2011 program pdf - Vicom Design Inc

Transcription

$ 43,000 TOTAL PRIZE MONEY
1st - $18,000 / 2nd $9,000
3rd - 4th $4,000 ea. / 5th - 8th $2,000 ea
Tickets
Table of Contents
04 ..............................................Welcome to the GFI
06 ..............................................Take me out to the ball game
08 ..............................................GFI Game Rules
09 ..............................................Mayor’s Message
10 ..............................................Game Schedule
12 ..............................................Seattle Studs
13 ..............................................Lewiston Paffile Truckers
14 ..............................................Geelong Baycats
14 ..............................................Baseball in Australia
15 ..............................................Victoria Mavericks
15 ..............................................Discovered in Grand Forks
16 ..............................................A Fresh Start
16 ..............................................Meet the Umpires
17 ..............................................Canada’s College Coach
18 ..............................................Trail Orioles
19 ..............................................Team Canada
20 ..............................................Langley Sr. Blaze
21 ..............................................Thurston County Senators
22 ..............................................San Diego Stars
23 ..............................................Cali-Showcase Baseball Team
24 ..............................................Grand Forks Blues
25 ..............................................Kamloops Sun Devils
26 ..............................................Thank you and Sponsor Days
* Teams subject to change. Visit www.grandforksbaseball.com for updates.
Visit www.grandforksbaseball.com for updates!
Tournament Passes
Single .............................................................$115
Family.............................................................$275
Senior.............................................................$100
Reserved Seating ....................................$145
Phone the GFI office 250-442-8323
TF: (1-877-504-3993)
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 at
Pharmasave & Sears
in Grand Forks
KBS Radio in Trail & Nelson
contact us online
@ www.grandforksbaseball.com
e-mail: [email protected]
or ph: 250-442-8323
1-877-504-3993
2011 GFI Diamond
Production: Beyond Graphix - Brian McAndrew, Ad Sales:
Clear Image Media - Ted Morris. Special thanks to Gerry Foster
for gathering, writing and updating the editorial content and
Chris Hammett for help with photos.
This 2011 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 or Beyond Graphix.
visit www.grandforksbaseball.com • all phone numbers in this program belong to a 250 exchange
Page 3
GFI Coordinator
Wow – the 31st GFI is getting closer.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Organizing Committee and the over 300 GFI
Volunteers, I want to welcome you to the 31st Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament.
We are very excited and enthusiastic as we plan the 31st GFI - a long tradition for the city of
Grand Forks.
This event is
not possible
without the sponsors and advertisers, the City of Grand Forks, the
teams, the volunteers and, of
course, the fans that come out to
support the great game of Baseball.
I want to welcome all the teams,
some for the first time, and wish
them luck as they play for the prize
money. The whole committee is
working hard to make the event a
memorable one. My goal is to have
fun, watch some great games, meet
old and new friends at the park, and
to soak in the atmosphere. I hope
lots of people join me for this great left to right: Christine-Ann Baker, Joan Thomas, Bud Alcock, Dave Fisher, Amanda Grey, Susan Harris, Bill Kerr, Judy Foster,
Marnie Green, Laura Arishenkoff, Gerry Foster - Missing From Photo Deborah Baker, Dave Burton, Wyatt Courtney, Erik
week.
Gillett, Bill Hingley, Ken Johnston, Pete Kootchin, Kevin McKinnon, Donna Thibeault, Dave Walsh, Michael Wirischagin, Jessica
2011 GFI COMMITTEE
Joan Thomas GFI 2011 Coordinator
Wirischagin
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 2011 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
President of Baseball BC
I'm delighted to welcome everyone to this year's edition of the Grand Forks International Tournament.
This tournament continues to make a wonderful mark on the baseball landscape in British
Columbia. As fall approaches, you provide a signature event with some high caliber play in a terrific setting. The baseball community in BC is proud of what the organizers of this tournament do
every year. We hope that you'll continue and build upon the rich tradition that this tournament has come to provide.
The board and staff of Baseball BC wish everyone the best experience possible in Grand Forks, and we hope our
visitors on and off the field will take away some memories that will last a lifetime!.
