A decisive 18-8 win over Mitchell in their second game allowed for a bye in round three. The Astros came up against a tough Simcoe team and lost 8-0 before meeting Mitchell again in semi-final action. This time, Mitchell came out on top with a 9-3 win and dashing the hopes of the Lisle team.

Midland Mariners were also at the 'B' championship suffering two opening day losses to Mitchell 11-5 and Woodstock 9-2.

Simcoe defeated Mitchell in the final 5-1 for the championship.

The 'C' tournament had the Creemore Padres, Orillia Majors and Owen Sound Baysox bowing out after two games.

Creemore lost to Dresden 11-6 and Petrolia 7-4.

Orillia faced St. Catherines for their first game and lost 13-3 and were eliminated with a 7-0 loss to Clarington.

The Baysox lost two close games, their first a 3-2 contest with Tillsonburg and their second a 3-1 loss to Port Hope.

Dresden and Essex met in the final with Dresden taking a 8-4 win for the title.

Semis knotted as playoffs break for OBA play

August 21, 2024

The two semi-final series in the North Dufferin Baseball League postseason are tied after two games.

The Owen Sound Baysox and New Lowell Knights series had Owen Sound take a 7-2 win in Game 1 and the New Lowell squad securing a 5-4 win in Game 2.

Bolton Brewers opened their series with the Ivy Rangers with a 2-1 win in Game 1 and were thumped 10-0 by Ivy in Game 2.

Both series pause until next Tuesday as the four teams along with five others in the league attend provincial championships this coming weekend.

The Ontario Baseball Association Provincial Championships, historically held on the Labour Day weekend, have been moved up a weekend and will have four tournaments with 40 senior teams across the province participating on Aug. 23-25.

New Lowell is the lone team attending the seven-team 'AA' tournament in Wyoming. They meet Chatham in their first game scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m.

Ivy, Bolton, and the Barrie Angels travel to Thorold to take part in the 'A' championships. Play starts Friday with Barrie taking on Milton at 12:30 p.m., Ivy playing Welland at 4 p.m. and Bolton facing Walker Homesites at 7:30 p.m.

The Lisle Astros and Midland Mariners make the trek to Simcoe for the weekend for the 'B' tournament. Lisle plays Woodstock at 10 a.m. Midland plays Mitchell at 1 p.m.

Owen Sound, Creemore Padres, and Orillia Majors attend the 'C' tournament in Port Hope. Creemore plays Dresden at 4 p.m. on Friday whileOrillia takes on St. Catherine at the same time. Owen Sound faces Tillsonburg at 7 p.m.

Padres sweep Cardinals to win title

North Dufferin Baseball League secretary Scott Anderson (second from left) presents the Anderson Trophy to Gavin Mikaczo, Zakery Hayward, and Aiden Hunt of the Creemore Padres as junior division champions in a post-game presentation Aug. 19, 2024 (David Anderson Photo)

The Creemore Padres won the NDBL 2024 junior division championship on Aug. 19, 2024. Pictured are back row from left: coach Chris Hayward, Kole Walker, Gavin Mikaczo, Josh McBride, Brady Reynolds, Nic Guthrie, Seth Walker, coach Jesse McIntyre. Front row, from left: Aiden Hunt, Josh Young, Zakery Hayward, Anson Dupuis, Lukas Hayward, Liam Reynolds. Missing from photo: Josh Hanley. (David Anderson photo)

August 20, 2024

The Creemore Padres are the junior division champions in the North Dufferin Baseball League after winning three-straight games against the Innisfil Cardinals in the final series.

Creemore won 6-4 in Monday night's Game 3 to claim their second championship in the last three seasons.

Before Monday's game, the two teams met Aug. 5 and Aug. 14. Creemore won the first game 12-9 and mercied Innisfil 12-0 in the second game.

Game 2 saw the dominant Padres score single runs in the first three innings, added another three in the fourth, and six in the fifth inning. Three of the runs coming in on home runs by Liam Reynolds and Zakery Hayward.

Creemore racked up 14 hits in the game. Hayward in addition to the homer singled twice, Reynolds chipped in with a single, two hits came from Gavin Mikaczo, a single and double from both Seth Walker and Aiden Hunt, and singles from Josh Hanley, Anson Dupuis, and Nic Guthrie.

Innisfil was limited to three hits in the game, one each from Aidan Farrow, Jackson Levely, and Michael Dawe.

Innisfil started Aiden Reeves who pitched four and one-third innings, allowing nine runs on 11 hits, walking two and striking out four.

Carter Bone pitched two-thirds of an inning conceding three runs on three hits and walking one.

Creemore's hurler Josh McBride threw five scoreless innings, giving up three hits while striking out three for the win.

The final game played in Creemore was a closer contest between the two rivals.

Innisfil started the game with a lead off second-pitch home run from Farrow but the momentum changed to the Padres in their half of the inning when Reynolds hit a home run followed by Hayward and Dupuis crossing the plate to take a 3-1 lead.

In the fourth inning, the Cardinals scored Dawe and Caden Firlotte to tie the game. Creemore answered with a lone run by Walker in the bottom of the inning to retake the lead.

