Game #2 was another low scoring affair. Oshawa started Paul Mannella while Whitby handed the ball to Jeff Kingdon. Whitby scored first in the top of the second on a passed ball. Oshawa erased the 1-0 deficit and took a 2-1 lead into the third inning. Mannella battled his control at times surrendering 6 walks over 5 innings, but overall, was very effective keeping the Chiefs from doing any further damage thanks in large part to his 9 strikeouts. While the game did not go the full 7 innings, the Talons took full advantage of their sound pitching and scrapped out enough hits to muster a sweep of the Chiefs. Both teams will be off this coming weekend but will be back in action May 24. 

The Whitby Chiefs went into action last weekend 0-2 after dropping a pair to the Oshawa Talons back on May 10th. The Twins were in a similar situation having been swept themselves by the Burlington Bulls on opening weekend. With fewer teams and less playoff spots up for grabs this year neither team could afford to drop to 0-4 to start the season. 

In game one, the teams exchanged runs in third inning - both scoring a pair. The Twins took the lead in the bottom of the 4th when Pat McEnroe drew a 1 out walk followed by a misplayed ball in centrefield off the bat of Curtis Strabec. The Twins then placed three more runs on the board in the 5th - giving them a convincing 6-2 lead. In the 6th, the team exchanged runs again before the game was called due to time curfew. For the Twins, starter Stu Kingston did a great job getting timely ground ball outs scattering just 6 hits while striking out five batters. For the Chiefs, Denny Howell had a solid game going 2-3 with a single and a double, 1 run scored and a stolen base. Final score Whitby 3 Twins 7.

Game 2 saw the Twins jump out to an early 1-0 on Whitby starter Jeff Kingdon. The score remained the same until the top of the 3rd when Whitby put up three runs of their own to jump ahead 3-1. In the 4th, it looked like Whitby's bats finally showed signs of shaking off the rust - scoring 7 runs off 10 at bats. By this time Twins' starter Ben Chisholm was removed in favour of veteran Ken Woodford. With things seemingly going Whitby's way, Jeff Kingdon had to pull himself from pitching due to a stomach ailment. With only 9 players in the game, the Chiefs were forced to play the bottom of the fourth with 8 defenders. Beadle came into pitch and quickly had a 3 up 3 down inning. Kingdon would return only to have to leave again with similar symptoms in the 5th. This time the Twins capitalized and quickly erased the 9 run cushion Whitby had built up. The Twins scored 6 runs to come within 3 runs of tying the game. After setting the Chiefs down in order in the 6th, Denny Howell came on for Whitby and closed the game - facing just 5 batters and striking out three. With the split both teams picked up their first victory of the season and moved to 1-3.

Next up for the Chiefs is a date with the two-time OSBA Champion Brooklin Dodgers. After failing to make the post season last year, Brooklin has come out of the gate flying going an impressive 3-0-1 to start the young season. The double header is set for Sunday, May 31 at Iroquois Park. Game times are 6 and 8:30.  

Chiefs’ Youngsters Key in Sweeping York

Game #1 saw Whitby’s young south-paw Wade Scotland take the mound versus York’s Brandon Veenstra.  With almost all of their veteran players away, Whitby still managed to come out of the gate flying – scoring 7 runs and chasing Veenstra out of the game after just 1 2/3 innings.  York put up a run in the 5^th and another in the 6^th, but that was as close as they would come.  Craig Bessant and Jason Booth held Whitby scoreless from the third inning in some excellent relief work.

Game #2 started off a little sloppy. It wasn’t the play of either team, but some heavy rain started minutes after the completion of the first game. The rain eventually stopped shortly after the 2^nd game began, but the mound took the worst of the fallen rain. Through the first two innings the game remained scoreless before Whitby scored in the bottom of the 3^rd to take a 1-0 lead. The two teams would exchange runs in the fourth – seeing Whitby hold a slim 2-1 edge. Despite stopping for 15 minutes earlier in the contest, the game pressed on despite flashes of lightening in the distance. Whitby starter, Steve Harrington was once again giving the Chiefs a strong outing – striking out 7 batters through 5 complete. He quickly sat the D’ Jacks down in order in the 6^th and the home side added two insurance runs pushing the score to 4-1. The runs turned out to be not needed however, as the game was called at the end of 6 having run out of time.

The Chiefs face Ajax this Saturday in Ajax. Game times are 12 and 2:30.