Yours in Baseball, John Berry, President, Baseball BC
page 4
Opening Ceremonies
Guest Relations
The Ceremonies will begin at 7:30 pm on Wednesday,
August 31, 2011.
Just inside the main gate you will find the Guest Relations
Booth. There, GFI personnel will help you with your questions
and have information available. Programs, Bingo Cards, lost
articles and more are available here. Our volunteers are committed to serving you and making your visit to the GFI as
enjoyable as possible.
GFI Bingo
Free Bingo has been a popular feature in the past so why
change a good thing. This year’s Bingo is sponsored by local
merchants that have donated prizes to be given away after
each Bingo game.
Souvenirs
The 2011 GFI will see a new line of souvenirs highlighting
our cool logo. Check them out behind the dugout on the 1st
baseline. Don’t forget to purchase your souvenirs as a great
memento of the GFI and Grand Forks, BC. Our souvenirs are
purchased locally through Progressive Promotions.
Exciting Activities for the Kids
Once again Pharmasave presents the Kids Run the Bases
competition. This has been a real hit in the past and we are
confident it will be again. Kids aged 6-12 will have an opportunity to be on the field running the bases for outstanding
prizes. Enter at Grand Forks Pharmasave. Also the children
can enter the Baseball Buddies program. Realize a dream and
be one of the “players” who will appear on the field with one
of the GFI teams. You don’t have to run or hit, but you will
catch a memory of a lifetime. Enter the Baseball Buddies promotion at Grand Forks Pharmasave.
Family Friendly Zone
A special area behind the right field will be designated the
Family Friendly Zone – FFZ – Saturday and Sunday between
12pm and 5pm. This area will be hosted by Success By 6, the
Boundary Family Centre Network, and Grand Forks Credit
Union. Parents can enjoy the games and be near their children while the wee ones are playing and have access to craft
supplies and toys. Signs will direct you to this special area
inside the stadium. And watch for the Success By 6 25¢ Fish
Pond and other special prize draws. All proceeds go to local
children and families..
*Please note: This is not a childminding service. Caregivers need to
remain in the FFZ while their children are in the space.
page 6
First Aid Station
There is an on-site First Aid Station managed by trained
and efficient first aid people. From morning till night they are
on duty and 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.
50/50 Draws
The GFI is famous for large 50/50 jackpots, some even topping the $1,000.00 mark. Look for our 50/50 volunteer ticket
sellers throughout the tournament.
Per Game Admission
It is important to be aware of 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 refund for any games that you
did not stay for. This refund is available whether you paid cash
or by credit/debit card. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Reserved seats and Tournament passes, including
seniors and family passes, are available and they are well
worth the price for the convenience they offer.
Food Concession
Humphrey Bogart said, “A hot dog at the ball park is like a
steak at the Ritz.” What about food at the GFI? We think the
menu selection and quality is very good. As well as the franks,
you may enjoy burgers, chicken strips, beef on a bun, vegetarian subs, fruit salad, yogurt and other items. The main concession is located under the grandstand and a smaller concession, where you will find popcorn and ice-cream, is located in
the blue building.
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.
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 its 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.
Rule 6.
After the third out of each at bat the teams have 90
seconds to resume play.
Tie Breaker Rule:
1) Runs allowed / innings played defensively.
2) Earned Run average.
3) Runs for / innings played offensively
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 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 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 16. This is a wood bat tournament. Composite bats are
allowed.
Rule 9.
There are no restrictions relative to roster size.
