 By Staff
October 23, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The province wants to help cities become more bike-friendly – that perked up the ears of council members as they worked through a draft of the Strategic Plan that is going to set a direction for the balance of the current term of office.
 MPP Eleanor McMahon is a strong and consistent cyclist. Burlington has an MPP, Eleanor McMahon who is a champion of sharing the road. The city has hundreds of kilometres of bike trails and a rural area that offers some of the most challenging terrain for the truly committed.
McMahon said: “Ontarians want to spend less time in their cars and more time travelling by active transportation. The number one reason Ontarians don’t ride their bike is because they don’t feel safe to do so. In addition to recent changes to the Highway Traffic act, the amendments support the development of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure by simplifying the process for municipalities to plan and build off-road multi-use pathways.”
Burlington could be the poster boy for community cycling. So when the province announces funding for more bike use – we are in.
Ontario is helping cities become more sustainable and environmentally friendly by making it easier to build off-road bike paths and large-scale recreational trails. The province will invest $25 million in #CycleON: Ontario’s Cycling Strategy to create a more cycling-friendly the province.
The province has created a new streamlined process for municipalities to submit proposals for environmental assessment on new paths and trails. The new process will be easier and quicker, saving municipalities considerable time, money and effort.
The amendments were proposed by the Municipal Engineers Association and received significant public feedback during the province’s public consultation. The new environmental assessment process also supports CycleON, the province’s long-term strategy to help make Ontario the number one province for cycling in Canada,
 Cycling enthusiast Rob Narejko keeps a couple of bikes in his garage and can often be seen on the rural roads. Supporting cycling and helping Ontarians reduce their carbon footprints is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Great wording – now where would Burlingtonians like to see “off road bike paths” built?
Leave your ideas in the comments section.
 By Staff
October 2, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
How did you use the city’s swimming pools this summer?
Many people didn’t get to use the Nelson pool at all – but that is a different story isn’t it?
The City is asking Burlington residents to complete a survey to tell the city how they use city pools during the summer.
 Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation said in a media release: “We know many residents were disappointed that Nelson Pool did not open this summer. We want to know how they use pools so we can consider their feedback during our investigation of summer pool needs in Burlington.”
A survey is available online. Pool users can access the survey until Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015.
The input from the pool survey will be used to help City Council make decisions about the future direction of outdoor pools in Burlington. The results will be outlined in a report to council this fall.
For more information on Burlington pools, visit www.burlington.ca/swimming.
 By Staff
September 30, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you enjoy fast paced, high scoring baseball games in October, the End of Season Fastpitch Tournament is for you and your family. Come on out for the action and support a local charity.
 Everything about Fast Pitch is fast – did the runner make it to the bag? Sixteen teams from across Southern Ontario will meet this weekend at Sherwood Forest Park. Starting Friday evening, all day Saturday with Sunday championships games.
Fastpitch is much quicker paced than baseball, with 7 inning games games lasting about 1.5 hours, faster in-field play and more big hits!
There will be a Bavarian beer garden serving BBQ’ed hotdogs and burgers. Fifty-fifty draws will be held with a portion of proceeds going local charities.
This event is put on the Burlington Intermediate Men’s Fastball League (www.BIMFL.weebly.com) and the Hamilton Rosedale Fastpitch League.
By Pepper Parr
September 29, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Parks and Recreation department has decided to re-launch of the neighbourhood rink program for winter 2015/16.
The positive impacts from a community rink on private property in the Mountainside Area and two consecutive cold winters was enough to bring back the outdoor rink program.
 Parks and recreation department thinks a total of 17 neighbourhood rinks could be created – all people have to do is apply. Eleven parks have a flat area that is in close proximity to a city water supply and are able to support a neighbourhood rink. Some parks can fit more than one rink, for up to 17 outdoor rinks.
The following parks can take an outdoor rink:
Brant Hills Park, Bridgeview Park, Central Park, Ireland Park, Lowville Park, Mountainside Park, Nelson Park, Orchard Park, Sheldon Park, Sherwood Park, and Tansley Woods Park,
Other parks may be considered on an individual basis if residents are willing to provide their own water supply, and the park has a suitable flat area.
