DESPITE FALLING SHORT OF THEIR ULTIMATE GOAL, TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS FINISHED WITH A 2-1 ROUND ROBIN RECORD AND A SECOND PLACE FINISH IN THEIR LLOYD MCCONNIE TOURNAMENT POOL. MOST IMPORTANTLY, ALL THE TP FAITHFUL IN ATTENDANCE HAD A FUN AND REWARDING WEEKEND EXPERIENCE AT ETOBICOKE VALLEY PARK.
Tournament Summary composed with files and photos courtesy of Tom Gingras
Beneath a hazy ceiling of hot and humid skies, the Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Association (TPBA) 9U Selects had a grand ole good time at the 2024 Lloyd McConnie Memorial 9U Rookie Ball Select Tournament this weekend at Etobicoke Valley Park.
Early on Saturday morning, The TP 9U Selects fell to the Bloordale 9U Green Bombers 18- 5 in their opening round robin game at the Lloyd McConnie tourney.
After a hearty lunch and some thirst quenching liquid refreshment, Toronto Playgrounds rebounded with a take no prisoners 18-2 victory over the Burlington Bears on Saturday afternoon to earn their first victory at the tourney.
Firing on all cylinders after a good night’s rest, the TP 9U Selects defeated the Martingrove 9U White Sox 16-4 this morning in their third round game to earn their second win at the Lloyd McConnie tournament.
With a 2-1 record after the completion of the round robin, Toronto Playgrounds finished in second place in their respective tournament pool. Under tournament rules, only the first place team from each of the four pools earn a berth in the elimination playoff round, As such, the TP 9U Selects journey at the tourney came to an end.
Despite falling short of their ultimate goal, it goes without saying that all the TP players, coaches, parents and family members in attendance had an extremely fun and rewarding experience at the Lloyd McConnie tournament.
In addition, two TP 9U Select players earned well deserved awards at the annual Lloyd McConnie Memorial 9U Rookie Ball Select Tournament ‘Hit, Run and Throw’ skills competition event:
- Ezra Epstein (10) earned the second place award in the Running event with a time of 1 minute and 14.47 seconds.
- Zebby Hassell (15) earned the third place award in the Hitting competition with a distance of 145 feet and 7 inches.
The TPBA wishes to commend all the TP 9U Select coaches, players, parents and family members for representing the core values of TPBA program with honour, dignity and professionalism both on and off the diamond at the weekend Lloyd McConnie tourney.
