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2008 Archive
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Whitby Chiefs - All-Time Offensive Leaders (Regular Season)
Click here to download
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Whitby Chiefs 2008
After being swept in the first round of the 2007 play-offs by the eventual two-time champion, Brooklin Dodgers, Whitby began to assess what would be needed in order to compete with the Big Boys of the OSBA.
As the months passed, it became clear that pitching was needed as the top priority. The team also wanted to find some added power from the right side, and if possible, get a little younger in the process. Another area of concern was team defense. On many occasions last summer, the team committed costly errors that essentially knocked them out of games – costing valuable points in the standings. With most teams in the Eastern Conference already ahead of the team in established talent and more or less a player or two away from being top contenders – Whitby needed to find character players that could play more than one position while giving the team depth and experience. All and all, a very long list to fill, but hopefully the following changes will result in a better overall team performance in 2008:
Out:
RHP/Utility David Gemmell, LHP/OF Matt Wilson, RHP Rich Walo, OF Steve Walo, IF Derek Wu, RHP/1B Ryan Hickman, IF James David.
OF Adam Stokes will remain with the team but due to a car accident at the end of last season is unlikely to play this summer. 3B Darryl Lewis also remains with the team but will be taking a year off to teach in Korea.
In:
RHP/OF Paul Ovsonka, P/2B Mike Ovsonka, IF Nelson Reinoso, OF/C Andrew Midwood, LHP/OF Wade Scotland, SS/3B Justin Bird, LHP/OF Jon Binder.
Overall, team management and the returning group from last season are very pleased with the changes made. Most, if not all the identified problematic areas were addressed – at least on paper. It will now be up to the team to go out and prove themselves on the field.
Away from the diamond, the team continues to work with local businesses to build strong community ties and looks forward to seeing the sponsors out at their home games again this summer. With the team sporting some new faces on the roster it seems fitting they’ll also be adding a new look on the field by adding a second jersey. Whitby Hyundai is the team’s newest sponsor and through their generous donation, the Chiefs will add a set of grey jerseys to go along with their signature red shirts worn last season. When fans don’t have their eyes on the Chiefs, it’s probably due to one of the clubs’ other sponsors – Hooters of Whitby. Yes, once again the Hooter Girls will be out to various home games offering free wing coupons to some lucky fans and the Chiefs’ opposition.
The Chiefs will open the season (weathering permitting) in Barrie versus the re-vamped Brewers. Last season the two teams split the season series 2-2, with each team sweeping the other as the visiting team. Whitby will then sit idle for two weeks before wrapping up the month of May on the road. While no official word had come from the minor association who control the diamond usage, the Chiefs are hopeful to have their home opener on the first Sunday in June. Stay tuned for more team news and player bios.
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Take a Chance on Me…
Andrew Midwood called head coach Steve Smith looking for a place to play ball. Having grown up and played for several years within the Whitby Minor Baseball Association, Andrew knew a bunch of the guys on the team’s roster. Despite having been out of baseball for a few years, Midwood once played at a relatively high level – for team Ontario.
While it may take some time to shake off the rust at the plate, Midwood gives the team added depth in the outfield and another catcher – despite being a left-handed thrower. With Adam Bickford being asked to play some 1st base this season, Andrew’s experience behind the plate will only help the ball club. The coaching staff will do their best to ease Andrew into the line-up and hope his speed will be an asset on the bases and/or in the outfield.
Cuban Playing for How Long?
Assistant GM Graig Andrew went out of his way to ensure he was not tagged as the oldest guy on the team this season. The Chiefs welcome Nelson Reinoso to the club. As a boy, Nelson played several years without a ball glove. Since moving to Canada, the now 38 year old Cuban has played at various levels. Having played in IBL for the Toronto Maple Leafs and most recently with Barrie in the Inner-County Baseball League, Nelson will bring a veteran presence to the club.
A switch hitter who can play anywhere in the infield or outfield gives the team some much needed versatility. Despite his age, Nelson claims he is in his early 20’s at heart. Don’t let his age fool you. Nelson is in tremendous shape and runs extremely – just not indoors on a track surface!! It will take some time for the coaching staff to see exactly where Nelson will most help the club – both on the field and in the line-up. However, given his up-beat personality and desire to be just one of the guys, it won’t take any time at all for him to settle in nicely with the group.