For good measure, the Padres added two more runs in the fifth frame when Reynolds and Mikaczo scored and held the Cardinals off in the remaining two innings.

Innisfil was out hit in the game with only Farrow's home run and single and a single from Luca Primomo.

Creemore had seven hits on the night, including the home run from Reynolds who also recorded a single, a double by Seth Walker, and hits from Hayward, Dupuis, Guthrie, and Brady Reynolds.

The Padres started Brady Reynolds on the mound. He pitched four innings allowing four runs on two hits, walking four and striking out two.

Guthrie pitched in relief for three scoreless innings, giving up one hit, walking two batters, and striking out three.

Noah Ubogi toed the rubber for the Cardinals, pitching four innings, allowing four runs on five hits, and striking out four Padres.

Primomo entered in the fifth inning and over his two innings of work allowed two runs on two hits, walking three and hitting one batsman.

In a post-game presentation, league secretary and junior division convenor Scott Anderson, noted the great season by both Creemore and Innisfil and presented the Anderson Trophy to Mikaczo, Hayward, and Hunt of Creemore.

Cardinals - Baycats suffer defeat in OBA semis

August 12, 2024

The Innisfil Cardinals and Barrie Baycats advanced to semi-final games in their respective Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) provincial championships on Sunday, losing in nail-biting games.

The Innisfil Cardinals played exceptional baseball at the 'B' championships in Listowel, losing in the extra inning semi-final 10-9 to the Simcoe Giants.

The Cardinals started the tournament with a 10-9 win over Clinton then dispatched Listowel 21-8, resulting in a bye into the fourth round.

Innisfil took their next game with Simcoe 8-4, leaving them undefeated with four teams remaining on Sunday.

With a rain delayed morning, the game with Stratford got underway at 12:30 p.m. where Innisifil suffered a devastating mercy-ending game losing 12-2 after five innings of play.

Stratford's win placed them into the finals, meaning Innisfil and Simcoe would meet for a second time in the semi-final game.

Simcoe striked first with a lone run in the second inning before the Cardinals scored three in the third. Simcoe tied the game in their half of the inning.

The game went back and forth with the game tied at five runs after seven innings.

With two out in the top of the eighth, Innisfil scored four runs, two scoring on a Tyrus Harper single and a Brennan Hedrick homer to advance a four-run lead.

In the bottom of the inning, Simcoe brought the game within one and a single to right field scored two runs to end the game and advanced Simcoe to the final matchup.

In the championship game, Stratford defeated Simcoe 6-3 for the title.

The Barrie Baycats and Orillia Royals attended the 'A' tournament in Kendal. With a Mississauga team exiting the tournament before it even began, the schedule was redrawn pairing the two North Dufferin teams in the first match. Orillia took the game 12-2.

The Royals moved on to face Mississauga South West suffering a 7-4 loss and were knocked out of the tournament by Kendal losing 17-1.

Meanwhile, the Baycats won their next two outings, defeating Kanata 5-3 and Windsor 10-0 before bowing out with a close 6-5 loss to the undefeated London West team in semi-final action.

In the semi-final game, Barrie scored two runs in the first inning with London tying the game in the third. The Baycats plated one run in the fourth and two in the sixth.

London, in the bottom of the inning scored three to tie the game and held Barrie in the seventh. A bases loaded walk advanced the winning run.

The undefeated London West team met Kendal in the final, with Kendal winning the game and forcing a second game. Due to rain delays, the game has yet to be played.

Creemore strikes first in JR final

Creemore Padres' shortstop Nic Guthrie tags out Sebastien Pasquali of the Innisfil Cardinals at second base during Game 1 of the junior division championship series in the North Dufferin Baseball League on Aug. 5, 2024. (David Anderson photo)

August 6, 2024

The Creemore Padres have taken a first game win over the Innisfil Cardinals as the junior division championship series begins in the North Dufferin Baseball League.

Game one played in Creemore Aug. 5 ended in a 12-9 decision for the Padres who finished first overall in the seven-team junior loop.

The Padres dispatched the Orangeville Bengals in second round action while the Innisfil Cardinals who finished in fourth place defeated the defending champions Orillia Royals in four games to advance to the final.

Innisfil was on the scoreboard in the first inning when a bases loaded walk brought in a run.

In the second frame, Creemore scored on a bases loaded hit by pitch. They took the lead with a single run in the third inning.

In the fifth, Innisfil tied the game but the Padres plated nine runs in their half of the inning to come within one run of the mercy rule.

The Cardinals scored four runs in the sixth with the help of a three run homer from Sebastien Pasquali. Creemore scored a single run in their half inning to widen the lead. Innisfil scored three more runs in the seventh leaving the bases loaded in a comeback attempt.

Innisfil had ten hits including the homer from Pasquali, doubles from Tyrus Harper and Austin Trent and two singles from Jackson Levely, Luca Primomo and Brennan Hedrick. Patrick Jannetta chipped in with a single.

Liam Reynolds led the way for Creemore with a double and two singles. Nic Guthrie hit two doubles, Anson Dupuis a double and a single, Josh Young hit a double and singles came from Josh Hanley, Zakery Hayward, and Seth Walker.