Residents interested in having a rink need to gather at least six other neighbours and complete an online application form that will be available at burlington.ca/skating.
Staff will review submissions, award rinks, and provide an information package to successful applicants on how best to make and maintain ice.
 There are parents out there that take great pleasure in going out late at night after the kids are in bed and flooding the neighbourhood rink. Staff will put up boards, supply hoses and provide an orientation session for the residents. Staff will also conduct an initial rink inspection.
The neighbourhood group will perform the initial and subsequent floods, shovel the snow, and manage issues among themselves as much as possible.
Help get the word out!
Please share the messaging about the program with the residents. Staff will supply communication pieces that members of Council can insert into their ward communications. Encourage residents to get out and get active this winter!
Key dates:
Late September: Communication Launch to Residents
Sept 28-Nov 1: Application Period
Mid November: Rink locations awarded
Mid December: Rink boards setup in approved locations
March: Rink take down (weather dependent)
 By Staff
September 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Route 1 East detour in downtown Hamilton – Saturday Sept. 26
 Bulldogs hold their home opener for the season – bus route gets altered. This Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 from approximately 3 to 7 p.m., Bay Street in downtown Hamilton will be closed between King Street and York Boulevard for the Hamilton Bulldogs home opener. During this time, the Route 1 East will be detoured as follows:
• Regular routing to King Street and Bay Street
• Continue West along King Street
• Right at Hess Street
• Left at Cannon Street
• Resume regular routing.
Pick-up and drop-off locations in the detour area will be at King & Hess Streets as well as at Hess and Cannon Streets.
 By Staff
August 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The increasing number of scholarship opportunities for basketball players in the United States is something Jim Thornton, of the Wildcats Basketball club feels should be welcomed by the Hamilton Region basketball community. In recent years there has only been one organization in the Hamilton and surrounding area offering an AAU Showcase program.
Starting this season (2015-2016), Wildcats Basketball out of Hamilton, Ontario will be introducing two Showcase AAU Teams competing at the 13U category and the 15U category in the United States. These teams will be for players born in 2002/2003 and 2000/2001 respectively.
 Wildcats competed at the U15 level last year in Ontario; finished their season in the Top 15 teams in Ontario out of approximately 100 If the last few NBA drafts have shown anything, they have shown that Canadian Basketball in general is getting stronger. Several of the top overall picks have been Canadians over the last few years and going forward Canadian Basketball is only going to get stronger on the world stage.
AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union which is the main organization for youth sports in the United States. Teams that compete in the top tournaments in the AAU have some of the top talent in North American and many of these players go on to play basketball at the collegiate level offered through scholarships.
Thornton, President of the Wildcats, took over the club for the 2014-2015 season. In just one year, he and his right-hand man Rob Bowman have been able to change the image of the club; giving it a much needed makeover.
Thornton’s plan is to raise Wildcats Basketball Club to The Premiere Basketball Club in the Hamilton and Surrounding area. “Hamilton has some great basketball talent and it is a shame that more young athletes don’t get the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the right scouts and coaches”, says Mr. Thornton.
The Wildcats competed at the U15 level last year in Ontario (Born in 2000), finished their season in the Top 15 teams in Ontario out of approximately 100 teams that competed at that age group. Five years ago this team was one of the lowest rank teams in the province. “Our accomplishments and improvement only testify to the hard work and dedication that my players have put in almost 12 months per year over the last 2 seasons”, said Thornton.
Both Showcase AAU teams that Wildcats Basketball will be launching for the 2015-2016 season will compete from October 2015 through to the end of July 2016.
These teams will train a minimum of twice a week in the Hamilton area and will compete in exhibition games and tournaments in Ontario. They will then compete in the CYBL (Canadian Youth Basketball League) which is a league designed for the top Canadian teams to prepare for their U.S. Tournament Schedules.
