IN A NITTY GRITTY LABOUR DAY WEEKEND AFFAIR WHERE RUNS CAME AT A PREMIUM, TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS PREVAIL OVER THE RED BULLDOGS TO TAKE HOME THE BASEBALL ONTARIO 11U SELECT PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE WITH A SPARKLING 5-0 RECORD AT LYON PARK IN GUELPH
Tournament Photos courtesy of Paul Shuper and the Proud TP 11U Blue Parent and Family Photo Consortium.
Tournament Post composed with files from Rob Goldstein and Zach Levinsky.
Under a tranquil canopy of cloudy and overcast skies, the Toronto Playgrounds 11U Blue Selects prevailed 4-1 over the East York 11U Red Bulldogs in a seven inning final tonight at Lyon Park Diamond 1 to win the 2022 Baseball Ontario 11U House League Select Provincial Tournament Championship Game.
In the top of the first, TP 11U Blue jumped out to an early 2-0 lead.
Sydney VK (14) led off the proceedings with a dramatic solo home run blast that staked TP to an one run advantage.
After stroking a single, Max (65) rattled the East York defence with two derring-do steals to advance into scoring position at third base. With one out, Madeline (15) delivered a RBI hit to bring Max home with another TP run.
East York threatened in the bottom of the first inning after Jackson (27) and Adam (92) hit two respective singles that put two runners on base.
However, TP 11U Blue starter Jonas (25) reeled off three strikeouts to end the threat and keep the Red Bulldogs off the scoring ledger.
After TP went down in 1-2-3 fashion in the top half of the second, East York charged back with a run in the bottom portion of the inning to trim the gap to 2-1.
Following a one out walk by Kian (16), Sawyer (12) delivered a RBI triple that allowed Kian to score.
Nonplussed, TP 11U Blue starter Jonas tallied a flyout, strikeout and groundout in the second frame to vanquish the Red Bulldogs insurgency.
Toronto Playgrounds quickly answered back with a two spot in the top of the third to widen their plurality to 4-1.
After a one out hit by Jack (55), Ricky (12) garnered a walk that put ducks on the pond. Subsequently, with runners on third and second, Jack stole home to bring in a run.
With two outs and a runner on third, Sydney VK connected for a RBI hit that allowed Ricky to motor home with another TP run.
In the bottom of the third, TP 11U Blue starter Jonas kept East York off the scoreboard with strikeout, flyout and groundout.
TP 11U Blue threatened to add more to their treasure trove in the top of the fourth after a single by Jonas and a walk by Ethan (80) that put two on the dance floor.
However, East York starter Sawyer and reliever Grayson (5) combined for two strikeouts and a groundout to end the TP mutiny.
Refusing to go quietly into the night, East York Red continued to battle in the bottom of the fourth as Jackson (27) and Charlie (3) hit respective singles that put two runners on base.
Unfazed, TP 11U Blue starter Jonas rang up a pair of pop outs and a groundout in the fourth frame that kept the Bulldogs off the scoresheet.
With 1-2-3 tenacity, East York reliever Grayson retired TP in order in the top of the fifth with an elixir of two groundouts and a strikeout.
Following a one out walk by East York’s Evan (15) in the bottom of the fifth, TP reliever Sydney VK entered the fray from the bullpen to tally two quick outs to terminate the Bulldog threat.
In the top of the sixth, wily East York reliever Grayson utilized two groundouts and a strikeout to keep TP off the scoring abacus.
TP 11U Blue reliever Sydney VK replied in kind in the bottom half of the sixth as he retired East York in 1-2-3 fashion with a groundout and a double play that kept the Bulldogs offence tethered to the dog house.
Toronto Playgrounds threatened again in the top of the seventh after a lead off single by Sydney VK and a walk by Madeline that put two mallards on the lake.
Refusing to concede, East York reliever Grayson chalked up a pop out, strikeout and groundout in the seventh that put a kibosh on the TP rebellion.
With his eye on the prize. TP reliever Sydney VK rang up a pop out and a double play in the bottom half of the seventh to seal the deal on TP’s 11U Select Provincial Championship.
