Toronto Playgrounds Baseball TP Baseball

DAY 12 > ‘September Madness’ Is Over

WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE MIDGET CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, THE 2011 TP TOURNAMENT COMES TO A CLOSE

With the completion of this afternoon's Midget Division Championship Game, the 2011 TP Tournament ends and another wondrous baseball season comes to a close at Christie Pits and Bickford Park.

Fifty-eight games were played in the past twelve days with Mother Nature's gracious cooperation.

The TP Baseball Committee would like to thank all the parents and players who registered for our program this season. We're glad that you came along for the ride and we sincerely hope that you had a fun and rewarding experience on the field of dreams.

Our sincerest thanks go out to the numerous volunteers who stepped up during the 2011 season to coach, umpire, scorekeep, move equipment, distribute uniforms, barbecue, etc. The TP Baseball Program would not be the stellar jewel that it is in the community without the assistance of those who live within it.

'September Madness' is over. We hope to see you all back in 2012 for another great season of TP Baseball. 

MIDGET > Day 12: Monarchs Edge Homesteads 7-6 To Win Midget Division Championship

IN A THRILLING GAME, THE MONARCHS CAME OUT ON TOP IN THE SIXTH INNING TO WIN THE PRIZE

MONARCHS > 2011 Toronto Playgrounds Midget Division Champions

In the final game of the 2011 TP Baseball Tournament played this afternoon at Dominico Field, the Monarchs edged the Homesteads 7-6 in six innings to capture the Toronto Playgrounds Midget Division Championship.

The Monarchs raise the TP Midget Division Championship Trophy.

The showdown between the Monarchs (1) and Homesteads (2) was a thrillingly close tooth and nail battle played by two well balanced squads.

The Monarchs jumped out to an early 3-1 lead after two innings as Will (6) pitched two stellar innings (2 IP; 1 ER; 3 H; 0 W; 5 K)  to hold the potent Homesteads lineup in check.

However, the Homesteads stormed back with a vengeance in the top of the third as they scored four runs to take a 5-3 lead. Keying the attack was a two run double by Junior (12) which brought home Peter (3) and Andrew (14) who had led off the inning with a pair of walks. A one run single by Nicholas (7) brought home Junior and another one run single by James (5) brought Nicholas home with the final run in the inning.

The Monarchs fought back in the bottom of the third as they scored one run to cut the deficit to one. With one out, Julian (15) hit a clutch one run double to bring Baldon home (8) from third.

Trailing 5-4, Baiden (11) of the Monarchs pitched a scorless top half of the fourth as he struck out two Homesteads to keep it a one run game (1 IP; 0 ER; 0 H; 0 W; 2 K).

Tristan (9) a.k.a. "T-Money" of the Monarchs scored the winning run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning.

With one out, the Monarchs drew three consecutive walks in the bottom of the fourth to load the bases. An errant pickoff attempt to first base by the Homesteads pitcher sailed down the right field line which allowed Sage (2) and Russell (3) to come home with the tying and go ahead runs as the Monarchs went back in front 6-5.

The fifth inning was a pitcher's affair as both teams were unable generate any offense. Monarchs pitcher Sage (2) tossed a super top of the fifth as he struck out three. Likewise, Andrew (14) of the Homesteads [1.2 IP; 0 ER; 0 H; 0 W; 5 K] mowed down the Monarchs 1-2-3 on three strikeouts in the bottom of the fifth.

Trailing by one and with one out in the top of the sixth, Junior (12) of the Homesteads doubled and eventually moved to third on a stolen base. On a wild pitch, Junior blazed home with the tying run to even the proceedings at 6-6.

With the Homesteads go ahead run standing at third, Sage (2) of the Monarchs [2 IP; 1 ER; 1 H; 2 W; 5 K] dug deep into his reserves and struck out the next two batters to close out the top half of the inning and keep the game tied.

In the bottom of the sixth, Tristan (9) of the Monarchs led off with a walk and Tristan (10) singled. After Tristan (9) had stolen third, "T-Money" came storming home with the winning run on a wild pitch. 

Congratulations to Monarchs Head Coach Darryl Spencer for leading his team to the 2011 TP Midget Division Championship.

