Reigning American League MVP Justin Morneau and Baltimore Orioles pitcher Adam Loewen were at Richard McBride Elementary School in New Westminster, B.C. on Wednesday to go back to their roots and help introduce the new Winterball Program. Winterball is a Canadian school-based program that is incorporated as part of the physical education curriculum for schools throughout all 10 Canadian provinces. The program’s objective is to introduce the basic fundamentals of baseball in a fun, non-competitive manner, while providing a positive learning experience for participants. Students in grades 3-6 (ages 8-12) participate in the nine-week sessions that run throughout the winter and spring months. Winterball, created by Baseball Ontario in conjunction with Baseball Canada and Sport Canada in the 2002-2003 school year, has been supported by Major League Baseball since 2004. “I would have loved to have had something like this when I was that age,” says Morneau in an interview with the Vancouver Sun. “We never had anything related to baseball in the winter back then. If we can get the kids trying baseball in the winter, when spring comes hopefully they’ll be interested in continuing in the sport.” During its first three years, the Winterball Program has helped to introduce baseball in more than 1,100 schools, reaching more than 200,000 students. With a growing number of Canadians appearing in the Major Leagues and the recent success of the Canadian Olympic Team and World Baseball Classic Team, as well as the success of players like Morneau and Loewen in the Majors, it helps breed an interest for baseball in Canada. “I think it’s grown a lot, especially since Justin won the MVP_ that helped a lot,” says Loewen in a Canadian Press interview. “It brought a lot of exposure for the game and everybody saw that Canadians are doing well in the game. Everybody is excited about that, we’re kind of taking over you could say.” To see pictures of the Winterball launch, click here If you would like to acquire a Winterball kit for your school, please contact Baseball Canada at 613-748-5606, or by e-mail at info@baseball.ca
Baseball Canada announced today the site for its seven 2007 National Championships and two invitationals, and for the first time in four years they will all be at one site. From August 9-12 and August 16-19, the championship tournaments will be held in Quebec City. The last time the National Championships were held in a single city was in 2003 in Windsor, Ontario. But hopefully this time around there will be better luck with power sources. The championships were held at the same time as the major blackout that affected Southern Ontario and the North East United States. The first week of championships will see the Pee Wee Girls, Bantam Girls, Senior Women, Senior Men and the Baseball Canada Cup from August 9-12. The second week will see the Pee Wee Boys, Bantam Boys, Midget and Junior championships from August 16-19. The last time Quebec City hosted a National Championship tournament was in 1991 when the city hosted the Pee Wee championship.
André Lachance’s coaching career began when he was 17 years old. Now, 20 years later, he has reached a level of coaching that is a first in Canada. He is the first baseball coach in Canada to receive his level 5 certification from National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). With a coaching resume that dates back to 1987, Mr. Lachance has gone from coaching at the mosquito level in Québec to being the head coach for the National Women’s Team. “With this, I hope that more coaches will apply for their level 5 and I can be there to help them along the way,” says Mr. Lachance. The NCCP is a training and certification program for coaches [five levels (1 to 5) and three components (Theory, Technical, and Practical)], offered across Canada in more than 60 sports. The program was designed to meet the needs of a wide range of coaches - from those who introduce youngsters to sport to those who work with Canada's high performance athletes. Mr. Lachance’s journey from his level 4 to his level 5 began in September 2005. Through the National Coaching Institute in Montreal, once a week he would complete coaching modules, 20 in total, before presenting his portfolio in a final presentation in front of a certification panel. Along with the National Women’s Team, Mr. Lachance has coached at many elite levels. In 1992, he coached Team Québec, with then young prospect and now MLB star Eric Gagne, to a gold medal at the Midget AAA Nationals. In 1995, he helped initiate the Université Laval’s baseball program where he would coach his team to a Canadian Interuniversity Baseball Association Championship in the programs first year. In 1997, he was a guest coach for the Montreal Expos at spring training and in 2006; he coached Canada’s Women’s Team to a bronze medal in the World Championships. However, Mr. Lachance’s experience isn’t limited to coaching. In 1996 and 1997 he was a regional scout for the New York Yankees. Along with his duties as head coach with the National Women’s Team, Mr. Lachance is also the Manager of Baseball Operations with Baseball Canada. And now as the first level 5 certified baseball coach in Canada, he wants to put that status to good use. “This has opened doors for me and I hope to continue to learn and improve and to increase the status of baseball across the country,” says Mr. Lachance. “Especially for the girls.”
