November 6, 2024

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

The game is booming in Ontario.

For as long as we’ve written about amateur ball, there was a tried and true theory as routine as a room-service 6-4-3 double play.

And it went like this ... registration for sandlot ball was directly tied to major-league wins by Canada’s teams in post-season play. It happened again and again ...

_ After the Montreal Expos came within one win of making the 1981 World Series.

_ After the Blue Jays made post-season play for the first time in 1985, again in 1989 and again in 1991.

_ A further bump followed the 1992-93 World Series triumphs under president Paul Beeston (Welland, Ont.), Hall of Fame general manager Pat Gillick and manager Cito Gaston.

_ And the lastest examples were the 2015-16 editions of the Jays, teams put together by GM Alex Anthopoulos (Montreal, Que.) and Beeston.

In each example of prolonged success in October, there was a bump in registrations.

When Baseball Ontario staged its annual convention at the airport Sheraton there was news that registration for 2024 hit 96,000 -- up from 74,000 in 2023.

That’s up to pre-COVID numbers.

All thanks to a 74-win Blue Jays season which is tied for the ninth worst (full schedule season) of lowest victories in the franchise’s 48 years. Their 74-88 (.457 win percentage) was equal to the fourth place 1996 Jays and the 2013 last-place Jays.

Whether it has been president Ed Quinlan, madam president Mary-Ann Smith, the board, the hard working coaches and all the way down to the parents who put in the bases and line the diamonds ... someone has been doing an excellent job.

Baseball Ontario’s Play Ball video had two million hits this year, while another theory was the organization’s switch to green and white colors.

The 96,000 OBA numbers are the tip of the Ontario iceberg. Registration is always a moving target, because of all the different organizations, but you can add:

_ Between 1,400 and 1,500 playing on the 57 Canadian Premier League teams, age 14U to 18U. The league will expand to 13U down next summer.

_ Plus, about almost same with 44 teams in the Fergie Jenkins league, which has divisions from 10U to 18U.

_ And roughly half that with the 29 teams in the Premier League of Ontario from 14U to 18U.

* * *

Toronto’s 1996 club finished 18 games behind the American League East champion New York Yankees despite the best efforts of Pat Hentgen, Juan Guzman, Otis Nixon and Charlie O’Brien. The 2013 team, led by Colby Rasmus, Jose Bautista, Aaron Loup and Brett Cecil, was 23 games back of Boston Red Sox.

This season’s Jays, featuring Vlad Guerrero, Daulton Varsho, Kevin Gausman and Bowden Francis, were dead last ... 20 games behind the Yankees, which should put them ahead of the 2013 edition.

Only a wise guy would suggest that maybe the increased numbers were due to Ontario children not wanting to watch the Jays, but we won’t go there ... on with the award winners

* * *

The Hall of Famers

Bill Atkinson (Chatham, Ont.)

Atkinson, 69, is from the hotbed which produced Canada’s first Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins; and Doug Melvin, who served as general manager of both the Texas Rangers and the Milwaukee Brewers. He spoke to the crowd and presented pitching awards as well.

Breaking into the big leagues at age 21, Atkinson pitched in 98 games for the Montreal Expos -- all out of the bullpen. He had a career 11-4 record, compiling a 3.42 ERA, striking out 99 in 147 1/3 innings. His debut was Sept. 18, 1976, under interim manager Charlie Fox, pitching three scoreless against the St. Louis Cardinals facing Héctor Cruz, Luis Alvarado, Bob Forsch, Jerry Mumphrey, Garry Templeton, Keith Hernandez, back-to-back future Hall of Famers Ted Simmons and Lou Brock plus Willie Crawford.

Atkinson’s first win came on April 10, 1977, when he entered the game trailing 7-6. After an intentional walk, he retired Dave Johnson. In the bottom of the eighth, future Hall of Famer, Expos 1B Tony Perez hit a three-game homer to make Atkinson a winner. He pitched pro ball from 1972-83 and returned home to pitch senior ball until 1999. He was inducted into Chatham Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and has coached sandlot ball.

Legendary EOBA and OBA administrator Jack Carson (Belleville, Ont.)

