Three Cheers for all of them! - Grand Forks International Baseball

T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
06 ..........................................Welcome to the GFI
NOTE!
08 ..........................................GFI Guest Guide
10 ..........................................GFI Tournament Rules
11 ..........................................Game Schedule
12 ..........................................From Grand Forks to Making History
13 ..........................................Westchase Express
Information in this guide is up to date at press
time. Any changes or updates can be found on our
website at www.grandforksbaseball.com
Tickets
14 ..........................................San Fransico Seals
15 ..........................................Snoqualmie Valley Hurricanes
16, 18, 19.............................Harold Pyatte ~ Hall of Fame Inductee
17 ..........................................Everette Merchants
20 ..........................................Calgary Sidearm Nation
21 ..........................................Seattle Studs
22 ..........................................West Coast Guns
Tournament Passes
Single .............................$115
Family ............................$275
Senior.............................$100
Reserved Seating....$145
Phone the GFI office
250-442-8323
TF: (1-877-504-3993)
23 ..........................................North Sound Emeralds
24 ..........................................Thurston County Senators
Single admission
Adult .........................$6.50
Student / Senior....$5.50
Children 6 to 11 ....$4.00
Under 6 ....................FREE
Debit, Visa and Mastercard
accepted at the park.
Passes available
283 Market Ave.
25 ..........................................North West Honkers
26 ..........................................Kamloops Sundevils
27 ..........................................Burnaby Bulldogs
28/29....................................Kosuke Fukudome ~ a GFI Alumni Story
30 ..........................................Thanks to Everyone
* Teams subject to change /Check www.grandforksbaseball.com fro
updated information on teams and schedule..
contact us online
www.grandforksbaseball.com
e-mail: gf [email protected]
or ph: 250-442-8323 1-877-504-3993
CATCH THE SPIRIT
DROP IN TO THE GFI DUGOUT!
Drop into the GFI Dugout downtown at 283 Market Avenue and fill out
your volunteer form, buy your ticket or souvenir or just ask questions and
find out more about the tournament.
2016 GFI Diamond
Production: Vicom Design Inc., This 2015 GFI Diamond is published by the
Page 4
GFI Organizing Committee and Vicom Design Inc.. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the GFI Committee and
or Vicom Design Inc.
visit www.grandforksbaseball.com
I am very excited to be working with such enthusiastic and dedicated people again this year. A past coordinator, Gerry
Foster, is back along with a hard working Board of Directors, Volunteer Team Leaders and Volunteers for this 35th tournament. This whole town “Catches the Spirit” with the generous support of the City of Grand Forks, sponsors and the
time and effort of so many volunteers, to make this exciting event possible.We have a great line up of teams this year,
with 4 teams new to the GFI, so we will be expecting to see some outstanding baseball. Of course, along with the great
games and talented athletes performing in a beautiful facility, there will be our popular 50/50 and Bingo games to enjoy,
Great food at the Hard Ball Café, Refreshments at the Blue Monster, interesting history at the GFI Hall of Fame. So CATCH
THE SPIRIT and come out to James Donaldson Park.The GFI has a downtown location at 283 Market Avenue in Grand
Forks. Fill out a volunteer form, buy your tickets, and find out more about the GFI.See you there!
Brian McAndrew - GFI President
RDKB AREA C CHRISTINA LAKE
The Grand Forks International has become a community tradition over the decades and we are proud that it continues to this day. At the 35th anniversary we would be remiss not to thank the volunteers and organizers who keep
it going with a seemingly endless supply of passion. I consider the event to be a fully loaded experience: a family
event that thrills all ages; an attraction that brings visitors from all over; and an opportunity for volunteers and visitors to pitch in. With a final that always knocks it out of the park, the GFI is a grand slam in my books!See you there!
Grace McGreggor ~ RDKB Area C Director
PRESIDENT OF BASEBALL BC
I’m honoured to offer greetings and best wishes to all the participants in the Grand Forks International Tournament.
