Registration Fees Finalized For 2012 TP House League Baseball Season
FEE FOR TEE BALL AND ROOKIE BALL IS $95 PER PLAYER; FEE FOR MOSQUITO, PEEWEE, BANTAM & MIDGET IS $120 PER PLAYER; EARLY BIRD FEE REDUCTION OF $10 PER PLAYER IF REGISTRATION FORM IS SUBMITTED WITH PAYMENT BY MARCH 2
After a thorough forensic audit of its financial ledgers, the Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Committee has finalized its registration fees for the upcoming 2012 season.
Here are the 2012 registration fees per player for each age category:
- TEE BALL (2005-2008) : $95.00
- ROOKIE BALL (2003-2004) : $95.00
- MOSQUITO (2001-2002) : $120.00
- PEEWEE (1999-2000) : $120.00
- BANTAM (1997-1998) : $120.00
- MIDGET (1994-1996) : $120.00
As an extra incentive to encourage parents and players to register early for the 2012 season, the TP Baseball Committee is offering an Early-Bird Fee Reduction of $10.00 per player for those who submit a completed registration form with payment (please make cheques payable to "Lizzies Baseball") by March 2, 2012.
Parents and Players are advised that the registration fee includes a trophy, photos and a uniform.
Also, please note that there are additional fees required for any player interested in participating on our TP Select Teams. (Please view the "Select" page for more details.)
Please click on the following link to access a printable PDF copy of the 2012 registration form:
2012 Toronto Playgrounds House League Baseball Registration Form
Completed registration forms and payments can be dropped off or mailed to the Bob Abate Community and Recreation Centre located at 485 Montrose Avenue.
Addtionally, the committee has also released a proposed division schedule for the 2012 TP House League Baseball Season to give parents and players an understanding as to what days that they will be playing or practicing on this upcoming season. Please click on the link below to access a PDF copy of the:
2012 TP House League Baseball Division Schedule
If you have any additional questions regarding our baseball program, please email us at tpbaseball@gmail.com and we will respond to your query as soon as possible.
We look forward to seeing you down on the field of dreams this season.
Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Select Team Information
CONTINGENT UPON PARTICIPATION LEVELS FROM PLAYERS AND PARENTS, TP IS PLANNING TO FIELD SELECT TEAMS IN THE ROOKIE BALL, MOSQUITO, PEEWEE AND BANTAM AGE CATEGORIES
The Toronto Playgrounds Select program is an extension of the house league program. Playing select gives players the opportunity to play more baseball at a higher skill level without having to make the larger time and financial commitment that is involved with rep baseball. The select team is similar to a “house league all star team.”
There are tryouts involved for select teams, and players have to make the teams. There is a registration fee for the select teams which is in addition to the house league registration fee. The fee will depend upon the number of tournaments the team enters and the type of uniform they decide to use.
Select players must also participate regularly and appropriately in our house league program. When playing house league games the players will be expected to wear their house league uniforms, just as they will be expected to wear their select uniforms when playing their select games.
Toronto Playgrounds House League Baseball is looking at being involved in the West Toronto Select Loop for the 2012 season. This loop involves teams from Etobicoke, Weston, York, etc. We are planning to field teams in the Rookie Ball (players born in 2003 and 2004), Mosquito (players born in 2001 and 2002), Peewee (players born in 1999 and 2000), and Bantam (players born in 1997 and 1998) divisions. Teams will require at least 15 interested and committed players, two or three interested and committed coaches, and at least one parent willing to serve in a manager’s capacity.
There are set nights for select games in each division, and we will be informing you of those as soon as we have confirmed them with the loop organizers.
If you’re interested in participating in the TP Select program or if you have any other questions please contact us at tpbaseball@gmail.com.
2012 TP House League Baseball Division Schedule Released
THE TP BASEBALL COMMITTEE HAS RELEASED A PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR ITS SIX AGE DIVISIONS
In order to help busy parents and players to plan more efficiently, the TP Baseball Committee has released a proposed schedule for the 2012 house league baseball season.