Welcome Back, Binder
Jonathan Binder was lured all the way back from Alberta to play for the Chiefs this season. Good friends Steve Harrington and Paul Ovsonka were instrumental in convincing Jon to join the team. Binder, who played for the Whitby Chiefs (Blue) back in 2003, has been away from baseball for the past year. Prior to that Jon spent time in the IBL and Western University.
A 5 tool player, Binder gives the Chiefs another guy who can bat lead-off or a little lower in the heart of the order. Defensively, Jon can play all three outfield positions but would appear best suited for centre or right field – due to his speed and arm strength. Offensively, Jon gives the team some added power from the left side and another great contact hitter. He, along with Justin Bird and Wade Scotland will be the front-runners for the vacant lead-off position. When on bases, look for Jon to help swipe a few bases when called upon.
Wade…A Go
After returning to hardball having been away from the game for a few years, Denny Howell emerged as a leader on the Chiefs last season. Wanting to do his part to help the team improve, Denny called upon good friend, Wade Scotland. Last year Scotland was a member of the Oshawa Junior Rep team – serving as an outfielder and pitcher. Scotland makes the jump to Senior this year, despite being eligible for one last season with a younger team.
The southpaw is the youngest member on the team and will unquestionably push some of the older guys to raise their level of play – challenging for a starting position in the outfield. Wade gives the team another lead-off option and a second left handed hurler on the mound. While it may take him some time to for him to get use to the pitching in the OSBA, Wade should adjust quickly and has the potential to be an impact player on the Chiefs for a long, long time.
Bird Flies from Clarington to Whitby
The Whitby Chiefs are pleased to announce SS/3B Justin Bird has joined the team. Bird expressed interest in joining Whitby when good friends Mike and Paul Ovsonka left Durham to re-join several of their former teammates. Having spent the past two seasons with the Durham Chiefs, Bird comes to Whitby to help solidify the team’s infield.
While his batting average and stolen bases numbers were lower than in his rookie season back in 2006, Justin drove in more runs and added the log ball to his already impressive offensive repertoire. A player who can turn hits into extra bases, Bird’s speed will also help reduce the impact of not having 3B Darryl Lewis around this season. With Lewey in Korea for a year-long teaching opportunity, Bird and a couple of others will be given the opportunity to serve as the club’s lead-off hitter.
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Chiefs Finally Play - Splitting with Twins
After three weeks of no baseball, the Whitby Chiefs finally got their 2008 season going in Mississauga. In the first-ever series between the two teams, game # 1 featured two pitchers who were workhorses for their respective clubs last season. Unfortunately for the Twins, starter Justin Butler only went 1.1 innings before having to leave the game with what appeared to be a nagging injury or arm stiffness. The Chiefs were able to put three runs on the board in the bottom of the second - capitalizing on a couple of errors. The Twins got one of the runs back in the bottom of the inning and another in the 3rd. The game remained close until Whitby answered back in their half of the 4th. In this game, it was the Chiefs' bottom of the order that was the most productive. Having scored four runs in the fourth, the Chiefs opened up a 7-2 lead. In a curfew shortened game, Whitby went on to win their first of the season by a final score of 10-4.
Of note, starter Steve Butterworth went four solid innings picking up his first win in a Chiefs uniform. Butterworth scattered four hits and gave up just one earned run. Rookie Andrew Midwood went 2-2 with a single,double, BB, scored twice while driving in three runs.
In the second game of the double header, the Chiefs quickly got to Twins' starter, Ben Chisholm. OF Jason Andrews hit a 3 run home run (his first as a Chief) to cap a 5 run first inning. The Chiefs would add another in the top of the third to which the Twins scored two of their own to conclude the inning. Whitby starter, Steve Harrington went a solid 4 innings giving up 3 runs (2 earned) and striking out 7 before being pulled. With Whitby up 9-3 heading into the bottom of the 5th, the Twins got to Whitby's P Paul Ovsonka who had come into the game in relief of Harrington. A slow start by Ovsonka and a couple of errors saw the Twins put four runs up to claw back into the game heading into the 6th inning. Denny Howell who had been warming up the inning prior was on the bench as Ovsonka went back out for the 6th inning. After taking a few warm-up pitches, Ovsonka decided his arm wasn't right. In came Howell, and unfortunately for the Chiefs, a sweep wasn't in the cards. The Twins scored another three runs to come from behind and take the second game 10-9 in another curfew shortened game. Full credit to the Twins. They made their fair share of errors in this game as well, but didn't quit and found a way to come back and get the job done - to earn their first win of the season.
