2008 program in pdf

$43,000 TOTAL PRIZE MONEY
1st - $18,000 / 2nd $9,000
3rd - 4th $4,000 ea. / 5th - 6th $2,000 ea
Table of Contents
Tickets
04 ..................Welcome to the GFI
06 ..................Baseball at it’s Best
07 ..................Mayors Message
08 ..................Take me out to the ball game
10 ..................Burnaby Bulldogs / Caldwell Coyotes
12 ..................Lewiston Idaho Truckers / Cincinatti Cobalts
14 ..................San Diego Stars / Seattle Studs
16 ..................Game Schedule
17 ..................GFI Game Rules
18 ..................Trail Oriols / Reno Astros
20 ..................Mexican Stars / Chicago Prairie Gravel
22 ..................Prince George Axemen / Team Canada
24 .................. GFI Location Map
26 ..................Thank you
28 ..................Welcome from our local MLA and MP
30 ..................Autographs
Tournament Passes
Single .......................................................$115
Family.......................................................$275
Senior.......................................................$100
Passes available at Pharmasave
in Grand Forks, BC
Reserved Seating ..............................$145
Phone the GFI office 250-442-8323
TF: 1-866-GFI GAME (1-866-434-4263)
Single admission
Adult.........................................................$6.50
Student / Senior...................................$5.50
Children 6 to 11 ...................................$4.00
Under 6 ...................................................FREE
Debit, Visa Mastercard accepted at the park.
contact us online @ www.grandforksbaseball.com
e-mail [email protected]
2008 GFI Diamond
Production: Beyond Graphix / Brian McAndrew, Ad Sales: Clear Image
Media / Ted Morris, Photos by: Chris Hammett / Grand Forks Gazette,
Printed by: Mitchell Press, Burnaby BC. Special thanks to the Grand
Forks Gazette for helping gather the pictures and information for the
teams.
This 2008 GFI Diamond is published by the GFI Organizing Committee
and Beyond Graphix.No portion of this publication may be reproduced
without the written consent of the GFI Committee and Beyond
Graphix.
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GFI Coordinator
On behalf of the Executive and the over 300 Volunteers I want to welcome you to the
28th Grand Forks International. This event would not be possible if it were not for all
the sponsors and advertisers, the City of Grand Forks Council and Staff and of course
you the fans that come out to support the great game of Baseball. If you are visiting
our great city I invite you to take time to look around; spend some time in the great
outdoors, visit the local stores, enjoy some Russian cuisine and enjoy the local hospitality of the citizens of Grand Forks and surrounding area.
After missing a year I want to welcome the teams back and wish them luck as they
play for the prize money. This would not be an International invent if it were not for
our American Teams and players that come every year to support this tournament. I
also want to recognize the past GFI Coordinators Gerry Foster & Larry Semenoff both
who have set the standard for this Tournament. After missing a year it is my pleasure
to say “Let’s Play Ball”
President of Baseball Canada
On behalf of the membership of Baseball Canada, I am pleased to welcome all athletes, sponsors, volunteers and guests to the 2008 edition of the Grand Forks
International Baseball Tournament.
The Tournament Committee has put a great deal of time and effort into preparation
for this event to ensure that your stay will be a very enjoyable one. I feel that all players, coaches and officials will return home with many good memories of Grand Forks.
I thank the Committee and the City of Grand Forks for hosting this prestigious event and wish the participants
“Good Luck, Safe travel and a very rewarding and enjoyable baseball experience.
Sincerely: Ray Carter, President
Executive Director of Baseball BC
It is with great pleasure that I welcome all participants to the 2008 Grand Forks
Invitational Tournament.
This event continues to be recognized as one of the premier baseball tournaments in
North America.
Congratulations to the local Organizing Committee for staging such a successfull event.