Here are the scheduling details for our six age divisions:
Tee-Ball (for players born in 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005)
- This will be an eight-team division; each team will play once a week either on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
- Game times are as follows: one game at 5:30 pm on Tues.; one game at 6:30 pm on Tues.; one game at 5:30 pm on Thurs.; one game at 6:30 pm on Thurs.
- Games will take place at the north diamond in Bickford Park.
Rookie Ball (for players born in 2004 and 2003)
- This will be a six-team division; teams play once a week and practice every second week.
- Games will take place at Christie Pits on Wednesdays as follows:
There will be two games at 5:45 pm: one at Christie Pits diamond #3 and one at Christie Pits diamond #2. There will be one game at 7:00 pm at Christie Pits diamond #3.
- Practices will take place at the Bickford Park South diamond on Mondays between 5:45 pm and 7:15 pm. Three teams will practice each week.
Mosquito (for players born in 2002 and 2001)
- This will be a six-team division; teams play once a week and practice every second week.
- Games will take place on Thursdays at 5:45 pm: one game at Christie Pits diamond #2, one game at Christie Pits diamond #3, and one game at the Bickford Park South diamond.
- Practices will take place at the Bickford Park South diamond on Mondays between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Three teams will practice each week.
Peewee (for players born in 2000 and 1999)
- This will be a six-team division; teams play once a week and practice every second week.
- Games will take place either on Mondays or Tuesdays (a final decision will be made by the end of January). Whichever day the games are, there will be two games at 5:45 pm (one at diamond #2 and one at diamond #3), and there will be one game at 7:45 pm at diamond #2.
- Practices will take place at Christie Pits on Thursdays as follows: two teams will practice from 7:00 to 8:30, and a third team will practice from 7:45 to 9:15.
Bantam (for players born in 1998 and 1997) and Midget (for players born in 1996, 1995, 1994)
- These will both be four-team divisions, with two double-headers each week.
- There will always be a double-header on Mondays (Bantam 6:00 pm and Midget 8:00 pm), and as many weeks as possible the second double-header will be on Wednesdays (Bantam 6:00 pm and Midget 8:00 pm). However, there will be some weeks that the second double-header will be on Saturday (Bantam 11:00 am and Midget 1:00 pm). All of the specific game dates and times will be indicated on the schedule that will be distributed by mid-May.
- Bantam and midget practice times will be announced closer to the start of the season.
2011 TP Baseball Awards Presented At Annual General Meeting
AWARD WINNERS REFLECT GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY OF TP BASEBALL PROGRAM
From left to right: Casey Irwin (2011 TP Volunteer of the Year) and Sadie Whitfield-Smith (2011 TP Female Participant of the Year).
Before an enthusiastic crowd at the annual TP General Membership meeting in the gym of the Bob Abate Community and Recreation Centre this evening, the Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Committee announced the winners of its 2011 TP Awards in the categories of Female Participant; Male Participant and Volunteer of the Year.
The Committee presents awards annually to people who embody the spirit and principles of our TP house league baseball program. It gives recognition to Players, Coaches, Umpires and Parents who go beyond the call of duty and volunteer their energy and time to make our baseball program the wonderful experience that it is.
Here are the winners of our 2011 awards:
2011 Female Participant of the Year: Sadie Whitfield-Smith
Sadie, has been part of our house league program for many years. She first played in our tee ball division in the summer of 2002, and has played three years of tee ball, two years of rookie ball, mosquito, and peewee, and now one year of bantam. Over all those years Sadie has been an enthusiastic participant who has always done her best and has looked forward to the chance to spend time with her teammates at games and practices. She has also always been ready and willing to compliment and congratulate someone on the other team for a great play or a good effort. Sadie was also involved in our league as an umpire this past season, and brought a great sense of responsibility and focus to that role while interacting with the players and coaches in an out-going and friendly manner. She was involved in a number of games as an umpire during the end-of-season tournament. Way to go Sadie!