The Chiefs got back to regular season action after a couple of weeks off, but the rest didn’t exactly help the club. Despite taking an early 2-1 lead into the second inning and coming from behind to tie the game through four – the Chiefs were clearly shows signs of rust. In total, the Majors, who were 3-8 heading into the double header, struck out 12 Chiefs batters. It was the Majors who would go on to win the game scoring their 5^th and decisive run in the top of the 7^th.  Finals Score: Majors 5 Chiefs 4.

Of note, Whitby starter, Wade Scotland threw well enough – keeping the club in the game while going the full 7 innings. Unfortunately for the Chiefs their 7 game unbeaten streak was snapped – the longest in franchise history.

Game #2 was a different story. Whitby came out strong – scoring their first 5 batters against one of the Majors’ best pitchers, Josh Pileggi. Up 6-0 through 2 innings the teams exchanged 2 runs each in the 3^rd. The Majors would add another run in the 5^th but that was as close as they would come. The final score in this one was the Majors 3 Chiefs 8.

In this game, Chiefs’ lead-off hitter Jon Binder finally started to show signs of last year – swiping three bags, scoring a run, and hitting a pair of singles. Veteran Sean Tremaine had a strong performance at the plate going 2-2 with a double, 2 BB and 2 runs scored.

With the split, the Chiefs stay in 3^rd place 4 points behind conference leading Brooklin and Pickering. The Chiefs have two games in hand – from their rained out series against Ajax.

Next up for Whitby – they host the Mississauga Stars. Game times are 6 and 8:30 on Sunday, July 12 at Iroquois Park.

After a poor weekend against the Pirates, where several of their regulars were missing, the Stars had a much more recognizable line-up this past Sunday. The Chiefs came into this match-up having split with the Mississauga Majors the week previous. Game 1 was a pitching duel between Stars’ starter Brad Kozak and Chiefs’ starter Kevin Hussey. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the 5^th when the Chiefs put three runs on the board – with Graig Andrew, Hussey and Jeff Kingdon each scoring. The Chiefs would add a fourth run in the 6^th off reliever Carson Shirley pushing the score to 4-0. In the 7^th, the Chiefs handed the ball over to Adam Groome who came in and finished the game for Hussey. The two Chiefs’ pitchers combined for a 2 hit shutout – a game that was completed in less than an hour and a half. Final score: Stars 0 Whitby 4

In game 2 it was a battle of the # 27 - Gavin Rajiva for the Stars and Steve Harrington for the Chiefs. This game too ended up being a great pitching performance by both starters. In the top of the 5^th Rajiva helped his own cause hitting a solo homerun to give his club a 1-0 lead. The scored remained that way until the bottom of the 6^th when the Chiefs were able to take advantage of a couple of miscues by the Stars – scoring two runs and take the lead. Harrington remained in the game and came out in the 7^th and quickly disposed of the Stars in order – thanks in large part to a game ending double play. Final score: Stars 1 Whitby 2.

With the sweep, the Chiefs gained some ground on the Brooklin Dodgers who dropped two games to the Forest Glen Giants. The Chiefs now sit tied for second in the conference with two games in hand on both Brooklin and the Pickering Pirates (who sit 4 points ahead of second place).

The Chiefs continue their home stand this coming Sunday when they welcome the Barrie Brewers. Game times at 11 and 1:30 at Iroquois Park.

Toronto Bound      

With the remaining all-star selections just recently announced on the OSBA website, three additional Chiefs players will be making the trip to Toronto next Saturday.

# 21 Denny Howell – Denny has rebounded from a poor statistical season in 2008 that saw him in and out of the lineup with little consistency - as he prepared for his wedding and lost time to work. A veteran utility player for the Chiefs, Howell has seen more time at first base this season. More importantly, he’s been able to play more often and as a result, he’s back to the .300 level he enjoyed in his first year with the team in ’07. Denny will represent the Chiefs as one of the first basemen for the Eastern Conference.

# 18 Jeff Kingdon – Brought to the Chiefs to help stabilize the club’s catching needs, Kingdon also provides depth at the corners and on the mound. The latter is where he has excelled thus far. In 12 IP, Kingdon has an impressive 0.58 E.R.A. and 16 Ks. The closer for the Chiefs, Jeff joins the all-star squad as a relief pitcher – where he’ll have to wait until game night to find out where he will be penciled into the rotation.