 The creation of two AAU Showcase basketball teams opens up an opportunity for young Burlington players to grow with the sport. From April through to the end of July 2016, both the Showcase Wildcats teams will travel to the U.S. where they will attend “Live Tournaments” such as Motown Showdown in Detroit, The Chicago Classic, King James Shooting Classic and others. Live tournaments are tournaments where there are numerous, sometimes dozens of College and University scouts from NCAA schools in Division 1, 2 and 3. Teams like this don’t offer any promises for the athletes that play on them, but at least there will be a second organization in the Hamilton Area that is willing to commit the time and resources to young athletes, helping them get in front of College and University scouts for the purpose of earning scholarships.
Thornton will be starting tryouts for these Showcase teams starting as early as September 8, 2015 at McMaster University. For information on locations and times for tryouts visit hamiltonwildcats.com and look up U16 for the 2000/2001 age group and U14 for the 2002/2003 age group.
 By Staff
August 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Kitchener Panthers defeated the London Majors 9-2 to take the semi- finals in the InterCounty Baseball League. They will now play the Barrie Baycats in the final round.
 Kitchener Panthers defeat London Majors in the InterCounty Baseball League semi- final Photo credit: Ian Stuart The league announced the schedule for the 2015 final between the first-place and defending champion Barrie Baycats and second-place Kitchener Panthers:
Tuesday, Aug. 25 @ Barrie 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 27 @ Kitchener 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 29 @ Barrie 7 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30 @ Kitchener 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 1 @ Barrie 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 2 @ Kitchener 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 3 @ Barrie 7:30 p.m. =
 By Staff
August 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Intercounty Baseball League is a game away from knowing who the two finalists are going to be.
The Barrie Baycats beat the Toronto Maple leafs which makes them one of the finalists.
 The London Majors forced a seventh game against the Kitchener Panthers after their 5-3 Friday night.
Burlington dropped out of the race when they lost to the London Majors in the quarter finals.
The league has seen most of the games in this race to the final tightly matched with no one taking a series in a clean sweep.
Things have also gotten a little feisty on the field with the league suspending both players and a coach as the result of more excitement than is allowed when Kitchener played London on August 19th.
The game to determine the second finalist will be played in Kitchener at 7 pm on Saturday.
By Staff
August 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Bandits didn’t make it out of the quarter finals – but that doesn’t mean Burlingtonians don’t have an interest in the semi-finals games of the Intercounty Baseball League.
 The Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team forced a game 7 after 18-6 win over the Barrie Baycats. Trailing 3-2 going into the bottom of the fourth, the Leafs scored nine runs in their half inning to blow the game open and eventually tie the best-of-seven series at three games apiece.
Toronto had six home runs in the 23-hit offensive onslaught. First baseman Jon Waltenbury and centre-fielder Tyler Mitchell each went deep twice. Waltenbury finished with six RBI and scored three runs, and Mitchell, who added a double and two singles, had four RBI and four runs.
The Kitchener Panthers are battling the London Majors; that series is tied 2-2. Game 5: Thursday, Aug. 20 @ Kitchener 7:30 p.m.; Game 6: Friday, Aug. 21 @ London 7:35 p.m. and if necessary, Game 7: Saturday, Aug. 22 @ Kitchener 7 p.m.
 By Staff
August 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Maple Skate Park will be closed from Aug. 31 to Oct. 17, 2015 for park improvements.
Construction to update the park will include the installation of a new feature called a “wedge roll-in”; unveiling of the improvements is scheduled for mid-October.
 Ward Councillor Blair Lancaster and Mayor Rick Goldring put their political reputations on the line and stand on skate boards. Is there one foot on the ground there? The improvements to the park were made possible with the support of the GWD Foundation for Kids, the City of Burlington and the Maple Tribute Project community group. They raised more than $10,000 to honour the memory of Andrew McKay, an avid member of the Maple Skate Park community, who passed away in 2013.
 This is how they do it. During the closure, the City’s other skate parks will remain open. Visit www.burlington.ca/parks for locations
By Staff
August 14, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
We are having our share of rain – and it is interrupting what people can do in the parks
The following Sport fields are closed on Friday August 14, 2015:
Ireland D1 & D2
Millcroft D1 & D2
Nelson D1
Sherwood Forest D1, D2, D3, D4
 By Pepper Parr
August 12, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Now that we know a little about the three young girls in Burlington who will be taking part in the CNE Rising Star Talent contest – we can tell you something about what they are facing at this competition.
