Baseball Manitoba :: News and Events

Title	Name	Hometown
President	Ken Sharpe	Minnedosa
Past-President	David Holt	Winnipeg
Vice-President of Finance	Wayne McLeod	Winnipeg
Vice-President of Competition	Tony Siemens	Rosenort
Vice-President of Coach Development	David Olsen	Winnipeg
Vice-President Grass Roots Development	Joe Raposo	Winnipeg
Vice-President of High Performance Development.	OPEN
Vice-President Marketing	Jamie Bettens	Winnipeg
Vice-President Policy	Winston Smith	Winnipeg
Vice-President Umpires	Derrick Dubell	Winnipeg

The Mosquito “AA” Charleswood Dodgers played in the Winnipeg West League and were the regular season champions. Sharing their passion for baseball, the coaching staff’s philosophy was simple – improve. And improve they did with each practice, each league game, each tournament that they entered. Along with that improvement the team focused on player development, and entered several tournaments. In all they played 43 games, a remarkable number for a Mosquito “AA” team, which attests to the commitments made by the coaching staff, parents and players. The Dodgers were comprised of 14 determined committed young boys in the regular season, and bolstered with 2 more for the playoffs... With such a big squad the coaching staff had their hands full trying to help each player develop their skills and confidence and get the fair playing time needed to do both. 14 of the 16 players involved pitched, providing much needed depth to the team. Peaking at just the right time the Dodgers entered the Provincial Championship in Brandon with confidence and determination and fought their way to an undefeated weekend and the Provincial Crown.

After winning the Winnipeg “AAA” Midget championships, the St. James A’s carried their strong play to the provincial championships. After losing their first game, they won three games in one day to make the play-offs. They won their quarter final game, but lost to the eventual provincial champions in the semifinals. The season was not over for the A’s however, as they hosted the Western Canada Midget “AAA” championships, and won the silver medal, losing to a strong BC team.

Jayce was a workhorse for three Pee Wee teams this summer – the Roblin “AA” team, the Parkland “AAA” team, and the Brandon “AAA” team, which picked him up for nationals. A versatile player, Jayce can play almost any position, though he showcases his talent often at shortstop and on the mound. Blessed with speed that allows him to steal bases at will and make plays in the field, his powerful arm and bat help make him a force wherever he plays or bats. When his teams needed a win, Jayce was the one they went to on the hill, while his shots over the fence kept the offence on track. As a player he made all his teams better.

Recovering from a broken elbow suffered at the end of 2008, Chris was not sure if he would be able to play this year. But play he did, becoming one of the best Bantam hitters and catchers in the province. A leader by example both on and off the field, Chris has all the necessary tools. He also brings great dedication and commitment. Playing in the wood bat Winnipeg League, he led his Winnipeg South team in batting average, hits, extra-base hits, RBI’s, on base and slugging percentage as he helped guide his team to an undefeated regular season. Added to the South Central roster for the National Championships, he was named team MVP for Manitoba and selected as an All-star Outfielder. Following the National Championships, Chris was an integral member of the Team Manitoba 15U Prospects team. An intelligent player, Chris never gives less than 100% effort each time out.

Though small in stature, Bret is an impact player, playing with passion and determination. He was busy this past summer, playing for Vincent Massey High School, both Brandon “AA” and “AAA” teams, along with the Canada Summer Games team, the South Central team, which added him as a pick-up for nationals, and the Brandon Cloverleafs Senior team. Bret was instrumental in any success his teams had this past season. A quiet leader willing to accept all assignments, he was an ace pitcher, using a moving curveball to complement a plus fastball. Bret used his speed to wreak havoc on the bases, turning routine hits into extra bases and tracking down balls in the outfield. A humble, hard working player, Bret also saw time as a catcher. He is an even keeled player who never gets rattled, and always comes to play no matter what the situation.