2011 Male Participant of the Year: Vidit Maheshwari
Vidit Maheshwari: 2011 TP Male Participant of the Year.
Vidit has only been involved in our league for three seasons, but his level of enthusiasm, his great personality, and his willingness to help out with anything and everything in any way possible has already made him a fixture in our program. Vidit began umpiring in 2010 and by this past season, only his second as an ump, he had become one of our busiest and best umps. Along with his dedication as an umpire, Vidit could always be counted upon to show up early ready to roll up his sleeves and do whatever needed to be done in order for things to be ready for the players. As a player, Vidit shows the same dedication and is a fantastic teammate, always ready to offer encouragement and support his team. Vidit also has that wonderful feature in a player...he's always willing to listen to and take advice from his coach. Well done, Vidit...we're very lucky that you found our league a few years ago!
2011 Volunteer of the Year: Casey Irwin
Casey has been involved in our house league program since 1998, when his oldest son Casey Jr. started playing. Since then Casey has coached for us in every age division (several times) as Casey Jr., Rebecca, and Bridget enjoyed their baseball careers. Casey’s son Tyler is still involved as a player in our program, and this past season Casey coachedTylerin both house league and the peewee select program. Casey has been actively involved as a head coach in our select program since 200_. Casey has not only coached many years and many teams, but he has always poured more information and strategy into his coaching than anyone else we can think of. If someone has been lucky enough to be coached by Casey, then they have really been thoroughly coached! Thanks a lot Casey for everything you’ve put into our league, and we look forward to more in the future!
Please click here to access a photo collage of the 2011 TP Baseball Awards Presentation
TP Annual General Membership Meeting Scheduled For November 28
ADDITIONALLY, THE 2011 AWARDS FOR OUR FEMALE; MALE AND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR WILL BE PRESENTED. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!
The TP Baseball Committee will be holding their Annual General Membership meeting at the Bob Abate Community and Recreation Centre (485 Montrose Avenue) on Monday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. to present its 2011 awards for baseball excellence.
The Committee presents awards annually to people who embody the spirit and principles of our TP House League Baseball program. It gives recognition to Players, Coaches, Umpires and Parents who go beyond the call of duty and volunteer their energy and time to make our baseball program the wonderful experience that it is.
Awards in the categories of male participant; female participant and volunteer of the year will be presented during the proceedings.
The general membership meeting will also allow new and old members of the TP Baseball Family to hear an update on the state of operations in the TP Baseball Program. The proceedings will also allow anyone in attendance to ask questions to TP Baseball committee members and receive answers to their concerns.
Additionally, any players and parents who haven't had the opportunity to pick up their trophies and pictures from the 2011 season can do so prior to the annual general membership meeting from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Snacks and refreshments will also be served.
See you there!
TP UPDATE: There Are Only 192 Days Left Before Opening Day Of The 2012 TP House League Baseball Season
THE TP BASEBALL COMMITTEE IS HOLDING MEETINGS TO PLAN FOR ANOTHER GREAT SEASON OF BASEBALL
There are ONLY 192 days left before opening day of the 2012 Toronto Playgrounds House League Baseball Season and we have already received many requests and queries from parents and players about signing up for another exciting season of baseball next year at Christie Pits and Bickford Park.
At this point of the year, the TP Baseball Committee will be holding several meetings within the next few weeks to finalize plans for next season. Here are some of the major items that we're currently working on:
- Our intrepid chief financial officer is in the throes of a thorough forensic audit of our finances. The financial data will help the committee decide on a budget that will determine how much we can spend on new equipment for next year and whether we will have to adjust our registration fees for 2012.
- The Committee will be initiating its annual inventory assessment to determine our equipment needs for 2012.
- The date and time for the Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Annual General Meeting will be finalized.
As soon as the 2012 registration form is ready to go, it will be posted on our website and e-mailed to all of this year's players, so keep checking back for updates. We'll get it out to all of you as soon as we can!
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
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