VINTAGE BASEBALL FEDERATION ONTARIO MINUTES

CALL began at 12:01 PM

Frank Iker welcomed all the teams, and the AGM for the Vintage Baseball Federation of Ontario started on time at 12:01.

Roll Call

Teams on call -33’s

Dresden Outlaws, Chatham Diamonds, Tillsonburg Old Sox, OSBA Aces
Regrets - Mississauga Cubs, Port Lambton Lugnuts

Teams on call 43's
Dufferin Simcoe Braves, Tecumseh GG’s
Regrets -Walsingham Senators, Burlington Herd

Teams on call  -50’s
Tecumseh GG’s, Scarborough Maroons, Chatham Diamonds, Peel Halton Goats

57’s / 60’s

Oakville Golden A’s, Dufferin Simcoe Rockers, Welland Legends, Hamilton Stealers, Tecumseh GG’s, Ottawa Braumeisters, Barrie Red Sox

Financial Report - Rich Knight, Tom Manuel

2025 -Opening Balance $8,596.88 -

Team Fees $3017.84

Expenses $3,132.82

Costs, Include - Insurance, Conference Calls, Website Domain Fees, Caledonia Park Donation

2026 - Opening Balance - $8,481.90

Tom Manuel, reminded Teams who host Tournaments and do not break even, please note we are here for you - so please do not hesitate to ask for reinforcement if your do not break even hosting your Tournament.

Insurance Update, Team Fees for 2026 - Rich Knight

Rich Knight, let everyone know the cost of insurance is going up and the price for each team, this year will be $150.

Teams should e-transfer $150 to - richknight15@hotmail.ca - deadline April 15

Each Team will be covered for Liability, and each player will be covered for what he terms is Secondary Insurance (please let him know if you have any questions).

Teams also told, if a player has an injury they should report it asap to Rich, so he can get the proper paperwork to the injured player.

Directors Update - Paul Freeman 33's, Tim Lessard 43's / 50's

Paul Freeman let us know how hard it is to get 33+ teams to travel a long distance to play in the Provincials, especially when some of the teams are still playing in their playoffs. He suggested that having a central location and playing the first weekend in October would help. Hence, the 33+ Provincials are tentatively scheduled for St. Mary's Oct. 3,4.  

Tim Lessard mentioned how disappointing it was in not having a 43+ Provincial in 2025.  In fact, there was only 1 team the "Tecumseh GG's" that replied they would participate. He again mentioned the long distance of travelling as a problem. That said, Sept. 26,27 weekend has been suggested for the 43+ Provincials. Tim also suggested Sept. 19,20 as the dates for the 50+ Provincials.

Dan Radobenko mentioned that he was really impressed with the quality of baseball in 2025 -57+/60+ Provincials considering the Age of the Baseball Players - 

Rich Knight mentioned that the plan this year might be to neutralize the location to play at The Canadian National Hall of Fame Parks in St. Mary's Ontario. Rich Knight to reserve the park as soon as it becomes possible.

Also, a rule change was agreed to (as per discussion).  For the 33+, 43+ and 50+ age groups, if desired, 2 pitchers can pitch 3 innings or 9 consecutive outs.

Rich Knight stated that in 7 inning games, the Managers / Team Reps can hopefully work it out based on their own pitching staff, such as 3,3,1 or 3,2,2 or even 3,1,1,1,1 to try and keep as many pitchers happy as possible.

Rich Knight stood in for Dan R. regarding the 57+ and 60+ and said the 57+ provincials will be held in Welland, September 12,13.

Larry Stephens stated that the Hamilton Stealers were interested in hosting the 60+ back in Caledonia.

Please remember that any team can put forth a request for the opportunity to host any tournament, and we will confirm the location at a later date.

Open Forum

Tim Lessard / Tom Manuel mentioned that, if possible, every Tournament should try to have a Safety Bag for first Base.  All teams should try and see if that was an option at their parks.

On a final note, Rich Knight mentioned that every Team in Vintage Baseball should at least play in a one-day event or tournament event during the summer. Whether it is 2,3,4 team event and then hopefully attend the Provincials (in their age bracket).

Frank Iker thanked everyone for being "on call" for the AGM and encouraged the teams/ directors to forward any game activity to a member of the executive so that the website can be updated. He also hoped for a successful season for everyone.

CALL - ended 12:35 PM