Jack Carson (Belleville, Ont.)

Carson passed in 1998, yet his impact on the game continues today. He was wise enough to make batting helmets mandatory in the province in the 1960s. He later called it one of his proudest accomplishments.

After playing junior, intermediate, and senior ball in Belleville and the surrounding area, first playing and then umpiring in the South Hastings League. Carson hung up his cleats and turned to the administrative side of the game.

He received a provincial achievement award from Ontario Premier Bill Davis in 1971. A former OBA president, Carson was made a Baseball Ontario Life Member -- serving from 1954 to 1985. He was inducted into the Belleville Hall of Fame in 1992. The man was a legend in Eastern Ontario and eventually across the province.

Rob Ducey (Cambridge, Ont.)

Ducey, 59, is currently coaching high school ball in Tarpon Springs, Fla. Ducey had an unusual background as he was first noticed playing softball at age 15. After accepting an invitation to play baseball, Ducey played with the Cambridge Colts and soon after the Cambridge Terriers of the Intercounty League.

Three years later, he signed his first pro contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and by the age of 21 -- five years after playing his first ball game, he played his first major-league game. In 1986, he won the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Tip O’Neill award as Canada’s best player after hitting 33 doubles, six triples, 23 homers, knocking in 96 runs, and stealing 24 bases at double-A Knoxville and class-A Ventura County.

In Toronto to be presented the award, he was told he would stay with the Jays. “Why?” joked future Hall of Famer Pat Gillick, “We wanted to save airfare.” Ducey singled in his debut game against the Texas Rangers, driving in a run in a 3-2 Jays win on May 1, 1987.

Gillick sent a congratulatory note to Ducey which MC Blair Hains read as Ducey’s father Ed Heather (Cambridge, Ont.) accepted the award after a Zoom message from Ducey was shown. It read:

“Congratulations to Rob Ducey ... a great Canadian and a great Blue Jay. Ed could you please keep your acceptance speech to under 15 minutes.”

Heather was not scheduled speak although his former Terriers coach and noted trickster Scott VandeValk had told him he had to say a few words

A few years later, Ducey blew past Goody Rosen, who played 591 major-league games, the most by a Toronto-born player. Ducey played in 703 over seven seasons with the Blue Jays in two different stints, as well as the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Montreal Expos, and California Angels.

Ducey spent two years in Japan with the Nippon Ham Fighters, and another season of independent ball, plus he played for Canada on the international stage, including at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He worked for the Phillies and served many tours as a coach with Team Canada. His father is the legendary former Blue Jays scout Ed Heather.

Bob Prentice (Scarborough, Ont.)

Prentice, who passed away in 1996, was of a slight 6-foot, 180 pounder, but you would not know that the lithe infielder could swing it. “All in the wrists, it’s all in the wrists,” the career minor-leaguer used to say.

He played 10 years in the minors and only once failed to reach double-figures in homers. He had 23 in 147 games at double-A Tulsa in 1953, 20 at class-B Cedar Rapids in 126 games in 1950, and 16 at Tulsa in 1957. Prentice was an injury away from the majors spending 104 games at triple-A Indianapolis and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

His playing career over, he scouted for the Detroit Tigers signing closer RP John Hiller (Toronto, Ont.), who pitched in 545 games over 15 seasons, recording 87 wins and 125 saves, RP Mike Kilkenny (London, Ont.) 139 games in five years, with 23 wins plus four saves, RP Sheldon Burnside (Toronto, Ont.) 19 games in three years with a 2-1 record and a 6.00 ERA) and RHP George Korince (St. Catharines, Ont.) 11 games over two seasons with one win.