The highlight of this game for the Chiefs was the infield triple hit by C Roberto Porretta.
Next up for the Chiefs, the red-hot Mississauga Stars - Sunday, June 1 @ 9th Line South. Games are at 1 and 3:30 pm.
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Stars Smack Down Two Losses on Chiefs
After opening the 2008 campaign splitting their series with the Twins, the Chiefs knew they would have their hands full with the surging Mississauga Stars. With the Diamond Jacks already starting to pull away in their division, the Chiefs needed some wins of their own to keep pace. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, a dominating pitching performance and a dramatic come from behind win saw the club slip to 1-3 on the season.
In game #1, the Stars threw Johnny DeWolfe while the Chiefs countered with Mike Ovsonka. This match-up had all the making of a great pitcher’s duel and both starters lived up to those expectations. The Chiefs started off quickly in the first – having their first two batters reach base. With none out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, DeWolfe shut the door – promptly striking out the next two and getting a fly ball to second to end the inning. The Chiefs’ inability to cash their base runners would prove costly – as DeWolfe was simply masterful the rest of the way. Ovsonka was equally effective through the first four innings – in his first start for his new club. In the bottom of the fifth and with two out, the Stars scored two runs on an opposite field single by Darren Todd. Steve Butterworth came into the game for the Chiefs in the 6th and was touched up for an additional four runs. However, the run support received in the 5th was more than enough for the Stars as they cruised to a 6-0 final - thanks in large part to DeWolfe and his 7 inning complete game and 12 strikeout performance.
Game #2 was another close game. With no scoring to report until the 4th inning, the Chiefs got their first run on the day when Justin Bird cashed in Adam Bickford. The Stars quickly answered back and scored two runs in their half of the inning off rookie starter, Wade Scotland. The Chiefs would tie the game the next inning on a solo shot from Jason Andrews. To continue the see-saw affair, the Stars quickly put up three runs of their own to take a 5-2 lead - chasing Scotland from the game. Steve Butterworth came on in relief and made short order of the Stars – keeping the team within striking distance. Not giving up, Whitby got two runs back in the 6th to close the gap to a one-run deficient heading into the 7th and final inning. Whitby quickly tied the game and then took the lead as Denny Howell stole home – putting the Chiefs up by a run with none out. Despite having runners reach second and third, the club was unable to add to their lead. The Stars first batter in their half of the inning was struck out but reached first when the breaking ball skipped away from Andrew Midwood and was dropped by Adam Bickford playing first base. That play really didn’t hurt the team when the next batter placed a softly hit ball just past the middle infield, and was thrown out at second on a force out. The next batter who was hit gave the Stars two runners and put the tying run in scoring position. With two out and runners at 2nd and 3rd, the Chiefs elected to intentionally walk Gavin Rajiva – who had hit a three run homerun in his last at bat. With the bases loaded, the Stars' Greg Clarence was able to draw a walk giving the Stars at least a tie and the opportunity to win the game. Steve Gallant, who pitched a terrific game the week previous, laced a single past a diving Denny Howell at short and completed the comeback – giving the Stars the sweep winning the second game by a final of 7-6.
The Chiefs dropped below .500 and will now turn their focus to their Home Opener this coming weekend when they host the struggling Bloor Jays. Game times are 1 and 3:30 at Iroquois Park.
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Whitby Continues to Sputter
After being swept by the Stars the week previous, Whitby had a great opportunity to return to the .500 level – playing in their home opener - against the struggling, Bloor Jays. Bloor entered their series with the Chiefs at 0-6 and sat in last place in the Western Conference.
