You tube video of Eddie Feigner and the King & His Court.

Eddie is 32 years old in the video which would make the video from 1958.

 Click here to watch the video.

Adrian "Bob" Smith is the Player / Manager for the Toronto Bingo Senior Fastball team and has been very supportive of the World Senior Men’s Fastball Tournament for many years

Article courtesy of Jordan Ercit, North Bay Nugget  

Fastball 'was his life'

Fastball tourney honours fallen comrade with award

Posted By JORDAN ERCIT, THE NUGGET

Posted 17 mins ago

Roland Williamson never got to shake hands or compare pitching strategies with Rob Gilmore, but he was nonetheless quite honoured" Sunday to be holding a most valuable pitcher award handed out in Gilmore's name.

It's special for sure," said Williamson, the 45-year-old hurler for the Stratford-based Shakespeare Isotopes, winners of the 'A' Division championship Sunday at the World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament at Troy Field -- a 5-1 four-hit victory over the Hamilton Stingers.

Especially when you get to shake the hand of someone in his family, it's

certainly quite the honour."

For the first time in the 22-year history of North Bay's Labour Day fastball tradition, the 'A' and 'AA' c h amp i o n s h i p MVP and most valuable pitcher awards were doled out in the honour of one man --

Gilmore, a former competitor at the tournament in 2000 and 2001 with the Stoney Creek Gators masters' team.

The idea, said tournament volunteer Dave Cerisano, arose when the Gators' Dave Birnie contacted the North Bay Senior Men's Fastball League, the organizers of the tournament. Birnie wondered if the awards could be named in honour of their former teammate, who passed away two years ago at the age of 48 following a battle with cancer.

The league gladly obliged, Cerisano said.

We couldn't have been more honoured," he said.

Friendships formed

Gilmore, who helped steer the Gators to the 2002 Ontario and Eastern Canadian masters' championships, also had more of a connection to North Bay than just a love for wind-milling bullets across the plate during the final long weekend of the summer. He also spent most of his summers at the family cottage in Callander.

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Gilmore's widow, Cathy, said her husband would have been honoured to know his love for the game of fastball would be remembered.

It was his life," Cathy Gilmore said of her husband who grew up in the town of Wainfleet, on Ontario's Niagara peninsula.

I think he was still in diapers when he began playing.

But what he enjoyed most about playing masters was the friendships he formed after the games and the guys he met across the province from the various tournaments."

Gilmore may have had one final bit of business to take care of this weekend, though. Compared to the rest of the summer, the weekend weather was perfect for the tournament, making it seem like there may have been some help from above.

We might have had an extra contact up there (in heaven)," she said.

Article courtesy of the North Bay Nugget

Southern squads sizzle on Sunday

Posted By JORDAN ERCIT, THE NUGGET

Posted 8 hours ago

Pitching certainly won the day Sunday at the 22-annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament.

That and teams from southern Ontario.

Led by the masterful pitching of 41- year-old drop-baller Todd Uhrig, the Cobourg-based Cold Spring Cats won their third World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament in four years, shutting down the Toronto Bingos 3-0 in Sunday's 'AA' Division championship. It was the Cats fourth title overall.

Uhrig, from Elora, Ont., pitched a pair of one-hitters when it counted the most -- the semifinals and final -- Sunday afternoon, mixing in his patented drop ball with some well-placed heat, finishing with 12 strikeouts in the championship game as the tournament's most valuable pitcher in the 'AA' Division.

For Uhrig, it all came down to a breakfast of champions.

A couple of Tim Hortons breakfast sandwiches," he said with a laugh, choosing to forgo the more-conventional bowl of Wheaties.

About all the offence Uhrig needed all came in the top of the third inning, when the Cats capped a three-hit, three-run inning with a line-drive dinger to left field off the bat of tournament MVP Rob Ellis. Uhrig shut down the Bingos the rest of the way after allowing his only hit against in the first two innings.

