Another example, is having Jim/Ballpark radio receive an email while broadcasting live a game featuring The Farm - and young 18 yr old Aussie pitcher Andrew Blackshaw. Jim printed the email and showed it to me - it read something like this... "This is Andrew's parents and family here in Australia. Just want to thank you all in Monkton for broadcasting the games so we can listen in and catch how Andrews doing!" I promptly walked it over to The Farm bench following the game, and Andrew was quite tickled to have had his parents catch the action - and to have sent the email. He gave me/us a large thank you. (Might I also add, that Andrew confided in me that pitching here in Monkton, and for The Farm no less - had him s****** in his pants when he first stepped on the mound! And who can blame him! Helluva spot for the young man - and he did very well!)
The final example I want to share involves yet another young Aussie. (very gracious these young lads) Late Sat, evening, while walking out the arena door following the live performance by the band, I heard someone yell my name from a distance behind me - in the arena. Recognizing the Aussie lilt, I turned to see from whom it came. It was young Adam Bint - here playing for Vancouver (and a last minute addition being they were short a couple players) He simply wanted to sincerely thank me and pass along his gratitude and thoughts of being able to play in what he called "the most awesome tournament in the world". Thank you Adam, and thanks Vancouver for making their first trip here – hopefully it will be an annual affair.
Congratulations go out to our Champions – and Defending ISC World Champs the Kitchener Rivershark Twins. They ran the table and looked impressive in doing so. I must also thank the entire Twins organization for taking part on our kids autograph session Sat. Dozens of children (my own included) were in awe of the guys as they sat and signed anything and everything the kids had, and seeing the looks on their faces is something I wish everyone had a chance to witness (you will see Maddy’s phots of this soon!). Gracious, giving, professional, down to earth, full of class and dignity are the Twins… Thanks fellas. Bob, Sue and Jim oughtta be proud (and I know they are) Good luck to those of you ( and the entire Canadian team) who are competing in Sask.!
Equally impressive this weekend – perhaps more so are the Midwest Stampede. Knocking off the worlds #2 ranked team, and last yr’s runner-up is quite an accomplishment – and without their usual line-up of starters. Well done!
Huge thank you’s go out to each and every team for coming to compete in the tournament. Without you – the game does not exist. I look forward to having you all back again next year!
There are in fact so many thank-you’s to be given – too numerous to count. But I will attempt a few here… (my time is getting thin too!)
To our major sponsor Steelback Brewery, and Pres Ian MacDonald for throwing out our first pitch…well done, even if you were wanting to throw it over-hand! I would like to encourage all of you to take a moment and write Mr MacDonald to thank them for their generosity and involvement with the tournament. You can contact him with your kind wishes at: imacdonald@steelbackbrewery.com
Thanks also to AM 920 CKNX and Steve Sabourin, and to ALL of our tournament sponsors, advertisers, and affiliates.
To our Blue Crew – as close to perfection as you will ever see! Fantastic job Peter and perhaps the best crew ever assembled!
To Easton – and our area rep. Mr Jason Phelan and Dunny of Dunny’s Source for Sports. The job you do in putting together and bringin us the Easton Home Run Challenge, and so much behind the scenes is paramount.
To my good friend Al Doran, who of course kept the world up to date with all scores and events. And again thanks for taking part in our opening ceremonies Al – was long overdue and you don’t get near the recognition you deserve – as humble as you are, your work is appreciated by thousands world-wide.
I am saving the biggest thanks for those who MAKE this event happen.
For the nearly 300 people (that MORE than the entire population of Monkton folks) that are involved in this event, who all-tolled put in over 5000 hours of their own time each and every year… From the Executive and the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU
And to the Executive…yes, we are already planning 2010, but take a breather, put your feet up for just a few minutes, and look back on what we’ve done. Nothing else compares. The love of your community, the desire and drive to make- and keep it such a wonderful place to grow and live, to see it prosper. You are some of the most amazing people on the face of the earth. THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH in seeing this event thru. We wanted to be the best - We have succeeded.
A though I will leave you all with….
"To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To give of one's self; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - This is to have succeeded."
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
See you at the park.