Team Ticker:

Welcome to the Former Home of the Cobourg Cardinals Midget Baseball Club CARDINALS WIN OBA MIDGET AA PROVINCIALS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 3-1 OVER SARNIA BRAVES CARDINALS DECLARED REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS WITH 17-7 RECORD CARDS NAMED EOBA 2004 TEAM OF THE YEAR, JOSH DeMATTOS NAMED EOBA PITCHER OF THE YEAR CARDS CEASE OPERATIONS FOR 2005 DUE TO LACK OF COACH

Weather

Player of the year: (Sep 8/04) Josh "Harry" DeMattos

NAMED 2004 EOBA PITCHER OF THE YEAR AFTER 10-0 SEASON WITH 93 K'S AND AN ERA OF 0.68. JOSH WAS THE WINNING PITCHER IN THE GOLD MEDAL GAME AT THE ONTARIO MIDGET AA PROVINCIALS TOSSING A 1 HITTER OVER 7 INNINGS IN A 3-1 WIN OVER THE SARNIA BRAVES

Countdown to 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (Sep 5/14)

PICTURES WILL CHANGE EACH TIME YOU REFRESH THIS PAGE

2010

IN 2010, RUSTY MASTERS CAPPED OFF HIS CAREER AS THE CAPTAIN OF THE ELMIRA SCREAMING EAGLES.  THEY LOST TO THE EVENTUAL NCAA DIV III CHAMPION NORWICH UNIV 2-1 IN OVERTIME.  RUSTY LED THE EAGLES TO THEIR BEST RECORD IN THE PREVIOUS 10 YEARS IN 2010.

JOSH AND KEVIN ALSO GRADUATE IN 2010 FROM SALEM INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY.  THEY COMPLETE THEIR BASEBALL CAREERS AS THE NUMBER 2/3 IN TEAM BATTING AVERAGE FOR 2010.  KEVIN ALSO PITCHED IN 13 GAMES THIS YEAR WHILE JOSH SAW DUTY ON THE MOUND IN 1 GAME.

 

2008

IN 2008 RUSTY CONTINUED HIS CAREER WITH THE ELMIRA SCREAMING EAGLES WHO MADE IT TO THE NCAA DIV III FINAL FOUR.

IN BASEBALL, JOSH AND KEVIN CONTINUED THEIR CAREER WITH THE SALEM INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY TIGERS IN VIRGINIA.

BRAD KENNY TOOK UP THE COACHING REINS THIS YEAR BECOMING THE STRENGTH/CONDITIONING AND 3RD BASE COACH FOR THE NORTH ISLAND BANTAM AAA BLIZZARD OF THE BC BANTAM AAA LEAGUE.  HE RECEIVED MANY ACCOLADES DURING THE SEASON FOR HIS WORK WITH THE PLAYERS.

2007

A FEW TIDBITS AND NEWS ON FORMER CARDS FOR 2007. RUSTY MASTERS IS COMING OFF A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL FRESHMAN CAMPAIGN WITH THE ELMIRA COLLEGE SOARING EAGLES IN ELMIRA NEW YORK. RUSTY, A CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJOR HAD 12 GOALS AND 13 ASSISTS IN HIS ROOKIE CAMPAIGN COMING SECOND IN TEAM SCORING. RUSTY PLAYED LOCALLY WITH THE PORT HOPE PREDATORS AND TRENTON STING JUNIOR A CLUBS.

ON THE BASEBALL FRONT, JOSH AND KEVIN DEMATTOS ARE PLAYING BALL FOR THE SALEM INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY TIGERS IN WEST VIRGINIA.

LOCALLY A FEW OF THE CARDS ARE PLAYING FOR THE OSHAWA LEGION JUNIOR CLUB OF THE LEASIDE JUNIOR LEAGUE. A CARD TRIO ARE PITCHING WITH JOSH AND KEVIN DEMATTOS AND LEFTY ERIC SINKER TAKING THEIR INNINGS ON THE MOUND. SINKER WAS THE PITCHER OF RECORD AS THE LEGIONAIRES WON THE LEASIDE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME OVER NEWMARKET HAWKS GOING 5 STRONG INNINGS IN THE WIN... MIKE WELBOURNE PLAYED AGAIN FOR THE OSHAWA DODGERS OF THE INTER COUNTY LEAGUE.........

LOOK BACK AT 2005

5 players suited up for the Oshawa Legionaires (38-9-1) this year. The Legionaires had a successful season going 23-2 in EOBA League play. They lost 3-2 to the eventual National Champion Brampton in the Eliminations and then lost 4-3 to Champion Windsor at the OBA's. Dave Throop, Jesse Dvernichuk, Rick Cromlish, and Bryan Turpin completed their minor baseball careers there. Brad Kenny who was the starting catcher went down with shoulder problems in May after unloading 2 bombs (incl a GS & 6 RBI's) in a tourney game in Mississauga. He will undergo surgery in the fall and hopefully play for the Parksville Royals of the BC Premier Baseball League in 2006. Kevin DeMattos had a successful season with Team Ontario and Mike Welbourne and Eric Sinker played for the Whiskey Jacks after the Juniors folded making the finals of the Ontario Senior Elims..........