However, teams will not be permitted to add to
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Division 1
Seattle Studs
Australia Geelong Baycats
Langley Sr. Blaze
Victoria Mavericks
Division 2
Lewiston Paffile Truckers
Cali ShowCase
Thurston County Senators
Kamloops Sun Devils
Division 3
San Diego Stars
Team Canada
Trail Orioles
Grand Forks Blues
Wednesday, August 31st
1:30pm......Game 1..........Thurston County Senators............................... vs .......................................................Cali ShowCase
4:30pm......Game 2..........Langley Sr. Blaze ................................................. vs.................................Australia Geelong Baycats
7:30pm
Opening Ceremonies
8:00pm......Game 3 .........Grand Forks Blues ............................................... vs .............................................................Trail Orioles
Thursday, September 1st
8:00am......Game 4..........Seattle Studs ........................................................ vs ................................................Victoria Mavericks
11:00am ...Game 5.......... Trail Orioles .......................................................... vs .........................................................Team Canada
2:00pm......Game 6..........Cali ShowCase ...................................................... vs ..........................................Kamloops Sun Devils
5:00pm......Game 7..........Grand Forks Blues ............................................... vs .....................................................San Diego Stars
8:00pm......Game 8.......... Lewiston Paffile Truckers................................. vs ................................Thurston County Senators
Friday, Septemer 2nd
8:00am......Game 9..........Victoria Mavericks............................................... vs....................................................Langley Sr. Blaze
11:00am ...Game 10 .......Cali ShowCase ...................................................... vs ...................................Lewiston Paffile Truckers
2:00am......Game 11 .......Kamloops Sun Devils......................................... vs ................................Thurston County Senators
5:00am......Game 12 .......Australia Geelong Baycats .............................. vs ..........................................................Seattle Studs
8:00pm......Game 13 .......San Diego Stars ....................................................vs ..........................................................Team Canada
Saturday, September 3rd
8:00am......Game 14 .......Lewiston Paffile Truckers ................................. vs ..........................................Kamloops Sun Devils
11:00am ...Game 15 .......Australia Geelong Baycats .............................. vs ................................................Victoria Mavericks
2:00pm......Game 16 .......Team Canada .......................................................vs .................................................Grand Forks Blues
5:00pm......Game 17 .......San Diego Stars.................................................... vs .............................................................Trail Orioles
8:00pm......Game 18 .......Langley Sr. Blaze ................................................. vs ..........................................................Seattle Studs
Money Round
Sunday, September 4th
11:00am.... Game 19 #1 Seed _____________________________vs #8 Seed
2:00pm......Game 20 #2 Seed ______________________________vs #7 Seed
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Monday, September 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.
page10
SEATTLE STUDS
The Studs come to Grand Forks this year as the defending champions. They placed 3 players on the tourney all-star
team in 2010; infielders Riley Tompkins and Kyle Boe along with MVP JT Zink. This semi-pro baseball team traces its
beginnings to 1954 and are again led by head coach Barry Aden. His overall win-loss record through the 2010 season is 714-318. This outstanding organization has had some cool mottoes over the years, including “Real Men, Real
Grass” and “Once a Stud, Always a Stud.” Last season, for the second time in 3 years they finished second at the NBC
World Series in Wichita. As this is written they are 15-3 in the 2011 season, seven of the wins have been shutouts.
page 12
LEWISTON PAFFILE TRUCKERS
The GFI and the Lewis Clark State baseball program have a long and outstanding relationship. Excellence personified when you describe the athletes from this great college who have displayed their talents at James Donaldson
Park. 117 players have been drafted by major league teams including Zach Arneson and Tyler Barrett from the 2011
team. In addition Cody Fassold and Brian Gaylord were recently signed as free agents by the Kansas City Royals.
Head Coach Gary Picone’s squad will include Sophomore Kyle Knigge who hit .317 as a freshman this season.
Playing left field he didn’t commit one error all year. His brother Tyler who also played in Grand Forks is playing in
the Philadelphia Phillies organization!
Page 13
AUSTRALIA GEELONG BAYCATS
For the first time in tournament history the GFI is extremely proud to welcome Australia. Representing their country are the Geelong Baycats. Geelong is a city of 190,000 and is in the state of Victoria, about 75 km from Melbourne.