As Canadian scouting director for the Blue Jays from 1976-1992, he helped sign OF Rob Ducey (Cambridge, Ont.) who played 703 games in 13 seasons, with 31 homers, 146 RBIs, and a .242 average, LHP Paul Spoljaric (Kelowna, BC) 195 games in six years, 8-17, four saves, 5.52; 1B Nigel Wilson (Ajax, Ont.) 22 games in three seasons in the majors with two homers, five RBIs, .086 average, plus eight seasons in Japan, 461 games, 119 homers, 337 RBIs, .265 average, LHP Vince Horsman (Dartmouth, NS) 141 games in five years with a 4-2 record, one save and a 4.08 ERA, OF Rob Butler (East York, Ont.) 109 games in four years, 21 RBIs and a .243 average, OF Rich Butler (East York, Ont.) 86 games in three seasons, seven homers, .223 average), RP Steve Sinclair (Victoria, BC) 45 games in two seasons, 0-3, 5.24, LHP Denis Boucher (Lachine, Que.) 26 games in four seasons, six wins, 2.77 ERA, RHP Dave Shippanoff (Edmonton, Alta.) 26 games in one season, 1-2, three saves, 3.22 and OF Paul Hodgson (Fredericton, NB) one season, 20 games, one homer, five RBIs, .220 average.

In 1986, Prentice was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.

All-time Canadian leader in appearances by a pitcher, RHP Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.)

Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.)

Quantrill, 56, was born in London, Ont., in 1968 but grew up and played his minor ball in Port Hope. At 17 when his father John, a car dealer, moved to England, Paul stayed with friends in Okemos, Mich., and was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 26th round but didn’t sign. Three years later, after pitching for the Wisconsin Badgers he was selected in the sixth round and signed by the Boston Red Sox.

He made his major league debut with the Red Sox on July 20, 1992. All the rookie did was pitch 2 2/3 scoreless -- striking out future Hall of Famer George Brett -- and get the win in Boston’s 5-3 victory. After a stint with the Philadelphia Phillies, he returned to Canada as a Toronto Blue Jay. Besides his time with the Jays (six seasons), the Red Sox (three), and the Phillies (two), he also pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees, the San Diego Padres, and the Florida Marlins.

His father, John Quantrill, pitched for the Kendal Eagles. Paul pitched and coached in Port Hope and Whitby after his big-league career. Of course, there is his son, Cal Quantrill, selected eighth overall in North America from Stanford in 2016 and was paid the highest bonus to a Canadian-born player ($3,963,045).

* * *

Award winners

Rep Players of the Year

13U below _ Isaac Cartier, Kitchener 13U AAA.

Cartier had an outstanding season, hitting .535, with 18 home runs and 88 RBIs playing 50 games. A true team player, he played five different positions consistently leading the team in all offensive categories. Selected to participate with the Whitby Canadians he helped them secure a silver medal at the Nationals.

14U above _ Zander Parsons, Barrie 15U AAA

Parsons had a stellar season, playing 50 games with a batting average of .428 and 47 RBIs, along with an impressive 46 stolen bases. His standout performance at the Ontario Summer Games included hitting .688 with 11 hits, two home runs, and seven RBIs in six games. He was instrumental in leading the team to multiple gold medal wins which include Ontario Summer Games with YSBA.

Pitchers of the Year

Rep 13U below _ Chrispher DesLauriers, Whitby 13U AAA.

With a remarkable ERA of 1.72 and 82 strikeouts, DesLauriers dominated this season, showcasing poise and control. His hitting was equally impressive, with nine home runs and an incredible 1.441 OPS. As a key player at the eliminations and championship teams, he has proven himself as a standout.

14U and above _ Heath Esselment, Waterloo 16U AA

Esselment was a dominant force on the boasting an impressive 1.57 ERA in 49 innings, with 64 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .191 batting average. Known for his physical presence and leadership, he has been a key player on his team for five years, pushing himself and his teammates. Heath was also selected for the ICBA 15U All-Star team.

Select

Players of the Year

13U below _ Reid Pollard, Barrie 11U Dedicated Select

Pollard had an outstanding season, playing in 41 games with an impressive batting average of .590 and driving in 60 runs, while stealing 30 bases. As the lead-off batter for most of the year, led his team in triples. His impact went beyond raw statistics as he was the glue that held the team together showing a great degree of sportsmanship a key to securing the YSBA championship.