FIVE CARDS SIGNED BY OSHAWA LEGIONAIRES FOR 2005

Finals cuts were announced on Sunday 17 Apr for the 2005 edition of the Oshawa Legionaires Midget AAA Club. Dave Throop, Bryan Turpin, Rick Cromlish, Jesse Dvernichuk and Brad Kenny all made what looks to be an extremely impressive squad for 2005. The Legionaires went on to win the 2005 EOBA League Title, due in a big part to the former Cards on the roster. Unfortunately Brad Kenny had to pack it in, in May after smacking two big bombs in the Missisauga tourney due to a shoulder injury. He will play in BC in 2006 after fall shoulder surgery..........

UNLIKE THE EXPOS WE'RE NOT MOVING TO WASHINGTON

On a sad note, the club has decided to fold operations for 2005. With a lack of a Manager, the Cobourg Baseball Association has decided to fold the Club. EOBA Elite players, Bryan Turpin, Jesse Dvernichuk, Rick Cromlish, and Brad Kenny have decided to shop their talents elsewhere and have been sighted recently working out with the Oshawa Legionaires at Durham College. With the edition of a couple of quality Ajax players plus the Cobourg and Trenton boys, Oshawa may have a 2005 season to rival the Cardinals' 2004 tilt. Rumour has it that Dave Throop may surface on the new proposed Cobourg Junior Team. Kevin DeMattos after splitting his time with Team Ontario in 2004 has decided to play for them full time this season. No word on Roger Robert's plans for the upcoming season yet.......

PITCHER AND TEAM OF THE YEAR HONOURS ANNOUNCED

Word out of the EOBA League Offices is that the Cobourg Midget Cardinals have been named EOBA Team of the Year. (more like OBA Team of the Year) and that Josh DeMattos has been named EOBA Pitcher of the year. Presentations are to be made in Belleville at the next EOBA League Meetings set for January.

COBOURG CITY COUNCIL TO HONOUR CARDS

Cobourg City Council will honour the players of the 2004 OBA "AA" Midget Champion, Cobourg Cardinals at a ceremony on the evening of November 22nd. The ceremony will be held at Victoria Hall during a City Council meeting. At the ceremony, the City Council will present each of the members of the club with a framed memento of their season which includes an individual photo, team photo and their OBA Provincial Gold Medals..........

CARDS ANNOUNCE 2004 AWARD WINNERS

The 2004 Awards winners were announced at the annual Cobourg Baseball Association baseball banquet held at the Cobourg Legion on Sunday the 26th. Josh DeMattos was presented the MVP Award for a phenominal season which included a personal 43 and 2/3 inning scoreless streak on the way to a 10-0 record this year and an ERA of 0.65. Rusty Masters who ended the season with a .477 BA took the top batting honours for the club. Eric Sinker was awarded the top Sportsmanship and Dedication to Baseball Award for his tireless dedication to improving his skills and his endless enthusiasm both on the bench and in the field. (that and I think he's still wearing his OBA Championship Medal everywhere) In an other announcement made, The Cards Coaching Staff were named "Coaches of the Year" by the CBA Executive. (no surprise to this scribe) The club now looks forward to the Team Party and photo shoot during the Thanksgiving Longweekend..........

FOUR CARDS REPRESENT EOBA IN 2004 CANNON CUP

Bryan Turpin, Mike Welbourne, and Jesse Dvernichuk on the EOBA 18's, and Brad Kenny on the EOBA 16's took part in the recent Cannon Cup 17-19 Sep in Oakville. Jesse and Bryan took part in the skill competition with Jesse part of the winning base running relay team and a tie for 2nd in the throwing accuracy contest. Bryan took part in the home run hitting contest.

CARDINALS WIN ALL ONTARIO MIDGET AA CROWN WITH A 3-1 WIN OVER SARNIA BRAVES (INDIVIDUAL GAME WRITE-UPS BELOW)

IT WAS A FITTING END TO A GREAT SEASON

Like all good things, they must come to an end. It was a truly great season with a great bunch of men (not boys), their Coaches, and their parents and families. It was a season of great successes but more importantly, great camraderie. It is one we will look back on with great fondness. If it is indeed Coach Don Leaman's "swansong", then we will miss him but more importantly thanks for all you did, not just the stuff at the field but behind the scences as well. Trevor and Bill, see you out there next year??? Thanks for your time, your effort and your patience. As for our graduating seniors, best of luck in all your future endeavours whether it be school, sports, or more importantly life. The families, i've really enjoyed meeting and getting to know you, and you've enriched the whole experience. Thanks for all the kind words about the site, it's like I said, we all contribute in our own way.........