This port city is on Corio Bay and there are few coastlines in the world that offer the breathtaking beauty that you
see as you drive the Great Ocean Road. The Baycats lineup will include “Matt Ryan who signed a pro contract with
Anaheim Angels in 2003. He played 3 years in the pro ranks with the Angels and Minnesota Twins minor league
affiliates. He was a major factor in the Baycats run to the playoffs in 2010 before signing a contract with SV ADO in
Holland.” 17 year-old pitcher Sam Gibbons is one of the best junior pitchers in Victoria. He is receiving a lot of attention from Major League scouts after an impressive performance in the National Junior Championships in April. One
of two US imports on the team is from St. Joseph, Michigan. Ben Knuth has played two years in Australia and has
won back-to-back MVP awards. His batting average
is .417 with 75 RBIs. But he does more than hit, he
also pitches. Over 118 innings his ERA is 2.90. In his
college career in America he was the World Series
MVP as he led his team to the National Junior
College Championship. Afterwards at Grand Valley
State University he batted .336 and was 7-2 as a
pitcher. The team is led by Manager Nathan Holmes
who attended college in the United States. His baseball career in Australia includes being captain of
Team Australia at three World Junior Championships.
Baseball in Australia
Baseball is played in all states of Australia but its
growth in popularity is challenged by the more common sports of Cricket and Australian Rules football. It
may come as a surprise that baseball came to Australia
as early as 1850, brought there
by American Gold Miners. It was
first played in the state of
Victoria and it is befitting that
the team representing their
country for the first time at the
GFI is from Geelong, Victoria.
To further understand the
struggle to establish baseball as
a sport that is embraced by more
Australians here is what Nathan
Holmes, manager of the Geelong
Baycats, says, “When it comes to sport in Geelong, the
shadow of Aussie Rules Football and the Geelong Cats,
boasting 30,000 members, looms large.” The Aussie football squad which plays in Geelong, Victoria is considered
one of the greatest teams of all time.
However, the dedication of Nathan and others have
slowly made an impact on the sporting world in that
part of Australia. The Geelong Baycats Baseball Club,
originally the Giants, started in 1983 and as time passed
it became more than simply providing off-season practice for cricketers. Over the years hundreds of players
page 14
have represented Victoria at both junior and senior levels. Many of the players have represented their country
on the international stage and a dozen from their teams
have attended US colleges including three on the team
that is here in Grand Forks. Eight
Geelong players have played professionally in the US, the most
notable being Graeme Lloyd who
helped lead the New York Yankees
to two World Series titles.
The Geelong Baycats lobbied the
City of Greater Geelong to invest
significant funding toward an
international standard baseball
facility. The Geelong Baseball
Centre was completed in 2002 and
is arguably the best baseball facility in Australia. It
includes three international-rated grass fields, a weather-proof synthetic field, indoor batting cages and two
clubhouses.
Baseball is also played professionally in Australia. The
Australian Baseball League is comprised of 6 teams and
as a whole the country has sent about 25 players to the
major leagues. There is talent Down Under and scouts
from American professional ranks continue to search for
players who will add to the Australian component on
big leagues rosters.
VICTORIA MAVERICKS
Baseball Canada 2008 Senior Men National Champions - Victoria Mavericks Baseball Association and their tournament team (the 'Victoria Mavericks') are pleased and excited to be part of the lineup at the 2011 GFI. Over the
years in BC baseball Victoria leads
all teams with 7 provincial championships. In 2008 they went on to
win the Canadian Senior title in
Brandon MB. One interesting indication of the great baseball history
that is found in our provincial capital is the R.P. Rithet Cup. It dates
back to 1922, making it the second
oldest amateur trophy in Canada.
The Mavericks will be out to get
their hands on some GFI hardware.
DISCOVERED IN GRAND FORKS
Prospectors spend their time looking for gold and impressed. Walker hit four homeruns and finished the
other rich minerals; music producers search for future tournament with a batting average over .400. At the
pop and rock artists, and baseball scouts leave no stone close of the tourney this future National League MVP
unturned as they beat the bushes for talented ballplay- was signed to a professional contract.
ers. And all of the above never quite know where or
The talented GFI Alumnus would proceed to win 3
when their quest will uncover that elumajor league batting championships, 7
sive treasure at the end of the proverGold Glove awards and receive 5 All-Star
bial rainbow.
