 By Staff
December 8th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation The City of Burlington is ready for winter fun with the launch of its Neighbourhood Rink program, the opening of Rotary Centennial Pond at the waterfront in downtown Burlington and dedicated locations for tobogganing.
Chris Glenn, the city’s director of Parks and Recreation tells us that: “Skating and tobogganing in the winter time are great Canadian traditions that bring friends, neighbours and communities together to be active and enjoy the winter weather.” Can we expect to see Mr. Glenn on a toboggan in the near future?
Neighbourhood Rinks
Back for a second year, the Neighbourhood Rink program encourages neighbours to come together to maintain a natural outdoor ice rink in their local park.
This month, city staff will install boards for 13 ice pads in various parks throughout Burlington that will be maintained by neighbourhood volunteer groups. The rinks are open to the public and free to use.
The following locations will host a Neighbourhood Rink for the upcoming season:
• Brant Hills Park
• Ireland Park
• Orchard Park
• Sherwood Park
• Tansley Woods Park
• Central Park
• Optimist Park
• Palladium Park
• Pineland Park
• Rusholme Crescent Corridor
• Sheraton Park
• Skyway Park
• Wellington Park
Rotary Centennial Pond
 Centennial Pond will be open from 10 am to 10 pm – closed on Christmas Day. The outdoor ice at Rotary Centennial Pond is scheduled to open on Dec. 10, ice conditions permitting. Located at the waterfront in downtown Burlington, the pond hosts nearly 9,000 skaters each year. The rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and school holidays and from 5 to 10 p.m. on weekday evenings. The pond is closed on Christmas Day.
New this year, the city is asking residents to donate gently used skates they no longer need. These skate donations will be used for a skate lending program at Rotary Centennial Pond.
“The skate lending program has been created to help eliminate barriers for people who may want to give recreational skating a try,” said Glenn. “We hope the skate lending program will encourage residents and visitors to try a new sport, learn some new skills and get outside and play this winter.”
Skate donations can be dropped off at city pools, arenas and community centres.
Tobogganing
 This is what tobogganing is all about. The city has designated six areas in the city that are safe for tobogganing. They include:
• LaSalle Park, east of the parking lot
• Tyandaga Park at hole number four on the west slope
• Central Park on the hill northwest of the community garden
• Brant Hills Park, southwest of the tennis courts
• Nelson Park on the east side of park, north of the Centennial bike path
• Lowville Park on the hill at the southwest end of park.
With snow flurries in the air the city might be about to begin a real winter.
 By Staff
December 8th 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Barracudas, Burlington Girls Hockey Club (BGHC) picked up one GOLD medal and two SILVER medals at the Whitby Tournament of Heroes this past weekend (December 1-3, 2016).
Barracudas Coach Mark Cernjul lead two teams to victory: Novice A who brought home the Gold Medal and the Peewee B team who earned Silver. Our Bantam BB team brought home a second Silver Medal.
The organization, Burlington’s not-for-profit hockey club, offers girls a fun environment to play Canada’s favourite sport; this year they brought home three tournament medals from the Whitby Tournament of Heroes played December 1-3, 2016.
Novice A — Gold Medalists
The Novice A team won the Gold Medal vs Oakville in a 2-0 final.
 Back Row (l to r): Rosanna Morales, Head Coach Mark Cernjul, Tom Hill, Erica Olsen-Sharman Third Row (l to r): Maya O’Leary, Isabella Nagy, Addison Butler, Kylie Penrose, Sadie Allen, Sophie Weber Second Row (l to r): Audrey Hurtubise, Annika Sharman, Mackenzie Ferguson, Violet Steinstra, Mikayla Barnes, Lauren Hill, Taylor Cernjul, Lizzie Petit, Front Row: Goalie, Avery Goulet Peewee B — Silver Medalists
The Peewee B team beat Lakeshore 1-0 in a shootout in the semis; followed by a tough 2-0 loss to Waterloo.
 Back Row (l to r): Mike McColl, Head Coach Mark Cernjul, Dave Crumpton, Andy Southall, Susan Clarke Last row (l to r): Natalie Coward, Fayth Wilkins, Taylor Cooper, Isabella Convey, Olivia Chard, Ella Weber, Julia Banting, Madelaine Southall, Lia McColl Second row (l to r): Jessica DeHaan, Tia Nelson, Lucia McColl, Jenna Cernjul, Jasalyn Jolly, Ella McColl Front row (l to r): Melissa Clarke. Missing in the picture: Back-up Goalie – Katherine Stevenson
Bantam BB — Silver Medalists
The Bantam BB team played the host team, Whitby, in the finals for an exciting 1-2 final game.