Please click on the links below to access more photo collages from the Midget Division Championship Game:

September 17, 2011 > Monarchs Championship Collage

September 17, 2011 > Midget: Monarchs

September 17, 2011 > Midget: Homesteads

DAY 11 > ‘September Madness’ Takes A Breather Today

WITH 57 GAMES COMPLETED, ONLY ONE GAME REMAINS TO BE PLAYED IN THE 2011 TP TOURNAMENT

After playing the Peewee Division Championship Game yesterday night, the 2011 edition of the Toronto Playgrounds House League Baseball Tournament takes a day off today and will finish off the season with the Midget Division Championship Game tomorrow.

The annual tournament to wrap up the season is a baseball lover's delight with a cornucopia of games from four age divisions being played over four diamonds at Christie Pits and Bickford Park over the course of ten (plus two) days (weather permitting).

You can keep track of all the scores and game accounts every evening of the tournament via the website and Twitter.

Final scores will be uploaded to twitter (@TPbaseballnews) as they come in.

Updated playoff game accounts, pictures and scores will be posted on the website nightly.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MIDGET CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WILL BE PLAYED TOMORROW (Saturday, September 17, 2011) AT DIAMOND # 1 @ 12 NOON.

If the weather is questionable for tomorrow's Midget Division Final, parents and players are strongly advised to check either Twitter (@TPbaseballnews); the Twitter Sidebar on the main page of our website or the TP Hotline (416-392-1914, Press 4) at 11:00 a.m. for the latest weather update concerning the status of your game.

Only 1 game remains! Come on down to the ballpark and savour 'September Madness' before it ends!

PEEWEE > Day 10: Yankees Prevail 8-6 Over Royals In Extra Innings To Win Peewee Division Championship

IN UNDOUBTEDLY THE BEST PEEWEE FINAL EVER, THE YANKEES TOP THE ROYALS IN THE EIGHTH INNING

The Yankees raise the TP Peewee Division Championship Trophy.

WHAT A GAME!!!

In a spectacular Peewee Final played tonight at Diamond # 2, the Yankees prevailed 8-6 over the Royals in the eighth inning to win the Toronto Playgrounds Peewee Division Championship.

The game was electric from start to finish as two equally balanced teams battled tooth and nail to capture the prize under very chilly conditions at Christie Pits. This Peewee Final was one for the ages and will undoubtedly go down in the annals of TP Baseball history as one of the best games ever played.

Great pitching! Clutch hitting! Stellar Defense! Super Plays! TWO extra innings!! Who could ask for more?

YANKEES > 2011 Toronto Playgrounds Peewee Division Champions

Even though the boxscore will show that the Yankees (3) had prevailed over the Royals (1) in the second extra inning, it was crystal clear that both teams emerged as winners at the end of the proceedings for the way they played. 

Both teams played with passion, grit, fun and determination and ultimately gave it their all over eight innings and left everything they had on the field of play. No need for any player to hang their head down. In the end, the Yankees and Royals displayed a genuine respect for the game and life itself that is immeasurable. 

Trailing 5-4 after 5 ½ innings, the Royals gamely rallied for a run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the score. Key play > With the bases loaded and two outs, David (8) of the Royals delivered a clutch single to bring home Kieran (11) from third with the tying run.

With the bases still juiced and two outs, Yankees pitcher Cameron (10) dug deep into his reserves and gamely struck out the next Royals batter to close out the sixth and force extra innings. 

In the top of the seventh, the Yankees proceeded to loaded the bases. With one out, Justin (2) hit a fielder's choice to short which allowed Matthew (13) to come in with the go ahead run.

With the score 6-5; two outs and the bases loaded, Royals pitcher Simon (1) bore down and struck out the next Yankees batter to close out the top half of the seventh.

However, the Royals rallied once more in the bottom of the seventh. Leadoff hitter Anthony (13) got on base after he was hit by a pitch and eventually advanced to third on a pair of stolen bases. With one out, Kieran (11) hit a 4-3 sacrifice which brought Anthony home to tie the game at 6-6.

With two outs, Justin (5) of the Royals hit a triple to put the potential winning run at third. However, with the game on the line, Yankees pitcher Jacob (5) rose to the occasion and struck out the next Royals batter to force a second extra inning.