Baseball BC has long recognized this tournament as a fantastic, unique opportunity for baseball in this province, and
of course for the Grand Forks area. The organization and hospitality that your group provides, and Grand Forks supports, has made this tournament a terrific chance for teams to compete in an ideal setting. Great baseball in a great
place! We wish the tournament and the teams a wonderful few days on and off the baseball diamond.
John Berry, President, Baseball BC
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 2016 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
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visit www.grandforksbaseball.com
T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
visit www.grandforksbaseball.com
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
GFI Guest Guide
BINGO
HALL OF FAME
This popular feature began at the 2001 tournament.
You are invited to visit the GFI Hall of Fame in the Blue
Watch great baseball and play free GFI bingo during all Building. There you will find photos and information of
25 games - right from your favourite seat – and win players who performed in this tournament and went on
some cool prizes donated by our local businesses.
to play in the Major Leagues. Other GFI history is on display in this distinctive baseball atmosphere.
FAMILY FRIENDLY ZONE
KIDS’ ACTIVITIES
The Family Friendly Zone (FFZ) is in a beautiful
location behind the right field fence with shade and
There’s always something for the kids to do. Whether it
seating. Parents can watch their children, enjoy the
be our “Kids Run-the-bases” or meet and greet with vargames, and visit with their friends all at the same time.
ious players, the kids always have fun.
Signs will direct you to this special area inside the
stadium.
PER GAME ADMISSION
FIRST AID STATION
Throughout the tournament there is an on-site First
Aid Station managed by trained and efficient first aid
attendants. You will be in good hands whether it is a
wasp sting, an injury or too much sun. The First Aid
Station is located in the Blue building.
FOOD CONCESSIONS
Great food and a good selection of your ballpark
favourites and more! The Hard Ball Café, located under
the Grandstand has a full menu, where you will find a
varied menu to keep you going throughout the event. A
smaller concession is in the large Blue building where
you will find soft drinks, ice-cream, popcorn and more.
It is important to be familiar with the per game
admission procedure. Whenever you enter the ball park
you will be charged for the remaining games that day.
However, when you leave the stadium you will receive a
repayment for games that you will not be staying for.
This is available whether you paid cash or with
credit/debit card. Children ages 5 and under are
admitted free. Reserved seats and Tournament passes,
including senior and family passes, are available and
well worth the price for the convenience they offer.
SECURITY
Security personnel are present at all times. Backpacks
and oversized bags are subject to search by security.
Please respect other guests, players, coaches and
Just inside the main gate you will find the Guest volunteers.
Relations. GFI personnel will assist you with any
questions and provide information. Programs, Bingo
Women’s and Men’s washrooms are located below the
Cards, lost articles and more are available here. Our volunteers are committed to serving you and making your Grandstand and in the Blue Building.
visit to the GFI as enjoyable as possible.
GUEST RELATIONS
WASHROOMS/RESTROOMS
50/50 DRAWS
SOUVENIRS
The GFI is famous for large 50/50 jackpots. Look for
Check out the GFI souvenirs including great T-shirts, our 50/50 volunteer ticket sellers throughout the
and for the first time, GFI Beer Cup Koozies. Shop early! tournament.
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visit www.grandforksbaseball.com
T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
GFI Tournament Rules
Rule 1. The official rules of baseball, MLB, shall Rule 9. There are no restrictions relative to roster
size. However, teams will not be permitted to
govern the playing of baseball games during
add to their roster any player who was on the
the tournament. Specifications as to facility,
roster of a team eliminated earlier from further
equipment, play-off format, etc. have been
competition.
modified to meet the needs of the tournament. Teams may elect to use the designated Rule 10. Should a protest arise, that protest must
hitter rule.
officially be brought to the attention of the
home plate umpire, who in turn will forward
Rule 2. All games will be nine (9) innings. Extra
such protest to the Tournament Protest
innings to be played to determine winners.
Committee Chairman or designate. This
Committee will then rule on the identified
Rule 3. Toss of a coin at home plate will determine
protest and its decision will be FINAL.
home team for all preliminary round games.