selections. In 1998 he was the Canadian
He was a young seventeen year old in
Athlete of the Year and in 2009 was
1984 and once dreamed of being a
inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall
goaltender in the National Hockey
of Fame. A jewel was found in Grand
League, only playing baseball for fun in
Forks in the form of a remarkable
the summer. That year Larry Walker
Canadian athlete who would enjoy an
from Maple Ridge, BC played for Team
outstanding 17 year career. When he was
Canada at the World Youth
playing for the Colorado Rockies Larry
Championships
in
Kindersley,
Walker said, “My road to the Majors went
Saskatchewan. The baseball scouts
through Grand Forks, now here’s your
were there but as the story goes they
chance to see tomorrow’s stars today.” As
Larry
Walker
with
the
Montreal
Expos
didn’t find what they were looking for,
fans we often look for that new off-shore
at least not as it related to the kid from the Lower team or a squad from a large United States city, and yet,
Mainland.
as meaningful as these elements of the GFI are there is a
A month later the Grand Forks International was set to factor that needs to be remembered and appreciated;
open the turnstiles to hundreds of excited fans. With this tournament is filled with surprises and you just
only two days to go a team dropped out and fortunate- never know what might happen or who might show up.
ly the BC Selects were brought in as a last minute
Someone once said, “There’s gold in them thar hills.”
replacement. On the roster was Larry Walker, the one Yes there is, only in Grand Forks the gold is discovered at
who failed to impress the baseball people in the base of these lovely mountains which surround this
Saskatchewan. A single major league scout was in Grand picturesque city; it is found on the manicured field at
Forks and Bob Rodgers of the Montreal Expos was James Donaldson Park.
Page 15
A FRESH START
I remember very vividly the GFI in 1988. It was my first
visit to Grand Forks and beautiful James Donaldson
Park. I had heard about it many times as a young boy
growing up in Kelowna. As I learned to umpire, my mentor, Sig Ottenbreit (a former GFI umpire), told me that I
would be considered “pretty good” if I ever got a chance
to umpire at this wonderful tournament. And so in 1988
I took my brand new drivers licence and 1978 Ford Pinto
and came to see what all the fuss was about. I stayed
with a friend in his house behind the Blue Monster. John
Olerud – a pitcher – played for the Washington State
Cougars, and I also saw Japan beat Seattle 1-0 in a game
that seemed to take about an hour. It was unbelievable
baseball and it became my umpiring goal to work at this
event.
In 2001 that became a reality for me. That year I
worked on a crew with 2 of my umpiring heroes, Ossie
Chavarria and Don Hass, and we worked under the tute-
lage of Supervisor Howard Chapman. I made many mistakes...but I have also learned a lot since then. I never
thought I would ever be in the position I am now, being
named the Supervisor of Umpires for this prestigious
event. Times change; gone is the past. So I pay homage
to all the great umpires before me, and especially these
3 men who have taught me much of what I know on the
field today. I thank them for their contributions from the
bottom of my heart. But the future is bright as well.
There are solid young umpires in this province that fans
will get to know over the coming years. There are
respected veterans who will also make appearances at
this tournament today and in the future. And I am unbelievably proud to be able to lead this new group as we
work hard to always make the right calls - even if you
think we blew it!!!
Enjoy the weekend
Steve Boutang, Umpire Supervisor
MEET THE GFI UMPIRES
Steve Boutang
Tournament Supervisor,
From Cranbrook BC Age: 39 years
Umpiring: 27 years, Occupation:
Peace Officer
Career Highlights: Steve is the
senior umpire at the GFI having
worked the tournament since 2001.
He also worked at the inaugural World Baseball
Challenge in Grand Forks in 2002. His career highlights
include umpiring home plate for the Gold Medal game
at the 2008 World University Championships in the
Czech Republic. Steve has umpired 4 seasons of
Independent Professional Baseball including the Golden
Baseball League Championship in 2008. He has 18 seasons of high level college and university experience, 5
Baseball Canada National championships, 4 Canadian
College Championships, and nearly 20 Provincial and
Western Canada finals to his credit. Steve is currently the
Co-Provincial Supervisor of umpires for BC.