Wyeth (8) of the Yankees delivered the game winning RBI in the eighth inning.

After two outs in the top of the eighth, Jacob (5) of the Yankees drew a walk and eventually reached third on a pair of stolen bases. It was at this juncture that Wyeth (8) delivered a clutch single which brought Jacob home with the go ahead run.

Leading 7-6, Wyeth advanced to third on a pair of stolen bases. Ben (12) hit a clutch single that brought Wyeth home with an insurance run.

With two outs, Royals pitcher Reid (15) took a hard hit liner on his chest off the bat of Matthew (13) of the Yankees. Even though he was visibly in discomfort, Reid had the wherewithal to pick up the ball and complete a super 1-3 putout to close out the top half of the eighth.

However, in the bottom of the eighth, the tenacious Royals refused to quit and  made another determined effort to rally. 

Simon (1) of the Royals led off the inning with a slashing fly ball to left field which he attempted to stretch into a double. However, Yankees left fielder Matthew (13) made a super defensive play when he retrieved the ball and threw a direct strike to second baseman Ben (12) who applied the tag in a close play at second base for the putout.

With one out, Reid (15) of the Royals lined a deep fly ball to the gap in left centre. However, Matthew (13) rose to the occasion and came up with a spectacular catch to rob Reid of a sure hit.

Ahead 8-6 and with two outs, Yankees Pitcher Jack (1) closed out the game and the championship victory by getting the final Royal to hit into a 1-3 putout.

In a game filled with so many great plays by both teams, one cannot stop marvelling at the spectacular defensive play  by Royals centrefielder Naiemul (3) in the top of the sixth.

With one out, Jacob (5) of the Yankees hit a powerful shot to DEEP centrefield. With his back to the infield and in ambient light near the centrefield fence, Naiemul made a Willie Mays over the shoulder catch to rob Jacob of a sure fire hit.

Congratulations to Yankees Head Coach Vince Carlin and Assistant Coaches Greg Brown, Peter Dorton and for leading the team to the 2011 TP Peewee Division Championship.

Please click on the link below to view more pictures from the Yankees Championship Celebration:

September 15, 2011 > YANKEES: Peewee Championship Celebration

DAY 10 > ‘September Madness’ Is Almost Over!

56 GAMES HAVE BEEN PLAYED IN 9 DAYS; ONLY 2 MORE GAMES REMAIN IN THE 2011 TP TOURNAMENT

After playing the Mosquito Division Championship Game yesterday evening, the 2011 edition of the Toronto Playgrounds House League Baseball Tournament continues today with the Peewee Division Championship Game.

The annual tournament to wrap up the season is a baseball lover's delight with a cornucopia of games from four age divisions being played over four diamonds at Christie Pits and Bickford Park over the course of ten days (weather permitting).

You can keep track of all the scores and game accounts every evening of the tournament via the website and Twitter.

Final scores will be uploaded to twitter (@TPbaseballnews) as they come in.

Updated playoff game accounts, pictures and scores will be posted on the website nightly.

PLEASE NOTE THAT TONIGHT'S PEEWEE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HAS AN UPDATED START TIME OF 7:15 P.M.

If the weather is questionable for tonight's Peewee Final, parents and players are strongly advised to check either Twitter (@TPbaseballnews); the Twitter Sidebar on the main page of our website or the TP Hotline (416-392-1914, Press 4) at 6:15 p.m. for the latest weather update concerning the status of your game.

If we're not able to play the Peewee Championship Game this Thursday evening, it will be rescheduled to Friday, September 16 at 7:15 p.m (Diamond # 2).

 Only 2 games remain! Come on down to the ballpark and partake in 'September Madness' before it sets in the horizon!

MOSQUITO > Day 9: Cardinals Defeat Cubs 9-6 To Win Mosquito Division Championship

IN AN EXCITING AND WELL PLAYED GAME BY BOTH TEAMS, THE CARDS SOARED TO VICTORY

CARDINALS > 2011 Toronto Playgrounds Mosquito Division Champions

In an exciting Mosquito Division Final by both teams this evening at Diamond # 2, the Cardinals took flight and defeated the Cubs 9-6 in five innings to win the Toronto Playgrounds Mosquito Championship.

The game was a thrilling battle between two balanced squads as the lead changed hands several times in the early innings.