Teams with better records, as determined by Rule 11. In the event a contest is forfeited, the
the tournament rules, will be the HOME TEAMS
team receiving the forfeiture shall claim a 7-0
for all MONEY ROUND games.
win. The forfeiting team, meanwhile, shall surrender all earnings, if any, to the tournament.
Rule 4. Teams must be prepared to play ball when
scheduled. Infield drills will be permitted only if Rule 12 The top two teams in each division will
qualify for the tournament’s MONEY ROUND.
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. An Eight Run rule will apply to all tournament games except the semi-finals and final. If
one team is ahead by eight or more runs after
the trailing team has completed seven 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.
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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.
Rule 17. Any player who is ejected from the game
is subject to further discipline at the discretion
of the Tournament Committee.
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
Schedule
Division 1
Seattle Studs
Calgary Sidearm Nation
Kamloops Sun Devils
Thurston County Senators
CHECK WWW.GRANDFORKSBASEBALL.COM FOR UPDATES
Division 2
Houston -Westchase Express
Snoqualmie Valley Hurricanes
Everett Merchants
West Coast Guns
Division
San Francisco Seals
North Sound Emeralds
Burnaby Bulldogs
Northwest Honkers
Tuesday, June 30th
2:00pm......Game 1..........Calgary Sidearm Nation................................ vs ......................................Kamloops Sun Devils
500pm.......Game 2..........Houston -Westchase Express ................... vs....................Snoqualmie Valley Hurricanes
8:00pm......Game 3 .........San Francisco Seals....................................... vs ...................................North Sound Emeralds
Wednesday, July 1st
8:00am......Game 4..........Burnaby Bulldogs ............................................. vs ...........................................Northwest Honkers
11:00am ...Game 5..........West Coast Guns ............................................. vs .............................................Everett Merchants
2:00pm......Game 6..........Thurston County Senators .......................... vs........................................................Seattle Studs
5:00pm......Game 7..........North Sound Emeralds.................................. vs...............................................Burnaby Bulldogs
7:30pm
Opening Ceremonies
8:00pm......Game 8..........Everett Merchants............................................ vs....................Snoqualmie Valley Hurricanes
Thursday July 2nd
8:00am......Game 9..........West Coast Guns ............................................. vs.....................Houston -Westchase Express
11:00am ...Game 10 .......Kamloops Sun Devils..................................... vs............................Thurston County Senators
2:00pm......Game 11 .......San Francisco Seals....................................... vs...............................................Burnaby Bulldogs
5:00pm......Game 12 .......North Sound Emeralds.................................. vs ...........................................Northwest Honkers
8:00pm......Game 13 .......Seattle Studs.......................................................vs..................................Calgary Sidearm Nation
Friday July 3rd
8:00am......Game 14 .......Snoqualmie Valley Hurricanes .................. vs...............................................West Coast Guns
11:00am ...Game 15 .......Thurston County Senators .......................... vs .................................Calgary Sidearm Nation
2:00pm......Game 16 .......Everett Merchants ............................................vs....................Houston - Westchase Express
5:00pm......Game 17 .......Seattle Studs ...................................................... vs ......................................Kamloops Sun Devils
8:00pm......Game 18 .......San Francisco Seals....................................... vs ...........................................Northwest Honkers
Money Round
Saturday July 4th
10:00am.... Game 19 #1 Seed _____________________________vs #8 Seed
1:00pm......Game 20 #2 Seed ______________________________vs #7 Seed
4:00pm......Game 21 #3 Seed ______________________________vs #6 Seed
8:00pm......Game 22 #4 Seed ______________________________vs #5 Seed
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Sunday July 5th
8:30am ......Game 23 Winner game #19 ______________________vs winner game #22 _____________________
11:30am....Game 24 Winner game #20 ______________________vs winner game #21 _____________________
2:30pm......Game 25 Winner game #23 ______________________vs winner game #24 _____________________
CLOSING CEREMONIES
Visit our website at www.grandforksbaseball.com for updates and any possible changes to the schedule.
