Now that senior baseball is over for another year, (the SWBL final between Hamiota and Boissevain will be over tonight) it's time to pause, reflect and offer suggestions for improvement to this very popular summer past-time.
Now hear me out, for I believe I have a sensible and reasonable solution, especially for the MSBL - Amalgamation. For the last few years the league has functioned with only four teams, with one of them (Brandon Cloverleafs) barely able to field a team on most nights. If that team folds, or even if they don't, my recommendation would be for the other three teams to join the SWBL to form a super sized AA Senior circuit. I think it would create not only a competitive league but an exciting one.
Think about it for a second, by combining the two leagues you will have at least 12 teams, maybe more if the Brandon boys get their act together, and all of Westman would benefit from the talent on display. It would also be less of a headache and much cheaper for the ex-MSBL clubs as there would be no American imports to secure and pay (flights, wages, room and board), plus it would force teams to use and develop more Canadian pitchers. Games would be seven innings in length, not nine, something local area fans would appreciate, as most think the regular nine inning games are long, drawn-out affairs. I hope the two leagues, especially the MSBL, give it a thought as it could be a "life saver". Just sayin'!
What a week it's been for the small village of Oak River, Manitoba. After their Dodgers won the MSBL championship, their very first one, their midget team goes out and wins the Western Canada AA Midget Championships held in Alberta. For a small place to field such a talented, dedicated, and competitive team is truly phenomenal. A lot of credit has to go to the coaching staff and all the families who must have put in so much time and effort, not to mention sacrifice, for this accomplishment to be achieved.
The Oil Dome Riggers Pee Wee baseball team acquitted themselves quite well at the Western Canadian Championships, losing out in the bronze medal game. Congrats to all the boys and their supporters.
Most experts agreed it was only a matter of time, but it happened so much sooner than anyone expected. Young golfing sensation Brooke Henderson from Smith Falls, ON won her first LPGA tournament last weekend and she did it in style, winning by eight strokes. The 17 year old, who turns 18 in two weeks, has just been granted membership on the LPGA tour. The $661K she has accumulated so far this season will put her in 14th place on the money list, plus she is currently ranked #17 in the world. Pretty impressive stats indeed! Today she is in BC participating in the Canadian Open, an event that hasn't been won by a Canuck since 1973. Can she pull off tow in a row? Unlikely, but she'll be in the mix. By winning, Henderson becomes the third youngest female ever to win a LPGA event. Trivia time, name the other two golfers who won before turning 18? Also, name the last Canadian to win an LPGA event?
It was great to see Australia's Jason Day win his first major of his career, which moves him to number three in world rankings, when he won the PGA championship, edging out Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose. His personal story of how he overcame adversity to become such a great golfer is nothing short of spectacular. Because of Spieth's high finish, he now takes over from Rory McIlroy as the number one golfer in the world.
Trivia answer; Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson. Last Canadian winner, Lori Kane in 2001. Until next time...