 Back Row (l to r): Coach Bryan Uba, Trainer Stephanie Armstrong, Coach Stephen Day Renee Doucet, Hayden Serniuk, Madison Uba, Katie Armstrong, Ella Seaward, Reagen Day, Head Coach Marc Brennan, Coach Peter Degan Bottom row (l to r): Emma Woudstra, Eve Quevillon, Ashley Cooper, Savannah Staszkiel, Olivia Brennan, Amanda Degan, Jodie Fitzgerald, Maddie Mitchell, Rylee Crowley Goalies: Kieran Theodoropoulous and Laurence Gagnon There are more than 750 girls (and growing) playing Canada’s favourite sport for girls ages 4 to 21 at both the house league and competitive (rep) levels.
 For more information about these teams, who seem to win every year their web site is bghc.ca . You can follow them on Twitter and Instagram @BGHC_Newsa The Facebook Page at Burlington Girls Hockey Club.
Jennifer Buchalter, BGHC | Director of Communications and Promotion would love to talk to you –
Email | communications@bghc.ca
 By Staff
November 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The long, long, long term plans for the Beachway Park in the west end of the city are still on the drawing boards – the park planned for the east end of the city is much closer to reality.
Halton Region, the City of Burlington, the Town of Oakville and Conservation Halton are starting work on Burloak Regional Waterfront Park. This is the first phase of the park’s master plan, approved in 2014.
 Architects conceptual drawing of where the pathways in the Burloak Park will be located. The park improve-ments for phase one, include:
• a new accessible pathway along the waterfront,
• a shade structure (gazebo),
• a small performance area with seating and
• a guard rail.
 Rob Peachey, manager of parks and open spaces with the City of Burlington. “One of the first steps in achieving these improvements is to restore the natural ecosystem along the shoreline by removing invasive trees and shrubs, which are mostly Siberian elms and Norway Maples,” said Rob Peachey, manager of parks and open spaces with the City of Burlington. “Invasive trees have a harmful effect on the ability of native tree species to take hold. Removing these invasive trees is critical for the ecological restoration of the shoreline, including the function the area plays as a resting area for many migratory birds.”
City arborists and environmental experts are involved in identifying which trees and shrubs need to be removed. They will also help choose native replacement trees to be planted in the spring of 2017.
 A rendering of the gazebo that will be part of the park. Residents are invited to join the City of Burlington, Councillor Paul Sharman and Halton Region for an informal information session on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Hearthstone by the Lake, Pig and Whistle building, 100 Burloak Dr., Burlington, at the northwest corner of Burloak Drive and Lakeshore Road.
The park is just one significant change planned for the east end. The Skyway Plaza renovation – they are calling it the Skyway Village.
Cynthia Zahorak, the architect on the project has put all kinds of trees in what was a parking lot.
 The light yellow portion is where the current plaza is locate. To the north of that is the Skyway arena. The arrows show the flow of traffic from the arena to the Burloak Park that will see the light of day in 2017. No dates yet on when this project might get to the point where shovels are in the ground – it was planned to tie into a serious upgrade to the Skyway arena – that is in the 2017 capital budget – yet to be approved.
By Staff
October 17, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Approximately 3.4 per cent of Ontarians have a moderate to severe gambling problem. This means that about 26,500 adults in the City of Hamilton and Halton Region are estimated to be negatively impacted.
 You’ve lost it all – now what do you do? Help is available. Many of these people think they will win big. The truth is that some will gamble to the point that they damage their finances, relationships and health. Problem gambling can be financially and emotionally devastating for the individual involved and the most important people in their lives.
“When gambling becomes a source of worry or stress, it’s important to listen to yourself”, says Jon Kelly, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council. “Ignoring changing feelings potentially puts both you and the people you care about at risk.”
The good news is that paying attention to how you feel about your gambling is the first step to early detection of a potential gambling problem.
Having mixed feelings about your gambling? If so, listen to yourself
If your gambling has stopped being fun and has become a source of stress and worry, it’s time to take a break and reflect.
Anxiety, guilt or frustration are common early warning signals that, if ignored, can lead to a potential gambling problem. The consequences of which can be emotionally and financially devastating not just for you but also for your family and friends.
During Problem Gambling Prevention Week, which runs in the City of Hamilton and Halton Region from October 17th to October 23rd, RGC is urging people to listen carefully to how they feel about their gambling.
What are some early signs of a potential gambling problem:
• Feeling guilty, anxious, frustrated or worried about your gambling.
• Thinking or talking about gambling more than usual.
• Gambling more to win back losses.