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
From Grand Forks to Making History
HIGHLIGHTS AND MORE HIGHLIGHTS – AT THE 2016 GFI
*The 10,000th home run in the history of the Chicago White Sox.
*The first ‘hit for the cycle’ 9 inning
game in the history of the Seattle
Mariners.
*A walk-off single on Ichiro Suzuki
Bobble Head Night.
*A game tying 3 run homer in his
major league debut.
*The final home run at Candlestick
Park.
*A walk-off home run in the bottom
of the ninth gives Oakland Athletics
their 20th consecutive win - a new
American League record.
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*A Grand Slam walk-off home run, *He hits three home runs for
his first career homer and RBI in the Colorado vs the Expos. That hurts!
Majors.
*His first no-hitter
*A walk-off home run over
Cincinnati.
*Pitching a no-hitter for the Los We invite YOU to drop into the GFI
Hall of Fame during this 35th
Angeles Dodgers.
anniversary tournament where you
can watch these and many more
*A complete game shutout beats
the NY Yankees and Florida Marlins highlights involving baseball major
leaguers who once played at James
win the World Series.
Donaldson Park.
*He gets the final out to send the
This video highlight presentation
Red Sox to the World Series.
will be running throughout the
*Not again! Yes, he’s on the mound
week of the tournament. Grab a
when Boston wins the Word Series.
Gatorade or a cup of coffee and
The curse is over!
relax. It’s a long movie!
Visit our website at www.grandforksbaseball.com for updates and any possible changes to the schedule.
T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
WESTCHASE EXPRESS
2015 Stan Musial World Series Champions from Houston, Texas will be making their first appearance at the GFI. Last
summer they defeated the Long Island Storm in Farmingdale, NY to capture their first national championship. The
Storm won the 2005 GFI. The Express are led by their President Robert Van Nieuwenhuyzen and are part of the
Coastal Baseball League in Southeast Texas.
visit www.grandforksbaseball.com
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
SAN FRANSICO SEALS
The Seals were established as a summer collegiate travelling team back in 1985. Abel Alcantar, President and GM,
is the driving force behind this team which resurrected the famous Seals name that once was associated with the
minor pro team in the City by the Bay . The original Seals operated from 1903-1957. Their most famous alumni is
Joe Dimaggio who would go on to star with the New York Yankees. The modern day Seals have been one of the
finest travel teams in America. The Seals name in San Francisco lives on in another way. The SF Giants popular mascot is named Lou Seal!.
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visit www.grandforksbaseball.com
T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
SNOQUALMIE VALLEY HURRICANES
The fourth team who will be making their debut in at the GFI are the Snoqualmie Valley Hurricanes. The architect
behind this Washington State squad is Peter Kairis. They recently formed an alliance with the Dragons Baseball
Club. Associated with the Dragons organization are Fernando DaSilva, born in Montreal, and a former draft pick
of the Montreal Expos, along with Raul Ibanez, who is now a special advisor to the LA Dodgers. The Hurricanes
and Dragons have an excellent philosophy in supporting youth and providing them with opportunities in life
visit www.grandforksbaseball.com
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
HAROLD PYATTE,
A 2016 GRAND FORKS
INTERNATIONAL
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE!
Harold Pyatte is the heart and soul of the Merchants.
This article was first published in The Herald, a newspaper
in Everett, WA. The reporter was Larry Henry. It is reprinted in
The Diamond with permission and we thank Josh O’Connor,
vice-president of The Daily Herald for his consent.
By Larry Henry, Special to The Herald. Published: Sunday,
June 22, 2008
Everett Merchants manager/owner Harold Pyatte catches a
ball during a fielding drill before the start of a game against
the Everett AquaSox.
He got to the ball park four hours before the first pitch to
make sure the restrooms were clean. Dirty restrooms – bad
first impression. Any baseball team owner will tell you that.
