DESPITE FALLING SHORT OF THEIR ULTIMATE GOAL, THE TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS 11U RED SELECTS FINISHED THE IMBA TOURNEY WITH A 3-1-1 OVERALL RECORD. MOST IMPORTANTLY, ALL THE TP FAITHFUL IN ATTENDANCE HAD A FUN AND REWARDING WEEKEND EXPERIENCE IN INNISFIL
Tournament Post composed and edited with files and photos courtesy of Sother Edouard
Beneath a warm blanket of hazy and sunny skies, Leaside 11U edged the Toronto Playgrounds 11U Red 8-7 this afternoon in a nail biting 6 ½ inning 2024 Innisfil Minor Baseball Association (IMBA)11U Select Tournament Championship Game.
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 IMBA tournament this weekend in Innisfil.
Taking care of business in their opening game on Friday evening at the tourney, TP 11U Red defeated the Innisfil 11U Cardinals 16-2 in a four inning battle to earn their first IMBA round robin victory.
In a tooth and nail seven inning battle, TP 11U Red and the New Lowell 11U Knights played to a 7-7 tie in a thrilling seven inning round robin affair on Saturday morning at the tourney.
On Saturday afternoon, TP 11U Red put the pedal to the metal as they defeated the North York 11U Blues 16-2 in a 4 ½ inning round robin contest to earn their second victory at the IMBA tournament,
With a 2-0-1 record, TP 11U Red won their respective pool and advanced to Sunday’s semi-final round at the IMBA tourney.
Firing on all pistons this morning, TP 11U Red prevailed 10-5 over the Ivy 11U Jays in a 5 ½ inning IMBA 11U Select Tournament semi-final elimination game.
In an exclusive TPBA Website interview, TP 11U Red Head Coach Sother Edouard was asked to express his personal feelings and thoughts about his team’s strong performance at the tourney:
“It’s fantastic to see our 2014 kids play at such a high level. We have a tremendous group of kids focused on improving at every practice and game.”
“During the weekend, the kids went 2-0-1 during the round robin, placing first in Pool A, which advanced them to the semi-finals. They worked together to beat a great team, the Ivy 11U Jays, 10-5, earning them a spot in the final. Despite a close game against Leaside 11U, they came up short with an 8-7 score.”
“The families and coaches are so proud of them and love watching them play. We cannot wait to see them play in the upcoming EBA 11U Select playoffs.”
The Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Association (TPBA) wishes to congratulate Head Coach Sother Edouard; Assistant Coaches Allan Eisen; Billy Duke; Keith Lobo and Aaron Imahori; Team Manager Heather Bernknopf; and the players of the TP 11U Red Team for their finalist showing at the 2024 IMBA 11U Select Tournament.
The TPBA also wishes to commend all the TP 11U Red 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 Innisfil tourney.
WAY TO GO, TP!