14U above _ Josh Suitor, Oshawa 15U House League Select

In just 17 games, Suitior achieved an incredible batting average of .700, leading his team in every offensive category with 27 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. Despite his impressive performance, he choose to bat lower in the lineup to avoid any perception of favoritism. He displayed his versatility by playing at every defensive position he played ... mostly serving as the go-to catcher.

Pitchers Of The Year

13U below _ Hayden Vaillancourt, Barrie 11U Dedicated Select

Vaillancourt posted an impressive 11-1 record, leading his team recording 100 strikeouts and an 0.759 fielding-independent ERA and. He threw two no-hitters this season and consistently demonstrated leadership on the field. He was a role model for his teammates.

14U above _ Connor Sedgwick, West Mountain 18U House League Select

Sedgwick excelled on the mound with a 1.71 ERA in 29 innings, earning five wins and striking out 60 while not allowing a home run. He also showcased his hitting prowess with a batting average of .481. He played a pivotal role on their team, contributing to their tournament victories. Sedgwick is a dedicated leader, embodying the spirit of teamwork.

Coaches

Rep 14U Above _ Darryl Silverstein, Vaughan 15U.

Silverstein has dedicated 10 seasons of coaching in Vaughan, leading his team with incredible dedication. Known for his thoughtful practices, emphasis on player development, and his ability to keep the game fun, he has been a mentor to countless young athletes. As a coach, he’s gone above and beyond to ensure every player grows both on and off the field.

Rep 13U below _ Scott Robinson, Whitby Canadians 13U AAA.

Robinson’s team had an extraordinary 58-6 season, winning every tournament it entered. His team dominated the elimination outscoring opponents 104-21, taking silver at Nationals and gold at the OBA championships. Robinson was able to push his players to the next level and prepare them for seasons ahead.

Select

14U and above _ Bryan Bartolozzi, West Mountain 15U House League Select.

With an impressive 22-5 record, Bartolozzi led his team to the St. Thomas Cardinal Classic tournament title, won the ICBA Select loop and reached the OBA 15U House League Select final. His passion for the game, strong leadership, and dedication to player development have made him a coach players love to play for. As president of the West Mountain, his impact extends beyond the field, where he continues to mentor young athletes and build a positive team culture.

The name Bartolozzi should be familiar and should be remembered by every coach and player playing elite ball in the province. Gene Bartolozzi (Hamilton, Ont.) founded the first elite team in the province -- the Hamilton Blue Jays -- playing a few weekends south of the border in 1995, grabbing players from here and there. The brainwave earned him a lifetime suspension from Baseball Ontario. It was later reduced to one year.

Teams of the Year

Rep 13U _ Whitby Canadians 13U AAA

With a record of 58 wins and six losses, the Whitby Canadians dominated every tournament they entered. As mentioned earlier they dominated the Eliminations, outscoring opponents 104-21 while running the table with seven straight wins. At 13U Nationals they were silver medalists after a 4-2 loss in the gold medal game.

Select _ York Riverdogs 11U House League Select.

Competing in 44 games, they achieved an impressive record with only eight losses. The team won two tournaments, finished second in the EBA and triumphed in the OBA finals in Forest Glade. The Riverdogs are more than a ball team; they are a family.

Youth Team MVP _ Evan York

A versatile switch hitter who caught and played first base during the Canada Cup, York stood out on and off the field. He played in five games, leading the team with seven RBIs, two home runs, and didn’t make an error. .Off the field, he always the first to pick up gear, run errands for teammates, and keep the energy positive. He is a team player who brings everyone together and a true leader in every sense. As Trevor Fitzpatrick wrote during the Canadian Futures Games he is also regarded as a polite young man.

Umpires

Junior - Level 1 or 2 _ Ahyan Anas

At just 13 years old, Anas umpired approximately 50 games, ranging from 9U House League to Rep 11U A. He was the only Level 1.1 umpire permitted to work 10U AA TBA playoffs, showcasing his maturity and exceptional game-calling ability. His commitment to fairness was evident in his interactions with players and coaches. He always arriving early so coaches were not taking turn: counting players and umpires present. He has also shown a willingness to mentor fellow umpires, regardless of their experience.

Senior, Level 3 _ Trevor Bertrand.