Harold Pyatte wasn’t about to let that happen. So at 11
o’clock that morning, there was Pyatte scrutinizing the restrooms at Everett Memorial Stadium like an army sergeant
inspecting a barrack. While the sergeant could dress down a
recruit for untidiness, the only person Pyatte could hold
accountable for a messy restroom was the team’s owner. That
man – Harold Pyatte.
For the past 35 years, Pyatte has given and given and given
as the owner/coach of the local semi-pro baseball team,
which, for the last 22 years, has been called the Everett
Merchants. Given his time. Given his effort. Given his passion.
Given so that college-age kids could have a team to play for
during the summer months to sharpen their skills and
enhance their chances of perhaps playing professional baseball someday.
Pyatte doesn’t do this for the money because there is little
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or no money to be made in semi-pro ball. “Nobody gets
paid,” Pyatte said. And that included the owner/coach. In fact,
players have to dig into their own pockets to be able to put
on a uniform for the Merchants. They pay a fee of $300. “That
helps us offset some of our travel expenses,” Pyatte said. If a
player can’t come up with the money, Pyatte has been known
to help him out. “I get some poor kids now and then,” he said,
“and I give them a little extra gas and food money when we
go on the road.” He’s also been known to spring for a kid’s
equipment. One year he bought a glove for Rick Anderson,
the first Merchants player to make it to the Major Leagues
and currently the pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins.
Pyatte can empathize with these kids because he knows
what it’s like not to have much money. Knows what it’s like to
have shabby equipment. “I was from the wrong side of the
tracks,” he said. “I was a poor kid growing up.” He remembers
sliding into second base as a youngster and having his toes
pop out of his tennis shoes as the second baseman put the
tag on him. “I’ll never forget that as long as I live,” he said. Nor
will he ever forget the day his eighth grade class was putting
together Thanksgiving baskets for needy families. The
teacher had each kid come up and write a message to put in
each basket and the name she gave Harold was “Mrs. Pyatte,”
Harold’s mother, who was divorced and raising Harold and
his brother and sister in a motel room in Marysville.“That was
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
EVERETT MERCHANTS
Everett returns for the third consecutive time to Grand Forks, both times making it to the finals. Oh, so close! Will
2016 be the Merchants year to win it all? Their long-time manager Harold Pyatte is one of the most dedicated baseball persons you will ever come across. His commitment to the Everett team over the decades is a remarkable and
heart-warming story. The team will have a roster of committed and gifted athletes. Their schedule this summer
includes a trip to Alaska to play a six game series against the Alaska Goldpanners.
visit www.grandforksbaseball.com
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
HAROLD PYATTE, A 2016 GRAND FORKS INTERNATIONAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE!
continued From page 16
tough,” he said. It was tough then, and it’s tough now as he
chokes up when he talks about it.
Pyatte might not have had any money, but what he did
have was a relentless work ethic. And he always had some
kind of job as a kid, whether it was picking strawberries or
selling golf balls that had been hit out of the Cedarcrest
course or mowing lawns or working in a lumber company. “I
learned early that if you work hard, keep your nose clean and
form a good character, people will give you a break,” he said.
He worked hard at his jobs, which included 38 years as a
longshoreman, and he worked hard at baseball with his
semi-pro team, which, when he first joined it in 1962 as a
“nobody kid (pitcher) from Marysville,” was called the Everett
Orioles.
As he sacrificed, Oh, did he sacrifice to make the Merchants
go, Suffice it to say – if there were no Harold Pyatte, there
would be no Everett Merchants baseball team. “Our family
has given up a lot for Harold,” Sherry, his wife of nearly 40
years, said, “It took a long time for me to come to terms with
that.” Now, not only is Sherry at the ballpark “supervising”
every night the Merchants play at home, but the Pyatte’s married daughter, Stacy Barbeau, works in the concession stand
while her son Stewart operates the scoreboard and her
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daughter Lyndsey takes tickets. The youngest boy, Blake
chases down balls that leave the field of play. But through all
those years, there has been only one person who has poured
his heart and soul into this franchise, and that’s the 65-yearold Pyatte, who retired from the Everett docks four years ago.