There are several hurdles these young girls have to go through to make it to the top.
 Olivia Koren on the left and Poppy Munro on the right loosen up as they get ready to take part in the CNE Rising Star event at the end of the month. They got into the competition by sending in an application with a video – judges looked at everything and invited specific people to attend.
There are 48 contestant in the Junior class and 72 in the Youth class.
The Rising Star contest is for singers and dancers. Michael Bubble, the crooner, was a winner in the singing competition many years ago
All the girls from Burlington are in the Junior class; thy are all dancers.
All the action is on the International stage at the Enercare Centre on the CNE grounds. No cost to get in but you do have to pay to get into the CNE.
 Lauren Salt’s pink cast will be gone by the time she is ready to take her place on the stage at the CNE Rising Star Talent event at the end of the month All the shows take place at 6:30 pm
Preliminary judging takes place on August 21st to the 24th
Semi finals are on August 31st and September 1st
Finals for the Junior level are on September 5th.
The contestants will be judged on their natural ability – 20%
They will be judged on the staging and showmanship of their performance; 20%
The audience will tell what they liked – 20% of their mark comes from the audience
The judges give 40% based on the quality of the performance.
The Gazette will follow their progress and let you know how they do.
April 12, 2015
By Justin Lethbridge
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite giving London everything they could handle, the Bandits were unable to complete the comeback and were eliminated from the playoffs after a 5-3 loss. After two straight wins and a rain delay, Burlington and London met at Labatt Park for game seven on Tuesday night where the Majors punched their ticket to the semifinals.
 Coach Kyle grew the team to the point where they put up a solid fight against a team they were not able to beat all season – pushed them to a seven game playoff series. Burlington put up a good fight thanks to another RBI by leageue leader CF Shaun Cooper and runs by SS Keith Kandel, DH Adam Odd and C Kevin Hussey. Bandits pitchers Dylan Perego, Blake Weston and Brandon Catena allowed a combined nine hits and five runs while earning two strikeouts through eight innings.
London only needed eight at bats to come away with the victory thanks to another strong performance from pitcher Luis Pina who had six strikeouts while only allowing six hits and three runs through 7.2 innings of work.
Offensively CF Chris McQueen led the way with two runs and one RBI.
 Bandits owner Scott Richardson saw his team make the London Majors work for the quarter finals win. The Bandits didn’t make the finals last year – progress. Despite entering the playoffs 0-5 against London, Burlington came within a win from semifinals.
Burlington’s success came off of CF Shaun Cooper’s league leading four home runs and 12 RBI’s.
Unfortunately for the Bandits, London’s pitching was just too good with Luis Pina and Oscar Perez combined for 33 SO’s.
The Bandits proved to be a plucky team when they got into the playoff rounds – they battled back again and again; pretty good for a team that wasn’t in the playoffs at all last year.
London plays the Kitchener Panthers in the semifinals starting Thursday in Kitchener.
The other semifinal got started with the Barrie Baycats etching out a 1-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
By Staff
August 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Nelson Pool will not be opened at all this summer and into the immediate future due to structural tank deterioration.
Nelson Outdoor Pool, which first opened in 1963, was scheduled to open again this summer. As part of preparing for the summer opening, city staff conducted a pool inspection after the winter season. The pool tank’s structure is made of steel and is fitted with a commercial grade pool liner. The steel structure has corroded beyond repair and has been deemed unsafe for public use by a structural engineer. Attempts were made to see if any short term solutions could be found for this summer season however, repair measures were too extensive. The tank was scheduled for replacement in the capital budget in 2019.
“The pool was to reopen June 13, but with two severe winter seasons back-to-back, the steel tank at Nelson Pool has seen an accelerated rate of deterioration,” said Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation. “Ensuring public safety is our top priority, and thus the need to keep Nelson Pool closed. Plans were made to accommodate program participants and renters at other city pools.”