• Experiencing extreme highs from gambling wins and extreme lows from gambling losses.
• Getting irritated more easily or having less patience when dealing with normal, everyday activities.
 The thrill of the horses thundering towards the finish line is one thing – the money you blew on a ticket that didn’t win is another. What to do when you have mixed feelings:
• The most important thing is to listen to yourself and recognize that these feelings are there for a reason. When they arise, take a break from gambling and do something else. Get back to those other activities that you enjoy.
• Set a betting limit to what you can comfortably afford to lose and stick to it.
• Never chase losses by gambling more to win back lost money or get out of financial trouble. This usually leads to even greater losses.
• Set a time limit for your gambling and, when it’s reached, walk away.
• Bear in mind that gambling is not a way to make money. Virtually all people with gambling problems hold the false belief that they are due for a big win. That belief can feed the development of problems.
How to get help
There is free and confidential help available for those who feel they may have a problem. You can find contact information for local resources at www.knowthesigns.ca or you can call the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline 1-888-230-3505.
For more about the emotional and behavioural signs to watch for and how to protect yourself, go to www.knowthesigns.ca.
 They are the reverse of an ATM – you just keep putting money in. Residents in the City of Hamilton and Halton Region can access local help at:
• Burlington: ADAPT (The Halton Alcohol, Drug, & Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment Program – 905-639-6537 or 1-866-783-7073
• Hamilton: Alcohol, Drug & Gambling Services (ADGS) City of Hamilton, Public Health Services – 905-546-3606
• Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline – 1-888-230-3505
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention. RGC works to reduce gambling risks by creating and delivering innovative awareness and information programs. It also promotes the adoption of improved play safeguards through best practices research, standards development and the RG Check accreditation program. RGC is committed to bringing together all perspectives in the reduction of gambling problems, including those of people with firsthand experience with gambling problems, gaming providers, regulators, policy makers and treatment professionals.
By Staff
October 12th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
This didn’t go down very well with at least one parent.
“The Punch” photograph – a signed Odor baseball and Jose Bautista jersey.
Minimum Bid – $150
 The picture, the signed baseball and a jersey – they raised $500 for BOMBA – was it appropriate asks a parent? The silent auction ran for the duration of the Blue Jays – Rangers series – that was just three games wasn’t it?
Well that auction ended and they realized $500
The parent that contacted the Gazette explained that the BOMBA – Burlington Organized Minor Baseball association – administrator sent an email with a link to the auction.
“My 6 year old son has played baseball for the past couple years. I think to promote to baseball players fighting and being punched in the face and then using this incident to raise money for any youth sport is in very bad taste and judgement.
What do you think?”
Indeed what do parents think?
 By Pepper Parr
September 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
A number of the articles we publish draw comments from readers – where the debate can continue for some time. The cycling lanes on New Street is one of those debates that isn’t over yet.
 Will we see the Mayor on his bike driving to city hall along New Street? We usually leave the debates in the comment section however a comment from Chris Amiens, a cyclist for whom we have a lot of respect, is one we decided to pull from the comments section and put it into the ongoing news category.
Responding to a short piece I wrote about the traffic I experienced on New Street during a rush hour earlier this week Amiens said:
“Not one of your best articles, Pepper. Did you ask anyone from the city what they are doing to measure? More investigative journalism and less supposition is required.
He went on to say: “ At Tuesday’s (September 27) Cycling Committee meeting, the Transportation department shared an update on the New Street pilot.
“One of the recommendations we made to Council was to “measure everything”. I came away from this update encouraged that the city’s Staff are doing just that.
“They aren’t using the tubes in the road, because those are less effective. They are using Bluetooth technology to measure travel times and installing cameras that will count vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians 24/7 (including both the street and the sidewalks). They will be installing the tubes on parallel and side streets like Spruce to measure traffic impacts there. They are even having drones capture video of rush hour traffic. They are getting feedback from not only the public, but transit, police and emergency services to measure the impacts.
“Whatever your position on the New Street project, it is clear to me that staff are doing their utmost to capture all of the relevant metrics so that the City can make the most informed decision.”
This is great stuff – but why is the public learning about it in a comment made by a member of the Cycling Advisory committee?
I am impressed with the lengths the city is going to – what’s it going to cost?
However, I want to know why there hasn’t been a single word from the Transportation department on what they plan to do.
 Mayor Goldring: Thinking it over? Given that the cycling lanes are one of the hotter issues for a number of people. Given that the Mayor said he is approached by citizens on this issue constantly – is this not an issue that the city’s communications staff could get something out on?
It is an issue – not all that big when compared to others – think budget, Strategic Plan and the Transportation New Directions that have been put on the table, but it has people agitated.