Michael Dawe toed the rubber for the Cardinals for 4 2/3 innings, gave up seven runs on six hits, walked two, hit four batters and struck out three.

Justin Goldie came in for relief for 1 1/3 innings, allowed five runs on five hits, hit one batter and struck out two.

Nic Guthrie started for Creemore, pitching three innings, giving up one run on three hits, walking six, and striking out three.

Brady Reynolds pitched the remaining four innings, allowing eight runs on seven hits, walking five and striking out three.

The championship series will take a pause until Aug. 14 as provincial championship tournaments are held this weekend.

The Orillia Royals and Barrie Baycats are at the U22 A tournament in Kendal. In total, nine teams will be competing. Barrie will see action first with a 10 a.m. game against Mississauga on Friday Aug. 9. Orillia plays London West at 1 p.m.

Innisfil will participate at the 11-team U22 B tournament in Listowel. They play Clinton on Friday at 10 a.m.

Braves & Rockers are Canadian Champs

The Dufferin-Simcoe Braves are crowned champions at the Canadian National Oldtimers Baseball Federation Championships on Aug. 4, 2024. The Braves, who participated in the 43 plus age division, are pictured, back row from left, Brad Soules, Sean Ellis, Dan Lemmon, Chad Purchase, Craig Bessant, Stephen Warden, Steve Westbrooke, Matt Van Geene, Jeremy Uylenbroek, Brett Trott, Jason Thompson. Front row, from left, Steve Bowman, Shawn Chalmers, Mike Wallace, Ron Mercer, Jeff Akitt, Lance Bryan, Kerry Dupuis, Shane Walker. (Stephen Warden Photo)

The Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers won the 60 plus age division National Championship on Aug. 4, 2024. Pictured, back row from left, John DeGroote, Steve Harrison, Dave Speers, Jim Halliday, Rick Coker, Greg McKee, Terry Gowan, Greg Campbell, Bob Forbes. Front row from left, Don Bartley, Zac Nunez, Max Gaitan, Pete Lennox, Rob Hubbard, Steve Scott, Gord Zeggil, Brent Bailey. (Steve Scott photo)

Since 2012 when the Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers last won a Canadian Championship, two players, Tom Anderson (#17) and Roger Maes (#5) have passed away. The Rockers made sure to recognize both former teammates holding shirts with their numbers with the championship trophy. Pictured are Steve Scott, Brent Bailey, Bob Forbes, Zac Nunez, Terry Gowan, Greg McKee, Max Gaitan, and Don Bartley. (Steve Scott photo)

August 5, 2024

The Dufferin-Simcoe Braves and the Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers have new titles as Canadian champions after a stellar National Championship tournament over the holiday weekend.

The Braves entered the 43 plus age category and the Rockers were in the 60 plus age category, each team playing five games en route to their victory during the Canadian National Oldtimers Baseball Federation Tournament.

In opening round action the Braves lost their first game to the OSBA Aces 3-1 before picking up wins against the Tecumseh Green Giants, 7-3, and the Hamilton Stealers, 9-6.

Entering Sunday semi final play, the Braves defeated Scarborough Maroons 11-7 to face the OSBA Aces again.

The Braves didn't allow the earlier defeat to keep them down, scoring ten runs after three innings keeping the Aces off the scoreboard in the championship game.

The next two innings went the opposite direction as the Aces scored nine runs and limited the Braves.

In the sixth frame the Braves stormed back with three more runs and added an additional three in the seventh to maintain a healthy lead.

The Aces scored five runs in their half of the seventh mounting a comeback, but fell short before the final out ended the contest with a 16-14 score for the Braves.

This is the first national championship for the team who have been competing on and off at the Nationals for the last eleven years. The Braves were tournament finalists in 2022 and in the 35 plus age division in 2015.

Meanwhile the Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers played in the 60 plus age division championship.

The Rockers completed in a four-team loop finishing the round robin in third place picking up a 9-5 win over the Great West Legends, a 11-11 tie with Spring Lake Masters and a 8-1 loss to the Hamilton Stealers.

In semi final action the Rockers took down the Great West Legends 12-4 and met Spring Lake for the final, winning the game 9-5.

This is the Rockers fifth Canadian championship, last winning the 50 plus title in 2012. They were tier two champions last year.

Brewers - Baysox battle to end the regular season

August 5, 2024

It came down to one of the final games to determine top spot of the regular season standings for the North Dufferin Baseball League.

The Bolton Brewers and Owen Sound Baysox sit one and two in the final standings but it took a 12-11 win of the Brewers to garner the extra two points for the first place title.

The Brewers finished with 19 wins and five losses for a total of 38 points. Owen Sound finished second with 17 wins, five five losses and two ties.

With the top eight teams vying for a playoff spot out of the 11-team loop every game mattered in the final few weeks.

The postseason begins Tuesday (Aug. 6) with three series having scheduled games.

Bolton will face the eighth place Orillia Majors (9-14-1) with an opening game in Orillia on Tuesday followed by two games in Bolton on Thursday and Saturday.