And despite a couple of complete-game no-hitters, Uhrig's arm was feeling just fine.

My shoulder gets sore, but it's nice weather," he said. So once it gets some use, then it's not too bad."

In the 'A' final, Stratford's Shakespeare Isotopes , who eliminated the Bear Island Braves in the semifinals, scored two runs in both the third and fourth innings as they downed the Hamilton Stingers 5-1. Starting pitcher Roland Williamson pitched a four-hitter and struck out six.

For Williamson, it was his first time competing in North Bay's Labour Day classic. He hopes it won't be the last.

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The Mississauga resident, who is originally from Cape Breton, on the northern tip of Nova Scotia, said it is tournaments like this that keep fastball alive in Canada.

It's (fastball) dying in Cape Breton, but they're trying to keep it going," he said while enjoying a post-game beverage while his teammates laughed and traded jokes in the background, some at Williamson's expense.

It's tournament's like this that keep the game going."

Locally, the top finisher in the 'AA' Division was Howard's Plumbing, eliminated in the quarter-finals by the Oshawa Ravens. The Bear Island Braves were the top finishers in the 'A' Division, falling to the Isotopes.

Last year, two local teams swept the championships -- Casey's and Sundridge's Kent Trusses.

In all, 28 teams took part in the four-day tournament.

The Cold Springs Cats won the "AA" Championship at the 22nd Annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament.

 "AA" Championship

Cold Springs - 4 vs. Toronto Bingos - 0

Winning Pitcher Todd Uhrig 1 hitter

Championship Game Awards

Most Valuable Pitcher - Todd Uhrig ( Cold Springs)

Most Valuable Player - Rob Ellis ( Cold Springs )

One of the North Bay area's top softball pitchers has been named the 2007 winner of the Al Knapp Memorial Trophy for contribution to the sports of softball and baseball.

Ken Besner, who began playing softball as a 13-year-old 32 years ago with the Bonfield 7 Ups of the East Nipissing Fastball League, before continuing up the ladder through the intermediate and oldtimer levels, was recently named winner of the annual award, which honours the memory of longtime softball/fastball great Al Knapp.

During his early years, Besner played several seasons with the 7 Ups, winning a pair of championships, while handling pitching duties and also doing some catching.

After graduating from the ENFL, Besner played for 13 seasons in the Gateway Major Fastball Association with Father's, Kent Trusses, North Bay Merchants and Northern Honda, winning 10 league championships, as well as 10 top pitcher awards.

He was also honoured as the loop's most valuable player on two occasions.

During his time with the Northern Honda, Besner and his teammates also won five Northern Softball Association championships and an Ontario Amateur Softball Association title in 1991, when Besner pitched the North Bay squad to a 2-0 win over Owen Sound in the championship game.

During the 1991 season Northern Honda boasted an impressive 44-4 record, including a perfect 4-0 in the provincial championship.

A year earlier (1990) in Sheddon, Ont., Northern Honda, also in an OASA final reached the championship game before bowing out despite a two-hitter by Besner.

Besner pitched five games during the final day of that tournament and was presented with a "Merit of Achievement Award" by the OASA to honour a player's outstanding performance.

In the 1998 GMFA final, Besner suffered a serious (torn ligaments) bicep injury that prevented him from playing the following season. He was forced to take the next year off, before returning to complete his career.

After concluding his GMFA career, Besner played seven seasons with Overtime Lounge and Casey's of the North Bay Senior's Fastball League (oldtimers), four of which he was eligible to pitch. During that time he compiled a 36-1-1 record while winning four league titles.

During his tenure with Casey's and Overtime, Besner hurled his team to a pair of World Senior's Fastball tournament titles (2003, 2007), compiling a 7-0 record.

Besner will receive the Knapp award at the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner at Best Western North Bay, April 26th.

World fastball tourney hits 22 seasons

Posted By NUGGET STAFF

Posted 2 days ago

North Bay's growing Labour Day weekend tradition continues this week with 28 teams from across Ontario gathering for the 22nd annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament.