What is particularly telling is the city’s inability to get in front of a story and just tell people what they are going to do.
Could they not just talk about being accountable and transparent and actually ‘walk their talk’ rather than continually being reactive ?
Peter Paul and Mary made the point in their song: “When will they ever learn?”
 By Staff
September 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Opening day delayed until late October. The opening of Aldershot Arena will be delayed until late October because of a delay in the manufacture and shipping of a new heat exchange unit for the arena’s ice plant.
For recreational skating, please check our calendar for skate times at other locations.
 By Staff
September 18, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Something in the order of 1000 British motor cars covered the grassy fields at Bronte Provincial Park today as the Toronto Triumph Club hosted their 33rd annual British Car Day.
 This MG was an 80 year old model – running like a charm. Millions of pounds of machinery from a low-end 1950 Morris Series MM to “the Rolls Royce of cars”, the Rolls Royce. And more if price is no object.
There Jaguars (or Jag-u-ars depending upon your pronunciation), Triumph, Lotus, Sunbeam, MG and Land Rovers.
 The close-up photo of the engine that drives the Morgan Three wheeler.  Alan Harrington got behind the wheel of the Morgan Three Wheeler. The oldest car was a 1933 Morgan 3 wheeler painted a very light sky-blue.
The owner has had the car for 50 years. It seats two but the passenger on the left has to help with left/right hand signals.
 Fords Yellow 1994 TVR Griffith 500 Getting in and out of this “no-door” three wheeler is a minor task even for a yoga master.
There were Marcos, Bentley, Hillman, Daimler, BMW’s and Fords Yellow 1994 TVR Griffith 500 (lic UK)
At the back of the field are a dozen DeLoreans lined up gull-wing to gull-wing. DMC was the star of the Back to the Future film and one was decked out with the flux capacitor. DeLoreans were made in Northern Ireland that allows them to join all the other British made vehicles.
 The Rolls Royce with a table in the rear Harrington was quite taken with the Grey Poupon mustard.  The trusty Land Rover that really didn’t need the Union Jack to show its British pedigree. Alan Harrington, who is a regular at this annual event, managed to get himself behind the wheel of the Morgan; getting out was apparently a bit of a challenge.
Cars on display with anniversary years included MG TA Midget and Triumph Vitesse (80 years) the RED one in the photo and Morris Minor 1000 (60 years), cream coloured in the background of the photo with the gentleman with fancy hosiery.
 The DeLorean was used in the Back to the Future film and one was decked out with the flux capacitor. Comment from a reader: “Land Rover that didn’t need the British flag…” was really a second world war Willys MB made in Toledo, Ohio. The Land Rover and the Austin Gypsy were England’s answer to the Willys Jeep, which was the original. The role it played in defending England from Nazi tyranny is apparently good enough to allow it into this all-British event, and I enjoy seeing them displayed. Incidentally, the Land Rover display was the largest I have ever seen and also very enjoyable.
The music played during the event was was all 60’s British Invasion music; the treat for the nose was the faint whiff of incomplete gasoline combustion.
Food was available for the other senses.
All the photographs were taken by Harrington, except for the one of him in the Morgan – that was taken by Dave smith, the owner of the vehicle.
Back to the Future film and one was decked out with the flux
The show is an annual event – takes place the third Sunday of September – website –
https://www.torontotriumph.com/BCD/
 By Staff
September 8, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has been approved for funding to support a number of infrastructure projects around the city. This funding opportunity is through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in connection with the Government of Canada’s celebration of our country’s 150th anniversary of confederation in 2017.
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has approved a total of up to $247,287 for eight projects in Burlington under the first intake of the program:
1. Central Park Washroom Accessibility Upgrades
2. Hidden Valley Park Washroom Accessibility Upgrades
3. Elgin Street Promenade/Multi-Use Pathway
4. Cenotaph War Memorial Restoration
5. Central Arena Accessibility Upgrades
6. Aldershot Pool Filtration Upgrades
7. Angela Coughlan Pool Filtration Upgrades
8. Centennial Pool Filtration Upgrades
 Cenotaph was recently restored. Hopefully that restoration included changes to the plaque that described the monument that was filled with errors. See the related story. Restoration work has been completed on the Cenotaph War Memorial at City Hall.
Karina Gould, Burlington’s Member of Parliament said “The upgrades funded through Canada 150 will continue to provide members of the community with safe and accessible public facilities. This funding will allow the people of Burlington and their families to enjoy moments of sport, recreation, leisure and contemplation for years to come.”