May the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play prevail
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Burnaby Bulldogs
The Burnaby Bulldogs Baseball Club was established in 1976 and they play in the Pacific Metro Baseball League,
one of Canada’s most competitive Senior Men’s Leagues. The Bulldogs, who will be at the GFI for the fifth time, are
led by Head Coach Tim Fehr and Manager David Laing.This classy team were PMBL Champions in 2001, 2003, 2004
and 2005. They were BC Provincial winners from 2001 through 2004.
THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS
Caldwell Coyotes
The Coyotes were 36 – 20 in the 2006 season under Head Coach Shawn Humberger, who will be entering his ninth
year as skipper of the team. This will be the ‘yotes sixth consecutive trip to the GFI.
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Lewiston, Idaho Truckers
Can you say national champions fifteen times? The Lewis-Clark State Warriors made it number 15 in the last 24 seasons in 2007, when they defeated Spring Arbor University 9-2 in the title game.
The Truckers will again be led by acclaimed head coach Ed Cheff, who will look to lead the always competitive
Truckers to GFI glory once again.
THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS
Cincinnati Cobalts
The creed of the Cincinnati Cobalts is simple,“God gave us only so many years to play this great game, don’t waste
them playing softball.” These players, determined to not waste their playing days, compete at the highest level
available to amateur baseball players including the Roy Hobbs World Series, AABC Regionals, MABL World Series
and the NABF World Series.
Titles over their 22 year history include: Quatman Trophy Winners,TriState League Champions, CRC Suburban League
Champions, CRC City Champions, AABC State Champions, Roy Hobbs AAA World Series Champions, Cincinnati RH
League Champions in 2005 and 2006, and 2006 CRC City Champs and 2006 NABF Regional Champions.
The Cobalts had a stellar 2006 season, doing what no other Cincinnati Semi-Pro team has ever done, winning the
Roy Hobbs Title, the CRC
Championship, and the NABF
Regional Tournament Championship. They spent 2007
rebuilding their team after
many veterans retired and were
unable to repeat their performance of 2006. They look to be in
fine form (11-2 as of printing) in
2008 and we look forward to
having them!
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San Diego Stars
The defending Champion Stars will be back to Grand Forks in 2008! “The Stars come out at night!”This fine team from
San Diego uses that as a team motto and they have certainly enjoyed some shining moments at the GFI. This fine
team from San Diego has been to the GFI 11 times, made it to the final five times, and taken the prize twice, in 2004
and 2006. Mickey and his Stars will look to defend their title in 2008 and try to make it back to back Championships.
THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS
Seattle Studs
Six time GFI champions and one of the outstanding semi-pro teams in the United States, the Studs will once
again take aim at another Grand Forks trophy. Over the years the Studs have showcased some very special talent in their lineup. Two examples in recent years are Brent Lillibridge and Tim Lincecum. Lincecum, who was
drafted number 10 overall in 2006 year’s major league draft by San Francisco Giants, received the 2006 Golden
Spikes Award, which goes to the top amateur player in the United States.
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Wednesday, August 27th
1:00pm ....Game 1 * ______________________________ vs* _________________________________
4:00pm ....Game 2 * _____________________________ vs* _________________________________
7:00 ........Opening Ceremonies
8:00pm .... Game 3 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
Thursday August 28th
8:00 ...........Game 4 * _____________________________ vs* _________________________________
11:00.........Game 5 * _____________________________ vs* _________________________________
2:00 ...........Game 6 * _____________________________ vs* _________________________________
5:00 ...........Game 7 * _____________________________ vs* _________________________________
8:00 ...........Game 8 * _____________________________ vs* _________________________________
Friday. August 29th
8:00 ...........Game 9 * _____________________________ vs* _________________________________
11:00.........Game 10 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
2:00 ...........Game 11 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
5:00 ...........Game 12 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
8:00 ...........Game 13 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
Saturday August 30th
8:00 ...........Game 14 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
11:00.........Game 15 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
2:00 ...........Game 16 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
5:00 ...........Game 17 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
8:00 ...........Game 18 * ____________________________ vs* _________________________________
Sunday, August 30th
Money Round
10:30.........Game 19 (#1 Seed________________________vs #8 Seed
1:30 ...........Game 20 (#2 Seed________________________vs #7 Seed
4:30 ...........Game 21 (#3 Seed________________________vs #6 Seed
7:30 ...........Game 22 (#4 Seed________________________vs #5 Seed
_________________________)
_________________________)
_________________________)
_________________________)
Monday September 1st
8:30 ...........Game 23
Winner game #19 ________________________vs winner game #22 __________________________
11:30.........Game 24
Winner game #20 ________________________vs winner game #21 __________________________
8:30 ...........Game 25
Winner game #23 ________________________vs winner game #24 __________________________
CLOSING CEREMONIES
* Team placements in the schedule were not available at press time for this program guide. Visit our website at
www.grandforksbaseball.com for updates. A schedule insert will be available during game time
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Rule 1. The official rules of baseball, as published by
Baseball Canada, shall govern the playing of
baseball games during the tournament.