In a postgame media interview, TP 11U Blue Select Head Coach Zach Levinsky expressed his feelings and thoughts about his beloved team’s championship season:
“Having recovered from the postgame ice-water bath I received, I can say it was privilege to watch such a well played and tight final – the players did all the little things they needed to do to win. Every single one of the players improved throughout the season and every single one of them was important to the team’s success. I have coached many teams and this is one of the most cohesive and fun groups I have been around. Yes, they are very good players, but they are even better people. They made it easy for me to come to the ballpark and go along for their journey. I couldn’t be happier for them.”
“I also have to thank the other coaches who worked tirelessly to support and guide the players throughout the year – they did most of the work and deserve a ton of credit. The parents also need special praise for trusting us and encouraging the players with cheers (and Gatorade). This was such a wonderful experience all around.”
“It was a little overwhelming when I heard that this was the first TP team to win a provincial championship. I already knew the players were a special group, and now everyone else will know that too!”
Here is a recap of TP 11U Blue’s other tournament games on their journey to championship glory at the Provincials:
TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS 15 GUELPH (2) ROYALS 0
- On a mission, TP 11U Blue took no prisoners in therr opening round robin game on Friday afternoon at the Provincials. Firing on all cylinders, TP steamrolled to a 15-0 four inning victory over Guelph (2) at Lyon Park Diamond 2.
- With true grit, TP 11U Blue starter Dash (00) pitched two scoreless innings while striking out four Royals.
- TP 11U Blue reliever Ricky threw two shutout innings while mowing down three Guelph batters.
- Toronto Playgrounds exploded for an eight run tsunami in the bottom half of the second inning to stake themselves to an 8-0 lead. The gale force attack was sparked by a RBI hit from Grover (11); a two RBI double by Giovanni (10); respective RBI singles from Sidney C (7) and Jack; a RBI groundout by Owen (9); a RBI hit by Sydney VK and a RBI triple from Max.
- Putting the pedal to the metal, TP 11U Blue added five more to their tally in the bottom half of the third to extend their advantage to 13-0. Following back to back singles by Madeline and Jonas to lead off the inning, Ethan drew a walk to load the bases. Exercising patience at the dish, Theo (6) and Dash garnered respective bases loaded RBI walks to bring Madeline and Jonas home with a pair of runs. With one out, Giovanni stroked a RBI single that allowed Ethan to come home with another TP run. For the pièce de résistance, Jack muscled a two RBI double to bring Theo and Dash home.
- TP tacked on a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth to secure their upper hand at 15-0. After reaching base with a leadoff single, Owen subsequently took advantage of a Royals error to advance to third. Sydney VK followed with a RBI sacrifice fly to bring Owen home with a run, Following a one out single by Max, Alex (13) and Madeline garnered back to back walks to load the bases. Jonas followed with a bases loaded RBI walk that allowed Max to shimmy home with a run.
TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS 12 CLARINGTON ORIOLES 7
- After a good night’s rest, TP 11U Blue prevailed 12-7 over Clarington in a 4½ inning round robin proceeding on Saturday morning at Lyon Park Diamond 1 to earn their second victory at the Provincials.
- Clarington jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Will (11) delivered a two RBI hit to stake the Orioles to an early advantage.
- Toronto Playgrounds answered back with a pair in the bottom half of the first to deadlock the game 2-2. After a leadoff double and stolen base by Sydney VK, Max stroked a RBI hit to bring Sydney VK home. Alex followed with a RBI groundout that allowed Max to come homeward with the tying run.
- The Orioles replied with four in the top of the second to take a 6-2 lead. Clarington’s offensive outburst was keyed by a two RBI double from Charlie (20).
- Not be outdone, TP 11U Blue rallied back in lickety-split fashion in the bottom of the second as they scored four to tie the game 6-6. After a leadoff hit by Theo, Grover and Dash drew back to back walks to load the bases. Giovanni followed with a RBI single to bring Theo home. Sidney C garnered a bases loaded RBI walk that allowed Grover to score and trim the shortfall to two. With the bases still packed tighter than a can of Star Kist Tuna, Jack and Ricky delivered back to back RBI singles that brought Dash and Giovanni home with the tying runs.
- TP 11U Blue reliever Ricky rang up two strikeouts and a groundout in the top of the third to keep the potent Orioles offence off the scoring ledger and shackled to the bird house.