These projects were approved by Burlington City Council for eligible costs totaling over $833,000. The remaining project funds will come from the city’s capital budgets in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The Gazette doesn’t recall these projects being discussed at council and we are unaware of any public input. It appears that the city sough $833,000 and got $247,287
City hall reports that the remaining projects are planned for completion by March 31, 2018.
The people in the east end of the city would certainly have liked to have seen the replacing of the Nelson pool on that list.
Related news story.
By Staff
September 5, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Right-handed pitcher Emillis Guerrero, a 31-year-old native of the Dominican Republic, is the IBL playoff MVP for 2016.
 Emillis Guerrero floats one right down the middle named playoff MVP Guerrero recorded a complete game victory Sunday afternoon at Christie Pits in the championship clincher that had the Barrie Baycats win in four straight games..
During the post-season he recorded four wins and in 49 innings pitched he recorded 41 strikeouts, just four walks and finished with a playoff ERA of 2.02.
 By Staff
September 4, 2016
TORONTO, ON
The Toronto Maple Leafs just couldn’t get any traction – the team has shown great gusto in the quarter and semi-finals but when it came to the IBL Championship games – the Barrie Baycats didn’t give them any room.
The Barrie Baycats swept the Toronto Maple Leafs to win their third straight Intercounty Baseball League championship.
Barrie won 7-5 Sunday afternoon at Christie Pits and went 12-1 in the playoffs, beating Burlington in five games in the first round and then sweeping the second-place Kitchener Panthers in the semifinal on their way to another Dominico Trophy.
Jordan Castaldo had two home runs and three RBI in Game 4. The Baycats infielder homered four times and drove in 12 in the final.
Kyle Nichols added a solo home run, while Kyle DeGrace singled and had two RBI, Ryan Spataro drove in a run, and Glenn Jackson singled twice and scored twice.
Emilis Guerrero (4-1) went the distance, allowing five runs (four earned) on 16 hits with four strikeouts and no walks.
Connor Lewis singled twice, homered and had two RBI for the fifth-place Leafs, who advanced to the final after beating Brantford and London in seven-game series.
Dan Marra had three singled and an RBI, Sean Mattson went 3-for-5 with a run, Jonathan Solazzo singled twice and scored twice, Justin Marra had two hits and scored once, and Grant Tamane added a pair of singles.
Mike Wagner (4-1) took the loss, giving up three runs on four hits in three innings of relief. Wagner struck out three without issuing a walk. Starter Brett van Pelt lasted six innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits, striking out three and walking one.
By Staff
September 3, 2016
BARRIE, ON
For a while they looked like the little engine that could but with three games lost against the championship defending Barrie Baycats – it looks like the Toronto Maple Leafs are about to get ready to end their season – with perhaps four straight loses.
A five-run eighth inning moved the Barrie Baycats one step closer to the Intercounty Baseball League championship.
 Barrie used the big inning to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 11-6 Saturday night and leads the best-of-seven final 3-0. The Baycats can clinch the Dominico Trophy on Sunday afternoon at Christie Pits at 2 p.m.
Kevin Atkinson delivered the biggest blow in the eighth, smashing a three-run home run to give Barrie a 9-6 lead. Glenn Jackson added a two-run double with two outs.
Jordan Castaldo had two hits, two runs and an RBI, Ryan Spataro and Branfy Infante each had a hit and had an RBI, Kyle Nichols doubled and drove in a pair of runs and scored once, and Joey Guaranga went 3-for-4 with a run.
Adam Hawes (2-0) picked up the win in relief, throwing 1.1 innings of scoreless one-hit ball with a strikeout and walk. Adam Rowe started and allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits over six innings, striking out three and walking two.
For Toronto, Jonathan Solazzo doubled and had three RBI and a run to lead the Leafs’ offence. Dan Marra singled and drove in a run and scored once, Jon Waltenbury singled twice and scored a run, and Connor Lewis singled and doubled.
Justin Cicatello (1-2) took the loss, allowing 10 runs (six earned) on 11 hits in seven innings, striking out five and walking six.
2016 IBL playoffs
Dominco Trophy league final
Barrie Baycats vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Barrie leads series 3-0
Game 1: Barrie 4, Toronto 3
Game 2: Barrie 15, Toronto 12
Game 3: Barrie 11, Toronto 6
Game 4: Sunday, Sept. 4 at Toronto; 2 pm
Game 5: Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Barrie; 7:30 pm*
Game 6: Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Toronto; 7:30 pm*
Game 7: Thursday, Sept. 8 at Barrie; 7:30 pm*
* — If necessary
By Staff
August 31, 2016
TORONTO, ON
It took extra innings for the Barrie Baycats to win a slugfest at Christie Pits.