Kris Hartley
From Kamloops BC Age: 29 years
Student
Career Highlights: Kris is one of
BC’s top umpire prospects. He has
already umpired in 2 National
Championships, 2 Canadian College
page 16
Championships, and 5 Provincial Finals. He umpired at
the 2009 and 2011 World Baseball Challenge in Prince
George. This is his 2nd Grand Forks International
Mark Bodwell
From Surrey, BC Age: 50, years
Computer programmer
Career Highlights: Mark is one of
BC’s most senior and experienced
umpires having worked over 30
Provincial Finals, 10 National
Championships, 1 Big League National Championship,
and 1 season of Independent Professional Baseball.
Mark attended the GFI many years ago and we are
pleased to welcome him back again in 2011.
Don Violette
From Port Coquitlam, BC Age: 53,
years Umpiring: 24 years,
Occupation: Landscape Company
Owner
Career Highlights: Following a
move from the United States to
Canada, Don has worked 1 Baseball
Canada Championship, 1 Canadian College
Championship, and has worked 15 Provincials. He is a
certified instructor within the Baseball Canada community. This is his first trip to the Grand Forks International.
MEET THE GFI UMPIRES
Bill MacMillan
From Trail, BC Age 57, Years
Umpiring 21 years, Occupation:
Paramedic
Career Highlights: This year
marks the 3rd trip to the GFI for Bill,
a long- time resident of Trail. Bill has
been a mainstay in the Baseball
Canada program having worked 6 National
Championships, and numerous Provincial and Western
Canadian Finals in his distinguished career. He is credited with developing the umpire program in the
Kootenays for the past 20 years as
the longest serving member of the
BC Baseball Umpires Association
executive.
Dan Rogers
From Nanaimo, BC Age 54, Years
Umpiring 6 years, Occupation:
Firefighter (Captain) 34 years
Career Highlights: If the name sounds familiar it
should. Dan was a former player in the early years of the
GFI, and went on to sign a minor league deal with the
Houston Astros in 1975. He later became a well-respected and nationally recognized coach in BC for 30 years,
winning numerous awards for his abilities. Since retiring
from coaching, Dan has taken up umpiring and is working to become one of BC’s top level umpires. This is his
first trip to the GFI.
Brad Woof
From Delta, BC Age: 28, Years
Baseball and Hockey Official
Career Highlights: Brad is listed as
one of BC’s top umpire prospects.
He recently completed his first
Baseball Canada National Championship after having worked several Provincial and
Western Canadian Finals in the past 15 years. Brad is
making his first trip to the Grand Forks International.
CANADA’S COLLEGE COACH
His hometown is Vernon, BC and that’s where this journey along the base paths of life began. Terry McKaig
played Little League baseball as many kids did when
growing up but unlike the majority baseball didn’t end
at age ten or twelve for the Head Coach of the University
of British Columbia Thunderbirds; that part of his early
life would only serve to launch a noteworthy career in
the sport.
Terry decided to attend North Idaho College in 1990.
This did not involve some glamorous scholarship offer. It
was a venturesome idea, anchored in a desire to play a
game he loved. He showed up at this college ballpark as
a walk-on. The plan wasn’t an instant success but Terry
persevered and spent a few seasons there followed by a
year at Albertson College. He then played for the
National Baseball Institute Blues. His playing portfolio
also included the Kelowna Grizzlies, who were part of
the Pacific International League. He showed enough on
the diamond to be invited to play for his country in 1995
when he made the roster of the Canadian National
Senior team. One of his teammates was Eric Gagne, who
became an outstanding closer in the Major Leagues.
For Terry McKaig his playing days would come to a
close but not his passion and involvement in the game
of baseball. After spending a year coaching a team in
British Columbia’s fine Premier Baseball League his trip
around the bases would take a major turn. Fourteen
years ago he launched the daunting task of reviving the
UBC baseball program. He has solidly established
Canada’s lone full-scale university baseball team and
without a doubt has hit a homerun. Consider that his
teams have won four Region 1 titles, a Super Regional
title and two NAIA West titles. A truly historic moment
occurred in 2006 when UBC qualified for the NAIA
College World Series. They certainly turned a few heads
while finishing a respectable fourth.
Fifteen UBC players have been drafted into Major
League baseball under McKaig’s tutelage. This includes
star pitcher Jeff Francis who is making a comeback this
year after major arm surgery. Francis was drafted ninth
overall by Colorado. One can imagine some of the challenges and frustrations working with college students.
