Diamonds Celebrate Retirement of #39

Tonight the York Diamonds retired the number 39 of former MSBL president Dave Quennell. Quennell's perseverance to promote adult baseball in the west end of the city meant that hundreds of players over the years were able to get a chance to keep playing the game they love. The last two remaining franchises from the MSBL, the Diamonds and Metro Mets then took to the field for a highly entertaining game. Marshall Irving threw well for the Mets and Kevin Horton came tantalizingly close to his second straight no-hitter for the Diamonds. York had a 3-0 lead through six innings as Eric Foley drove in two runs and Justin Williams plated another. Horton was almost perfect through six with the only baserunner being a painful hit by pitch for Vince Novielli. In the 7th Horton tired a bit as Martin Trambulo walked which was followed by an Alex Gale triple. Chris Hastings grounded out to score Gale and make it 3-2. Clint Jeon then singled to centre and one out later Justin Cruz singled. Eric Foley was then called in to try to close out the game. Two stolen bases put the tying run at third and the go-ahead run at second. Foley then got the last batter to swing through a high fastball preserving the win. A great crowd was on hand to witness the game and participate in the jersey retirement ceremony, including players from 10 different former MSBL franchises - Sentinel Devils, Vaughan Expos, Mississauga A's, Mississauga Knights, Team Cuba, Mississauga Falcons, Toronto Cardinals, Mississauga Colt 45s, Metro Mets, and York Diamonds. Current OSBA members Mississauga Southwest Twins, Mississauga Braves, and Royal York Cardinals were also represented.

Date: August 24, 2017     Time: 8:00pm      Venue: Keelesdale Park