Kanata hits the big league.
Ontario’s Big League Provincial Championship will be held in Kanata at Walter Baker Park from July 10 to 13
File photo
Kanata hits the big league as the community hosts the Little League Ontario 2011 Big League Provincial Championship from July 10 to 13.
The tournament will host players from Kanata, Nepean, south and east Ottawa and the Ottawa valley as the Ottawa Crusaders face off against Pembroke/Petawawa and the Ottawa East Cobras.
Kanata Little League president and tournament director Rob Rathwell said his district team, the Ottawa Crusaders, which encompasses Kanata, Nepean and Ottawa West, is looking forward to hosting the championships.
“We’re thrilled to host the tournament,” said Rathwell. “This is really good baseball; it’s fun to watch.”
The tournament features three strong, competitive teams, which will make for an exciting viewing experience, he said.
“It’s going to be a very competitive three-team round robin with very little room for error.”
The Ottawa Crusaders began practicing in June after coaching staff scoured the District 2 teams for eligible players.
“You're looking for the perfect storm where they have the ability to play and are available,” said Rathwell.
“I think we’re going to be quite competitive. I certainly wouldn’t say that we’re going in as the favourite and a lot of that is based on I know the strengths of the other organizations coming in.”
The Ottawa Crusaders is made up of 13 top level players, ages 17 to 19, with about eight of them coming from Kanata.
“Do I think we have a strong team? Yes I do. Do I think District 6 and District 8 have strong teams? Absolutely,” said Rathwell. “This is where they get the opportunity to shine at this age.”
The winning team will represent Ontario at the Big League Canadian Championship, to be held in Sydney Mines, NS, on July 17. The winner of that tournament will represent Canada at the Big League World Series in Easley, South Carolina, on July 25.
The Big League Provincial Championships will take place at the Upper Kinsmen Field, located at 100 Walter Baker Park. The opening ceremonies kick off at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, with the first game starting at 2:30 p.m. The weekday games all start at 7 p.m.
“This is something unique to the west end or Kanata area where you can walk to the park and see some really good, high-caliber baseball and the price of admission is just find yourself a seat,” said Rathwell.
The Kanata Cubs junior little league team will host the District Championships on Saturday, July 16, at the Lower Kinsmen Field, located at 100 Walter Baker Park. The first game is set for 11 a.m.
jessica.cunha@metroland.com