The Jays known for having a decent hitting ball club were in game #1 until about the 4th inning. Mike Ovsonka took to the hill for the Chiefs and cruised through the first two innings before being touched up for three runs in the 3rd. After three complete, the Chiefs led 5-3. In the fourth, Bloor jumped out in front, but from there, Whitby scored 12 runs in the last two innings to take the game by a final score of 17-8. Neither team played great defensively. This was purely a slugfest.
Offensive highlights for the Chiefs:
Steve Butterworth 3-3 with 2 doubles and 6 RBI
Sohan Singh 2-2 with a double, homerun and 5 RBI
Mike Ovsonka 2-2 with a double, BB, SB and 3 runs scored
In the second game of the afternoon, Whitby scored in their half of the first on a sac fly by Justin Bird to score Mike Ovsonka. The game remained 1-0 Whitby until Bloor scored 4 runs in the top of the 4th inning. It was the 6th inning Whitby starter Steve Butterworth and the rest of the club would like to forget. Bloor scored 10 runs which also saw 14 batters come up in their half of the inning. Whitby managed to score twice in the bottom of the 6th, but it was all Bloor. With the win, the Jays finally snapped their losing streak at 7 games. For Whitby, it was the second time in the past 4 weeks they were the club that helped a team from Mississauga get their first win of the season.
Offensive highlights for the Chiefs:
Mike Ovsonka 2-3 with a double, RBI and 2 runs scoredJustin Bird 1-1 with a double, SAC, BB, 2 RBI
This weekend Whitby travels to Pickering to face the Pirates. With several players away, the Chiefs will be in tough as they once again try to bring their record back to the .500 level.
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Lucky 13?
With the first three months of the 2008 regular season in the books, the Whitby Chiefs sit just one game above the .500 mark. Having won their last three games, the Chiefs appear to be playing better baseball of late. Their last action came about a week ago when they swept the much improved, Ajax Indians.
With a record of 8-7, Whitby will have to play several make-up games in the last month of the regular season. Which means, with the club having the long weekend off, they'll have to play 13 games in the final 27 days of August. With some very big divisional games left, Whitby will have to try and put a few sweeps on the board - to ensure a play-off berth.
With the entire Eastern conference pretty close - with respect to points - all 8 teams are still in the play-off hunt. Only the top 6 can move on and the Chiefs hope to qualify for the second straight season (2007 expansion team).
The pitching staff has been consistent all year - throwing well enough to give the team a chance to win the majority of its games. Defensive errors have been a problem though. Whitby continues to boot the ball - giving their opposition opportunities to run up the score or claw back to close convincing leads. For the ball club to really get on a roll, the Chiefs will simply have to cut down on errors. Offensively, the team continues to hit well - despite the weather creating some gaps in the schedule which hasn't helped in the way of playing consistently each week.
Whitby next faces their divisional rivals from Oshawa at Ritson Field on August 10th and again the following week in Whitby. The Talons have been playing well this summer and the back to back double headers could give a better indication of whether or not the Chiefs will be in the play-offs. Game times for games on the 10th are 12 and 2:30.
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Play-off Bound
Despite having to play 13 of the total 28 games of the regular season in the month of August, the Chiefs managed to get all their games in before the start of the Labour Day long weekend.
While the results were far from stellar, the ball club managed to put up enough points to secure a play-off berth for the franchise's second consectutive year. In fact, it took all 13 games to clinch - with a win over the Pickering Pirates this past Thursday. Pickering clinched their play-off berth a few weeks back, but the Chiefs helped their club clinch their first-ever Eastern pennant by taking two points from Barrie two nights prior.
Despite a probable 6th place finish, the ball club did improve on the overall point total. Last season the Chiefs went 9-18-1 while this year the club improved finishing at .500 - going 13-13-2 (9 point improvement).
The Chiefs appear to be destined for another 6th place finish in the conference - the same spot they wound up in at the end of the regular season last summer - in their inaugural campaign. The play-off picture will be clarified late tomorrow night when the Barrie Brewers travel to Mississauga to face the Stars.
The one thing Whitby knows for sure is that with the back to back champion Brooklin Dodgers and the Duram Chiefs both failing to qualify for the post-season - this will be the first time since the OSBA went to a best of play-off format back in 2003 that neither Brooklin or Durham will be the east representative in the championship finals.