Former Canadian National Junior Team member and World Baseball Classic team member Chris Reitsma signed a one-year, US$2.05 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. Reitsma, who is coming off elbow surgery, was 1-2 with an 8.68 ERA in 27 games with the Atlanta Braves last season before succumbing to injury. Reitsma will assume the Mariners' setup role for closer J.J. Putz. Seattle, which has finished last in the AL West for three consecutive seasons, traded 2006 setup man Rafael Soriano to the Braves for starting pitcher Horacio Ramirez earlier this off-season. Langley, B.C. native Aaron Guiel has signed a contract with the Yakult Swallows in Japan. Guiel hit .242 with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 2006 splitting time between the Kansas City Royals (19 games) and the New York Yankees (44 games). Guiel played for Canada in the World Baseball Classic this past spring and wore Canada’s colors at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg.
The items that will be up for grabs in the silent auction as part of our Annual National Teams Awards Banquet and Fundraiser on January 13th have been unveiled. If you are unable to attend the gala but wish to place a bid on any of the items, please send an e-mail with your name, item number, bid and phone number with subject line “gala auction” to media@baseball.ca. Current bids will be updated twice daily at 11:00 am EST and 4:00 pm EST. Online auction ends at midnight EST on Friday January 12. Winning bids will be notified after the event and payment for the items will be accepted by credit card only. To see the items up for auction and current bids, click here.
Hello, my name is André Cormier and I am the new Manager of Media and Public Relations with Baseball Canada. I am excited to be joining this wonderful team and look forward to supplying all the latest news and notes concerning this great game in this great country. I come to Baseball Canada from just down the road with the Ottawa Lynx Professional Baseball Club. So from this point on, all media and public relations inquiries can be directed to me and I will be more than happy to accommodate the needs accordingly. I can be reached via e-mail at media@baseball.ca, or via phone at 613-748-5606, ext. 221. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thunder Bay, ON: The Thunder Bay International Baseball Association (TBIBA) today announced that the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) has selected Thunder Bay, Ontario to host the 2010 World Junior Baseball Championships, one of the highest profile international baseball tournaments outside of the Olympics. Participation from all baseball playing regions of the world, namely Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, Europe, North America, Central America (Caribbean) and South America is expected. The biennial event will take place over eleven days in July of 2010. “The Thunder Bay International Baseball Association, since its inception, has had the goal of hosting a World Championships one day. That day is now a reality.” stated Larry Hebert, President of the TBIBA. “We have been building our resources and expertise and overcome several barriers to be considered as a World Championship venue.” The announcement comes after many years of preparation that included the successful hosting of the Canada Cup (2004) The Three Nations Cup (2000) and the Gore Motors Honda Nations Cup (2000) and two previous bid attempts. Support for the successful bid was received from the Ministry of Health Promotion and the City of Thunder Bay Sport Bid Administrative Advisory Committee and Baseball Canada. "Thunder Bay being awarded the 2010 World Junior event is a testament to their hard working and dedicated hosting group." says Baseball Canada President Ray Carter in a congratulatory note. "They have been a great supporter of our National Teams and National events and its only fitting that they finally get to host an International event." The World Junior Baseball Championships date back to 1981. Since 2000, the 12 team event has been held every two years and involves the Under-19 National teams of member countries of the International Baseball Federation. The tournament is regarded as a launching pad for players aspiring to play professionally. Players such as Larry Walker, Russell Martin, Éric Gagné and Adam Loewen and are among the more than 40 Canadians who have participated in the event before moving on to sign professional contracts. “Preparation for this event will bring many enhancements to our community and we anticipate that it will leave a legacy of better opportunities for ongoing recreation for our residents,” points out Larry Hebert. “But preparation for the event will take cooperation from many segments of our community. The Thunder Bay Baseball Association work on upgrading the facilities at Baseball Central and promoting the game of baseball throughout the city is a great example. We are looking forward to inviting others into the fold for this exciting challenge.” The other host countries have included USA, Mexico, Australia, Cuba and Chinese-Taipei. Acknowledgements: An announcement on October 19th committing $200,000 to a