Owen Sound plays the Barrie Angels (10-13-1) who finished in seventh with the first game on Thursday night in Owen Sound followed by contests on Friday and Sunday.

The New Lowell Knights (14-6-4) ended the regular season in third place and meet the Lisle Astros (13-8-3) who finished in sixth place. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday followed by Wednesday and Sunday games.

The Creemore Padres (14-7-3) finished in fourth place and plays the Ivy Rangers (14-8-2) who finished in fifth place. They also have a Tuesday bout followed by games on Thursday and Saturday.

The first round is to be completed by Aug. 16 and is a best of five or first to six point series.

Local Oldtimer teams heading to Nationals

The Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers honoured former teammate Roger Maes who passed away in May by wearing shirts with his jersey number five on the back during a game on July 24, 2024. Pictured back row from left, John DeGroote, Greg McKee, Dave Speers, Greg Campbell, Steve Harrison, Terry Gowan. Front row from left, Pete Lennox, Steve Scott, Brent Bailey, Paul Montague, Gord Zeggil. (David Anderson Photo)

The Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers and Dufferin-Simcoe Braves are attending the National Oldtimers Baseball Federation Tournament on the Civic Holiday Weekend. (David Anderson photo)

July 26, 2024

The Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers and the Dufferin-Simcoe Braves are attending the Canadian National Oldtimers Baseball Federation Championships on the Civic Holiday Weekend.

The two teams made up of many former or current players in the North Dufferin Baseball League faced each other Wednesday night in an exhibition-style game as they get ready for the tournament.

The Rockers recognized former teammate Roger Maes who passed away in May by wearing shirts with his number five on the back during the game.

The two local teams participate in different age divisions as the Braves play in the 43 plus age division and the Rockers in the 60 plus age division.

In total, the tournament features five different divisions starting at the 33 plus age category and is played in Ontario this year.

The Braves play their games in the Mississauga area beginning with a contest against the OSBA Aces followed by the Tecumseh Green Giants on Fri. Aug. 2. Round robin play ends with a game against MG Team B on Sat. Aug. 3.

The Rockers are in Welland for the weekend facing arch-rival Spring Lake Masters from Alberta followed by a game with the Hamilton Stealers on Fri. Aug. 2. Sat. Aug. 3 play will have the Rockers meeting Great West Legends.

The full tournament schedule can be found at, www.cnobf.ca.

Orangeville upsets Barrie in junior play

Liam Brown of the Mansfield Cubs steps back to first base as Tyrus Harper of the Innisfil Cardinals takes the pick-off attempt during Game 2 of the first round playoff series, July 21, 2024. (David Anderson photo)

July 23, 2024

Play in the junior division postseason's first round concluded yesterday (July 22) with the Orangeville Bengals and Innisfil Cardinals moving on from their respective series.

Orangeville, finished in sixth place and after suffering a Game 1 loss 10-4 to third place Barrie Baycats were not the favourites to advance into the second round. Game 2 in Orangeville turned the tides with the Bengals amassing nine runs in the first three innings before the Baycats tied the game in their half of the seventh.

With two Bengals in scoring position in the final inning, an error by Barrie's shortstop allowed Tyler Robertson to score the winning run.

Game 3 yesterday evening, saw the Bengals in control scoring three runs in the third, a single in the fourth and two more in the sixth to take the game 6-4. Barrie scored lone runs in the second and sixth innings and two in the fifth.

Orangeville now moves on to face the first place Creemore Padres in the second round.

The Innisfil team easily defeated the Mansfield Cubs in Game 1 by a 10-2 score but had a battle on their hands in the next two games.

Game 2 was a much closer affair ending in a 2-2 tie. Innisfil plated runs in the first and third frames only to see Mansfield come back to score a run in the fifth and sixth inning to stay alive for Game 3.

Mansfield held a 5-3 lead after four innings in Game 3, but a Sebastien Pasquali homer brought Innisfil within one and a timely hit by Patrick Jannetta scored Brennan Hedrick in the fifth to tie the game.

The Cardinals plated four more runs in the sixth frame. Mansfield clawed back with two runs in their half of the seventh but fell short losing the contest 9-7.

Innisfil finished in fourth place and will meet the second place Orillia Royals in second round action.

Both Creemore and Orillia had a bye for the first round. The next series is scheduled to start later this week.

Junior Playoffs Start

Logan Sheppard of the Orangeville Bengals tags out Dylan Brown of the Mansfield Cubs at second base during a June 1, 2024 game in Orangeville. Both teams along with the Barrie Baycats and Innisfil Cardinals are starting the first round of the North Dufferin Baseball League junior division playoffs with the winners advancing to meet the Creemore Padres and Orillia Royals. (David Anderson photo)

July 17, 2024

After an 18-game regular season, junior teams in the North Dufferin Baseball League readies for the playoffs.

Postseason play has six of the seven teams advancing with the Creemore Padres and Orillia Royals receiving byes for their first and second place finish.

Creemore topped the division with a 14-3-1 record to take top spot, with Orillia finishing in second with a 13-5-0 record.