“He didn’t do it for the accolades,” Sherry said. “He didn’t
seek recognition. That wasn’t his goal.” He wanted to give
kids the same opportunity he was given many years ago – to
play for the local semi-pro team. “I always said if I ever had a
chance to keep baseball going here, I would,” he remarked.
“That and a love of the game have kept me going.” Pyatte
also has a genuinely deep affection for the kids who play for
him. “He has a big heart,” Sherry said. “What you see is what
you get with Harold.” His wife said he worries more about his
players than he does about winning. “Right now,” she said
early this month, “he’s worried about this kid who got thrown
out of a game for touching an umpire.” And then there was
the kid who was going through some rough times and the
Pyatte family, a strong Christian unit, opened up their home
to him. He moved in and stayed for three years. “He didn’t
know what to do with himself,” Sherry said, “then one day he
saw the light.”
Besides acting sometimes as Father Flanagan, Pyatte also
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
has to take on the role of a businessman. Because the ballclub doesn’t
have the money to hire a saleman,
the job of selling advertisements for
the team’s program falls to Pyatte,
and he’ll call on 50 to 60 local merchants, beginning three months
before the first pitch of the season is
thrown. The program generates most
of the club’s revenue, which is around
$25,000. The year the Merchants won
the National Baseball Congress
championship, 1988, Pyatte had to
pass the hat a second time so that
the team could travel to the tournament in Wichita, KS. “I got
25 merchants to sponsor one player each at $150,” he said.
“That raised close to $40,000.” For winning the tournament,
the Merchants earned $12,000. Yet, someone still had to pony
up another $3,000 to help cover the hotel bill. That someone
was Pyatte.
That was just one of many times he’s dipped into his own
bank account to bail out the team. “Bills had to be paid,” he
said, shrugging his wide shoulders. “It’s love of the game. I’ll
be honest with you, though, it hurts right here,” he said,
pointing to the left side of his chest, “to pour your heart and
visit www.grandforksbaseball.com
soul into this and then at the end of the year have to write a
check.” But write it he does. And he’ll continue to do so until
the day he quits coaching. Which will probably be the day
they lay him in the ground. When that day comes, they
should remember him with a plaque somewhere in the stadium where fans can’t miss it: In honor of Harold Pyatte, The
Man who saved semi-pro baseball in Everett.
Note: Harold Pyatte was, in 2005, elected to the National
Baseball Congress Hall of Fame. In 2016 at the 35th anniversary of the GFI Harold Pyatte will be inducted into the Grand
Forks International Hall of Fame.
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
CALGARY SIDEARM NATION
Geoff Freeborn pitched professionally for Calgary Vipers of the Northern League. He has also played ball in Europe,
including Germany and France. He actually suited up in the European Championship one year. One baseball commentator said, “Geoff has bounced around the baseball globe.” And he will bounce into Grand Forks this summer,
managing the Calgary Sidearm Nation. At one point in his career he developed an effective sidearm-submarine
pitch which prolonged his career, hence the team name.
From his vast contacts in baseball he has assembled a team of former college and professionals, a few having
played for Canada’s national team.
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
SEATTLE CHENEY STUDS
The Seattle Studs return as the defending GFI champions as well as the defending National Baseball Congress
World Series champions. That was their second NBC title in three years – a remarkable achievement.
The Studs have been a prominent semi-pro team for many years, playing a regular schedule in the Pacific
International League, several non-league games as well as tournaments. Their rosters over the years have included
future major league players such as Tim Lincecum and Brent Lillibridge
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
THE WEST COAST GUNS
The are the West Coast Guns? They are a team comprised of college graduates and released players that have the
desire to continue their career. They have been nomads but have found a home. They will play at the Kitsap County
Fairgrounds when the Kitsap BlueJackets are on the road. They will also attend semi-pro tournaments like the
Grand Forks International (GFI) Baseball Tournament. Our goal is to help these players sign independent and affiliated contract. A lot more information about this club will be released soon. Always looking to send out a Hired Gun.
