 By Ken Pagan
May 29th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Justin Gideon is staying positive and, with a touch more confidence in his game, the results are showing on the field.
The Burlington Herd leadoff hitter, fresh off being named the IBL Batter of the Week, continued pumping out the hits on Saturday, mashing a long home run to centre-field as part of a 3-for-5 day in an 8-7 loss to the Brantford Red Sox.
Gideon, who turns 22 next month, is fourth in the IBL with a .478 batting average after six games, and leads the league with 11 hits and four doubles. His nine runs scored are second-most in the IBL.
 Justin Gideon, IBL Batter of the Week for May 15-21 swings for the win-less Burlington Herd “I’m feeling more confident,” said Gideon, now in his third season with Burlington’s IBL squad. “As a rookie, sometimes you’re kind of hoping for hits, but when things are going well, you’re expecting to get hits and that makes a huge difference. I think that positive attitude really helps.”
He was named IBL Batter of the Week for May 15-21, after going 7-for-9, which included a monster 5-for-5 game in a 14-12 home loss to the Barrie Baycats.
“I haven’t changed too much with my approach, just some subtle things,” he said. “On the mental side, I feel like I’m playing with a lot more confidence, especially with being a leader on the team. I think you have to have that confidence regardless of how you’re doing.
“You have to take things one at-bat at a time. You can’t look at your day and see that you’re 0-for-2 and be scared to go 0-for-3. You have to look at the next at-bat and try to get a hit. You have to have a short memory.”
Gideon has played four seasons of OUA baseball at Brock University, where he has thrived, twice being named Brock’s MVP and earning OUA Top Hitter accolades. He was second in the OUA with a.469 batting average and two homers in 64 at-bats in 2014 and followed with a .422 average and three homers and a league-leading 30 runs scored in 2015.
 But things came untracked in the 2016 fall season, when his average fell below .200
“It was just a combination of things,” he said. “I try not to make excuses, but it was just a slump I couldn’t get out of. It’s a lot shorter season and there are not as many at-bats (to come out of it), so it was just tough.”
However, he is making the most of a shot at redemption to get things back on track with the Herd this season. As the team’s table-setter and centre-fielder, he wants to continue setting high standards on the field.
“I want to bring a sense of leadership and try to keep a positive attitude among the guys and perform well every game,” he said. “ Even if I’m not performing offensively, I want to bring it defensively and just always be hustling and play with the same intensity every game.”
 By Staff
May 29, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It took the Brantford Red Sox five games to pick up their first win of the season, and it came against another win less team – the Burlington Herd who have gone six games without a win.
Dan Jagdeo’s solo home run with one out in the top of the ninth inning lifted the Red Sox to an 8-7 victory over the Burlington Herd Saturday afternoon.
Brantford is 1-4, and Burlington is 0-6.
Ricky Murray had three hits and drove in a run and scored once for the Red Sox. Chris Dennis and Nic Burdett each had an RBI and run, while Benjamin Bostick singled twice, scored twice and had an RBI.
Brandon Dailey had two hits and two runs, and Cody Mombourquette drove in a pair.
Tyler Soucie (1-0) earned the win, giving up a run in one inning of relief. He walked one and struck out one. Tanner Guindon tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts for his first save.
Starter Justin DAmato went 3.2 innings and allowed five runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
For Burlington, Justin Gideon went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI, while Canice Ejoh also had three hits, two RBI and a run. Cooper Lamb had two RBI, and Grant Okawa had two hits and scored twice.
Kyle Symington (0-1) took the loss, giving up a run on two hits in an inning. He struck out one.
Starter Brad Smith gave up six runs (four earned) on seven hits in three innings. He walked three and struck out one.
By Staff
May 25, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington HERD game will not take place this evening.
 The Intercounty Baseball League announced today that the three scheduled contests for Thursday, May 25 have been rained out.
Burlington was to host Hamilton at 7:15 p.m
No make-up dates have been announced.
 By Staff
May 25th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 The picture that is worth 1000 words. All natural grass sport fields (diamonds and rectangular fields) are closed Thursday May 25./
Too much rain has resulted in very soggy playing fields.
By Staff
May 24, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Herd is still looking for that first game win this season.
They play Hamilton in Burlington on Thursday, May 25 at 7:15 pm
On Friday, May 26 they travel to London and play at Labatt Park – 7:35 pm
 By Staff
May 20, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 It’s getting tough to actually win a game.
The Burlington Herd took an 11-4 shellacking from the Toronto Leafs in a Saturday afternoon game in Burlington.