Accommodations have been made to offer additional recreational swimming times and lessons at other city pools. Nelson Wading Pool and Splash Pad are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Sept. 7, 2015.
Staff will conduct a formal review this fall of Burlington pool users’ needs with a primary focus on summer use. The review will analyze the impacts of Nelson pool being closed and will compare user data from previous years. Capital works will prepare preliminary design and cost scenarios for consideration.
The city will ask pool users and the community for feedback that will be taken into consideration when staff make a formal recommendation to committee and council later in the year.
By Staff
August 11, 2015
BURLINGTON,
 The seventh game in the first round best out of seven games series between the Burlington Bandits and the London Majors was cancelled due to weather.
The game will be played Tuesday in London, Ontario.
By Justin Lethbridge
August 9th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
A tremendous effort by Pitcher Steven Dressler, earned the Bandits a 9-4 win to even their series against the London Majors and force a game seven. Dressler pitched 7.2 innings allowing seven hits and four runs, while earning five strikeouts.
After a scoreless first inning, Burlington exploded for six runs in the 2nd led by a three run blast from Centerfielder Shaun Cooper.
 Pitcher Steven Dressler, earned the Bandits a 9-4 win After a back-and-forth 5th inning, Cooper would add two run shot for his fifth run of the series. Cooper leads the IBL with 11 RBI so far in the playoffs.
While London would score two runs in the eighth, Burlington had the game in hand.
Brandon Catena came in for the save and through 1.1 innings allowed no hits while earning one strikeout. Despite being down 3-1 to the higher seeded Majors, the Bandits have rattled off two straight wins in convincing fashion to force a seventh game in London.
Since losing the first game of the series, Burlington has dominated the Majors in London, outscoring them 15-3 in the last two games at Labatt Park.
 Burlington is one strong performance away from a birth in the semifinals. The final game of the series goes at 7:35pm Monday night, in London.
The Bandits were not able to win a single game against London during the regular season – now they are one win away from taking the quarter finals.
The winner of the Burlington – London series series will play the 2nd seeded Kitchener Panthers in the semifinals.
The other semifinal series will be the Barrie Baycats vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs.
By Justin Lethbridge
August 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
A tight defensive game resulted in the Burlington Bandits shutting out the London Majors 3-0 to force a game six in Burlington.
 The bats were big enough on Friday night to keep the team alive in what was a very tight defensive game. It was a much needed win for Burlington, not only to stay alive in the best-of-seven series, but to shutout a Majors team that has scored well against the Bandits so far this series.
It was the Bandits first win this season against London pitcher Oscar Perez who earned 10 strikeouts while allowing nine hits and three runs through nine innings of work.
Burlington’s Dylan Perego earned his second win of the series. Through eight innings he allowed six hits and no runs with three strikeouts.
Leftfielder Justin Gideon got a run in the first as well as bringing in third baseman Levi Larmour for a run in the ninth.
Centerfielder Cooper got his second home run of the series in the seventh inning.
The two teams get back at it at 1pm Sunday afternoon, at Nelson Park.
A Burlington win would force a seventh game back in London on Monday night.
 The Bandits had every reason to celebrate Friday evening – it was a remarkable win against London – and the first shut out as well – 3 -0 Marvelous! There are many that didn’t think the team was going to make it out of London Friday night – there is spunk in them yet.
 By Clinton Dixon
August 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
After a poor outing in game 1 against London,
Bandits starting pitcher Matthew St. Kitts could only manage to pitch one inning in Burlington’s Thursday night 9-2 loss to London at a Nelson Park. He gave up one run on four hits Thursday night before having to leave the game with a shoulder injury.
 The bullpen didn’t really deliver for the team Thursday night. Exactly what the Bandits had hoped wouldn’t happen, as their bullpen had been shaky the last few games, especially in middle relief.
Immediately after the pitching change the London Majors loaded the bases with no outs. Luckily for Burlington the damage was limited to just one run scored thanks to outfielder Justin Gideon. Gideon was able to record an outfield assist when he unleashed an absolute laser of a throw to gun down London’s Argenis Vargas at home; a call the Majors debated vehemently.