successful bid was made by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Health Promotion’s program for supporting International Amateur Event Hosting. The support of Baseball Ontario, Baseball Canada and USA Baseball was also received to support the bid for the event. For more information about the TBIBA and their plans to host the 2010 World Junior Baseball Championships: Warren Philp Executive Director TBIBA(807) 343-2016 IBAF World Junior Baseball Championship Facts · Since, 2000, the 12 team event has been held every two years and involves the Under-19 National teams of member countries of the International Baseball Federation; · There have been 22 competitions dating back to 1981. Besides Canada, hosts have included the USA, Mexico, Australia, Cuba and Chinese-Taipei; · A total of 46 games are played. Countries competing represent all baseball playing regions of the world, namely Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, Europe, North America, Central America (Caribbean) and South America; · Twelve countries compete in the World Junior Baseball Championships over 11 days which includes one rest day; · To become eligible, countries take part in regional qualifying events usually in the year prior to the event; · The twelve countries which competed in the Cuba event recently held in September 2006 included Spain, Italy, Holland, South Africa, Mexico, Cuba, Canada, United States, Chinese-Taipei, Australia, Brazil and Korea. Canada won the bronze medal at that event; · More than 40 Canadians have participated in the event before moving on to sign professional contracts; · Several Major League stars have played in this event including Larry Walker (retired), Eric Gagne (Dodgers), Matt Stairs (Tigers), Adam Loewen (Orioles), Russell Martin (Dodgers) Stubby Clapp (former St. Louis Cardinal) from Canada; Alex Rodriguez (Yankees), Mike Mussina (Yankees), Shawn Green (Mets), Ryan Klesko (Padres), Greg Zaun, (Blue Jays), Brandon League (Blue Jays), Joe Mauer (Twins), Michael Cuddyer, (Twins), Jeremy Bonderman (Tigers), JJ Hardy, (Brewers) and Chad Billingsley (Dodgers) from the United States, and Shin-Soo Choo (Indians) for Korea; · The event’s hockey counterpart is the World Junior Hockey Championships.
OTTAWA – Baseball Canada announced today, it will hold its Annual National Teams Awards Banquet and Fundraiser Jan. 13th, 2007 at the Renaissance Toronto Hotel at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ont.Click here for 2007 Banquet Program The Banquet, which will take place in the Northern Lights Ballroom, was first held in 2003 and serves as the associations primary fundraiser for national team programs. Various Baseball Canada alumni and current national team players attend the banquet each year, along with several professional and amateur baseball executives and dignitaries. “In the past we’ve been blessed with a tremendous amount of support from our alumni playing in the Major Leagues as well as from personnel in both professional baseball and the private sector,” said baseball Canada Coach & Director of National Teams Greg Hamilton. “It’s a great opportunity for everybody to get together and celebrate Canadian baseball excellence in an atmosphere that can only promote progress and success within our national team programs. Throughout the evening, Baseball Canada will honour its national teams and players both past and present, including those who represented Canada at the Olympic Qualifier and the Junior AAA World Championships. Baseball Canada will award the following honours at this year's event to: Brett Lawrie, Junior National MVP Award Mike Saunders, Senior National MVP Award Jason Dickson, Alumni Award Russell Martin, Alumni Award Terry Puhl, Special Recognition Award Ernie Whitt, Special Recognition Award Adam Stern, Stubby Clapp Award Éric Gagné, Special Achievement Award Justin Morneau, Special Achievement Award In addition to the awards portion of the gala, a silent auction featuring several popular items will take place. Tickets to the event, which will be emceed by Toronto Blue Jays radio broadcaster Jerry Howarth for the fifth straight year, will be available for $300 per person, $2,400 for tables of 8 or $3,000 for tables of 10. Baseball Canada has registered charitable status. For more information, please contact Baseball Canada Coach & Director of National Teams Greg Hamilton at (613) 748-5606 or via e-mail at ghamilton@baseball.ca. Those who are interested are also encouraged to consult the registration form found on the link provided below and submit by fax at 613-748-5767. Registration form