- In the bottom portion of the third frame, TP 11U Blue scored a pair to take an 8-6 lead. After garnering back to back one out walks, Sydney VK and Max utilized their Grand Theft acumen to rattle the Clarington defence. With bold as brass flair, Sydney VK and Max would come home to roost with respective steals of home that gave TP the upper hand.
- Refusing to surrender, Clarington quickly answered back with a run in the top of the fourth that closed the gap to 8-7. With a runner on second, Ashen (37) delivered a clutch RBI double for the O’s.
- TP added four insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth to secure their lead at 12-7. Following consecutive walks by Ethan, Theo and Grover to load the bases, Giovanni delivered a one out two RBI single that allowed Ethan and Theo to score. Throwing caution to the wind, Grover subsequently scored a run with a bold theft of home. After a walk by Sidney C put two runners on base, Jack stroked a RBI hit to bring Giovanni home.
TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS 12 WHITBY 1
- Earlier this morning, TP defeated Whitby 12-1 in a six inning quarter-final affair at Lyon Park Diamond 1 to earn their third victory at the Provincials.
- Toronto Playgrounds staked itself to a 3-0 lead in the top vector of the first inning. With two runners on base, Alex delivered a two RBI single that brought Sydney VK and Max home with the opening runs of the game. Alex would subsequently steal home and score another TP run.
- In the bottom of the first, Whitby answered back with a run to close the gap to 2-1. Following a leadoff double by Adam (17), Reed connected for a one out RBI hit that allowed Adam to score.
- Unperturbed, TP 11U Blue starter Dash chalked up three strikeouts in the first frame to pacify the Whitby rebellion.
- After TP went down quietly in the top half of the second, TP 11U Blue starter Dash returned the favour in the bottom of the second by tallying three groundouts to keep Whitby off the scoresheet.
- TP 11U Blue added three doubloons to their booty chest in the bottom of the third to extend their plurality to 6-1. After a leadoff double by Jack, Ricky stroked a RBI hit to bring Jack home. With one out and a runner on second, Sydney VK delivered a RBI double that allowed Ricky to score. Subsequently, with two outs, Alex muscled a RBI single to bring Sydney VK home with another TP run.
- With authority, TP 11U Blue starter Dash retired Whitby in order in the bottom of the third with a recipe consisting of a flyout and two strikeouts.
- After TP went down in the top of the fourth, Whitby threatened in the bottom portion of the fourth when they put a pair of runners on base courtesy of two walks. Finding his inner Mojo Jojo, TP 11U Blue starter Dash rang up a groundout and two strikeouts that kept Whitby off the scoreboard.
- Toronto Playgrounds scored two in the top of the fifth frame to stretch their advantage to 8-1. Following a leadoff triple by Giovanni, Sidney C hit into a RBI groundout that allowed Giovanni to score. After three consecutive one out hits by Jack, Ricky and Owen had loaded the bases, Sydney hit into a fielder’s choice that brought Jack home with another TP run.
- With 1-2-3 efficiency, TP 11U Blue starter Dash and reliever Sidney C combined for a flyout and two strikeouts to keep Whitby off the base paths in the bottom of the fifth inning.
- TP 11U Blue added four insurance runs in the top half of the sixth to extend their margin to 12-1. After a leadoff double by Alex, Madeline powered a RBI triple to bring Alex home. Jonas followed with a RBI hit that allowed Madeline to score. Following a pair of singles by Ethan and Theo that loaded the bases, Grover crunched a two RBI single that allowed Jonas and Ethan to hustle homeward with two more TP runs.
- Cool as a cucumber, TP 11U Blue reliever Sidney C. tallied two groundouts in the bottom of the sixth to seal the deal on their victory over Whitby.
TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS 10 BLOORDALE BOMBERS 3
- Earlier this afternoon, TP 11U Blue defeated the Bloordale Bombers 10-3 in a six inning semi-final game at Lyon Park Diamond 2 to earn their fourth victory at the Provincials.