Coming off an upset win in the 2008 MJBL Championship Evan Hardman started to show signs of being one of the leaders of the franchise. As the 2009 season unfolded Hardman became not only the leader of his team but the Manitoba Junior League as well. Evan had a great season in his final year of MJBL eligibility becoming a dominant force both at the plate and on the mound leading St. Boniface to the regular season pennant and birth in the Canadian Junior Nationals. He led the league in batting average (.354), slugging pct (.569), and total bases while finishing in the top 3 in RBI's and doubles. On the mound Hardman fashioned a 4-2 record with 3 complete games, 2 shutouts, 1 no-hitter and a 1.33 ERA. Evan has been in the league for 3 years now and is known for his passion for the game and ability to be locked in at all times. No one competes harder than Evan Hardman when the game is on the line and this year’s statistics and MJBL MVP award are prime examples of that.

Darrick is probably the premier catcher in the province, as his throwing prowess behind the plate kept many a runner from advancing. He is also respected for his thunderous bat and tremendous leadership. He led his Baldur Regals to their 3^rd consecutive Border West title and he was named the most valuable player at the Senior AA provincial championships. He was also named MVP at the Western Canada Senior “AA” championships where his Border West All-stars won the Western crown. He won the Border West batting title hitting .563, while also leading the league in walks, many of them intentional.

A dominant pitcher, Sean Dryden led his Brandon Cloverleafs to the 2009 Manitoba Senior Baseball League Championship winning 9 games against only 1 loss in both regular season and playoff competition. He dominated the playoff competition with an unbelievable 0.66 earned run average in winning 5 games against no losses. Sean was second in regular season wins, second in innings pitched and fourth in strikeouts. In part time play with the bat, he hit a robust .409, and was named a first team all-star pitcher. In doing so he was named the MSBL’s regular season and playoff MVP. Without his leadership and direction, his Cloverleaf team would not have had the success they did.

Jeff Hlady is what Grassroots coaching is about. He is not there for the glory of the win, but instead he is there for the smiles on the player’s faces, for the cheers and jeers at practices and the looks that a player gives that says they understand the skill and feel good about their ability to perform it. These are the moments that a grassroots coach savours. This summer, with his Mosquito ‘A” team, he apprenticed two young coaches, aged 14 and 15, who share his passion for ball and want to help young ballplayers. Jeff is a very energetic and enthusiastic coach who takes pleasure in sharing his love of baseball with his players. This makes him “fun” coach, and he uses his knowledge and experience in baseball, having played in provincial championships, to teach and show the boys the game. Grassroots coaches are the unsung hero’s of community sport, and yet the most necessary role models for the young developing athletes.

A quiet, competitive and knowledgeable coach, Gerry has the respect of his players and opponents alike. He believes strongly in hard work and discipline, and this has translated into a quality program that is one of the most respected in Manitoba. This summer he coached the Baldur Regals to a 19-2 record in the Border West League and to the Senior “AA” provincial championship. He then coached the Border West All-stars in Peace River, Alberta, where they won the Western Canada Senior AA Championships in dramatic fashion.

Roddy has worked his way through the system to now reach Level 3 status. He has excellent presence both on and off the diamond. He is always on time for assignments and has never missed an assignment in 5 years of umpiring. He learns very quickly and is open to comments and critiques from superiors to improve his game. Both local and visiting coaches comment about Roddy’s impartial and fair performance in games. He has worked with Portage supervisor Kevin Lelieve to help mentor three new officials who have joined the fraternity. He is a valuable asset in the program and has the talent to advance rapidly in the umpiring community. With his dedication he should continue to succeed for many years to come.

Bill Salyn is a most deserving candidate for the Baseball Manitoba Umpire Award of Merit. He has been umpiring baseball for twenty plus years and has worked every level from mosquito to the Manitoba Senior League at one point in his career or another. As Bill progressed in age his love of baseball never diminished and he is a professional on and off the field. He has mentored young umpires and has brought many umpires into the program including current Brandon Umpire-in-chief Ferlin Asham. Bill seems at home on the baseball diamond and is recognized whenever he is at a game. He is a favorite of the younger divisions as he brings a level of professionalism to the game as well as keeping it fun for the younger players. Bill has worked many provincials and held the position of Umpire in Chief for Brandon Minor Baseball. Bill has taught many people to love baseball and constantly reminds younger umpires to have fun, but to also be fair. While Bill may be nearing the end of his umpiring career he has helped produce some very good umpires to take his place if and when he decides he has called his last ball and strike. Bill has put many years of his life into baseball at all levels and the only thing he has ever asked for in return is the fun he has from being on a baseball diamond and maybe a beer or two once the game is over.

