The Central Baseball League's (CBL) year-end tournament held the past two weekends was a huge success, bringing to a close another season of baseball on the Coast.
Tadpole
The goal for the tadpole division this year was one of parity. The executive along with the coaches set out at the beginning of the season to "spread the wealth" amongst the three teams, which proved to be a huge benefit for both coaches and players.
The tournament saw evenly matched teams, strong games andallplayers truly believing they had value, ability and a chance to win.The CBL would like to congratulate all of its teams and recognize the coaches for their tireless patience, individual contributions and dedication to the game.
The Mariners, coached by Garth Kitson and Rolly Mellier, finished first with a 3-1 record, followed by the Athletics, coached by Sean Gray, Ken Ewen and Francis McKenna at 2-1, and the Blue Jays, coached by Jay Harris and Dan Flatt, at 0-3. Tournament MVPs (chosen by the opposing teams) were: Nathan Burnham (Athletics), Frost Harris (Blue Jays), Maddy Gray (Athletics), Phoenix Dickeson (Mariners), Jake MacLean (Mariners), Brock Flatt (Blue Jays), Spencer Kitson (Mariners), Brandon Sheriff (Blue Jays), Kieran Harding (Mariners) and Derek Ewen (Athletics).
The season MVP was Maddy Gray, while the season sportsmanlike player was Nelson MacKenzie from the Blue Jays.
Each team also recognized two individual players for their performance over the season with a MVP award and coaches' choice trophy.Those awards went to Charlie Mathewson (MVP - Mariners) and Jake Maclean (coach - Mariners), Nathan Burnham (MVP - Athletics) and Julian Roluchuk (coach - Athletics) and Kayen Agnew (MVP - Blue Jays) and Alex Piepjohn (coach - Blue Jays).
All-stars awards were presented to Brock Flatt, Spencer Kitson and Jarred Jankola.
Mosquito
The CBL had one team that made it to the finals, winning all three of its games on the first weekend of the tournament and placing second overall. Congratulations to coach James Wiebe for leading the Blue Jays to a fantastic finish. Game scores included a 7-4 loss to Gibsons and three wins over Gibsons 14-4, 13-7 and 11-8.
MVP was Tyler Stinchcombe, and Liam DeRoonpicked up the coaches' choice award.
Peewee
The peewee division Blue Jays, led by coaches Dave Lamb and Jerry Griffin, and the Angels, led by coaches Sean Grey and Peter Natal, battled each other for the final medal spot. Congratulations to both teams for an excellent series and to the Angels for their third place finish.
In game one, Gibsons beat the Blue Jays 12-1 with Reese Fletcher named MVP. In game two, Gibsons beat the Angels with Kaiden DeRoon winning MVP. And in game three, the Angels beat the Blue Jays 12-7 with Evan Griffin and Nick Stinchcombe named MVPs.
The team MVP and coaches' choice awards went to Logan Natal and Kaiden DeRoon for the Blue Jays and Jordy Fawcett and Reese Fletcher for the Angels.
Division awards for the overall season were also presented to Kodi Lamotte (MVP), Evan Griffin (sportsmanship), Jared Warwick (most improved) and Hunter Wicklund (most determined).
Midget
For the first time in the history of the CBL, the Athletics made it to the 20-team Interlock Finals. The subsequent loss to Ladner (2-0) does not take away from the amazing accomplishment of this dedicated team led by coaches Bob Mercer and Rod Hamilton with a special recognition for MVP Dominique Acciarolli.
Bantam
Awards were handed out over the first tournament weekend to the Angels who, due to injuries, were unable to complete their season. Congratulations to coach Tom Thelner and to the players for a great, but short, season. The league recognizes the contributions of all players, as well as the teams' MVPCaleb Burnham and coaches' choiceThomas Thelner.
The CBL wishes to thank all its volunteers who made the season and final tournament possible and also all the parents who diligently ensured their children made it to practices and games. Here's looking forward to a fantastic 2012 season, kicking off with pre-season camps Spring Break, March 2012.
The executive has vacant roles and is looking for volunteers. [email protected] for more details.
- Submitted
