GAME 14: Oldtimers League

INTRO
EDITOR'S NOTES:  Three quick notes.  1) the BLOG will be back in all its irreverent splendor after our game against The Wild on Tuesday.  2)  This post is "serious" in that it is about an important part of our community and league.  3)  This is the 100th edition of the BLOG.  I can see no better way to celebrate that than deditcating it to the Help The Kids Tournament.

HELP THE KIDS PLAY

The Help The Kids Play Committee has a very simple mandate, “Provide funding for registration and/or equipment that will enable youth (under 18) residing in the Tottenham and surrounding area to participate in organized sports or other activities that will enhance their personal growth and well-being.”

Last year’s BLOG on the Help The Kids Play tournament (LINK) focused on the formation of the organization, its tremendous success in a short time and the role that the Tottenham Old Timers baseball league has in supporting this organization.

More information on HTKP can be found:  HERE

To quickly bring you up to speed, the organization started fulfilling their mandate in 2007 when they supported 9 children in athletic activities.  Since then, they’ve assisted 20 children in 2008, 25 in 2009, 31 in 2010 and 20 thus far in 2011.  The total number of children who have been afforded the opportunity to play in local sports is 105 and climbing.  All this has been accomplished in less than five years.  Further, less than one in ten participants uses the program more than once. 

This is not an inexpensive exercise.  The money spent directly on league enrolments and necessary equipment (if required) has exceeded $28,000.00 since 2007.  The money to support the children comes from various sources.  There are corporate contributions, private anonymous donations and money raised from the Help The Kids Play lob ball tournament weekend, sponsored by the Tottenham Old Timers. 

The tournament weekend coincides with Community Week in Tottenham and has developed into a festival of sorts.  Over the years, they have added an alumni game, and all-star game featuring the best of the Young – Timers and Old – Timers, and live music.  The fact that it occurs during Community week only enhances the feel of the weekend.  There are many baseball related events involving 3 different leagues, including the Ladies Lob Ball League.  Aside from the baseball, there are many children and families enjoying the music as well as the food and beverages that are supplied for a nominal fee.  The people there are ball players, men, women, children, friends and neighbours.  It is truly a community event.     

This weekend and the efforts of all the participants and attendees, raises over half of the Help The Kids Play Committee’s annual donations.  Over the past five years the committee has been able to count on $5,000.00 being raised by virtue of this tournament.  To say it is important would be an understatement. 

One of the parents of parents who participated in the program said, “As a single parent, this organization and the men’s league has been a godsend for me.  It has allowed my child to continue to play hockey which is a true passion.  My child will never know the route I had to take and I am grateful everyday for Help The Kids Play”.  This parent, like many others talks about giving back to the organization in terms of money and time.  This is not the expectation, but it is the kind of mood and genuine good will that this group fosters. 

Unfortunate circumstances sometimes befall good people.  We don’t always have the resources to pull ourselves through an that is here your team mates, friends and neighbours can help.     

This is not a plea to attend or participate because this event has been embraced by the league and by the community.  This is to let you know that you are the direct cause of your community’s children being able to fully participate in local sports.    While the anonymity of participants in the Help The Kids Play program is fiercely protected by the Committee Chair person; rest assured, you making this happen for your neighbour’s children is not unnoticed and greatly appreciated. 

THE SPEECH

This week's speech is brought to you by our sponsor, Cogveyor.

I made the mistake of sharing the above Intro with Rob yesterday and he said, "I have the perfect song!".  And so he did.  Rob has the amazing ability to make the chain link fences rattle with his deep baritone voice.   Think of that while you sing along to the lyrics provided by Robert.

To the tune of Frank Sinatra's New York, New York. (music provided for idiots.  If you're an idiot, please click:  HERE; if you're not an idiot, why are you clicking?  Idiot)

OLDTIMERS LEAGUE

Start spreadin' the news, We're playin' today

I want to be a part of it, Oldtimers, League

These old cleated shoes, are longing to play

Right through the very heart of it, Oldtimers, League

I wanna drink up where the beer is really cheap

And find I'm king of the hill, not just asleep

My little town crew, is making my day

I'll make a brand new start of it, Oldtimers, League

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere

It's up to you, Old-tim-ers, League

Oldtimers, League

I wanna drink up where the beer is really cheap

And find I'm hitting-number-one, top of the list,

King of the hill, top of the heap.

My little town crew, is making my day

I'm gonna make a brand new start of it in the oldtimers league

A-a-a-nd if I can make it there, I'm gonna make it anywhere

It's up to you, Oldtimers League, Oldtimers League.

THE GAME

The Help The Kids Tournament is the 'unofficial' halfway point of the season.  Kind of like the all-star break in Major League Baseball.  You want to close the first half strong!

Well, the Grisslies entered this game with a 7-6 record facing a team that had already beat them by a 13-10 score earlier in the year.  The Grisslies scouted the Banshees very well and were as prepared as possible for this game.  And those Banshees came into the game hovering around 7th place but only a point away from jumping into 4th. 

The good guys (Grisslies) scored 3 in the first with key 2 out RBIs from "Don't Call Me Terry" Doucette and "For Those About To Rock" Bill Sallustio.  Typically, the Banshees answered right back on runs scored by Esau, Anicete & Peters. 

The Banshees got the only run in the Second as Peters drove in Laird.  They held a 4 to 3 lead coming into the third inning. 

The 3rd started with a lead off inside the park homer by Dwyer, followed by consective hits from Bob Smith, Rob Hayward, Jerry Muirhead, Don't Call Me Terry, For Those About to Rock and Rene, giving the Grisslies a 6 run inning.  The Banshees would score 4 of their own in the third, again with Esau, Anicete and Peters in addition to Randy Rose scoring runs.  However, these would be the last runs the Banshees would get on this night. 

The Grisslies 9-8 lead stretched to 10-8 after 5; 14-8 after 6 and ultimately 16-8 for the game.  

So an 8-6 record with ten games left...the infield looks very good and the outfield is great.  Even thought the mid term report cards may have seemed a little harsh, everyone seems to be clicking and keeping it simple.  Keeping the ball in front of you, hitting the cut off man, not gambling on the bases....

Its almost time for the playoff run...but first, the HTKP Tournament!!!