The Baycats scored five runs in the top of the 11th inning to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 15-12 on Wednesday night and take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven IBL final.
Barrie had a runner on first with two out in the 11th before a single and walk loaded the bases, and a Toronto error allowed Jeff Cowan to score.
Kyle DeGrace hit a two-run single and Jordan Castaldo drilled a two-run double to give the Baycats their biggest lead of the game.
Castaldo added a solo home run and finished with five RBI. Glenn Jackson went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and three runs, while Ryan Spataro added three hits, three runs and an RBI.
Kevin Atkinson drove in a pair of runs, and Branfy Infante singled twice and scored four times.
Adam Hawes (1-0) went three innings of relief for the win. Hawes allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking one.
Barrie starter Matthew St. Kitts lasted 3.2 innings, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits, striking out four and walking one.
Toronto hit six of the game’s eight home runs. Jon Waltenbury went deep twice, hitting a solo home run to lead off the third inning and adding a two-run shot in the fourth. He also scored four times.
Justin Marra hit his seventh home run of the playoffs and drove in three, while Brendan Keys went 4-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Sean Mattson and Jonathan Solazzo hit back-to-back home runs to start the bottom of the 11th as the Leafs tried to mount another comeback, but Grant Tamane struck out to end the game with runners on second and third.
Connor Lewis had three hits and a run.
Solazzo (0-2) took the loss, giving up five runs (none earned) on three hits in an inning of relief, striking out three and walking two.
Mike Wagner started for Toronto and gave up eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits over 6.2 innings, striking out seven and walking six.
2016 IBL playoffs
Barrie Baycats vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Barrie leads series 2-0
Game 1: Barrie 4, Toronto 3
Game 2: Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
Game 3: Saturday, Sept. 3 at Barrie; 7 pm
Game 4: Sunday, Sept. 4 at Toronto; 2 pm
Game 5: Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Barrie; 7:30 pm
* Game 6: Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
* Game 7: Thursday, Sept. 8 at Barrie; 7:30 pm*
* — If necessary
By Staff
August 31, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Barrie Baycats gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a taste of their own medicine to start the Intercounty Baseball League final.
Barrie scored three runs in the top of the eighth to beat Toronto 4-3 Tuesday night. The Baycats lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
 The biggest part of the IBL championship games in the evenings will be under the lights – the crack of the bat will still sound the same. It looked like Toronto was going to steal the opener on the road, but the Leafs, who made a habit of comebacks against London in their seven-game semi-final victory, couldn’t hold on against the defending Dominico Trophy winners.
Barrie’s Jordan Castaldo hit a three-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth for the decisive blow. Castaldo also singled and scored on Kevin Atkinson’s double in the fourth, which gave the Baycats a 1-0 lead.
Kyle DeGrace singled twice and scored once.
Jaspreet Shergill (1-0) earned the win, throwing a scoreless inning of one-hit ball without striking out or walking a batter. Adam Hawes picked up his first save of the playoffs, stranding runners on first and second with a strikeout and flyout to end the game.
Barrie starter Emilis Guerrero went seven innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits, striking out six and walking one.
For Toronto, Justin Marra’s two-run home run highlighted the Leafs’ three-run sixth inning. Jon Waltenbury added a single and RBI, while Dan Marra and Brendan Keys each had two hits.
Brett van Pelt (2-2) took the loss, giving up three runs on two hits in an inning of relief, striking out one and walking one. Toronto starter Marek Deska allowed a run on six hits in seven innings with three strikeouts and a walk.
2016 IBL playoffs
Barrie Baycats vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Barrie leads series 1-0
Game 1: Barrie 4, Toronto 3
Game 2: Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
Game 3: Saturday, Sept. 3 at Barrie; 7 pm
Game 4: Sunday, Sept. 4 at Toronto; 2 pm
Game 5: Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Barrie; 7:30 pm
* Game 6: Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Toronto; 7:30 pm
* Game 7: Thursday, Sept. 8 at Barrie; 7:30 pm*
* — If necessary
By Staff
August 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Intercounty Baseball League today announced the schedule for the 2016 championship final series between the defending champion Barrie Baycats and Toronto Maple Leafs. Barrie finished the regular season in third place while Toronto finished fifth.
Barrie won the season series between the two teams, 5-1.