More information on the team will be posted once a 1st round opponent has been determined. Play-offs start Sept 6/7th for round one. Weather permitting, the play-offs should conclude some time in early October.
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Chiefs Swept From '08 Play-offs
A season dampened by rain all summer was finally washed away for the Chiefs this past Tuesday. After losing a fairly tight contest on Saturday, Whitby hoped to even the 3 game series with Ajax. A game neither team seemed to really want had Whitby out in front for most of the contest. Neither team played well defensively and as a result, the game looked like a slugfest from start to finish. In the end, Ajax pulled out enough offense and got some solid relief pitching from Chris Theodoru. Ajax made quick work of Whitby sweeping the series - their first-ever in OSBA play-off action.
With the 6th place finish in conference standings and a first round exit in the playoffs, Whitby basically matched their 2007 season to a tee. Nonetheless, team management feels the club is in much better shape heading into 2009 - having a much larger core to work with.
The Chiefs wish all teams remaining in the play-offs the best of luck. With the defending champions on the outside looking in, the opportunity to capture the OSBA Cup is more wide open then ever before.
Whitby would also like to thank all their sponsors for their support. Their generosity was greatly appreciated. The Chiefs would also like to thank the WMBA for allowing the club to represent the town at the senior level, their assistance in helping schedule umpires, working with our diamond requests, and for their support and encouragement of the Junior program serving as a farm team.
A special thanks to Jim Taylor for his assistance in also helping schedule umpires not just for the Chiefs but for all the OSBA teams in the area, and for his time working with local businesses to help promote the Whitby Chiefs Senior Baseball Club.
Lastly, to our fans, suppliers, and all the umpires who helped support the team in some fashion this season - a huge thank you!!
Continue to check the website for future updates and league news.
Respectfully,
Whitby Chiefs Senior Baseball Club
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Adam Stokes came away with a piece of hardware from the annual end of year OSBA banquet. Stokes, along with Ryan Topping of the Pickering Pirates were named co-recipients of the Eastern Conference Comeback Player of the Year.
Stokes returned to the club in late July after having been in a car accident the previous summer. His first game back was a memorable one for Adam - who went 3-3 with two singles and a grand slam. The ball club would like to congratulate Adam on his award and is hopeful he'll be with the team more in 2009.
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Earlier this week, Steve Butterworth informed head coach Steve Smith that he would be leaving the team to re-join his former Durham ball club. Butterworth joined Whitby late in 2007 during its inaugural season and quickly established himself as one of the team leaders in innings pitched. That trend continued again this past season - where Butterworth logged close to 100 innings between the regular season, various tournament play, and play-offs.
The decision to re-join Durham was a difficult one according to Butterworth. However, many on the team saw this coming. Team management had already begun preparations to move forward without his services, yet tried to wait patiently for a confirmed decision - in hopes he'd remain with the club. Whitby made it clear they would appreciate an answer before the new year and Steve honoured that request.
Ultimately, Steve wanted to go and play with some long-time friends in what perhaps could be the last few remaining years of his hardball career. He made it clear he wanted to stay within the OSBA despite interest from teams in another program. He also expressed no ill-will against the team and hopes to maintain the friendships built during his time with Whitby. The coaching staff and the rest of the team wish Steve all the best and look forward to the possibility of facing him should he be handed the ball when the two teams play each other next season.
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Whitby Chiefs - All-Time Pitching Leaders (Regular Season)
Click here to download
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Hickman Decides to Hang 'Em Up
Ryan Hickman returned to hardball after being away from the game for several years. An ankle injury suffered prior to the start of last season dogged him all summer - making his return a painful one. Despite healing over the off-season, Hickman has several "to do" items in his calendar this summer, and as a result, would make it difficult for him to commit fully to the team.
Hickman has been offered a coaching spot on the ball club should a pending move bring him back to the Durham Region. The Chiefs wish Ryan all the best and hope to have him visit the team when time permits.
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Spring Cleaning
With April fast approaching, the Whitby Chiefs continue working towards the start of the 2008 season. Knowing that personnel changes are needed to make the team move competitive, the ball club continues to tinker with its roster in hopes of putting together a squad of 16-18 players - staying slightly below the association's maximum 20-man playoff roster.
At this time, the ball club has decided to part ways with both IF James David and P David Gemmell.