From Kelly Thesier, reporter for MLB.com MINNEAPOLIS -- Justin Morneau had some stiff competition when it came to earning American League Most Valuable Player honors, and that was just on his team. But while the Twins had multiple candidates for the league's award, Morneau came out on top Tuesday as he was announced as this year's American League MVP. Despite many people expecting Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter to win the award, Morneau's breakout season earned him the honor bestowed by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Morneau received 15 first-place votes, eight second-place votes, three third-place votes and two fourth-place votes for a total of 320 points. Jeter, the runner up, received 12 first-place votes, 14 second-place votes and one fourth-place vote for 306 points. Boston's David Ortiz finished third with 193 votes, and Frank Thomas finished fourth with 174. All Morneau did in 2006 was to put together one of the best offensive seasons in Twins history. The first baseman hit .321 with 34 home runs, 97 runs scored and 130 RBIs, ranking second only to Ortiz, who led the AL with 137 RBIs. He was the first Twins player to hit 30 or more home runs in a season since 1987, and his 130 RBIs rank second best in team history to Harmon Killebrew's 140 in 1969. But while it was a career year for the 25-year-old, it didn't begin that way. Coming off the 2005 season, in which he hit just .239 with 22 home runs and 79 RBIs, Morneau was on a similar track after the first two months of the 2006 season. A rough road trip on the West Coast at the start of June showcased all that had been going wrong for the both the club and Morneau, but everything soon changed. After June 8, Morneau had the best batting average in the Majors (.362). In that stretch, Morneau also had the most hits in baseball (145) and the most RBIs in the AL (92). And it doesn't take much to link the Twins' turnaround to Morneau's emergence, as the club was 25-33 through June 7 before going 71-33 the rest of the season, the best record in the Majors during that span. Morneau's turnaround came after a meeting with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire on that West Coast road trip, when the first baseman dedicated himself fully to baseball. "I think [Morneau] put it best -- you get tired of making outs," Gardenhire said at the time. "You kind of have to figure out what you have to do to get better as a player and a person, and I think he said it best. He was tired of not getting it done." Morneau certainly proved himself to be among the best in the league, but he wasn't the only Twin to receive votes for the award. Both Joe Mauer (116 votes) and Johan Santana (114 votes) also earned consideration for the prestigious honor. Mauer made history in 2006, becoming the first American League catcher to win a batting title, as he hit .347 on the year. The 23-year-old was also the youngest batting champion since Alex Rodriguez (21) in 1996. The consistency that Mauer showed throughout the season was enough to leave most of his teammates in awe, including Morneau. "I watch Joe and he makes it look so easy," Morneau said earlier this season. "Everybody wants to hit like that. Everyone can kind of learn from the way he hits and his approach, as he doesn't seem to chase too much. Having a guy like that around helps me and everyone else, really." Santana already earned some postseason hardware, as he was named the AL Cy Young Award winner last week. Santana held the honor of pitching's Triple Crown, as he was tied for the lead in wins (19) and led the league in ERA (2.77) and strikeouts (245). But while others questioned who should be the MVP -- of either the Twins or the AL -- Santana felt the answer to both questions was simple. "My money would be on Justin Morneau," Santana said last week. "If you go by the numbers, he has the numbers. And if you go by what he did for our team, it's just amazing." Kelly Thesier is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Baseball Canada with be conducting two try-out camps during the month of December 2006 and January 2007. The purpose of the try-outs across the country is to evaluate potential National Team candidates to represent our Nation at the scheduled up-coming IBAF sanctioned World Cup of Women's Baseball Tournament. All Women athletes, regardless of their affiliation and who are15 years of age and older, are eligible to participate at the Open National Women's Team Try-outs. There is no cost to participate at the camps. All interested athletes must Pre-Register by email. Moncton Camp Date: December 9th 2006 from 10am to 12pm Location Site: New Brunswick Community College, 1234 Mountain Road, Moncton. Other camps and dates will be scheduled next Spring. Greater Toronto Area Camp Date: January 12th 2007 from 7pm to 10 pm Location Site: Frozen Ropes Baseball and Softball Training Centre in Oakville, ON.- 2009 Wyecroft Road Oakville, ON In addition, leading up to this tryout, Frozen Ropes in Oakville will be conducting workouts for any girls looking to prepare for the tryout. They will be held at Frozen Ropes in Oakville on Monday January 8th and Wed January 10th from 7-10 pm. We encourage pre-registration as space is limited. For more information or to register they can contact us at 905-847-7697 or by email at coachsam@frozenropescanada.ca. Pre-Registration: To register for the National Women's Team Try-out Camps, please send an email to National Team Head Coach André Lachance at alachance@baseball.ca prior to December 1st (Moncton) and January 5th (Toronto). To register for the camps you must send your full name, return phone number, camp you will be registering for (Moncton or Toronto), current age and primary position. Your confirmation of registration will be completed by a return email.
