Received: 7/6/07 5:22:44 PM From: "brian baillie" <theace012(at)hotmail.com>
Subject: Monkton - tourny wrap-up & final thoughts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monkton, Ont Truly, a Dream Come True Tourny Wrap-up 2007 (I apologize for the lateness of this letter, as I am currently in the US and unable to compose and send to Als immediately) It never ceases to amaze me how fast our week-end flys by. Mind you, my body (and mind) tell me Ive been far too busy and need to slow down, which I have done the last few days. Yet still, occurrences and memories of this tourney- and fastball in general continue to monopolize my thoughts. The ballpark returned to its normal self Monday, unfortunately. I wish it could look like that all summer. I feel like an artist who is unsatisfied with his masterpiece throwing it away and starting from scratch once again. Its not a good feeling, but it is reality. However, I and my Exec. Committee are very happy and proud. Once again we raised the bar for ourselves and met it with ease, or so it seems, but it does not happen with a snap of ones fingers nor is it magic. A vision, a goal, a plan, and a team to execute the plan are absolutely crucial. Doing the absolute best job possible is our only option. This past week-end is the fruit of that compulsion. We were blessed to have glorious sunny days, cool fresh nights, and spectacular fastball all week-end long. The final result had the So. Cal Bombers claiming top honours in our tourney, and is a true testament that any one of the approx. top 10 ranked teams have a legit shot at winning the Worlds in Kitchener. Congrats to Kelly McGiffin, Rob Schick, the Trejos Ralph Sr. and Jr. and the entire Bombers organization. Equally as impressive was the Kitchener Hallman Twins, who served notice that they too can and will contend in every game of every tourney, and relish the opportunity to walk off with a championship ring on home turf come August. The week-end was not without disappointment and heartache to a few teams, yet, as any team in any pro sport can tell you, things dont and cant always go as planned. Hard work, dedication, perseverance, and professionalism are all traits that every single player and team in Monkton come with, and the willingness to win fizzes through every fastballers veins each time they put on the uniform. Why else would our great game retain its fascination? Our sport is blessed to have some of the most genuine and caring people in the world. We read stories about a number of teams and players dedicating their time and efforts to our youth in hopes of having them carry on the legacy of our game for generations to come. Part of our intention in Monkton, is to bring fastball back to its glory days. To watch children play on their lawns, schoolyards, and ball parks FASTBALL! Some playing by themselves, mimicking the pitching motion pretending to be a young Darren Zack or Andrew Kirkpatrick. Or swinging a bat hitting one out of the yard as does Travis Wilson, Jody Eidt, and others too numerous to mention. We need our children to have dreams, and for them to have fastball dreams should make us all feel like a proud parent of the game. Our inaugural Sun-Life Day Camp for Kids was in fact just this. Kids having fun, making crafts, learning more about the game, and simply just being at the ballpark. Some of them had their dreams come true when the entire Broken Bow Gremlin team arrived to interact, answer questions, and partake in an autograph and picture session at the end of the camp. To see the smiles, looks, and twinkle in the childrens eyes was priceless and something even I will never forget. Thanks Sun Life and thank you Gremlins for fulfilling dreams that day! Big thanks go to Easton, who sponsored our 2nd edition of the Easton Home Run Challenge. The 9 participants: Brad Robinson Jarvis, Dale Levy Twins, Pat Shannon Gremlins, Lois Joglar Patsys, Pat McKintosh Saskatoon, Jeff Goolagong Farm, Darren Box So Cal., Steve Mullaley Orillia, and defending champion Travis Wilson Patsys put on a fantastic show for a huge crowd! Round 1 had Dale Levy, Darren Box, and Travis Wilson advance to the second round, where everyone watched as Travis put on a home run derby hitting clinic by smacking balls consecutively over the fence and all with only 1 out. Incredible job Travis thanks and well done! I have so many thank yous to send, I dont know where to begin. So here goes (I sincerely hope I dont omit anyone if so, please accept my apologies) Set-up and tear-down crew huge thanks! It was hot on Monday and Tuesday!! Grounds crew amazing job all week-end! Umpires world class once again. Scoring and announcing crew excellent! Broadcasting well done Steve, George and Al. Food booth delicious and with a smile! Pie & Ice Cream Concessions scrumptious! Bar and Beer tent staff always cold, and with a smile! Security Staff must have been good, its all still here! Parking Crew organized to a T Day Camp staff well done! Night clean-up crew immaculate! Gate staff welcoming, cheery and friendly great job! Arena staff huge thanks and praise!! The tourney Executive Committee words cannot express how I feel, nor will it do justice to the time and effort you all sacrifice. It does not happen without you!!!!! As mentioned earlier, to the teams, players, coaches, managers and owner/sponsors. It is always a pleasure to not only have you here, but to work with you all months prior to our event. Classy, friendly, co-operative, professional, and very friendly are you all. I look forward to seeing you all soon. I could write forever, and my time is limited, so I must summarize as such: To all the fans of this beloved game. I will speak for not only myself, but for the teams and players too. A tournament is nothing without fans. The game would not exist without fans. Your compassion, emotion, and love of the sport is unlike any other. Many are regulars here. Many come from distant places. Many are former players themselves. But most importantly, each and everyone of you simply love the game. Heartfelt thanks, best wishes, and god-speed to all. Brian Baillie Chairman World Fastball Invitational theace012(at)hotmail.com Al's Fastball News *Email: fastball(at)pmihrm.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] NEWS-1: http://www.AlsFastball.com/ NEWS-2: http://fastpitchwest.com/alsfastball VIA http://www.webbox.com
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