# 9 Matthew Kissel – Matt has been with the team quite regularly despite also playing full-time with the Whitby Jr Rep team. Called up for a game to play shortstop, Kissel has stuck with the Sr. club ever since. While normally playing third base for the Jr team, Kissel also provides depth at SS and 2B as well.  A steady glove with patience at the plate, Kissel has been one of the Chiefs’ best hitters of late. In fact, he currently sits 3^rd in team average – hitting an impressive .429. Matt will split time at 3^rd as part of the all-star team.

Chiefs Wrap-up Regular Season

The Chiefs closed out their regular season a week later than originally planned. The official end to the regular season was to be August 23, but due to several games postponed the team finished up on August 30^th.  Unfortunatley, the final two games were not physically played as the Barrie Brewers were unable to field a team.

Nevertheless, the Chiefs qualified for the post season with their best regular season finish in franchise history – clinching second in the conference and home field advantage in round one of the playoffs.

In the final week the of action the Chiefs swept the Ajax indians in a double header, lost a single game to Mississauga North Bengals the night after in extra innings and were awarded two forfeited wins last Sunday as a result of Barrie not being able to field a team having played the day previous against Ajax in another make-up series.

This past Tuesday, the Chiefs found out their opposition in round one will be the two time OSBA champion Brooklin Dodgers. This will mark the second time in three years the Dodgers and Chiefs have faced one another in the opening round of the playoffs.

With only one game left on the regular season calendar to be played this weekend, the Chiefs will enjoy an extended rest and resume action on Saturday, Septrember 12^th. The location and time will be announced shortly.

Whitby management would like to thank those who played for the team as a call-up this summer, and wishes those returning to school a successful year.

The Chiefs welcome anyone who would like to come out and show their support. For all of the OSBA playoff action and updates please visit www.leaguelineup.com/ontarioseniorbaseball

Chiefs Exit Playoffs in First Round                 

For a 3^rd consecutive year, the Whitby Chiefs failed to get by the first round of the playoffs. The Brooklin Dodgers handed Whitby yet another first round exit – the second in just three post seasons. Game one was a marathon – lasting nearly 3 hours. The Chiefs opened the scoring in the top of the first only to surrender 4 runs to the home team Dodgers. Whitby would scratch out a couple of more drawing closer, but the Dodgers would then tack on a couple of insurance runs over the course of the next few innings to maintain their lead each and every time the Chiefs tried to draw even. Whitby finally went ahead for good but the Dodgers never quit. Down by two in the bottom of the 7^th, Brooklin came within one and with two outs lost the game on a play at the plate. This game could have gone either way, but with the victory, the Chiefs took a 1-0 series lead into Sunday where the series would be decided. Reliever Jeff Kingdon pitched a complete game and gave everything he had on the mound. After the game he was given the game ball to recognize his efforts. The victory was the first-ever post season win for the Chiefs.

Game 2 had the Chiefs feeling good about their chances to advance. Staff ace Steve Harrington was on the mound and a few more regulars were able to make the games – giving the team some added pop in the line-up and much needed depth on the field. Harrington didn’t have his most dominating stuff but certainly pitched well enough to keep the team in the game and for a chance to sweep the series. Brooklin countered with hard-throwing Wayne Wickens who came into Friday’s game and struck out 5 batters in two innings pitched. Wickens clearly wasn’t the same. Sensing this, Brooklin elected to insert Mitch Dunn. All he did was shut Whitby’s bats down and Brooklin won game two and grabbed the momentum heading into the third and decisive game.

What do you do when things are not broken...you leave them alone. Dunn came back out for Brooklin and picked up where he left off. He battled with Sohan Singh – who had his fastball working well all game. With the score tied 2-2 after 7 complete innings the game went into extra innings. With no change in score the teams went to the 9^th and that’s where Brooklin was able to claw out some runs with clutch hitting and capitalizing on a couple of Whitby miscues. Clearly deflated, the Chiefs had one more crack to at least force additional extra innings and with their 2-3-4 hitters due up the club felt like they had a chance. However, that wasn’t the case and 4 batters later the Dodgers were celebrating on the field.

This entire series was close and either team could have won. The Dodgers found a way to get it done and clearly wanted it more – wanting to erase the memory of last season and for the opportunity at their 3^rd OSBA championship.

The Whitby Chiefs wish Rod Holinaty, Jeff Canning and their Brooklin Dodgers all the best as they prepare for their next round and potentially a shot at the OSBA Cup.