Deciding not to bring back James David comes with some mixed feelings. Reason being, while only playing in four games last season, when in the line-up, James did show signs of power and performed steadily on defense. However, it was the lack of commitment shown to the team that ultimately made the decision to move in a different direction an easy one for the coaching staff. The Chiefs wish James all the best as he pursues other interests.
The decision to not bring back Gemmell was more difficult. Only playing in 14 regular season games and conflicts that resulted from being part of two leagues created concern with the Chiefs' management. By no means does the ball club hold any ill-will towards David or hold him accountable for how things unfolded last year. Team management knew well before the season started of Gemmell's situation and which club his priorities were with. Going forward, the Chiefs hope to find players where their first priority is the OSBA or at the very least do not play in a second league that has a similar play-off schedule. The ball club would like to thank David for his contribution to the team and wish him all the best - knowing he will be an integral part with his other ball club as they look to defend their league championship.
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What Beats an Ace? A Pair!! Ovsonka’s All In...Whitby
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Who says you can’t go home again? Building off the recent addition of Paul Ovsonka, the Whitby Chiefs may have landed the biggest marlin in this year’s OSBA free agent pool. After 5 seasons with the Durham Chiefs, Mike Ovsonka has elected to re-join several of his former team mates and play for a club he feels is headed in the right direction: "Whitby is where I grew up playing. I have had Steve as a coach before and know what he brings to the table. It’s about wanting to come to play every weekend around good guys and for a coach who has a game plan and sticks to it. This team will definitely improve this season and I want to be a part of that. I know that skill alone doesn't win as much as good team chemistry. I know and have played with most of these guys before and it is a solid knit group."
MO, as he’s known across the league, would be the first to tell you he was very close to retiring: "I gave this some serious thought over the off-season. After another disappointing playoff run with Durham, or lack there of, it took a lot of the drive to compete out of me. I guess it would be easy to just give up but that is why I am not only playing another season but changing teams as well. I see this move as a fresh start with an up and coming team. Besides, it gives me a chance to play for the Don King of OSBA, Steve Smith."
Smith chuckled when he heard MO’s comments and comparison to Don King. “I don’t know about that. Size ok, but I definitely don’t have the hair.” Smith had this to say about Ovsonka’s decision: “Being able to add a class individual like Mike is a great honour for me personally. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching him in 4 of his 6 seasons in this league.” Smith looks forward to working with Ovsonka again – for as long as he wants to be with the team. Smith explains “I told Mike…you started playing ball as a Whitby Chief, retire as a Whitby Chief. He ranks up there as one of my all-time favourites (to have coached) in this league. Mike gives you everything he has each and every time he’s out there. He has tremendous leadership qualities and is a person who is extremely passionate about the game of baseball and the OSBA.” Smith truly believed Ovsonka would have opted to join the Brooklin Dodgers. “Don’t get me wrong” said Smith “I’m not complaining!! MO’s decision to keep playing (regardless of where) is great for OSBA, but his choice is huge for Whitby.”
A perennial all-star, Ovsonka had another fantastic season last summer – capturing both the Cy Young (top pitcher) and MVP awards for the East Conference. With this addition, the ball club is slowly putting together what could be one of the best pitching staffs in their conference, if not the entire league. Defensively, Mike is one of the best at his position. When called upon, Ovsonka will give the team some much needed depth up the middle at second base and will also bring a dependable bat and some much needed speed on the bases.
Here’s a look at Ovsonka’s ’07 stats:
Ovsonka will wear his familiar # 5 for Whitby and will most likely play fewer games for the team than he has in the past with Durham – something that suits Smith just fine. “Mike wants to be with his family as his first priority. I respect that and encourage him to do so. We’ll work out a rotation for the pitchers and a game plan that helps everyone on the team be able to miss games without feeling like they are letting the club down.”
Team management will now start evaluating talent during in-door sessions to figure out what needs still have to be addressed before the season starts in early May. “The roster is not set by any means” added Smith. “We still have vacancies to fill and we’ll consult the guys for their input along the way.”
More team news as it happens will be added to the website. Please keep checking back for the latest updates.