The tournament, staged at four fields in the city (Troy, Johnson, CFB and Centennial) opens Thursday with action between eight teams from the North Bay Senior Fastball League and continues through Sunday.

The senior fastball tournament, for players aged 35 and over, started in 1987 and has grown to become the largest in the province, with teams coming from places such as Toronto, Oshawa, Hamilton, Peterborough, Sudbury, Scarborough, Lindsay, Stratford, Porquis Junction and Moosonee.

Last year's 'AA' championship was won by North Bay's Casey's, the first local team to win the tournament since 1997.However, several players from the team hung up the cleats after the tournament and Casey's is no longer together.

The Cold Spring Cats, from Cobourg, Ont., the tournament's 'AA' champions in 2005 and 2006,will return seeking another championship.

The Toronto Bingos, who have been travelling north for the over-35 tournament for several years, will feature a big name on the roster for the weekend.

Peter Landers, a legendary left-handed pitcher and member of Softball Canada's Hall of Fame, is joining the Bingos for the weekend.

Locally, Boston Pizza won the regular- season championship in North Bay's nine-team senior league this summer, led by big hitters such as Richard and Ron Gribbons. Other area teams include The Fraser, North Bay Legion, Hopper's, Callander Legion, Howard's Plumbing, Powassan Legion, CFB Silver Foxes, Mattawa Legion, Bear Island Braves and last year's 'A' division champions, Kent Trusses of Sundridge.

The 28 teams will mix together in round robin play, with the Top 14 after the round robin moving on to the 'AA' playoffs and the next 14 playing for the 'A' title.

Playoffs begin Saturday evening, with quarter-finals, semifinals and finals to be played Sunday.

The 'A' championship game goes Sunday at 2:30 p. m. and the 'AA' championship at 4 p. m., both at Troy Field.

The 2008 NAFA Masters World Series has moved to a new location due to flooding at the sports complex in Rockford Illinois.

 Masters East Coaches:

Due to the Sportscore sports complex in Rockford, Illinois being flooded, we have moved the East Masters location less than 60 minutes away just North
in Middleton(near Madison), Wisconsin at the Bowling Green Softball
Complex and the Elvers Complex. 8 fields total.

We are staying on the Same date  Sept. 13-14  but do to coaches
requests we will not be playing any games friday night. We will also
use the same format as in all previous years which is 2 round robin
seeding games on Saturday that seeds all teams into as single
elimination on Sunday.

As of today we have the following numbers in each class:
35-8, 40-12, 45-12, 50-12, 55-7

Remember you can have 3 players three years too young that are not pitchers.

Everyone please confirm that you received this email and confirm the
age division or divisions you are playing in.

If you have not mailed your entry fee it is due so mail it now to:
NAFA, PO Box 566, Dayton, Oregon 97114

Motel List for Middleton, Madison Wisconsin

Here is the motel list for Middleton, Madison or you can find your own
on the internet but this list should save you some time:

Roadstar(host motel) 608-274-6900
Colonial Inn  608-836-1131
Best Western  608-833-4200
Super 8       608-848-7829

If these are full by the time you call. email me and I will send you
the complete list.

Thanks for your patience and we look forward to the best Masters event
ever and we look forward to seeing the 32 West Masters teams in Carson
City Sept. 20-21...We will send out a motel list for Carson City this
week.

Benjie Hedgecock
NAFA Executive Director

22nd. Annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament

Aug. 29-31  / 2008   North Bay, Ont.

Current and former master's players and coaches were in action at the recent Oshawa City & District Fastball League All Star Game.

Norm Estabrooks won the home run derby held during the All Star festivities, Norm competed in the recent OASA Masters Provincial Championship with Aurora.

Ontario Fastball Legend, Sylvia " Sparky" Ryan threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

 Dean Begley ( Aurora Sholess Joes ) played right field for the North squad.