- Taking care of business, Toronto Playgrounds stormed out to an early 4-0 lead in the top of the first. After back to back singles by Sydney VK and Max to open the inning, Alex muscled a RBI double that allowed Sydney VK to score. Madeline followed with a RBI hit that brought Max home with a run. Jonas capped off the inning with a Say Hey two RBI single that allowed Alex and Madeline to zoom home with two additional TP runs.
- TP 11U Blue starter Owen retired Bloordale on three groundouts in the bottom of the first to keep the Bombers offence moored in the airplane hangar.
- After TP went down 1-2-3 in the top portion of the second, Bloordale threatened in the bottom half of the inning by loading the bases on a hit and two walks. Not acceding to any pussyfooting, TP 11U Blue starter Owen found his mojo and reeled off three strikeouts that kept the Bombers off the scoring ledger in the second frame.
- In the top of the third, Toronto Playgrounds added a run to increase their plurality to 5-0. Following a leadoff double by Dash, Jack delivered a grace under pressure two out RBI single that allowed Dash to score.
- Owen chalked up two strikeouts and a groundout in the bottom of the third to keep Bloordale offence on the tarmac.
- With the wind in their sails, TP 11U Blue tallied four in the top of the fourth to push their upper hand to 9-0. After a leadoff double by Owen, Sydney VK delivered a RBI double to bring Owen home. Following a one single by Alex and a walk by Madeline that loaded the bases. Jonas launched a two RBI double that allowed Sydney VK and Alex to score, With two ducklings on the pond, Ethan stroked a RBI single that brought Madeline home with another TP run.
- Refusing to concede, Bloordale rallied back with three in the bottom of the fourth to close the gap to 9-3. Following a leadoff double by Jayden (19) and a walk by Maier (31) that put two runners aboard, Anthony (29) delivered a two RBI single that brought Jayden and Maier home. Anthony would subsequently take advantage of a TP error to motor home with another Bombers run. After Owen exited the game with two outs, TP 11U Blue reliever Sidney C. entered the proceedings to ring up a strikeout that extinguished the Bombers fusillade in the fourth frame.
- After TP went down quietly in the top of the fifth, Bloordale threatened after its first two batters reached base to open the bottom portion of the fifth. Unfazed, TP reliever Sidney C. found the groove and sandwiched two pop outs around a strikeout to keep the Bombers off the scoresheet.
- TP tacked on an insurance run in the top of the sixth to extend their lead to 10-3. After a pair of two out walks by Owen and Sydney VK that put two aboard, Max stroked a clutch RBI single that allowed Owen to zoom home with a run.
- With iceberg lettuce resolve, TP 11U Blue reliever Sidney C rang up a strikeout, groundout and flyout in the bottom of the sixth to seal the deal on TP’s semi-final victory and punch their ticket into the championship round showdown versus East York Red.
The TP 11U Blue Selects finished the 2022 Etobicoke Baseball Association (EBA) 11U Select regular season campaign with a stellar 11-1 record. They capped it off with a five game sweep at the 2022 EBA 11U Select Championship Tournament.
Away from the EBA circuit, the 11U Blue also had a fun and enriching experience participating at three tournaments during the 2022 season. The TP 11U Blue finished as the finalists at the Btampton Tournament in early June. In late June, the TP 11U Blue Selects won the championship at the Brantford Tournament. And in late July, TP 11U Blue were the finalists at the Orillia Tournament.
The TP 11U Blue’s overall record for the 2022 season was 34-4, including tournaments and exhibition games.
On behalf of our entire baseball community, the Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Association (TPBA) wishes to extend their congratulations to Head Coach Zachary Levinsky; Assistant Coaches Ben Goldstein; Jorge De Souza; Flynn O’Dacre and Mark Steinberg; Team Manager Jill Kolla; and the players of the TP 11U Blue Select Team for their hard work and dedication in achieving championship glory at the 2022 Baseball Ontario 11U Select Provincial Tournament.
The TPBA also wishes to commend all the 11U Select coaches, players, parents and family members for representing the core values of Toronto Playgrounds Baseball program with honour, dignity and professionalism both on and off the diamond at the Provinicial tourney and during the course of the 2022 season.
And a special kudos goes out to the 2022 TP 11U Blue Selects for being the first competitive TPBA team from our Select and Rep classifications to ever win a Provincial Championship!
WAY TO GO, TP!