Specifications as to facility, equipment, play-off
format, etc. have been modified to meet the
needs of the tournament. Teams may elect to
use the designated hitter rule.
Rule 2. All games will be nine (9) innings. Extra innings
to be played to determine winners.
Rule 3. Toss of a coin at home plate will determine
home team for all preliminary round games.
Teams with better records, as determined by
the tournament rules, will be the HOME TEAMS
for all MONEY ROUND games.
Rule 4. Teams must be prepared to play ball when
scheduled. Infield drills will be permitted only if
time allows.
Rule 5. The 20 second rule between pitches will be
invoked. If the pitcher has not delivered the
ball to the batter within 20 seconds after
receiving the ball an automatic ball will be
issued to the batter.
If the batter is not
set in the batter’s box within the 20 seconds
and the pitcher is ready to throw an automatic
strike will be issued.
Rule 6. After the third out of each at bat the teams
have 90 seconds to resume play.
Rule 7. A Seven Run rule will apply to all tournament
games except the semi-finals and final. If one
team is ahead by seven or more runs after
seven complete innings the game is over.
Rule 8. Should circumstances arise where a game or
games are postponed or cancelled, the
Tournament Rules Committee (TRC) has the
authority to act upon any alteration to the
tournament format or schedule.
Rule 9. There are no restrictions relative to roster size.
However, teams will not be permitted to add to
their roster any player who was on the roster
of a team eliminated earlier from further competition.
Rule 10. Should a protest arise, that protest must officially be brought to the attention of the home
plate umpire, who in turn will forward such
protest to the Tournament Protest Committee
Chairman or designate. This Committee will
then rule on the identified protest and their
decision
will be FINAL.
Rule 11. In the event a contest is forfeited, the team
receiving the forfeiture shall claim a 7-0 win.
The forfeiting team, meanwhile, shall surrender
all earnings, if any, to the tournament.
Rule 12. The top two teams in each division will qualify
for the tournament’s MONEY ROUND.
Rule 13. Two wild card teams with the best record after
the top two division teams are determined will
complete the eight team money round.
Rule 14. Tie Breaker Rule: the following Rule will determine division winners, division runner-up
teams, wild card teams and money round
seeding.
Tie Breaker Rule:
1) Runs allowed / innings played defensively.
2) Earned Run average.
3) Runs for / innings played offensively
Rule 15. A playoff game of 5 innings will be held to
determine the second wild card team in the
event of all 3 divisions having 3 teams with
identical 2 - 1 round robin records.
Rule 16. This is a wood bat tournament. Composite bats
are allowed.
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Trail Orioles
Trail, voted as the best sports town in British Columbia, in 2005. Trail, home of Major League all-star and National
League Rookie of the year, Jason Bay. Trail, home of the Orioles. The team that travels the shortest distance to the
GFI provides a lot of excitement for local fans, and we welcome them back to Grand Forks. They have been playing
a number of teams this summer, home and away, and have participated in a couple of tournaments, as they prepare themselves to
once again compete at
this Canadian classic.
