Island kid travels far for ball!
Another Manitoulin athlete finds himself off the Island for something other than hockey! Last weekend marked the end of Mindemoya’s Chase Taylor’s inaugural season in the Sudbury Voyageurs Baseball program as the team participated in their annual playoff tournament in Kitchener. This past year, Chase put in the work and earned himself a spot on the U14 Voyageurs team that competes in the Premier Baseball League of Ontario (PBLO). They had Chase playing third base, a little outfield, doing some pitching and hitting in the DH spot where he was second on the team in RBI’s.
While his team trains out of the Baseball Academy, three days a week in Sudbury beginning in September until April 30, the regular season starts the first weekend in May running until the last weekend in June. This schedule has the team travelling every weekend to Kingston, Ottawa-Nepean, Oshawa, Toronto, London and finally, playing at their home field, the Terry Fox Sports Complex in Sudbury, while still practicing 3-4 days a week.
The team had a bit of a rough season with all members learning and adapting to new positions and navigating the grind that is the baseball season. The Voyageurs entered the playoff tournament seeded
7th but with some good baseball they ended up in 4th! The season, however, also took the team to Toledo, OH to participate in the PBR Ohio Mid-American Classic Tournament which unfortunately, ended in rain delays and not enough available field time to complete the tournament.
Chase began his love for baseball playing catch in the back yard at a very young age and spending six years in the Mindemoya Youth Ball Program. He realized he wanted something a little more competitive and challenging when he spent time with friends at the baseball academy during the Pandemic.
Following some private sessions with the fantastic instructors at the academy and a season with the Junior Voyageurs he still wanted more. What resulted from his drive, was to be the first person from Manitoulin to play in the PBLO for Sudbury. He now has his sights set on attending the August tryouts for the U16 team for the 2024 campaign and keep his baseball development going.
Congratulations on all your success and good luck next year, Chase!
Islanders at O-Cup!
The Walden Mountain Bike Club hosted the third of four races in the Ontario Cup series this season on July 30. An impressive 173 racers from age 8 to 80 travelled from across the province to Sudbury to participate.
Manitoulin had a few participants including the Quackenbush family of Nathan and Isaac and perhaps Dad, Ben? They all loved the super competitive experience but did not reach the podium.
Alex Anstice, on the other hand, finished first in his Men’s Master Sport category! “That guy is a humble tank!” mused Ben, “he finished the 21+ km race in 1:04:58.” Congratulations to the intrepid bunch who now look forward to fun in their own backyard at the Epic in McLean’s Park this September.
Pickleball Point!
The Manitoulin Pickleball Club is pleased with the response to the Beginners Pickleball Program (adults 18 yr + being offered in conjunction with the town of NEMI). So far, a total of 38 new pickleball players have come out to the courts at NEMI Recreation Centre. The program continues every Tuesday and Thursday evening, 6 to 8 pm at the NEMI Recreation Centre. There is no cost for players and you’re your equipment and instruction is provided. All experience levels are welcome. For further information, contact Bud Hebner 705-805-1257 or budhebner@gmail.com.
A good sport is good for sports!
chipstoquips@gmail.com