Baseball can be a cruel game and players and coaches
must deal with setbacks and failures on a regular basis.
However, the rewards are many. Terry observed that
when you take a big group of players and, win or lose,
Page 17
TRAIL ORIOLES
This is the first year for the Orioles in the Pacific International League. This league has gone through a lot of
changes over the last few years. After dropping to only a handful of teams the PIL now includes 10 teams, 7 of
them from BC, the other 3 from Washington. Participating in a full league schedule can only strengthen Trail as
they prepare for the GFI. The O’s will also be hosting the Western Canadian Senior AA Baseball Championship in
late August and this will be a great warm up prior to their trip to Grand Forks. Several players on their roster have
college experience including Austin Weilep, Brad
Ashman, Ashton and Chris
Florko.
CANADA’S COLLEGE COACH
work with them for several months of the year, and see
them “playing for each other”, makes it very gratifying.
When it comes to the annual trip to Grand Forks the
Coach of Canada’s team says
that “the average baseball
fan doesn’t understand the
level of play at the GFI.”
McKaig and his coaching
staff see this tourney as
being significant to the UBC
program. He calls it, “an evaluation camp under pressure.” He knows what he is
talking about for his resume
includes twice coaching the
Canadian entry in the World
University
Baseball
Championships. Last year left: Terry McKaig
Bob Elliott of the Toronto
Sun listed him at number 62 on his annual list of the 100
Most Influential Canadians in baseball.
There is a message here not only for the GFI committee and volunteers but for this city and all the fans that
come out to watch this superb tournament. By being
page 18
continued
part of the event one is supporting talented young athletes and encouraging them by creating a great atmosphere for baseball. You are contributing to a story that
began over a decade
ago and your presence
at this annual invitational baseball tourney
does make a difference
in the lives of others.
Every college team
that comes here appreciates the opportunity
and the experience.
Grand Forks is not far
from Vernon so you
could say that Terry
McKaig has remained
right: Jeff Francis
in the neighbourhood.
He has travelled to
many places throughout his baseball career but thankfully this ballpark is privileged once a year to host his
team of special student-athletes.
Terry, along with his wife Davina and their children,
Jenna and Trenton, live in Ladner, BC.
TEAM CANADA
The UBC Thunderbirds, Canada’s College Team, will once again represent their country in Grand Forks. In 2011 they
reached the NAIA National Championship Opening Round in Riverside CA. They lost their first game 6-5 to
Concordia University (California) in the double elimination format and after winning their next game to stay alive
their season then ended with a second loss. The game against Concordia was a heartbreaker as UBC held the lead
into the late innings. Concordia Eagles won this opening round and went on to win their first World Series in
Lewiston, Idaho. All four of the T-Birds Senior starting pitchers were drafted or signed after the season ended and
are now beginning pro careers. New players on the Team Canada roster will include three players from Canada’s
National Junior team.
Page 19
LANGLEY SR. BLAZE
The 2011 Langley Sr. Blaze are coming off an exciting 2010 season highlighted by capturing the Western Canadian
Championship. What made this even more special was that 2010 was Langley’s expansion season. The Sr. Blaze are
proud to be part of the Langley Blaze organization which has developed many of Canada’s recent brightest young
prospects such as Kellin Deglan, 2010 1st round draft pick of the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays rising star
Brett Lawrie, who just may be in Toronto by the end of the current season. The Blaze are extremely excited to be
invited to the prestigious Grand Forks International. Their roster includes 2006 MLB draft pick Shayne Willson
(Minnesota Twins), pitcher Sean Callegari who was outstanding as a freshman this season at Douglas College and
former UBC star Scott
Webster. Playing in his first
game for Langley earlier this
year he belted a grand slam
in his first at bat.
page 20
THURSTON COUNTY SENATORS
The Thurston County Senators played exciting baseball at the GFI in 2010 and impressed the fans with sound fundamentals and hustle. The Senators are the flagship team of the Puget Sound Collegiate League. Their Head Coach is Scott Kelly
who also serves as Commissioner of the PSCL. Scott just completed his first year as Pitching Coach at St. Martin’s
University in Lacey, WA. Coach Kelly is one of the Northwest’s premier pitching coaches. He played college ball at
Missouri Valley and was drafted by the San Diego Padres. After his playing career he coached at Missouri Valley College
before returning to the Northwest. His resume includes a year as the pitching coach for the Kelowna Falcons.