The Cardinals raise the TP Mosquito Division Championship Trophy.

With the Cubs (1) ahead 2-0 after the first inning, the Cardinals (3) used a disciplined approach at the plate in the top of the second to draw six walks (plus a single) and take a 4-2 lead.

Trailing 6-2 after 2 ½ innings, the Cubs tenaciously clawed back with three runs in their half of the third to cut the deficit to one. 

With two outs and the tying run at first base, Sasha (6) of the Cubs hit a triple to left field. However, the potential tying run was gunned down at the plate on a spectacular 7-1-2 defensive play by the Cardinals.

Another defensive gem in the bottom of the third was a super catch made by Cardinals pitcher Maxwell (4) who caught a scorching liner hit by John (10) of the Cubs to rob him of a sure hit and record the second out in the inning.

The Cardinals punched across two more runs in the top of the fourth to increase their lead to 8-5.

In the bottom of the fifth, Bennett (14) of the Cardinals mowed down the Cubs 1-2-3 on three strikeouts.

Trailing 9-5, the Cubs gamely scored one to trail by three. However, Bennett struck out another three Cubs and closed out the game and the championship victory.

The Cardinals were blessed with stellar pitching and a stingy defense as they stymied the Cubs for most of the game. Their ability to keep the Cubs off the basepaths for the majority of the proceedings was a huge factor in their victory.

Cardinal pitchers Pierce (13), Maxwell (4) and Bennett (14) combined to limit a potent Cubbies batting lineup to six runs while conceding seven hits; issuing three walks and striking out nine.

Another key factor in the win was the Cardinals ability to make the most of the offensive opportunities presented to them by a usually stingy Cubs bullpen.

Congratulations to Cardinals Head Coach Coach Colin Moynihan and Assistant Coaches Andrew Duncan, Michael Goldsmith and Gordon Belray in leading the team to the 2011 TP Mosquito Division Championship.

Please click on the following links to access more pictures from the Cardinals Championship Party:

September 14, 2011 > Cardinals: Mosquito Championship Celebration

September 14, 2011 > Cardinals: Mosquito Championship Trophy Collage

DAY 9 > ‘September Madness’ Begins To Wind Down

WITH TONIGHT'S MOSQUITO DIVISION FINAL, THERE ARE ONLY 3 GAMES LEFT IN THE 2011 TP TOURNAMENT

After playing two more semi-final games yesterday evening, the 2011 edition of the Toronto Playgrounds House League Baseball Tournament continues today with the Mosquito Division Championship Game.

The annual tournament to wrap up the season is a baseball lover's delight with a cornucopia of games from four age divisions being played over four diamonds at Christie Pits and Bickford Park.

You can keep track of all the scores and game accounts every evening of the tournament via the website and Twitter.

Final scores will be uploaded to twitter (@TPbaseballnews) as they come in.

Updated playoff game accounts and scores will be posted on the website nightly.

If the weather is questionable for tonight's Mosquito Final, parents and players are strongly advised to check either Twitter (@TPbaseballnews); the Twitter Sidebar on the main page of our website or the TP Hotline (416-392-1914, Press 4) at 5:00 p.m. for the latest weather update concerning the status of your game. 

If we're not able to play the Mosquito Championship Game this Wednesday evening, it will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 15 at 6:00 p.m (Diamond # 2).

Only 3 games remain! Come on down to the ballpark and enjoy "September Madness" before it's over!

MOSQUITO > Day 8: Cardinals Defeat Dodgers 12-3

WITH SEMI-FINAL WIN, THE CARDS ADVANCE TO MOSQUITO CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL AGAINST THE CUBS

CARDINAL POWER > Left to right: Pierce (13) and Maxwell (4) combined to allow only three Dodgers runs over four innings.

In a quaint Mosquito Division semi-final game at Diamond # 2 this evening, the Cardinals defeated the Dodgers 12-3 in five innings to advance to the Mosquito Championship Game against the Cubs (1).

Lukas (8) of the Cardinals delivered three RBI's and scored three times.

The Cardinals (3) were firing on all pistons both offensively and defensively in a dominating performance against the Dodgers (2).

