Orillia Legion Minor Baseball snagged several top awards this weekend at the annual season-ending York Simcoe Baseball Association (YSBA) awards banquet.
In addition to individual player and volunteer award winners, Orillia was voted as the top local baseball association in the entire York Simcoe league.
The award recognizes a balance of growth, success, quality of organization and the absence of discipline required.
The Orillia minor baseball program grew from four rep teams to 10 and also increased numbers in its house league program, noted Wes Winkel, the president of minor baseball in Orillia.
He also noted two Orillia rep teams brought home silver medals from the Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) provincial championships and said not a single player or coach was ejected from a game throughout the season.
“The recognition shows what is possible when a full volunteer board pulls together and works hard to benefit youth,” said Winkel.
The 2019 board consisted of the following volunteers: Tim Timpano, Nancy Watson, Katherine Descaire, Heather Bartram, Bev Mackey, Mike Serbinek, Ed Novosky, Darrel Woodley, Darryl Molland, Terry Errico, Jooey Windsor, Amy Winacott, Mike Winacott, John Hammill, Wes Winkel, Legion rep Rick Purcell, and administrative assistant Teddi Cathcart.
In addition to the overall award, Nancy Watson brought home the prestigious Doug Sutton Volunteer of the Year award.
“Watson is constantly contributing to baseball in Orillia,” said Winkel, noting she coached two teams this summer - a T-ball team and a midget squad that captured silver in the South Simcoe league.
Watson also helped out at all three tournaments Orillia Legion Minor Baseball hosted and volunteered on special occasions like opening and closing days as well as assisting in fall tryouts.
But her largest contribution was in her role as Chief Umpire in 2019.
“On top of being a top respected umpire herself, Nancy was a mentor to all young umpires in Orillia,” said Winkel. “She taught, scheduled, monitored and even held training barbecue days for these local officials.
“After each tournament, Orillia Legion Minor Baseball received letters of praise from visiting coaches on the quality of umpiring,” said Winkel.
“All of this work makes baseball in Orillia better and makes her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”
Two Orillia players from the 14U Royals, their coach and the team were also recognized at the year-end event.
The 14U Royals, who won a silver medal at the OBAs after a stellar regular season that was followed by a league championship, won the 2019 Rep Team of the Year.
The team went undefeated in the regular season (16-2-0) and compiled a record of 38-5-4 overall when tournaments and playoffs were included.
“I’ve coached this team for the past six years, and I’ve watched them grow into great ball players and – more importantly – fine young men,” said coach Tim Timpano. “They have learned how to win and lose with dignity and respect, and they have become excellent role models for younger players in our community.”
“They held each other accountable and they supported and encouraged each other,” said Timpano, noting a heart-breaking loss in the 2018 YSBA finale inspired the team to rebound this year.
“They embraced their roles and did everything asked of them by their coaches willingly,” said Timpano, noting they had team fitness training and team practices at least twice a week in the off-season.
“Simply put, this team demonstrates the truest meaning of success – regardless of its win-loss record. It is what every coach should strive for, and I can’t imagine there is a group of young men more deserving of this award.”
Timpano was one of three finalists for rep coach of the year.
The team's top hurler, Bodhi Taylor, was also honoured as the rep pitcher of the year in the 14U division.
Taylor allowed only three earned runs in his 35.2 innings pitched this year. In 10 of his 14 appearances, he didn’t allow a single run. He also saved two very important games at OBA’s under extreme pressure.
In 12.2 post-season innings (4 appearances), Taylor had an incredible .000 ERA, and 1.026 WHIP, with one win and a pair of saves. The 2018 all-star was recognized by the Royals as their most dedicated player this year.
“Every team needs a Bodhi,” said Winkel, who described the teen as a “quiet, hard-working, respectful” leader.
“Even when his bat was quiet, he never let it affect his defence or his pitching. On the mound he was unflappable under pressure, and consistently kept opposing batters off-balance with outstanding pitch placement and change of speed,” said Winkel.
“What we admired about Bodhi most, was the way he took it upon himself while pitching to make up for his teammates’ fielding errors; an ideal teammate and a coach’s dream,” Winkel concluded.
Taylor’s teammate, Reece Boyle, was a finalist for the 2019 player of the year in the 14U division.