A seven-run ninth inning turned a close game into a blowout for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Toronto led 4-3 before racking up five hits and taking advantage of a Burlington error in the bat-around inning.
Ryan White singled twice and doubled with an RBI and two runs to lead the Leafs. Daniel Szpik and Justin Marra each had two hits, an RBI and a run. Tyler Hardie singled twice and had an RBI and a run, while Grant Tamane, Adam Odd, Brendan Keys and Connor Lewis all drove in a run.
Toronto batters reached base 22 times with 12 hits and 10 walks.
 Justin Cicatello (1-0) went six innings for the win, giving up three runs (none earned) on five hits. He walked three and struck out three.
 John Whaley had three hits and an RBI for the Herd, which fell to 0-4. Carlos Villoria had the other RBI. Justin Gideon singled, doubled and scored twice.
Adam Prashad (0-1) took the loss, going four innings and allowing a run on four hits with four walks and five strikeouts. He relieved Rich Corrente, who gave up three runs (one earned) on three hits in four innings. Corrente walked two and struck out two.
The Herd play next on:
May 21: 2:00 PM Burlington Hamilton
May 25: 7:15 PM Hamilton Burlington
May 26: 7:35 PM Burlington London
May 27: 1:05 PM Brantford Burlington
By Staff
May 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The bats were cracking when the Barrie Baycats managed to hold off the Burlington Herd in slugfest that ended with 14- 12 on the scoreboard.
The Herd has yet to register a win in the InterCounty Baseball 2017 schedule.
Barrie opened the game with three runs in the first inning and, after multiple lead changes, survived a late charge from the Herd for its third straight victory to open the season.
 Kyle DeGrace had three hits, including a two-run home run to give the Baycats a 13-12 lead with one out in the ninth. DeGrace finished with three RBI. Jordan Castaldo also went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI, while Kevin Atkinson and Brandon Dhue each added solo blasts.
Branfy Infante singled twice, doubled, and had an RBI and run. Jeff Cowan and Glenn Jackson each drove in a run, and leadoff batter Conner Morro had two hits, three runs and an RBI. Barrie outhit Burlington 18-16.
Enerio Del Rosario (1-0) picked up the win, allowing four runs on three hits in two innings of relief. He walked two and struck out three.
Miguel Navarro started and went 4.1 innings, giving up five runs (three earned) on eight hits, while walking four and striking out four.
Burlington’s Justin Gideon went 5-for-5 at the top of the lineup, driving in a pair of runs and scoring three times. Canice Ejoh had three hits, including a home run, and drove in three with a pair of runs.
Ryan Freemantle and Andrew Leggo each had three hits and two RBI and combined for three runs. Logan Stewart had an RBI for the Herd, which held leads of 4-3 and 12-11 but but dropped to 0-3.
Branden Kuzyk (0-1) took the loss after giving up two runs on one hit with a walk in one-third of an inning.
Starter Ryan Beckett lasted 3.1 innings and yielded seven runs on five hits with three walks and a strikeout.
The Herd play on both Saturday and Sunday. They need at least one win.
Saturday, May 20: Toronto at Burlington, 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, May 21: Burlington at Hamilton, 2 p.m.
 By Staff
May 14th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The London Majors rolled to a season-opening 17-4 win over the Burlington Herd Friday night at Labatt Park.
Byron Reichstein and Cleveland Brownlee combined to drive in 14 runs.
Reichstein had five hits, including a double and home run, and finished with nine RBI. He also scored three times. Brownlee went deep twice and had five RBI and two runs.
Burlington scored three of its runs in the top of the first inning before the offence dried up.
Herd hasn’t made it out of the barn yet. Carlos Villoria drove in two of the runs, while Andrew Leggo and Matt McCue had the other RBI.
Justin Gideon doubled once and scored twice, and Nolan Pettipiece singled and doubled.
Ryan Beckett took the loss, giving up seven runs (two earned) on five hits over two innings.
Burlington made five errors.
The home opener for the Herd didn’t go much better on Saturday. The Kitchener Panthers won a 4-2.
John Whaley and Canice Ejoh each had a pair of hits for the Herd. Ejoh and Justin Gideon scored Burlington’s runs.
Derek Zwolinski took the loss, allowing five runs on three hits over three innings, striking out three and walking three.