After serving as a coach and coordinator with Brandon Minor Baseball, Scott Johnston moved into the role of Facilities Coordinator for Simplot Millennium Park. He is extremely organized and effective, as he tunes up, maintains and repairs equipment including everything from flag poles to generators for this 8 diamond complex that hosted three provincial championships this past season. He assists with the training of summer staff, including all aspects of workplace health and safety, and supplies safety apparel at no charge. He is then diligent with monitoring that the park maintains a safe and playable environment for players, parents and staff. Scott is a quiet volunteer who selflessly puts in many unsung hours to the sport. While he is not always recognized for the work he does, the work he does is recognized when the players take the fields for their games.

This award is designed to reflect the efforts put forth by those volunteers who organize the minor ball in their regions. The criteria for Region of the Year include, but is not limited to: participation numbers, hosting of coaches and umpire clinics, participation in grassroots programs such as the Hit*Run*Throw and M.B.A. Rookie Jamboree, participation in elite programs such as the Youth Selects and Western Canada Summer Games, and the performance of club and elite teams on the provincial, western and national stages. For 2008, the Baseball Manitoba presented the Region of the Year to:

Great communities just don't happen on their own. It takes many different people working together to provide services, to make homes and streets safe, and to provide programs for all the children, support their neighbours and to give their time and energy for community projects. Jack Kostiuk is one of those people. In his playing days Jack was one of the top pitchers in Western Manitoba. A tough dealing southpaw who featured a wide sweeping curveball reminiscent of Yankee great Whitey Ford, Jack pitched in the old Northwest League. He also suited up for many teams in popular tournament play, and would even pitch as many as 3 games in a day. Following retirement from playing due to an injury, he continued to promote and grow the game. He served as a coach and worked on the Angusville Cardinals team executive in many capacities. When the Cardinals relocated their field, Jack helped develop and construct the diamond, and continued the maintenance for many years. He worked on many fundraising events for the team and was active in recruiting players to the franchise. Jack took on these positions not because he had to, but because he is passionate about the game of baseball. His knowledge and experience in the game was invaluable to the teams he coached and managed. He was a tireless volunteer with an obvious dedication to baseball. His devotion, passion and sense of responsibility were an asset to both the Northwest League and Senior baseball and he made a very significant contribution to baseball in Western Manitoba, and his involvement for nearly 50 years warrants recognition by the baseball community.

Mervyn began coaching baseball at Hazelwood Community Centre in 1970. He started a 7 to 11 year old team at Hazelwood for his son and a friend’s child. The team had 9 players and many times Mervyn would load everyone into his station wagon and take them all. The Hazelwood grounds were 2 acres in the corner of land that was owned by Mervyn. Over the years Hazelwood grew to 100 players on 6 different teams and during that time Mervyn always took whatever team needed a coach. While coaching was Mervyn’s passion he also helped start and run the Hazelwood league, formed in the mid ‘70’s from some surrounding communities. The purpose of the league was to a less competitive and more enjoyable environment for the players. Mervyn adjusted the league rules to encourage participation and these rules were unique and ahead of their time. Such rules as: overage players could play, but not pitch; a maximum of 6 runs per inning could be scored; everyone batted that was playing; and players could be substituted in and out of the game. Interestingly enough, many of these same rules are now in use by Baseball Manitoba, 35 years later! The Hazelwood league ran until mid ‘90s. Even though not officially a competitive league, it was the starting place for some players that went on to higher levels of play. The definition of a builder of baseball is someone that gives of himself for the betterment of the sport with only the motive of growing the game, and that applies to Mervyn. He was innovative in his approach to the game and changed the rules because it made the game better. It is the unselfish involvement of grassroots people like Mervyn Sharpe that ultimately help build the legends that we are able to pass on to our future generations as well as creating unity in our communities.