DESPITE THEIR EXIT FROM THE PLAYOFFS, TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS CAN TAKE SOLACE IN KNOWING THAT THEY CAPPED OFF THEIR SEASON BY REACHING THE “FINAL FOUR” AT THE EBA TOURNAMENT
The 2012 Toronto Playgrounds Bantam Select Team
Game Report composed with a file from Greg Brown. Team Photo courtesy of Carolyn Heald.
On a warm and sunny evening at Carmen Bush Field tonight, the Toronto Playgrounds Bantam Select team were overcome 11-4 by Royal York 3 in 4½ innings in a “final four” fourth round playoff game at the Etobicoke Baseball Association (EBA) Tournament.
The Bantam Selects (2-2), under the masterful stewardship of Coach Casey Irwin, tenaciously fought to the very end. With the bases loaded and with two outs, TP home run hitter David (18) was struck out to end the game. Additionally, the game was called because it had reached the one hour and forty-five minute time limit.
As a result of their second loss, it meant that the Bantam Selects were knocked out the playoffs under the “double elimination” rules of the EBA Tournament.
Here are some more highlights:
- David (18) pitched effectively for three innings, but was let down by a few TP defensive lapses.
- Cooper (8) supplied a very strong defensive effort at first base.
- In the second inning, when the game was still close and there were 2 on base, Coach Casey called for a bunt by Cameron (1), who followed through by laying down a very well placed bunt that resulted in two runs.
The Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Committee wishes to commend Bantam Select Head Coach Casey Irwin, and General Managers Greg Brown and Brian Verhoog for the time, energy and patience that they expended in guiding this talented group of players to the “final four” of the EBA Tournament.
We also wish to commend the players on the Bantam Select team for the time and sacrifice that they made in coming out for the numerous games and practices throughout the course of the winter, spring and summer. Despite a rough 1-7 regular season, the team finally came together when it mattered the most by finishing 2-2 in the post season playoffs.
The Committee also wishes to commend all the parents of the Bantam Select team for the loving support that they gave their “boys” during the endless indoor winter workouts, games and practices. It was not only rewarding to see them develop as players, but also grow as young men on and off the diamond.
In closing, we wish to congratulate all the members of the Bantam Select team and family for representing the core values of TP Baseball so honourably and professionally throughout the 2012 season. You did us proud!
For the love of the game! Great season! Great team! Way to go, TP!