The Barrie Baycats finished in third with a 10-8-0 record closely followed by the Innisfil Cardinals with a 9-9-0 record in fourth position.

Sitting in fifth place, the Mansfield Cubs had a 8-9-1 record and the Orangeville Bengals finished in sixth with a 6-12-0 record.

The Richmond Hill Phoenix struggled in the season picking up two wins and suffering 16 losses ending their season early.

A first round matchup includes Barrie and Orangeville. They start tomorrow (July 18) with a 7:30 p.m. game in Barrie at Dana Field followed by a Sunday contest in Orangeville at 7:00 p.m. Game 3 and a possible Game 4 have not been finalized as of yet.

Innisfil and Mansfield will face each other in the second pairing, with Game 1 in Innisfil tonight at 8:30 p.m. Game 2 will be played in Mansfield on Sunday at 5:30 p.m., with Game 3 in Innisfil on Monday at 8:45 p.m. if needed. A possible Game 4 is back in Mansfield on July 24 at 6:15 p.m.

Both the first and second round are a best of three series or the first to four points as ties are not broken.

Second round action will reseed the two advancing teams with Creemore and Orillia based on season records. That round is expected to start July 25.

The championship series is scheduled to begin Aug. 13 due to provincial championships on Aug. 9-11.

East Stars end win streak for the West

Brandon Watson of the West All-Stars is safe after sliding into second base before the ball reaches East All-Star Mason Walker during the senior division all-star game in New Lowell on July 6, 2024. (David Anderson photo)

July 8, 2024

After six straight West division victories, the East division squeaked out a 1-0 win at the 58th All-Star Game on Saturday, July 6th in New Lowell.

The junior contest on the other hand was a high-scoring affair with Team Spitfires handily defeating Team Renegades 10-2.

The senior nine inning game showcased great pitching by both the East and West teams with the contest scoreless until the seventh inning when Nate Kramer for the East crossed the plate on a single from Steve Barrett.

The West Stars stranded a runner in each of the three remaining innings but timely defensive plays from the East Stars prevented a run from scoring.

Kastin Winchester had two of the hits for the West including a single and double. Nick Hodgson chipped in with a single.

Steve Barrett and Brett Beardsall hit two singles for the East. Ryan McNeil, Trevor Smith, and Nate Kramer each hit a single.

The West started pitcher Eric Jones. He went four innings giving up five hits while striking out three.

Braden Doiron pitched the next two innings giving up a run on two hits, walking four and striking one out.

Hodgson pitched the last three frames, walking one and striking out one. Hodgson was named the most valuable player for his side while Nate Kramer was named MVP for the East. Both players received a prize package graciously donated by Allturf Ltd.

The 29th junior division All-Star Game was a lopsided win for the Spitfires as they assembled ten runs to the Renegades two.

The first few innings of the seven inning contest were scoreless until the third when the Spitfires plated three runs. They added one more in the fourth, two in the fifth, and three in the sixth frame.

The Renegades scored their first run in the fifth and added one in the seventh.

Hits for the winning side were contributed amongst eleven players with Joseph Parke, Ben Larsen, Nolan MacNeal, Liam Reynolds, Dale Critchley, Aiden Pain, Sevan Khalafain, Zach Owen, and Teddy McCollum-Kuntz each hitting singles. Noah Testaguzza hit a double and Zakery Hayward hit a home run.

Team Renegades managed three hits with singles from Ben Nichloson and Jack Larmer and a double from Josh Young.

Team Spitfires used a pitcher each inning giving the start to Luca Cutrone who walked one and struck out one.

Liam Reynolds pitched a perfect second inning with Nolan MacNeal walking one and hitting one batter in the third.

Joseph Parke walked one batter in his inning of work while Noah Testaguzza pitched in the fifth inning and allowed one run on two hits, walked one, and struck out one batter.

Aidan Pain covered the sixth inning striking out one batter. Josh McBride ended the game allowing one run on one hit, walking one with one strikeout.

Brady Reynolds was the starting pitcher for Team Renegades. He pitched two scoreless innings, giving up one hit, walking one and striking out three.

Cody Bryan came into the game in the third inning and managed one out before being replaced. He gave up three runs on one hit and walked three.

James Pritchard pitched 1 2/3 innings, giving up one run on two hits, hitting one batter and striking out two.

Evan McFadden pitched 2/3 of an inning allowing three runs on three hits, hitting one batter and striking out one.

Josh Young came in for the fifth frame to make an out and pitched the sixth inning allowing three runs on two hits, walking two and striking out three.

Anson Dupuis, who was also managing the team, came in for the final inning allowing two hits and hitting one batter.

Most valuable player awards went to Zakery Hayward of the Spitfires and Ben Nicholson of the Renegades, his second straight MVP title.

All-Star Game in New Lowell Saturday 

The North Dufferin Baseball League All-Star Game takes place in New Lowell on Sat. July 6, 2024. (NDBL Image)

July 4, 2024

The annual All-Star Game of the North Dufferin Baseball League is set for Saturday in New Lowell.

The 58th senior game is scheduled for 1 p.m. followed by the 29th junior game at 4 p.m. as the New Lowell Knights host the games this year.