John Kemp ( Lake Simcoe Lightning ) played centerfield for the North All Star Team.

Jim Trimm & Blair McBratney ( from Oshawa Ravens ) were both on the coaching staff for the South All Star Team.

Norm Estabrooks & Bill "Rookie" Fairney ( Toronto Celtics ) played for the winning South All Star Team.

Jim Trimm was awarded the prestigous Buddy Yahn Memorial Trophy. The following is submitted courtesy of the Oshawa City & District Fastball League web site.

The 2008 recipient started his fastball career at the age of six playing for Kedron in the park system. He played together with a bunch of his friends on the same team up until 1978 when he joined the Millwork fastball team in the Brady Division of the Oshawa City & District. 

In 82 he went to the Campbell Division with Whitby merchants until 84 when he joined Oshawa Caseys Sr B Team who went 22 and 2 in the City & District. The following year he played in the OFL with the Oshawa Blues. He continued his playing career playing with OASA and ISC affiliated teams such as Oshawa Merchants Seniors, ACL, O’Tooles and Mickey Finns Intermediates. 

Most of his over 28 year history in Oshawa Fastball were spent as a Player but in 92 he added player coach to his credentials He then added yet another roll of manager/coach to his impressive list, a roll which he continues to carry out with the present day Oshawa Ravens. The 2008 Buddy Yahn Memorial Trophy recipient this evening is Jim Trimm.

          O.A.S.A Mens Open Finalists in 93.   

          A fourth place and a seventh place finish at the N.A.F.A. world fastball Championships in 1994 and 95.

          4 World Senior Masters Championships in North Bay.

          O.A.S.A. Provincial Masters Champs in 03,

          O.A.S.A Masters Silver Medalists in 05, 

          Oshawa City & District champs in 84,92,06,07.

          Durham men’s fastball league champs from 99-02.

Waterloo Classics Win OASA Masters Provincial Championship

Waterloo, Ontario – The Waterloo Classics won the Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) Masters Provincial Fastball Championship with a 6-0 victory over two-time provincial champion Alvinston Indians Sunday (July 20) in Niagara Falls. 

The Waterloo team, managed by local fastball enthusiast Sam Forbes, got off to a slow start Friday night, losing 2-1 to the host Niagara Storm’s Fury, but bounced back with a convincing 9-2 victory Saturday afternoon over Aurora Shoeless Joes. With three teams ties at a win and a loss apiece, the tiebreaker rule awarded the Classics first place in their division and a bye into Sunday morning’s semi-final game. 

After defeating Waterdown Hammer in their quarterfinal game Saturday night, the Niagara team earned the chance to qualify for the final by meeting the Classics again. This time the Waterloo bats came alive as the 2007 provincial runner-up team won the game handily by a 14-2 score Sunday morning. 

The championship game Sunday afternoon was a classic matchup between the two long-time, friendly rivals, Waterloo Classics and Alvinston Indians. Alvinston made it to the championship by defeating Aurora in the other semi-final on Sunday. The Classics prevailed 6-0 behind strong pitching from Todd Uhrig, timely hitting and errorless defense. After playing in the annual tournament for 11 years, it was the Classics first OASA provincial championship. 

Each year, OASA presents the Jack Cook award to the Masters player, manager or coach who best exemplifies the sportsmanship, leadership and competitive spirit of Masters fastball in Ontario. Bob Abbott, OASA Executive Vice President, presented the award to Dana Seiling of the Waterloo Classics. It was the third time in four years that a member of the Classics received the award. Sam Forbes (2005) and Jodie Schnarr (2007) were the previous recipients.