The Chiefs would also like to thank all their fans for coming out. Game #2 especially had a very large group of cheering for both sides.  It is always great to have a large cheering section in the stands and the team appreciates the support. In addition, the Chiefs would like to take this opportunity to thank all the umpires who worked their games this season. Their commitment to the OSBA is needed as much as it is appreciated. Our sponsors are also tremendous. Without them players’ fees would be much higher and for that, a big thanks for their contribution and support.

The Chiefs would also like to thank all executive members for their hard work and dedication to making the OSBA a fun, safe and competitive environment. Each year the association tries to build upon years past and the Chiefs are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program.

In addition, the ball club would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Whitby Minor Baseball Association for continuing to maintain a great program for younger players. Several individuals from the Jr. Rep team played with the Senior Chiefs and hopefully the OSBA will be an option for many of graduating players from the WMBA for years to come. The Chiefs also had the privilege of having some younger Chiefs players join the senior team and help as bat boys over the course of the season. The Senior Chiefs did a great job making these boys feel welcome and gave various pointers and answered several questions. In return, the youngsters reminded everyone why baseball is fun. Their eyes would light up watching the older players hit the ball or steal a base. It was great to soak-up their energy and passion for the game. This type of partnership is exactly how the senior team wants to continue giving something back and help mentor kids interested and available to come out to home games.

Various members of the WMBA have shown a tremendous amount of support this season and years past. The Senior Chiefs would like to thank those individuals as well. Their assistance again this season was greatly appreciated.

The Chiefs wish all four teams remaining in the playoffs the best of luck. With another season in the books, the Chiefs will now start preparing for the 2010 campaign and the OSBA’s 10^th anniversary.

Respectfully,

Whitby Chiefs Management

Chiefs Tournament Particpation = Successful Weekend

Last weekend the Whitby Chiefs concluded their on-field activity for the 2009 season – participating in the Brooklin/Whitby Fall Classic. As one of the two co-conveening teams, the Chiefs used this weekend to primarily look at prospects for next summer.

In round robin play, the Chiefs started off slow – waiting until the bottom of the 7^th to muster any sort of offensive flair. Down 2-0 the club pulled out a victory and won in dramatic fashion by a final score of 3-2 over the SABL Champion, Scarborough Royals.

In game #2, the Chiefs faced the Mississauga Yankees – who were 1-0 after winning their opening game just a few hours prior. Perhaps benefitting from playing back to back games, the Chiefs picked up where they left off – as their bats stayed hot for the majority of the game. The end result was a 7-1 vicotry and with the win the Chiefs concluded the day atop their division.

Sunday morning was the conclusion of round robin play. Already knowing they’d move to the semis, the Chiefs wanted to win the game regardless and faced an alumni team of sorts out of Cobourg. The game remained close despite the fact one of the Cobourg players had to leave the game in the fourth inning – putting the team down to just 8 players. To Cobourg’s credit, they got a strong pitching performance out of their starter and solid defense - that helped force the game to an extra inning. However, with home field advantage, the Chiefs once again found a way to win with their last at bat and won the game 3-2.

Whitby advanced to the semis and drew the defending tournament champs – the Cardinals, formerly of the MSBL. Both teams were a perfect 3-0 through round robin play and the game quickly became all Cardinals. With dominant pitching and strong bats, the Cardinals simply over-powered the Chiefs and completed the game by a final score of 5-0.

The Cardinals promptly drove over to Kinsmen Stadium and competed in a long 7 inning championship game with the Oshawa Royals Alumni team. The game went back and forth and ended on a strong throw from centre field to get a runner trying to advance to 3^rd base. The Cardinals successfully defended their tournament championship winning the game 12-11.

Overall, the tournament was quite successful. There were some very strong teams and hopefully this event will continue to grow in popularity. It is a great way to cap-off the season and a great way to introduce players/teams to the OSBA.

For the Chiefs, management felt the team played extremely well and as a result, there is a high level of optimism for some solid prospects – perhaps as early as next year. Planning for next season is already underway – which includes recruitment efforts, sponsorship & fund-raising, and helping the OSBA plan for its 10^th anniversary.

The next event for the association will be the year-end banquet on Friday, November 13^th in Mississauga. More details will be listed on the team and OSBA websites about individual award nominees – with the winners announced at the banquet.