With tradition, the senior clubs are divided into two divisions - the East and West - for the nine inning game.

Making up the East team includes: Steve Barrett, Saunders Mireault, Nolan Thomson from the Barrie Angels, Josh Catalanotto, Cameron O'Neil, Matteo Struthers from the Bolton Brewers, Mason Walker, Parker Walker, Josh Wilkins from the Ivy Rangers, Eamon Chiodo, Shawn Hood from the Midland Mariners, Brett Beardsall, Blake Faulds, Pierson French from the Orillia Majors and Nate Kramer, Ryan McNeil, Bryan Post, Trevor Smith from the Owen Sound Baysox.

Jarrett Vanderpost of Ivy is managing the team with teammate Alex Banski coaching.

The West team includes: Alex Cubitt, Corey Ervin, Quinn Hawton, Devin Stephens from the Clarksburg Blues, Tom Gateman, Eric Orser, Brandon Watson, Kashtin Winchester from the Creemore Padres, Eric Jones, Daniel Morningstar, Brad Petch, Kyle Windsor from the Lisle Astros, Alex Attenborough, Braden Doiron, Tyler Sawyers from the Mansfield Cubs, and Josh Hanley, Nick Hodgson, Kurt Roy, Tanner Zeggil from the New Lowell Knights.

Pete Kinghan of New Lowell is managing the team with Sean Hayward of Creemore and Scott Anderson of Lisle coaching.

Six of the seven junior teams are divided into two teams, pitting teammate against teammate in a seven inning affair.

Team Spitfires include: Brayden Greech, Zach Owen from the Barrie Baycats, Zach Hayward, Josh McBride, Liam Reynolds from the Creemore Padres, Ben Larsen, Aiden Pain from the Mansfield Cubs, Dale Critchley, Aidan Gagnon, Joseph Parke from the Orangeville Bengals, Nolan MacNeal, Teddy McCollum-Kuntz, Jhett Winkle from the Orillia Majors, and Luca Cutrone, Sevan Khalafain, Noah Testaguzza from the Richmond Hill Phoenix.

Wes Winkel of Orillia and Daniel Nepton from Richmond Hill will manage and coach the team.

Team Renegades include: Jack Larmer, Matthew Leek, Evan McFadden from the Barrie Baycats, Gavin Mikaczo, Brady Reynolds, Josh Young from the Creemore Padres, Cole Campbell, Dylan Brown, Cody Bryan, Ben Nicholson from the Mansfield Cubs, Zach Davis, Brady Janes from the Orangeville Bengals, James Pritchard, Whyatt Winkel from the Orillia Royals, and Junhee Lee, Ryan Nepton from the Richmond Hill Phoenix.

Managing the team is Anson Dupuis of Creemore, with coaching chores shared by Lance Bryan of Mansfield and Bob Sinclair of Orangeville.

Owen Sound celebrates tournament win

The Owen Sound Baysox won the New Lowell Knights' Canada Day Weekend Tournament on June 30, 2024. Pictured are, back row, l-r: Don Bartley, Cole Brown, Greg Bartley, Robert Doyle, Wade Walsh, Al Cooke, Tyson Cunningham, Greg Slater, Wayland Wilson, Kirk Gibson. Middle row: l-r: John Hamill, Nate Kramer, Paul Van Cedar, Ryan Bartley, Ryan McNeill, Jesse Bittel, Todd Browne, Kevin Zettler. (David Anderson photo)

July 3, 2024

The Owen Sound Baysox won the New Lowell Knights Canada Day Weekend Tournament on Sunday defeating the Creemore Padres 16-4.

The eight-team tournament had ten games played over Saturday and Sunday. Except for a few close contests, a majority of the games ended in high scoring affairs including a 21-5 game between Orillia and Richmond Hill.

The consolation final featured the host Knights and the Orillia Majors, where the Knights slaughtered Orillia 18-4.

The championship game started off as a back and forth game as Owen Sound opened with a single run in the first, only to fall behind as Creemore plated three in their half of the inning.

Owen Sound chipped away with a run in the second and third to tie the game and the Padres again answered in their half of the third to take a 4-3 lead.

Creemore's bats were silenced for the remainder of the game as Baysox pitcher Nate Kramer limited the Padres to one hit over the next three innings while his team added 13 runs, including a grand slam by Ryan McNeil in the sixth frame.

The mercy rule came into effect after the sixth inning and the Baysox won their first New Lowell tournament championship.

Tournament awards were presented after the championship game. Picking up best batter was Robert Doyle of Owen Sound, going seven for nine at the plate and scoring ten runs.

Creemore's Evan Soules was named best pitcher. He picked up one win, pitched seven innings, gave up one run on two hits and struck out nine batters.

Ryan Bartley of Owen Sound won the MVP title. At the plate he was seven for ten with two runs scored. Defensively he pitched seven innings, allowed five runs on ten hits and struck out two.