Bang, Bang!
Photo credit: Chris Hammet
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
NORTH SOUND EMERALDS
The Emeralds have been a welcome addition to the GFI the past few years. Last year, Henry McAree, offered up the
finest pitching performance of the tournament. He is playing college ball this spring for the Lewis Clark State
Warriors. Another Emeralds player, Mason Pierzchalski, was the GFI All-Star first baseman in 2015 and is currently at
North Dakota State (NCAA) where he is currently one of the top three hitters.
The Emeralds will have a new manager/head coach this summer. Greg Goetz has a reputation of being an excellent
pitching coach. One
of the players he
coached in college
is Keone Kela, now
an
outstanding
relief pitcher with
the Texas Rangers.
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
THURSTON COUNTY SENATORS
The Thurston County Senators are part of the Puget Sound Collegiate League and the West Coast Guns play an
independent schedule against teams from the Pacific International League and other Northwest teams. Matt Acker
is the driving force behind both these squads. Once again they will be in the hunt for the big prize money in Grand
Forks. Matt also owns and operates the Kitsap Blue Jackets of the very strong and competitive West Coast League.
There are a lot of first-rate baseball players in his camp and the rosters of the Senators and Guns will be well
stocked for the 2016 GFI
Photo credit: Chris Hammet
page 24
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
NORTHWEST HONKERS
The Honkers have just released their 2016 schedule and will be playing at least 50 games this summer, 28 of them
before they land in Grand Forks. Martin Lawrence is the General Manager of this Washington State team and his
wife, Jocelyn, acts as the Assistant GM. An integral reason for establishing this club a few years ago is stated on their
website, “A simple passion for the game along with the urge to continue to compete at a high level drove the idea
to put together the Honkers organization.
HONK HONK!!
Photo credit: Chris Hammet
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
KAMLOOPS SUN DEVILS
The Sun Devils won the Bronze Medal at the 2015 Canadian Championships, defeating the host New Brunswick
team 5-1 in the medal game. Their Head Coach is Ray Chadwick, born in Durham, North Carolina, and a former
pitcher with the California Angels. The team will include several players from the Thompson Rivers University roster.
Photo credit: Chris Hammet
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
BURNABY BULLDOGS
Burnaby won the GFI in 2014, only the second Canadian team to do so, the last being in 1976. The Bulldogs were
Canadian champions in 2010 and have captured six provincial titles. Their General Manager David Laing is a class
act; he also serves as the Executive Director of Baseball BC. They will once again bring a competitive squad to Grand
Forks, looking to relive the euphoria of their win two years agoment and event again in 2015.
Photo credit: Chris Hammet
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
KOSUKE FUKUDOME – A GFI ALUMNI STORY
by Gerry Foster
A Japanese ballplayer became quite a
sensation after leaving Japan to play for
the Chicago Cubs in 2008. A lot of anticipation and pressure surrounded this
Japanese star as he arrived in North
America to continue his career after
excelling for several years in his home
country.
As often happens with all the hype surrounding a gifted athlete in these modern times, fans were wearing Kosuke
Fukudome t-shirts not long after he
arrived in North America. While people
were struggling to pronounce his name
correctly this did create some problems.
One man was sent home from work in
Oklahoma for wearing a Fukodome shirt.
The boss said it was inappropriate for the workplace!
No need to elaborate further, unless you are from
Oklahoma, which is a long way from the small community of
Osaki town, the birthplace of this future Japanese Central
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League batting champion. Prior to his professional debut he
became the youngest player to be chosen for an Olympic
baseball team at the age of 19, winning, along with his teammates, a Silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta games.
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
Drafted in the First Round
It was in 1995 that Kosuke was drafted in the first round by
the Kintetsu Buffaloes. Most players would be elated by a top
round selection but not Fukudome; his aspiration was to play
for the Chunichi Dragons. So the disappointed infielder
decided instead to play in the Industrial league, a move that
was upsetting to a lot of Japanese baseball fans; however, this
would turn out to be fortuitous for the Grand Forks
International.