Schedule for the season:
May 12
Burlington at London – 4-16 Burlington (0-1)
May 13
Kitchener at Burlington – 4-2 Burlington (0-2)
May 18
7:15 PM Barrie at Burlington
May 20
1:05 PM Toronto at Burlington
May 21
2:00 PM Burlington at Hamilton
May 25
7:15 PM Hamilton at Burlington
May 26
7:35 PM Burlington at London
May 27
1:05 PM Brantford at Burlington
Jun 3
1:05 PM Toronto at Burlington
Jun 4
2:00 PM Burlington at Kitchener
Jun 8
7:15 PM Guelph at Burlington
Jun 9
8:00 PM Burlington at Brantford
Jun 10
1:05 PM Brantford at Burlington
Jun 11
7:00 PM Burlington at Barrie
Jun 16
7:30 PM Burlington at Hamilton
Jun 17
1:05 PM London at Burlington
Jun 18
2:00 PM Burlington at Toronto
Jun 20
7:30 PM Burlington at Barrie
Jun 21
7:15 PM Barrie at Burlington
Jun 24
1:05 PM Hamilton at Burlington
Jun 25
2:00 PM Burlington at Kitchener
Jun 27
7:30 PM Burlington at Guelph
Jun 29
7:15 PM Guelph at Burlington
Jun 30
8:00 PM Burlington at Brantford
Jul 4
7:30 PM Burlington at Barrie
Jul 7
8:00 PM Burlington at Brantford
Jul 8
1:05 PM Hamilton at Burlington
Jul 13
7:15 PM Guelph at Burlington
Jul 14
7:30 PM Burlington at Hamilton
Jul 15
1:05 PM Kitchener at Burlington
Jul 20
7:15 PM London at Burlington
Jul 22
1:05 PM Kitchener at Burlington
Jul 23
2:00 PM Burlington at Toronto
Jul 27
7:15 PM Toronto at Burlington
By Staff
May 14th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
To go undefeated in any tournament is a feat – and that is just what the Halton Hurricanes did during the National |(East) Volleyball championships last week
The 16U Volleyball Team made up of Kinsley Bozzo (#2), Biamba Kambengele (#2), Julia Jeffrey (#5), Danielle Gravina (#7), Marina Vesovic (#8), Rachel Eatough (#12), Elizabeth Richmond (#13), Haley Armstrong (#14), Nya Jones (#21) and Aleah Torres (#24)
 Undefeated throughout the tournament. Formidable! These winners were coached by Mike Ongley (Head Coach), Mee Luang-Asa (Asst. Coach) and Chrissy Foest (Asst. Coach)
They not only went through the entire tournamemt without dropping a single set – in the recent past they:
Defeated Defensa (Burlington) in semi-final (25-14, 25-10)
Defeated Leaside in straight sets (25-20, 25-20) in Championship match
National Championship capped off a highly successful season for the HRVC 16U team
Girls recently won the silver medal at the 16U Provincial Championships in April
They also won the silver medal at the 17U Provincial Championships, defeating the #1 ranked Scarborough Titans 17’s in the semi’s.
Over the past several months, they took their talents south of the border to play in tournaments in Cleveland, Chicago and Detroit.
In the Cleveland JVA Rock n,Rumble tournament, the girls won the silver bracket, which was the best result ever recorded by a Canadian team.
Over the course of the season, the girls won gold at:
16U Provincial Cup (November)
17U Challenge Cup (December)
17U McGregor Cup (January)
16U McGregor Cup (February)
Formidable team.
By Staff
May 10th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The season opens on Saturday.
The crack of the bat will be heard.
That assumes there will be no rain.
 The Herd, Burlington’s team in the InterCounty Baseball League will have their home opener at Nelson Park scheduled for 1:05 pm on Saturday, May 13 against the Kitchener Panthers.
The team is going to go all out to get this off the ground in a big way.
As part of the opening day festivities there will be:
– OPENING DAY BAND: Pineapple Girls, a “Surf/Psych/Indie/Pop” band from Hamilton, ON will play pre-game on the concourse. The band will begin playing at 12:00 pm when the gates open.
– INFLATABLES: Bring the kids and enjoy inflatable castle fun presented by Party Castles.
– CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH: Former Burlington IBL General Manager, Allan Ross, will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2017 season.
– HONOUR GUARD: The Herd Welcome the Halton Regional Police Honour Guard on field during the National Anthem.
– NATIONAL ANTHEM: The National Anthem will be performed by The Brass Theory, who are members of the Burlington Concert Band.
– 50 DEGREE GUARANTEE: Of course, if the thermometer doesn’t top 50 degrees, all fans with a ticket to the game can redeem their ticket for a FREE game in April or May.
– PULLER PORK SANDWICH SPECIAL: Enjoy a home made Hickory Smoked Southern Style Pulled Pork Sandwich at our concession stand for only $6!