Tournament Scores:
New Lowell 1 - Creemore 2
Lisle 6* - Mansfield 6 (* won on most runners left on base)
Bolton 11 - Orillia 3
Owen Sound 9 - Richmond Hill 1
New Lowell 10 - Mansfield 0
Orillia 21 - Richmond Hill 5
Creemore 3 - Lisle 0
Owen Sound 8 - Bolton 5
New Lowell 18 - Orillia 4 (Consolation Final)
Owen Sound 16 - Creemore 4 (Championship)

Knights host Canada Day Weekend Tournament

(NDBL Image)

June 23, 2024

The New Lowell Knights are hosting a Canada Day Weekend tournament instead of their Civic Holiday tournament this year.

A two-day, eight-team tournament will be held Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at New Lowell Recreation Park

Starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, New Lowell plays Creemore, Lisle meets Mansfield at 10:30, Bolton and Orillia face off at 12:30 p.m. and Owen Sound and Richmond Hill plays at 2:30 p.m.

Sunday play resumes 8:30 a.m. with the consolation game scheduled for 2:30 p.m. followed by the championship game at 4:30 p.m.

Tournament Schedule

Death of Roger Maes

May 28, 2024

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

"It is with sadness the Executive of the North Dufferin Baseball League learned of the death of Roger Maes who died yesterday.

"Roger was a long-time player in the North Dufferin Baseball League starting in the 1970s and playing until the early 2000s. He played for his hometown team Mansfield before joining Everett and Lisle in later years. He was a perennial all-star player who was a tough and fierce competitor on the field but when the game ended was a friend to many.

"Roger later coached teams in the league and played with the Dufferin-Simcoe Rockers Oldtimers Team.

"In 1991, Roger joined the league executive as vice president. He served as president in 1992 and past president the following year.

"On behalf of the league we extend condolences to his wife Angela, his family and friends."

Obituary:

William Roger Maes
November 29, 1956 - May 27, 2024

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of William Roger Maes on May 27, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Roger leaves behind his beloved wife, Angie, his cherished stepchildren, Danielle and Thomas, and his dear son, Tyler. He is also survived by his loving siblings, Jeff and Shari, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeannette and Bill Maes.

Roger grew up in Mansfield, where his passion for baseball & “love of the game” took root. He spent many years playing hardball in the area, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. Later, he moved to Lisle, then Honeywood, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with best of friends. More recently, he settled up north in Markstay, living on the lake with his family, finding peace and joy in the natural beauty around him.

A celebration of Roger's life will be held at a later date, to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Mansfield Minor Baseball, the Lisle Legion, or the Matthews House Hospice Garden Committee in Alliston.

Roger's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Drury Funeral Centre

Lisle ends 24-year drought

The Lisle Astros won their Victoria Day Weekend Baseball Tournament on May 19, 2024. Pictured are, back row, l-r: Ryan Smith, Zach Scragg, Josh McBride, Travis Hall, Mike Derech, Trevor Foster, Kris Allary, Cory Line, Hunter Spoljaric, Ethan Kennedy-Munsterman, Brad Petch, Brady Reynolds, coach Scott Anderson. Middle row: l-r: Kyle Windsor, T.J. Parker, Josh Young, Aaron Arbon, Donovan Winch, Daniel Morningstar, Jake Luck, Eric Jones, Jack Boos. Front row: l-r: Liam Reynolds, Gavin Mikaczo. (David Anderson photo)

May 21, 2024

The Lisle Astros Baseball Club hosted their annual Victoria Day Weekend Tournament on Saturday and Sunday with the host team winning the tourney with a 3-2 decision over the New Lowell Knights.

The Astros last won their tournament 24 years ago during the 2000 season.

The Knights were looking for their third-straight championship but fell to the Astros in a very close championship game Sunday afternoon.

The game opened with New Lowell plating a run in the first inning and the Astros countering with a run in the second. The game remained tied until the fourth frame when the visiting Knights scored.

Not to be out-done, the Astros plated two runs in their half of the fourth and kept the Knights off the scoreboard with Lisle's pitcher, Cory Line, limiting the Knights to only one hit in the remaining three innings.

In the consolation final, the Kincardine Cubs won the game defeating the Orillia Majors 8-2. Both teams scored a run in the first inning with Kincardine taking the lead scoring five runs in the second frame before adding two more in the third. Orillia scored a single run in the sixth.

This was Kincardine's second-straight consolation championship win at the tournament.

In all, seven teams participated in the two-day event that was played under sunny and ideal baseball conditions.

Tournament Scores:
Ivy Rangers 8 - Orillia Majors 0
New Lowell Knights 8 - Kincardine Cubs 2
Bolton Blues 10 - Bolton Whites 7
Kincardine Cubs 7 - Bolton Whites 0 (forfeit by Bolton)
Lisle Astros 3* - Ivy Rangers 3 (* won on most runners left on base)
New Lowell Knights 5 - Bolton Blues 0
Kincardine Cubs 8 - Orillia Majors 2 (Consolation Final)
Lisle Astros 3 - New Lowell Knights 2 (Championship)

Seven teams for Lisle tourney

(NDBL Image)

May 13, 2024

The Lisle Astros will host their annual baseball tournament on the Victoria Day Holiday Weekend, May 18 and 19, with seven teams participating.