 2008 OASA Masters Provincial Championship

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Fri. July 18 - Sun July 20th  /  2008

July 18th – Fri. 1) 8:00 pm DIA. I - Niagara – Waterloo

Niagara 2
Waterloo 1

WP - Rich Vassos in relief of Rick Provost
LP - Sean Geehan in relief of Don Steebing

Niagara - Mark Hall 1/3 RBI, Joe McMaster 1/3 Rbi, Jeff Kranyk 2-3, Rob Greatrix 1/3 run scored, Ron Winger 2/3

Waterloo - Jodie Shnarr 2/3, Greg Scheel 1/3, Todd Uhrig 1/3, Paul Clemons 1/3

July 19th - Sat. 2) 9:00am DIA. I - Kanata – Waterdown

Kanata 4
Waterdown 0

WP - Billy Gerber
LP - Brian Lisk
Kanta - Paul Priest and Tommy Watkinson 2 hits each. great D from 3rd base Hugh Murray
Waterdown - Kres Andersdon, Kyle Davis, Paul Hird and Brett Duggan singles

3) 11:00am DIA. I - Niagara – Aurora

Aurora 13
Niagara 6

WP - Norm Estabrooks
LP - Ron Winger

Aurora - Marty Greenhop 2/4 Norm Estabrooks 2/4 4rbi, Peter Seto 3/4
4) 1:00pm DIA. I - Alvinston – Kanata

Alvinston 9
Kanata 1

WP - Dave Martin
LP - Trevor Wood

Alvinston - Brian Prowse 2 hits, Jason Hope 2 run HR
Kanata - Mike Money triple and single

5) 3:00pm DIA. I - Waterloo – Aurora

Waterloo 9
Aurora 2

WP - Todd Uhrig
LP - Norm Estabrooks

Waterloo - Jodie Schnarr, Greg Scheel, Dan Ferrede and Paul Clemons 2 hits each
Aurora - Norm Estabrooks 2/3 2 runs

6) 5:00pm DIA. I - Alvinston – Waterdown 

Waterdown 3
Alvinston 1

WP - Rick Hames
LP - Doug Charlton

Waterdown - Marcel Bilodeau 2/3, Lance Winn 2/4
Alvinston - Chris Drew 2/3 Murray McLean 2/3

End of preliminary play, Alvinston and Waterloo receive byes to tomorrows semi's

7) 7:00pm DIA. I - 2nd Red - 3rd Blue

Quarter final 1
Aurora 2
Kanata 1

WP - George Karkumbasis, save Steve Ketchell
LP - Bill Gerber

Aurora - Peter Seto 2/3 2 runs scored
Kanata - Duane Bromley, double

8) 9:00pm DIA. I - 2nd Blue - 3rd Red

Quarter final 2
Niagara 4
Waterdown 2

WP- Butch Provost, relief Rick Provost, save Rich Vassos
LP - Jim Hurst

Niagara - Jeff Kranyk 4/4 run scored, Rob Greatrix triple 2 runs scored, Dave Taylor single 2 rbi's
Waterdown - Rick Hames 1/3 run scored

July 20th Sun. 9) 10:00am DIA. I - 1st Red - Winner gm 8

Semi final 1
Waterloo 12
Niagara 2

WP - Todd Uhrig
LP - Rich Vassos

Niagara - Todd Uhrig 3/4 HR, Mike Kelly 2/4 HR, Jodie Schnarr HR, Ross Herold 3/4
Niagara - Dave Taylor and Mark Hall each with a HR

This one was over early, Uhrig was throwing darts, the only bright spots for Niagara were the two solo shots.

10) 10:00am DIA. II - 1st Blue - Winner gm 7

Semi final 2
Alvinston 10
Aurora 1

WP - Dave Martin
LP - Steve Ketchell

11) 1:00pm DIA. I - Winner game 9 - Winner game 10

Championship Game
Waterloo - 6
Alvinston - 0

WP - Todd Uhrig, two hit shutout
LP - Doug Charlton

Waterloo - Mike Kelly 2/3, Todd Uhrig 1/3 and Greg Scheel 2/3
Alvinston - Joe Triest and Brian Prowse one hit each

Uhrig again was virtually unhittable, congratulations to your 2008 Provincial Masters Champs Waterloo Classics for an impressive weekend and to Alvinston for their runner up finish. Gold and Silver medals were presented to each team.