Bandit Coach Kyle was expecting more from the team in the quarter finals – they aren’t out yet – but they are real close, Every one of the Majors’ coaches came out to argue with Home-plate Umpire, Chris Walters, claiming that Burlington’s Catcher, Kevin Hussey, blocked the plate. London’s arguments didn’t amount to anything and Burlington was able to escape the inning down only two runs.
Unfortunately in the next few innings Burlington wasn’t able keep hold of that momentum, as London kept chipping away at the Bandits poor pitching. The inning would later come to an end thanks to some terrible base running by London’s Cleveland Brownlee.
After a routine groundball produced an out at first base, Brownlee decided to try and take home, only to be thrown out at the plate by about ten feet. The poor decision got Burlington out of the inning, but not before falling behind 4 to 0.
After giving up another run Burlington was finally able to get on the scoreboard thanks to some atrocious fielding by London. First the Majors’ Center Fielder, Julio Guzman, saw a routine fly-ball bounce off his glove; Keith Kandel managed to take second on the error before scoring on the next play – another error, this time coming from London’s Shortstop Paul Lytwynec. London would go on to record a total of four errors in the inning before recording their first out; unfortunately Burlington wasn’t able to take advantage of the sloppy play, only managing to get one run across the plate.
Things settled down from there over the next few innings of play before London blew the lead open in the eighth. Even the co-owner of the Bandits, Scott Robinson, was forced to admit that it was “a very good inning for [London].”
The Majors’ plated four runs in the inning to take a 9 to 2 lead over the hometown Bandits. The score wouldn’t change from there as London would hold on for the victory.
 The kids had a great time running the bases after the fourth inning. The loss leaves the Bandits down 3 to 1 in the series heading back to London tomorrow night; but Justin Gideon, the Bandits Left Fielder, isn’t shy about how he and the rest of the team feel about their chances going forward in the series. “I think we’re better than London. We get base runners, we just need to cash them in and I think tomorrow’s the day.”
All in all it was a strong showing for the unlucky Bandits, who feel they’ve played well against London to this point. Coach Kyle MacKinnon knows that his team can win Friday night when they make the do-or-die trip down to London. “We go in with a game-seven mentality from here on out – you lose you go home. Hopefully these guys don’t want their summer to end yet and obviously I don’t either.”
Game 5 of the Quarterfinal Series will take place at 7:35 p.m. at Labatt Memorial Park in London.
If Burlington is able to stave off elimination Game 6 will be played Sunday afternoon at Nelson Park in Burlington.
 By Staff
August 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you are of an artistic bent and you have something you would like to say about sports in Burlington there is a call for Expressions of Interest from artists for the creation of a series of permanent public artworks relating to the theme: ‘The Spirit of Sport.’
A series of three (3) small to medium-scale, exterior public artworks will be installed at three separate sports fields / facilities in the city of Burlington, Ont., Canada.
This competition is open to all Ontario-based, professional artists* and/or artist-led teams.
Click here to view the full Expression of Interest document (pdf)
You can submit your expression of interest on-line
 Burlington is currently spending on public art. This one is in the Alton community – there are to be three that are sports related installed and plans in place to put one mural in each ward. Burlington has a long history of sports excellence, on both and amateur and professional
level. The city boasts a wide variety of sports facilities, parks, fields and other infrastructure
that provide community-wide access to sport and active living. These opportunities range
from children’s programming to training for high performance athletes.
 Frank Hayden has a rich sports history – he represents what sport can be in a community. Burlington is also home to a number of notable sports figures including: Dr. Frank Hayden,founder of the International Special Olympics Movement; Melville Marks Robinson, founder of Commonwealth Games; Melanie Booth, Olympian-soccer; Angela Coughlan, Olympian-swimming and numerous professional and Olympic athletes and coaches.
 A masterful freestyle swimmer, Coughlan was 16 when she won an Olympic bronze medal in Mexico in 1968 as part of Canada’s 4×100-metre relay team. As such, sport is an important element of Burlington’s unique culture as it touches the lives of people young and old, of diverse cultures and geography.