 IBL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FOR THE DOMINICO TROPHY (Best of Seven Series)
GAME 1 – Tuesday August 30 at Barrie 7:30 pm
GAME 2 – Wednesday August 31 at Toronto 7:30 pm
GAME 3 – Saturday September 3 at Barrie 7 pm
GAME 4 – Sunday September 4 at Toronto 2 pm
GAME 5 – Tuesday September 6 at Barrie 7:30 pm
* GAME 6 – Wednesday September 7 at Toronto 7:30 pm
* GAME 7 – Thursday September 8 at Barrie 7:30 pm*
* If necessary
Don’t expect the Barrie Baycats to take the championship for the third consecutive year – they are up against the Toronto Maple Leafs – THE scrappiest team in the league this year. They do not go down easily.
By Staff
August 30th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Intercounty Baseball League today announced the schedule for the 2016 championship final series between the defending champion Barrie Baycats and Toronto Maple Leafs. Barrie finished the regular season in third place while Toronto finished fifth.
 The IBL championships offer some excellent baseball. almost worth the drive into Toronto to catch one of the games. Barrie won the season series between the two teams, 5-1.
IBL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FOR THE DOMINICO TROPHY (Best of Seven Series)
GAME 1 – Tuesday August 30 at Barrie 7:30 pm
GAME 2 – Wednesday August 31 at Toronto 7:30 pm
GAME 3 – Saturday September 3 at Barrie 7 pm
GAME 4 – Sunday September 4 at Toronto 2 pm
GAME 5 – Tuesday September 6 at Barrie 7:30 pm
* GAME 6 – Wednesday September 7 at Toronto 7:30 pm
* GAME 7 – Thursday September 8 at Barrie 7:30 pm*
* If necessary
Don’t expect the Barrie Baycats to take the championship for the third consecutive year – they are up against the Toronto Maple Leafs – THE scrappiest team in the league this year. They do not go down easily.
By Staff
August 28, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
What a game!
What a playoff season!
While Burlington didn’t make it out of the quarter finals the InterCounty Baseball League has been very exciting.
Will the hot playoff season do anything for the Burlington Bandits; probably not.
It’s hard to tell what the people who own and manage the Bandits think – they don’t return telephone calls or emails. Tough to build any franchise loyalty that way,
 The Barrie Baycats will be playing to win a third consecutive IBL title. The final game of the best of 7 semi-final series between the London Majors and the Toronto Maple Leafs went into the ninth inning with a 5-4 lead. They couldn’t hold it.
Toronto scored six runs in the top of the ninth inning to upset the regular season champion London Majors 10-6 Sunday night at a game played at Labatt Park. The Leafs, who dropped the first two games of the series, will face defending champion Barrie starting this week.
 With evening games usually starting at just after 7 pm spectators can expect to be watching the game under lights. London led 5-4 going into the ninth, but the Leafs tied the game when Connor Lewis doubled home a run. Grant Tamane gave the Leafs the lead with a two-run home run off a light pole in left field. Sean Mattson added an RBI single and Ryan White singled home a pair to finish the inning.
Dan Marra went 3-for-5 with two runs, Jonathan Solazzo added a pair of hits, and Jon Waltenbury had three hits, two runs and an RBI.
Justin Cicatello (1-1) picked up the win in relief, giving up an unearned run on two hits in 5.1 innings. Cicatello struck out four without walking a batter. Starter Brett van Pelt went 3.2 innings and gave up five runs on seven hits, walking four and striking out two.
For London, RJ Fuhr had two hits, two runs and two RBI. Keith Kandel had an RBI, Michael Ambrose had two hits and drove in a run, while Humberto Ruiz went 2-for-4 and scored twice.
Elis Jimenez (2-2) pitched into the ninth inning but gave up six runs (three earned) on 11 hits over 8.1 innings, walking one and striking out six.
iNew 880 am in London put it very well when they reported: “The Majors will have great successes to look back on through the winter, but they were hungry for the team’s first title since 1976 and no matter what they try to focus on, the ninth inning of Game 7 will be tough.”
The finals will be between the Barrie Baycats and the Toronto Maple Leafs; a team that has proven to be very scrappy.
It will be an interesting and exiting series.
By Staff
August 27, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They did it – the Toronto Maple Leafs have forced a seventh and final game against the London Majors . Game 7 will determine who Barrie in the IBL final. They crushed the Majors 16-4 Saturday night at Christie Pits to tie the best-of-seven semifinal 3-3.
Justin Marra homered and drove in four with a pair of runs to lead the Leafs, while Grant Tamane had a three-run blast in the eighth inning. Sean Mattson had two hits, two RBI and two runs, Jonathan Solazzo went 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run, Ryan White had two hits with a pair of RBI and scored once, and Jon Waltenbury had four singles and two runs.
Dan Marra singled and scored twice, Brendan Keys drove in a run and scored twice, and Connor Lewis had a double, RBI and three runs.