Most of the teams from Japan that were coming to Grand
Forks to participate in this marvellous tournament were from
the Japanese Industrial League. Kosuke’s displeasure would
be our delight. You will find a photograph of this future star,
poised in the batter’s box at James Donaldson Park, in the GFI
Hall of Fame. (Many thanks to Daniel Hellyer from New
Denver, who snapped this historic picture.) This was taken on
a Labour Day Monday morning when for the first and only
time, Japan and Taiwan would play each other at the GFI.
The following year, 1998, Fukodome would again be drafted in the first round, this time by the Chunichi Dragons;
Kosuke would realize his dream. In the years following, the
GFI Alumnus would win a Central League batting crown in
2002, be selected the league MVP in 2006 and move from the
infield to the outfield, where he was a much better fielder. He
would again represent his country at the Olympics in 2004,
this time winning a Bronze medal.
Return to North America
Eleven years after playing in Grand Forks Kosuke
Fukodome would be back on our continent, this time to play
in the Major Leagues with the Chicago Cubs. It didn’t take
long for the rabid Cubs fans to embrace him. In his first game
on March 31, 2008, this Japanese prodigy came to bat in the
bottom of the ninth with Chicago trailing the Milwaukee
Brewers by three runs. Canadian Eric Gagne was on the
mound for Milwaukee and the new recruit from across the
Pacific belted a 3 run homer to tie the game. [You can watch
this dramatic highlight along with other GFI Alumni video
highlights in the GFI Hall of Fame]
Fukudome would be selected to the National League AllStar team in his first season in the big leagues. However
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things slid downhill from there. He continued his outstanding play in the outfield but the offensive part of his game
lacked consistency.
Challenges in Chicago
In his fourth year with the Cubs he was traded to Cleveland.
He was struggling at the plate and it seems that Chicago was
regretting the $48 million they spent to bring him from
Japan. Earlier in his career, when he hit an important homerun in the Olympics, he said, “It felt good, very good.” It wasn’t
feeling good anymore.
David Wright, in a New York Times article wrote, ”Almost
overnight he became a phenomenon in Chicago, creating a
hive of excitement at Wrigley Field….But almost as quickly as
the hype was generated, it dissolved, like a meteor flaming
out across the sky.”
All hitters will enter a period where they are not seeing the
ball well; their swing is out of synch, and the word slump is
often used to describe the problem. We might employ other
phrases, “over the hill,” or “washed up.”
Home to Japan
This GFI Alumni was not done with baseball however.
Kosuke returned to Japan and in 2013 joined the Hanshin
Tigers of the Central League. His stats the first two years were
at best average. However in 2015 he experienced a resurgence and has continued this in 2016. At the age of 39, as this
article is being written, he is currently batting .323, the fourth
highest of his long
career. Notably he
has now won five
golden
glove
awards in Japan’s
Central League.
He may still be
capable of hitting
one out of James
Donaldson
Park.
Then we might
design another one
of those Fukudome
t-shirts!
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T h e 3 5 t h G r a n d F o r k s I n t e r n a t i o n a l B a s e b a l l To u r n a m e n t
This sincere expression of gratitude comes from our hearts.
Without the support and commitment of the following the 2016 GFI could not happen.
THE GENEROUS SPONSORS
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
ROXUL
Community Futures and
Grand Forks Credit Union
Pharmasave and
Vicom Design Inc.
Grand Forks Station Pub,
RDKB Area C&D, Kal Tire,
and CannaFest
MEDIA PARTNERS
DIAMOND
GOLD
EZ ROCK
The Grand Forks Gazette;
FRIENDS OF THE GFI:
City of Grand Forks, Nepa Trucking, Interfor and RHC Insuranc
OUR MANY ADVERTISERS:
* The umpires, athletes, coaches and personnel from all The Teams – we are honoured to have you.
*YOU Super and Supportive Fans and the approximate 300 Volunteers who donate their time, energy and talents.
Three Cheers for all of them!