Deadline:
Tuesday September 8, 2015
Budget:$100,000
CAD (maximum, all inclusive)
For more information:
Kim Selman: 905-548-0111 |
kim@cobaltconnects.ca
By Clinton Dixon and Justin Lethbridge
August 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
A huge comeback victory by the Burlington Bandits has given this first round series a whole new complexion. While the Majors have outscored Burlington all year, the Bandits have stuck around in most games including in Game 2. Despite losing 7-4, Burlington went toe-to-toe with London up until an eighth inning collapse.
A Bandits win on Thursday would even the series but it won’t come easily. Especially if London turns to Oscar Perez to pitch. Perez was not only their season leader in Strikeouts with 49 and 2nd on the team in wins with six, both marks good for 3rd in the league, but is 3-0 with 17 Strikeouts against Burlington this year.
Will the Bandits be able to do the high fives Thursday night when the game is over. They have a solid chance of evening up the series. While London has outhit the Bandits so far this series, Burlington’s 12 runs in the 9th inning of game three gives them the momentum. The last two games have shown Burlington that they can hold their own and if the Bandits can get it an early lead in game four, it could give them the confidence they need to overcome the higher seeded Majors.
Two things are clear going into Thursday night’s game 4 between the London Majors and the Burlington Bandits in the Quarterfinals of the IBL Playoffs.
One is that there will be a lot of runs scored; the two teams have combined to score 40 runs in the first three games alone.
The other is that this series is a long way from over. After Tuesday night’s comeback in the ninth-inning by Burlington, the Bandits still find themselves trailing 2 games to 1, but with a revitalized team that will look to make some noise going forward.
“The Box Score doesn’t really show it, but we actually hit the ball hard all night,” said Coach Kyle MacKinnon, who admits that the team was starting to become frustrated after not being rewarded for their good approach at the plate. “Once it did happen, the floodgates kind of busted open. Hopefully we can carry that over into Thursday night.”
If the Bandits do want to make a serious run at this series on Thursday night, they’re going to have to slow down two of the leagues hottest hitters – Cody Mombourquette and Paul Lytwynec, who have a combined batting average of .538 so far this series. The man who is tasked with slowing them down is Matthew St. Kitts.
 Is it an offensive game or a defensive game: the Bandits need to get early runs and then keep the momentum – they have been 9th inning heroes in the past though St. Kitts gave up 8 hits and 6 runs before he was pulled in the middle of the fourth-inning when the two teams opened their series on July 31. Even though the numbers sound terrible, Coach MacKinnon isn’t worried. “I was talking with someone else in the league; they were saying that we’re probably in pretty good shape because they haven’t seen Matt St. Kitts have back-to-back bad starts. Now obviously you don’t want to bank on that, we’ve got to do our part as well, but it’s always good knowing that the rest of the league sees how good he is and hopefully he can bring it Thursday night.”
Giving St. Kitts that help will be Keith Kandel, Justin Gideon and Adam Odd, all three are new to the team this year. Gideon and Odd have been absolute superstars this season and this series especially. Adam Odd has hit 0.333 so far this series, while fellow IBL rookie Justin Gideon has hit an outstanding 0.571 with eight hits and three runs scored. Veteran Keith Kandel has been chipping in as well, batting 0.500 in the series so far, but it’s his leadership that’s helped the Bandits more than anything else so far.
“Keith Kandel, he’s our shortsop, he’s an import from the States. He’s played the last two years in Guelph and the year before that in Kitchener – so he knows what it’s like to be in the league and to go deep in the playoffs and make a run. He’s added a calming veteran influence to our team, which is nice.” Said Coach MacKinnon.
 This is about to become an exciting series – will the public fill the stands? All that’s left in Coack MacKinnon’s eyes is the bullpen. The Coach seems confident that the Bandits can win a close game if they take a lead into the eighth or ninth-inning, but is quick to point out that his middle-relievers need to step up and deliver on Thursday.
If they’re able to do their job, there is no reason that the Burlington Bandits couldn’t come from behind and shock the London Majors, but for now they’re going to take it one game at a time.
The game will get underway Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at Nelson Park.
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