Stellar Cardinals pitching from Pierce (13), Maxwell (4) and Lukas (8) limited the Dodgers to three runs. The troika allowed only five hits while allowing seven walks and striking out nine during the proceedings.

The Cardinals offense made the most of their opportunities as they constructed an early 8-3 lead through 2 ½ innings and continued to build on it in the latter innings . Keying the attack was a three RBI performance from Lukas (8) who also scored three times (2 AB; 2 H (1 double); 3 R; 1 W).

The Cardinals will play the Cubs in tomorrow's (Wednesday, September 14) Mosquito Championship Game at Diamond # 2 at 6:00 p.m.

If the weather is questionable, parents and players are strongly advised to check either Twitter (@TPbaseballnews); the Twitter Sidebar on the main page of our website or the TP Hotline (416-392-1914, Press 4) at 5:00 p.m. for the latest weather update concerning the status of your game. 

If we're not able to play the Mosquito Championship Game on Wednesday, it will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 15 at 6:00 p.m (Diamond # 2).

TP UPDATE > Peewee Championship Game Start Time Revision

PEEWEE DIVISION FINAL BETWEEN THE ROYALS & YANKEES HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO A 7:15 P.M. START TIME

The Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Committee has announced a time revision for the Peewee Championship Game scheduled for Thursday, September 15.

The Peewee Final between the Royals (1) and Yankees (3) (originally set to begin at 6:30 p.m.) will now start at 7:15 p.m.

If the weather is questionable, parents and players are strongly advised to check either Twitter (@TPbaseballnews); the Twitter Sidebar on the main page of our website or the TP Hotline (416-392-1914, Press 4) at 6:15 p.m. for the latest weather update concerning the status of your game. 

If we're not able to play the Peewee Championship Game on Thursday, it will be rescheduled for Friday, September 16 at 7:15 p.m (Diamond # 2).

PEEWEE: Day 8 > Yankees Defeat Orioles 14-9

WITH SEMI-FINAL WIN, YANKEES ADVANCE TO A PEEWEE CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN AGAINST THE ROYALS

Ben (12) of the Yankees scored one run and had two clutch hits (one double) which delivered three RBI's in the victory (2 AB; 2 H; 1 R; 3 RBI).

In a cool and breezy Peewee Division semi-final game at Diamond # 2 tonight, the Yankees defeated the Orioles 14-9 in six innings to advance to the Peewee Championship Game against the Royals (1).

Davey (15) of the Orioles hit a towering three run home run over the fence in left field in the top of the sixth inning.

The Yankees (3) used an elixir of stellar pitching, solid defense, plate discipline and timely hitting to beat the Orioles (2).

In progressive stages, the Yanks made the most of their opportunities in building their lead (6-2 after two innings; 7-3 after three and 10-5 after five). In fact, the patient Yankees batting order drew eight walks and pounded out thirteen hits (four doubles).

The Yankees pitching brigade of Michael (3); Jacob (5) and Cameron (10) combined to limit a potent Orioles batting order to only five runs through five innings. The troika allowed only nine hits, five walks and struck out seven.

Additionally, the Yankees pitching crew was backed up by some solid defense. One highlight was first baseman Malcolm's unassisted double play in the bottom of the first where he snared a sizzling liner off the bat of Patrick (10) of the Orioles and had the wherewithal to step on bag at first to double off Iain (4) of the O's who had prematurely ran to second.

Trailing by nine runs in the top of the sixth, the Orioles punched across four runs to trim the deficit to five. The highlight was a majestic three-run home run by Davey (15) of the Orioles which cleared the Dominico Field (a.k.a. Diamond # 1) fence in left field.

Despite being roughed up, Cameron of the Yankees eventually struck out three Orioles to close out the game.

The Yankees will play the Royals on Thursday evening (September 15) at Diamond # 2 in the Peewee Championship Game.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PEEWEE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO START AT 7:15 P.M.

If the weather is questionable, parents and players are strongly advised to check either Twitter (@TPbaseballnews); the Twitter Sidebar on the main page of our website or the TP Hotline (416-392-1914, Press 4) at 6:15 p.m. for the latest weather update concerning the status of your game. 

If we're not able to play the Peewee Championship Game on Thursday, it will be rescheduled for Friday, September 16 at 7:15 p.m (Diamond # 2).