SENIOR MEN'S FASTBALL TOURNAMENT

AUG. 29th, 30th, 31st, 2008

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

TEAM NAME                                                                                                                                                                                           

CONTACT PERSON                                                                                                                                                                                        

ADDRESS                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                     

TELEPHONE                                                      FAX                                                  EMAIL                                                                         

TEAM RATING (see note 1.) check one:                                                                                                                   

                                                                   A          AA

* PREFERRED TIMES (indicate 2 choices):                                                                             

(see note below..times may vary if 5 full innings adapted)    6:00         7:15       8:30       9:45

A vs AA Double A teams have indicated a desire for more competition. They will be grouped to provide more equitable preliminary games. Please be fair to enable this format to succeed. If you have a fairly decent pitcher you are likely a AA team.

ROOMS:   PLEASE ALLOW US TO BOOK FOR YOU. THE BEST RATES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED AT LOCAL HOTELS THAT SUPPORT OUR TOURNAMENT. GIVE DAVE A CALL AND HE WILL ARRANGE ROOMS FOR YOU.

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TEAM MEMBERS

(    This is the list for the Official Program only. The Offical team list is to be provided at the Registration Tent when you arive)

PLEASE PRINT NAMES CLEARLY

1.                                                                                                      9.                                                                                 

2.                                                                                                    10.                                                                                 

3.                                                                                                    11.                                                                                 

4.                                                                                                    12.                                                                                 

5.                                                                                                    13.                                                                                 

6.                                                                                                    14.                                                                                 

7.                                                                                                    15.                                                                                 

8.                                                                                   

Player Age Restrictions

MUST BE 35 TO PLAY AND 40 TO PITCH

(the committee reserves the right to request proof of age if necessary)

REGISTRATION

1. Enclose cheque for $400 payable to WORLD SENIOR FASTBALL ($450 after July 1st, no exceptions)

                        - entry includes free "T" shirt and 15 free draw tickets for $500

2.  Fill in team roster (no players under 35 and no pitchers under 40)

3.  Once your team is registered you will be contacted and supplied with a list of rooms that have been blocked for this event.

                        - We recommend that you allow us to book for you. We have the best rates available and also get a rebate for all rooms used.

4.  Read basic rules below

5.  Submit information to:

                        DAVE CERISANO

                        552 GREENWOOD AVE.,

                        NORTH BAY ON P1B 5G4

                        tel. 705-474-4878         fax 705-474-6819       dave.cerisano@sympatico.ca

BASIC RULES

1. NO METAL CLEATS - NO EXCEPTIONS - INCLUDING PITCHERS

2.  Final team roster must be handed in at the Registration Tent prior to first game. (maximum 15 prizes per team to winners)

3.  Unlimited defensive re-entry.

4.  Unlimited pinch runners...some exceptions do apply....check final rules in event program.

5.  Double flap helmets must be worn by all batters and base runners

6.  Absolutely no jewelrey allowed to be worn.

7.  Time limits for games:       * Preliminary Round      - 5 innings with time limit and mercy rule

                                                     All games after Preliminary Round to be 5 full innings

* NOTE:  THE COMMITTEE IS REVIEWING THE FEASIBILITY OF PLAYING 5 FULL INNINGS

                  FOR ALL GAMES.  FIELD AVAILABLILITY WILL BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR.

1)         Family ?  Wife Kathy, married for 22 years, Daughter Alexandra, Son Scott, Was too busy thinking and making plans for the 2007 NAFA Masters East World Series that I completely forgot our 22^nd wedding anniversary, yikes ! 

2)         Age ?  48 

3)         Occupation ?  Industrial Contractor working at Stelco, Dofasco, Ontario Hydro,Petro Canada, Ford etc.Vice Presid