– HERC’S NUTRITION FOAM FINGER GIVEAWAY: The first 100 fans through the gates will receive a Burlington Herd Foam Finger presented by Herc’s Nutrition. Gates will open at 12:00 pm.
Tickets at the gate or on line
Adults – $5.00
Seniors $4.00
Children under ten – free
By Staff
May 6, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
All that rain – it changed a lot of plans.
The start of the 2017 Intercounty Baseball League season has had to wait.
 What’s wrong with this graphic? The team crest for the Burlington Inter County Baseball League is now known as The Herd. This is the last look at the crest of a team that did come close – but never won the top spot at the end of the season. The new start of the IBL season is scheduled for Friday, May 12 at 7:35 p.m. when the London Majors host the Burlington Herd at Labatt Park.
Both the Barrie Baycats and Toronto Maple Leafs postponed their home openers scheduled for Sunday, May 7 due to poor weather and field conditions.
Barrie was set to host London, and that game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 27 at 7:45 p.m.
The Baycats will now open their home schedule against the Leafs on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m.
Toronto was supposed to start the season against the Kitchener Panthers. That game has yet to be rescheduled.
Once they were Bandits – now they are The Herd and they play in a ball park they call the farm. Their opening game got re-scheduled. The people who manage the baseball schedule are working over the dates and the options they have to work with.
With the postponement, the Leafs will play their home opener Sunday, May 14 against the Brantford Red Sox at 2 p.m.
By Staff
May 2, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
On Monday the city advised the public that All natural grass sport fields (diamonds and rectangular fields were closed.
A second advisory went out earlier today saying all the fields were to be closed for a second day.
 If the playing fields are closed due to all the rain – perhaps the city will open up some streets for the kids to play on. This on Brant Street opposite city hall during one of the street festivals.
 By Staff
May 2, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The new outdoor pool currently under construction at Nelson Park will open this summer.
Work to replace Nelson pool began in fall 2016 after the city found that the steel bottom of the pool had rotted away.
The new pool at Nelson Park is 50-metres long with eight lanes. It will include a beach-entry leisure pool and a new splash pad located beside the pool.
 Artists rendering of the Nelson pool now under construction. Scheduled to open this summer. Construction of this new pool is being done by Schilthuis Construction – the people who were hired to build The Pier and had to walk away from the job when they found the design was such that they believed The Pier could not be constructed from the plans the contractor was give,
There were also issues with the specifications for the steel that was used. The problems with the steel came to light when a crane on the site toppled over. An inspection of the badly bent steel revealed that it did not meet the specifications.
 Concrete pour at the splash pad part of the new Nelson pool That’s when everyone involved in the project sued everyone else. In the long run it all got worked out and after a settlement worked out by a Judge who did not want this matter going to trial. Then everyone claimed they had won.
Schilthuis was not to blame for that mess – but his reputation took a serious hit and he had to struggle for some time to get his business back to where it should have been.
Henry Schilthuis will give the city great value for the money they are going to spend.
An opening date for the new outdoor pool will be announced later this spring.
By Staff
May 1st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
All natural grass sport fields (diamonds and rectangular fields) are closed May 1.
The report from city hall does not say why (rain most probably) nor do they say when the fields will re-open (when the rain stops probably.
By Staff
April 26, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Improvements to the Central Recreation Centre arena and auditorium, will begin at the end of May.
Over the next year, the following enhancements will be made:
• A new passenger elevator (funded by Canada 150 Infrastructure Grant Program)
Central Auditorium and Accessibility Upgrades
• Installation of new windows to improve natural lighting
• New sports flooring
• New kitchenette
• New lining for pickle ball court
• A new universal washroom
• A new accessible ramp providing access from the lobby to the rink.
The recreation centre will remain open throughout the construction although users may experience some disruptions during construction:
• The front doors of Central arena will remain open. Visitors wishing to access the auditorium will be required to use the auditorium entrance located on the east side of the building.
• During the construction of the accessible ramp, ice users will be required to use the east and west arena pad doors to gain access to the ice.
• During the renovations of the auditorium the space will be closed for use.
Signage will be installed to help direct users.
As a result of the construction, some youth and senior programming as well as rentals will be experience service interruptions. Plans are being made to accommodate these users and renters at other city facilities where possible.
By Staff
April 17th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Herd (you may have known of them as the Burlington Bandits) are looking for two Bat Boys for the 2017 season at Nelson Park.
Eligible candidates must be at least 12 years old, be able to attend 10-18 games and have transportation to and from each game.