Mike Wagner (4-0) picked up the win, allowing three runs on 11 hits over 6.2 innings, walking three and striking out seven.
For London, RJ Fuhr doubled, tripled and had an RBI with two runs. Byron Reichstein had two doubles and an RBI, Chris McQueen and Kyle Gormandy each singled twice and scored once, and Keith Kandel had an RBI.
Owen Boon (1-2) was pulled after five outs and gave up eight runs (two earned) on eight hits, walking one and striking out one.
Game 7 is Sunday night in London at 7:05.
London will have the home field advantage but that may not be enough to take a gritty baseball team that has come back again and again to win.
The Barrie Baycats are getting a rest – they are going to need everything they have if they find themselves going up against the Toronto team.
This just might be a Hwy 400 series final.
The Maple leafs ground out a seven game win over the Brantford Red Sox to win their quarter final series.
By Staff
August 26th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
One more game and London will be playing the Barrie Baycats for the Intercounty Baseball League pennant.
But don’t count on this semi-final series ending quite that easily.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have come back from the edge time after time.
The London Majors won a 7-5 game 5 over the Toronto Maple Leafs Friday night at Labatt Park.
London leads the best-of-seven semi-final 3-2 and can wrap up the series Saturday night in Toronto.
They will be playing under the lights on Saturday. Cleveland Brownlee led the Majors with a single, double and three RBI. Carlos Arteaga singled and drove in two, LeJon Baker had an RBI and run, Chris McQueen had two hits and a run, and Keith Kandel singled and doubled.
Oscar Perez (3-0) went the distance, allowing five runs (four earned) on 13 hits with a walk and nine strikeouts.
For Toronto, Jonathan Solazzo singled, doubled and hit his fifth home run of the playoffs. Solazzo finished with two RBI. Ryan White and Jon Waltenbury drove in a run apiece, while Grant Tamane had three hits and scored once at the top of the order. Sean Mattson doubled twice and scored twice, and Brendan Keys added a pair of hits.
Marek Deska (1-3) took the loss, giving up five runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings. Deska walked one and struck out three.
The winner of the series will face defending champion Barrie in the final.
By Staff
August 24, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Game 4 of the Intercounty Baseball League semifinal between London and Toronto Wednesday night took almost four hours to complete and featured a little bit of everything.
There were four home runs, a bench-clearing incident and subsequent protest in which players left the field, an ejection, and a game that ended up 8-2 in favour of Toronto.
The Maple Leafs tied the best-of-seven series 2-2 with Game 5 scheduled for Friday night at Labatt Park in London.
 Toronto Leafs beat the London Majors in this game – stands could have been fuller. Justin Marra went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs in the win. Sean Mattson hit a three-run blast as part of Toronto’s four-run first inning, and Jonathan Solazzo added a solo shot to lead off the eighth. Brendan Keys singled and drove home a pair of runs.
Brett van Pelt (2-1) picked up the win after going eight innings and allowing two runs on five hits with six strikeouts and three walks.
Majors starter Elis Jimenez (2-1) took the loss, giving up eight runs on nine hits in seven innings, striking out six and walking three.
Offensively, Keith Kandel hit a solo home run, while Brett Sabourin had the other RBI. LeJon Baker singled twice.
Baker was also involved in the incident that led to a lengthy delay to end the top of the fourth inning. A close play at third base with Baker and Solazzo led to pushing and shoving and the benches clearing.
Words were exchanged between players from both teams, and an alleged racial slur directed at one of the London players resulted in the Majors leaving the field in protest for 65 minutes.
Barrie Baycats will go up against either London or Toronto in the final playoff. Play resumed and the game was completed prior to the midnight curfew at Christie Pits, but not before Toronto reliever Adam Garner was ejected with two outs in the ninth inning for throwing a pitch after time was called.
The winner of the series will face defending champion Barrie in the final.
This is baseball at its best.
Will it be a 401 or a 400 series?
2016 IBL playoffs
Semifinals
Kitchener Panthers vs. Barrie Baycats
Barrie wins series 4-0
Game 1: Barrie 8, Kitchener 1
Game 2: Barrie 2, Kitchener 0
Game 3: Barrie 10, Kitchener 5
Game 4: Barrie 3, Kitchener 0
London Majors vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Series tied 2-2
Game 1: London 5, Toronto 0
Game 2: London 9, Toronto 6
Game 3: Toronto 7, London 4
Game 4: Toronto 8, London 2
Game 5: Friday, Aug. 26 at London; 7:35 p.m.
Game 6: Saturday, Aug. 27 at Toronto; 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: Sunday, Aug. 28 at London; 7:05 p.m.
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