With years of experience, Bertrand has officiated at all levels and played a crucial role as a mentor for younger umpires. He is widely respected for his dedication and professionalism. His commitment to improvement is inspiring; frequently attends games to observe senior umpires and has even stepped in to gain experience with the three-man umpiring crew. His passion for the game extends beyond the field, as he volunteers to run umpire training sessions for Level 1 and 2 umpires, sharing his extensive knowledge and love for umpiring.

Newly minted Baseball Ontario Hall of Famer Billy Atkinson (Chatham, Ont.) the former Montreal Expo, with Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame director of operations Scott Crawford (Georgetown, Ont.)

President’s award - Scott Crawford.

President Ed Quinlan presented Crawford (Georgetown, Ont.) with the Ontario Baseball Association’s President’s Award. Crawford has been working at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame for 25 years. He is now director of operations in St. Marys.

Crawford had a good year in 2024 overseeing the seven-inductee Hall of Fame class headlined by former Blue Jays Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.), Canada’s greatest catcher and LHP Jimmy Key, a member of the 1992 World Series team, as well as Ashley Stephenson (Mississauga, Ont.), considered the top woman baseball player, LHP Rod Heisler (Moose Jaw, Sask.) selected to more Canadian international competitions than anyone else, former amateur player, long-time coach, administrator and volunteer Howard Birnie (Leaside, Ont.) and Paul Godfrey (Toronto, Ont.) one of three who helped bring the Blue Jays to Toronto, along with Don McDougall and Herb Solway.

Jack Middlemass Volunteer Of The Year _ Darryl Harding.

Harding was an exemplary leader and coach in the community. He was the president of Scarborough Baseball Association, making significant contributions to the league, demonstrating outstanding innovation and advocacy. This past season, he not only led the league but also coached the 15U select team, guiding them to the TBA finals. With over 30 years of coaching and volunteering experience, Harding is considered a role model and mentor, inspiring countless players and fellow coaches. His dedication and passion for the game truly embody the spirit of our association. Harding passed away in August ... accepting this award are his children Dawson and Mackenzie.

Long time members

55 Years - James Lutton

50 Years - Ron Pegg

35 Years - Ray Merkley

30 Years - Ed Quinlan

30 Years - Benoit Mercier

30 Years - Lisa Turbitt

25 Years - Mary-Ann Smith

20 Years - Justin Snively-Topping, Blair Hains, Reg Galbraith and David Huctwith

* * *

Former OBA players of the year:

Year Junior and Senior Players of the Year

1994 Chris Green, Mike Kusiewicz

1995 Paul Brown, Shawn Pearson

1996 Dan Hansen, Doug Vandecaveye

1997 Scott Thorman, Jason Mandryk

1998 Bradley Gould, Patrick Nailer

1999 Chris Emanuele, Tanner Watson

2000 Derek Lowe, BJ Richardson

2001 Dan Zehr, Chris Robinson

2002 Kate Psota, Jamie Romak

2003 Ian Choy, Cherie Piper

2004 Trevor Barton, Davey Wallace

2005 Cain Monaghan, Kevin Long

2006 Tanner Nivins, Greg Densem

2007 McCalla Sturgeon, Robert Cooper

2008 Geoffrey Seto, Larry Balkwill

2009 Nicholas Dimpfel, Ryan Zimmer

2010 Josh Naylor, Jake Lumley

2011 Connor May, Byron Reichstein

2012 Jason Stott, Matt Smith

2013 Noah Naylor, Justin Gideon

2014 Noah Roberts, Zachary Fascia

2015 Colin Mandarich, Jake Brennan

2016 Joe Kuin, Tyrell Schofield-Sam

2017 Carson Lumley, Josh Arce

2018 Brett Talbot, Carter Arbuthnot

2019 Jorja Sandilands, Scott Austin

2020 COVID

2021 Markus Woodley, Ryan McGivney

2022 Clive O’Brien, Darian Barnes

2023 Westin Merrit, Cameron Tully

2024 Zander Parsons, Isaac Cartier

(Pro players or those drafted listed in bold.)