New Lowell Knights, Kincardine Cubs, Ivy Rangers, Orillia Majors, and two Bolton Brewers teams will join host Lisle in the schedule.

Ivy and Orillia play the first contest at 9 a.m. on Saturday followed by New Lowell and Kincardine at 11 a.m. The two Bolton teams - the Whites and Blues - will face each other at 1 p.m.

The loser of the 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. games meet at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Lisle receives a bye until a Sunday morning game where they will face the winner of the Ivy/Orillia game

Sunday play resumes at 9 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. game. The consolation game is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the championship game is set for 3:30 p.m.

Tournament Schedule

Season begins

Mansfield Cubs first baseman Owen Van Delon stretches to catch a thrown ball to make an out against Brandon Bruno of the Richmond Hill Phoenix during a junior division contest in Mansfield on May 5, 2024. (David Anderson photo)

May 6, 2024

The crack of the bat could be heard around the area over the weekend as the North Dufferin Baseball League 2024 season officially got underway.

On Saturday, a lone game was held in Midland with the Owen Sound Baysox visiting the Mariners. Owen Sound captured their first win of the season with a 4-3 victory.

Owen Sound was to play the Bolton Brewers in a double-header on Sunday, but those games were postponed due to field conditions in Bolton.

The weather did not stop two other senior division games as the Clarksburg Blues visited the Ivy Rangers and Barrie Angels travelled to the Lisle Astros. Ivy won 4-0 over Clarksburg while the Barrie and Lisle contest was a back and forth game with the Astros scoring a run in the seventh inning to capture their first win with a 7-6 score.

Meanwhile, the Mansfield Cubs in the junior division took a 10-0 decision over the new entry Richmond Hill Phoenix. That game played in Mansfield brought the weekend to a close.

NDBL recognizes 2023 winners

The North Dufferin Baseball League hosted an awards ceremony March 10 to present 2023 season awards. Pictured after receiving their awards are, from back left, Peter Kinghan, Jesse McIntyre, Nathan Lennox, Kirk Gibson, Chris Fafalios, Daniel Morningstar, Anson Dupuis, Ben Nicholson, Nic Guthrie, Nick Hodgson, Brett Chater. Front row from left, Brad Petch, Fraser Trivett, Donovan Winch, Whyatt Winkel, Ben Barzo. (David Anderson photo)

March 12, 2024

Players, coaches, and fans attended the North Dufferin Baseball League 2023 regular season awards event on March 10 in Lisle.

In the senior division, Kirk Gibson of the Owen Sound Baysox won the batting and best on base percentage awards. With 57 at bats and 31 hits, Gibson managed a .544 batting average along with a .643 on base percentage. His teammate Bryan Post tied with Bolton Brewers’ Brett Chater for the most home runs with 6 a piece.

Chris Fafalois of the Bolton Brewers scored the most runs crossing the plate 26 times.

The best pitcher was Nick Hodgson of the New Lowell Knights and his coach Peter Kinghan picked up the coach of the year award.

Creemore Padres' Anson Dupuis was named the most valuable player, Nathan Lennox of the Clarksburg Blues was selected as the most sportsmanlike player and Daniel Morningstar of the Clearview Orioles was voted the best catcher.

In the junior division, Whyatt Winkel of the Orillia Royals took top place in the batting and on base category. His 34 at bats with 18 hits resulted in a .529 batting average and an on base percentage of .673. His teammate Ben Barzo scored 28 runs to top that category.

A third Royals' player won the best pitching title as Wyatt Thompson took home his second-straight title after a stellar 2023 season.

Fraser Trivett of the Georgina Bulldogs won the most home runs award, hitting out 4 in the season, and was also named the most valuable player. The most sportsmanlike player award went to Jayden Akins of the Barrie Baycats.

Following the awards, league membership met for the annual general meeting. The Clearview Orioles requested a leave of absence for the year bringing the senior division down to 11 teams. The juniors have added Richmond Hill, but lost Georgina, keeping the division to seven teams.

North Dufferin League prepares for 2024 season

February 29, 2024

Preparations for the 2024 North Dufferin Baseball League season are underway as the League will hold their annual general meeting on March 10. The meeting will determine the number of teams participating in the season, setting a regular season and playoff format, and electing an executive to oversee the baseball operations of the long-running organization.

Prior to the meeting, the league will hold their annual awards and lunch to celebrate baseball in the community and to recognize individual player excellence from the 2023 regular season.

Many of the awards recognize individual players and their accomplishments including the best batter, best pitcher, most sportsmanlike player and most valuable players for both the senior and junior divisions.

The awards banquet and meeting are held at the Lisle Royal Canadian Legion. Players and fans are invited to attend the awards ceremony. The awards and lunch will start at 12 noon, followed by the annual general meeting at 1 p.m.

The North Dufferin League offers a junior and senior division with teams from Dufferin and Simcoe Counties and York and Peel Regions. Senior or Junior teams wishing to participate in the upcoming season must be present for the meeting.

Further information is available at www.ndbl.ca or by contacting secretary Scott Anderson at 705-424-5068 or secretary@ndbl.ca.