Page 21
SAN DIEGO STARS
This Southern California entry won GFI crowns in 2004 and 2006. At last year’s tournament the Stars made it to the
semi-finals; one of their outfielders, Clifton Thomas, made the GFI All-Star team, batting .400 and contributing a number of outstanding plays in the field. In late June of this year they secured a berth in the 2011 NBC World Series in
Wichita by capturing their third consecutive NBC Western Regional Championship. They breezed through the competition undefeated, outscoring the opposition 40-16. Mickey Deutschman, their affable and knowledgeable skipper, is
also an associate scout for the Atlanta Braves organization.
page 22
CALI SHOWCASE BASEBALL TEAM
This is a new team from California with several of their players currently instructors at the Showcase Baseball Academy in Sacramento. The team is led by Roney
Johnson who played in Grand Forks a few times with teams from the Sacramento
area. Roney was a standout player at Woodcreek High School in Roseville CA
where he made the All-League team every season. He was drafted by the
Colorado Rockies in 1999 and played in their Minor League system. He is currently the Head Varsity Coach at Hiram Johnson High School. Also on the team is
Tony Aldridge who played college ball at Indiana Tech University. In 2006 he was
the team MVP. We welcome this Northern California team as they make their GFI
debut.
Head Coach Roney Johnson
Page 23
GRAND FORKS BLUES
The Grand Forks Blues will make their second consecutive appearance at the GFI. With more time to prepare and
the experience from last year the Blues will be more relaxed and ready to take on the opposition. Local fans are
invited to get behind this local home team and bring the encouragement and support which can be the key to
them securing a spot in the money round. Once again Sam Ross and Tom Starchuk are the leaders behind this team
which is completing its fourth year of organized ball.
Grand Forks has had a number of teams participate in the GFI. The Mets were the team of the 1970s; in fact, in 1969
the Mets won the BC Junior Championship. Early in the following decade the Grand Forks Slag Dusters carried the
colours for the home town and later in the 1980s and early 90s it was the Grand Forks Gold. The Gold were certainly ‘worth their weight’ in the precious metal as they made it to the championship final in 1988 and again the following year. Another local
squad, the Grand Forks
Rattlers, played in 1994.
page 24
KAMLOOPS SUN DEVILS
The GFI is grateful to the Kamloops Sun Devils for accepting our invitation to the 2011 tournament. They are led by
their Coach, former Major League pitcher Ray Chadwick. Ray has been the Head Coach at Thompson Rivers
University since 2003. The WolfPack have won the Canadian College Baseball League championship three times
under his leadership. He is an excellent recruiter and recently received a commitment from an Australian base
baller, Lee Harty, to play at TRU in the upcoming season. This is the second year that the Sun Devils are playing in
the Pacific International League. Their record as of July 6th is 9-8. Scott Nevison is currently Kamloops’ top hitter
while Dave Andersen heads the pitching staff with an ERA of 1.80.
.
Page 25
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 2011 tournament.
SPONSORS: Platinum Sponsor: Roxul, Gold Sponsors: Community Future Boundary & Grand Forks Credit
Union Bronze Sponsors: CIBC, Extra Foods, Overwaitea & Pharmasave
SPONSOR DAYS: All Hits KBS Aug. 31st - Community Futures Sept. 2nd - Grand Forks Credit Union Sept. 3rd
Roxul Sept. 4th - Mountain FM Sept. 5th
MEDIA PARTNERS: Diamond Partners: All Hits KBS & Mountain FM - Bronze Parnters: Grand Forks Gazette
& The Boundary Sentinel
FRIENDS OF THE GFI: City of Grand Forks, AM Ford & Grand Forks Station Pub
Hats off to all our volunteers, sponsors and fans. Together we make the GFI TEAM.
Joan Thomas, Coordinator
page 26
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2011 program pdf - Vicom Design Inc

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