Bat Boys will be asked to work the following game times:
1. Thursdays: 6:15 pm – until end of game.
2. Saturdays: 12 pm – until end of game.
 These lads are just rounding the bases – but they could become bat boys if they applied. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, setting up both dugouts and bullpens, filling coolers, mudding baseballs for game play and cleaning up after the game. Bat Boys will receive a Burlington Herd hat, sweatshirt, full uniform, food and drink at each game.
If this interests you – get in touch with Ryan Harrison at (905) 630-9036
By Staff
April 17th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Herd will play a home exhibition game, beginning on at 7:15 p.m. on May th. They will be up against the Brantford Red Sox at Nelson Park, home of the Burlington Herd on May 4th.
Tickets for the Herd exhibition game will be on sale at the door for only $2.
The team takes to the field for their home town season opener on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Barn (Nelson Park).
Season tickets and group packages are now on sale by calling (905) 630-9036 or by visiting the team’s new website, burlingtonherd.com.
The Herd can be followed on social media platforms (“iblherd”), including Facebook.com/iblherd.
The Herd has announced the signing of Greg Marco, a Waterdown native.
Marco rejoins the Herd after his rookie season in the IBL hitting .096 with two RBI and two stolen bases. The Waterdown, Ontario native recently completed his college playing career at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and has assumed a student coach position with the team for the 2017 season.
A former Burlington Bulls junior team member, Marco was a leader behind the plate, helping the junior team to many successful seasons.
 Greg Marco – Herd catcher. “Greg had a tough season at the plate last year but, but was very strong for us at multiple positions defensively. He provides speed off the bench, good defense behind the plate and can play infield, outfield and also pitch if required” stated Herd Field Manager Jeff Lounsbury.
Marco is the Herd’s fourteenth signing of the off season.
By Staff
April 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 It wouldn’t have been quite this bad. Just not all that nice. The opening of Tyandaga Golf Course for the 2017 season has been postponed until Friday, April 14 due to this week’s wet weather.
With climate change we may well have to get used to a much different kind of seasonal weather.
For more information, please call 905-336-0005 or visit www.tyandagagolf.com.
By Staff
April 4, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather doesn’t look all that promising but the Tyandaga Golf Course will officially open for the 2017 golf season on Saturday, April 8.
The course is located 1265 Tyandaga Park Dr. Players wishing to book a tee time can do so online at www.tyandagagolf.com.
 An 18-hole course with 4,852 meters of scenic terrain. Tyandaga, a city owned and operated golf course, offers memberships, tournaments, clinics, private lessons, men’s and women’s league play, and in-season and off-season rentals.
Tyandaga Golf Course is an 18-hole course with 4,852 meters of scenic terrain characterized by its natural waterways and broadleaf woods.
Spring specials on green fees include $45 to ride in a golf cart and $30 for golfers that are walking.
For more information about golfing at Tyandaga, call 905-336-0005 or visit www.tyandagagolf.com.
By Staff
March 21st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Spring skiing can be really nice. It’s a chance to get an early start on your tan.
Not much left to the season though and for those in Halton, know that – Glen Eden will reopen for one last weekend of skiing and snowboarding for the 2016/17 season from Friday, March 24 until Sunday, March 26.
 One weekend left in the season. A combination of some recent natural snow, the remaining man made snow and some cooler seasonal temperatures mean the skiing and snowboarding season will continue for a few more days.
Glen Eden is closed this week Monday through Thursday, and is reopening Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Lifts will be running from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Lift tickets will be $22 this weekend (rather than $38 for adults and $33 for teens), and all season passes are valid (Super Value, 5×7 and All Access). Glen Eden opened for the 2016-17 season on December 17, 2016.
“We would like to thank all the skiers, snowboarders and lesson participants who visited Glen Eden during the 2016/17 season,” said Gene Matthews, Director, Operations, Conservation Halton. “Glen Eden enjoyed a successful season this past year with visitation returning to typical levels. Our grooming and snowmaking team did a fantastic job with temperatures which were above seasonal, particularly in February.”
The Glen Eden season typically starts before Christmas and Boxing Day and is usually concluded by the end of March Break. Last season, Glen Eden didn’t open until January 8, 2016, the latest start to a season in ten years, and closed on March 12, 2016, the earliest closing in the same time frame. Recognizing the varying winter conditions Southern Ontario receives each year, Glen Eden depends on making its own snow and continuous investments in snowmaking infrastructure
If you want to hit the hills next season there is an Early Bird special for the 2017/18 season on Season Passes and for the first time ever all the Snow School programs. You can register now for the Snow School programs now for next season.
The Early Bird features the best available pricing of the year on all Season Pass and Snow School programs. It closes on April 12, 2017.
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