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Chiefs Bolster Roster via Free Agency
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The Whitby Chiefs are pleased to announce the signing of Paul Ovsonka. Having spent the past three seasons with the Durham Chiefs, Paul wanted a change of scenery - and chance to be an impact player on a new club. Last season, Ovsonka bounced back nicely enjoying a very productive year after only playing in 9 games in 2006. Here is a look at his 2007 stats:
| 43 |
Paul Ovsonka |
0.347 |
26 |
25 |
49 |
10 |
17 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
15 |
8 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
26 |
0.500 |
0.531 |
| 43 |
Paul Ovsonka |
7 |
6 |
34.1 |
23 |
14 |
40 |
13 |
2 |
20 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2.85 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
With this addition, the Chiefs address a few weaknesses. Ovsonka will give the team some much needed power from the right side and another bona fide pitcher - two areas management felt needed to be upgraded after having just crept into the play-offs last season. Ovsonka will also be one of the team's youngest players - another area of importance as the ball club looks to build a strong core for years to come.
Jim Taylor had this to say about the team's latest addition "Paul is definitely a gamer. He sticks up for his team mates no question about it. As fiery as they come." OSBA President and Whitby Head Coach Steve Smith knows first-hand what Paul can bring to the team - having been with Durham in 2005 and 2006. "I know many people will question this move - for various reasons. However, Paul will be given an opportunity to help lead this team. I hope that under the guidance of Jim and myself, he will leave his past with Durham and focus on having fun. No question he has the talent, and I truly believe in the right element, he'll be an impact guy. Only time will tell. I'm excited he wants to be here and wants to help the ball club improve. It's up to Paul now to do his thing."
Ovsonka will wear #6 for Whitby and will see most of his playing time come in the outfield as well as on the mound. It is way too early to announce what position in the rotation he will be awarded, but Ovsonka has made it clear he's eager to meet his new team mates and start working indoors.
More team news to follow in the weeks ahead. Whitby hopes to commence indoor work-outs later this month. Continue to check this site for additional updates as they happen.
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Assistant General Manager, Graig Andrew welcomes Whitby's newest addition - Paul Ovsonka
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It's Worth the Drive....to Whitby!!
Despite moving close to 3 hours away, Ryan Fraser will be back with the Whitby Chiefs in 2008 - in a part-time role. The 2007 Walker Conference Sportsman of the Year, Fraser, will serve as a utility player for the team. At the moment, it is unknown whether or not Fraser will be able to contribute on the mound in '08. Last summer, in his first game, Fraser hurt his arm on a throw to first - fielding a bunt attempt. Fraser tried to throw again three months later, but the pain was still there.
His team-first attitude is what impressed the coaching staff the most. Ryan, despite not being able to pitch, played wherever asked - and for his efforts - was selected to the divisional all-star game last June.
Team management is thrilled to have Fraser back as the club looks to build on a fairly successful inaugural season.
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Walo Twins Decide to Pursue Other Interests
After quite a few years away from hardball, Rich and Steve joined several of their former teammates last summer as members of the expansion Whitby Chiefs. For Rich, the comeback was a painful one. Never really able to overcome leg and back pains, the pitcher was on the DL for the majority of the season, despite qualifying for the play-offs. Steve on the other hand, played in 21 of the 28 regular season games - serving as the club's left fielder.
Rich has a full summer ahead of him. He's begun his studies working towards his Master's degree, and along with his fiancée, Susan, continue wedding planning - which includes house hunting.
Steve, who has an unpredictable work schedule and several weddings to attend this summer could not commit to the team full-time. Not wanting to take a roster spot from someone else, Steve has offered to help the team when short players.
The ball club would like to thank Rich and Steve for helping get the team off the ground and hope to see them out at the odd game this year.
Best of luck guys!!
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Butter Wants to be a Key Ingredient for Chiefs
After joining Whitby late last summer, Steve Butterworth has informed team management that he will be with the club on a full-time basis in 2008. Known for logging several innings on the mound, it was Butterworth's bat that was a pleasant surprise. In the 8 regular season games he played in, Butterworth hit .474 with 5 RBI and an impressive .524 OB%
Butterworth will be counted on to help improve the team's overall pitching totals from last season - one area the ball club hopes to drastically improve - knowing they just squeaked into the play-offs last season.
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