Congratulations go to
Ashton Florko on his
selection in the 2008
Major League Baseball
draft. He was picked in
the 44th round by the
Chicago Cubs and will
finish the season with
the Orioles before
deciding on his future.
THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS
Reno Astros
The Astros are always among the contending teams at the Grand Forks International, winning it twice (1999 and
2003), and Josh Beckett (Boston red Sox) once pitched the Astros into the championship final with a performance
Grand Forks fans won’t soon forget. They’ll be back in 2008 to search for another GFI Championship.
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Mexican Stars
The Mexican Stars will be back for their second GFI tournament. In their very first appearance, in 2006, they made
it to the final game, defeating the Tinseltown Terror and the Idaho Warriors, only to fall to the San Diego Stars,
whom familiar names Ramsey Ochoa and Oscar Barreras had played for, in previous years at the GFI. The Mexican
Stars, a travelling tournament team, will be back in Grand Forks in 2008 to see if they can improve on their stellar
finish two years ago.
THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS
Chicago Prairie Gravel
This year marks Chicago Prairie Gravels’ 6th visit to Grand Forks. They have advanced deep into the money rounds
on 4 previous GFI tournaments and in the 2002 World Baseball Challenge.They are also preparing for the 2009 WBC
in Prince George.
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Prince George
Axemen
Located in the centre of BC, Prince George
is the home of the largest senior baseball
league west of Saskatoon and in 2009 will
host the “World Baseball Challenge”.
The Axemen were here in 2002 when
Grand Forks hosted the “WBC” and are
looking forward to this years GFI.
August 12 2006 Facial: photo courtesy [email protected]
THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS
Team Canada
Canada will again be represented by Canada’s University ball team, the UBC Thunderbirds.
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THANKS TO EVERYONE
Without the commitment of the community the Grand Forks International would not be possible. It takes a lot of hard
work by many dedicated individuals - the VOLUNTEERS - to make the GFI a reality. With over 300 volunteers we are able
to showcase the community at its best. Everyone’s contribution is extremely valuable. The GFI lives and breathes through
the volunteers.
In addition to our volunteers, we have been very fortunate to once again
secure committed sponsorships for the 2008 tournament.
GOLD STAR
SLIVER STAR
KBS Radio
Overwaitea Foods
Roxul (West) Inc.
AM Ford
Community Futures Boundary
Grand Forks Credit Union
BRONZE STAR
CIBC
Grand Forks Station Pub
Pharmasave
ENJOY THE SPECIAL DAYS DEDICATED TO OUR GOLD STAR SPONSORS
ROXUL DAY Thursday August 28th
Overwaitea Day Saturday August 30th
KBS Day Sunday September 1st
Hat’s off to all our volunteers, sponsors and fans.
Together we make the GFI team.
Joan Thomas, Volunteer Coordinator
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Welcome to all of the 2008 Grand Forks International baseball tournament fans,
volunteers and teams taking part in this wonderful event.
To visitors, we invite you to enjoy the beauty of the area, the hospitality of the
people and businesses, and the excitement of the games!
To tournament volunteers and organizers, we salute your dedication,
hard work and enthusiasm.
Alex Atamanenko, MP
B.C. Southern Interior
Katrine Conroy, MLA
West Kootenay-Boundary
Congratulations
to all the teams, fans, organizers and voluteers of the
2008 Grand Forks Internatonal Baseball Tournament!
This event exemplifies how people from more than one
nation can work and play together in peace and unity.
Good luck to all the teams! Enjoy the Tournament!
Alex Atamanenko, MP
BC Southern Interior
337 Columbia Ave.
Castlegar BC V1N 1G6
1-800-667-2398
[email protected]
www.atamanenko.ca
Katrine Conroy, MLA
West-Kootenay Boundary
#2-1006 3rd Street,
Castelgar, BC V1N 3X6
1-888-755-0556
1-250-304-2783
Fax: 1-250-304-2655
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