38 wins, 11 losses, 1 tie, .293 team batting avg, 1.76 team earned run average, 2 tournament wins (19-3-1 in tournament), EOBA Regular Season Champions, OBA MIDGET AA CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE BATTLE OF THE ACES!!!!

One game winner take all. DeMattos vs Richardson!!!! And what a pitcher's battle it was. Only 4 hits were recorded in this nail biter, 3 for Cobourg and 1 for Sarnia. In the end, 2 sagely predictions came true. One made after game 2 against Newmarket when I turned to Coach Jones and said, "this is a team of destiny" and the other that I said to Josh DeMattos on Saturday morning, "this is your weekend". As he did in every game he pitched this year, Josh did the job with a little help from his friends. In one of the biggest games of his life, he tossed a no hitter for 5 and 2/3rds innings, inducing a combination of popups and groundouts to keep the Braves at bay. In the end he fanned the last two batters finishing the game with a 1 hitter on 5 K's, and 125 pitches, as his teamates rushed the mound. Sarnia's chucker had nothing to hang his head about giving up only 3 singles while striking out 12.

The Cards got all the runs they would need in the 3rd inning. Eric Sinker made it to 2nd when the catcher overthrew the ball to 1st. Mike Welbourne then made it to 1st on a dropped 3rd strike when the catcher elected to try for Eric at 3rd. Both runners advanced on a passed ball, scoring Eric Sinker. Mike then reached 3rd when the short stop bobbled a Josh DeMattos infield hit. Again with runners at 1st/3rd, a passed ball scored Mike and JD was into 2nd. A Brad Kenny grounder to 1st advanced JD to 3rd and Dave Throop's single brought him in. The Braves got their only run in the 6th when a gapper narrowly eluded Dave Throop and Steadman who got on with a free pass scored from 2nd on the double. Kevin DeMattos made a sparkling play in the inning tossing out a Braves runner at 1st from the vertical position as he fielded a hot grounder.

THOSE GRAND SLAMS WILL KILL YA!!!!

Knotted at 3, a grand slam by Sarnia's Bloxam blew this one apart and the Cards couldn't scratch there way back. To our pitcher's credit, including Rick, that was the only home run given up in 364 innings pitched over 50 games. Josh DeMattos jacked his 1st home run of the year in the 5th and Brad Kenny with his 4th of the tournament and 6th of the season had a 2 run shot in the 3rd. JD also had a run scoring single in the 3rd when he knocked in Dave Throop. kevin DeMattos with a double in the 6th brought in Eric Sinker from 1st. JD, KD, Brad and Dave had multiple hit games in this one.

This left Sarnia, Cobourg, and Port Dover (who beat Birchmount in 9 innings 11-10) with one loss records. As per tourney rules, Port Dover and Sarnia had byes previously so Cobourg got the bye into the final. Sarnia avenged an earlier 5-1 loss to prevail and meet the Cards in the final

UNDEFEATED EH? WELL YOU'VE NEVER MET THE THROOPINATOR

Back to sunny, well at least warm Sarnia for another week of Provincials, or is it just a weekend? It's time for the battle of the Titans as we draw Port Dover. Port Dover who hasn't lost a game all season and isn't afraid to make you aware of that. Of course they've never met that left handed "tour de force", Dave "the Throopinator" Throop before have they? 11 K's later, with a wee bit of help from KD, our friends from Port Dover are looking at the wrong side of a 4-3 score and headed minus 2 players (from ejections) to a rematch with the team from Birchmount.

The Cards put up runs in the 1st, 5th, and 2 in the 6th. Eric Sinker led the game off with a double in the 1st. Pete Cortesis then sacrificed him to 3rd and he scored on a Josh DeMattos infield out. Kevin DeMattos got on in the 5th on a fielder's choice then scored from 1st when Eric Sinkers ground ball to 3rd was launched into the right corner by the 3rd baseman. In the 6th inning, Dave Throop led off with a single and was advanced to 2nd on a Rick Cromlish single. Mike Welbourne then brought him in with another Port Dover error. Mike was brought in by a Jesse Dvernichuk single.

OK, YOU CAUGHT THE ONE LAST GAME, TRY CATCHING THIS....

Game three against Birchmount, the Toronto reps, was a slugfest. After 3 and a half innings, it was 5-3 for Birchmount and the Cards starter Bryan Turpin had been roughed up and Kevin DeMattos was on in relief. The Cards needed something to energize them. It came in the bottom of the 4th. With Eric Sinker, Mike Welbourne, and Rusty Masters aboard, Brad Kenny stepped up to the plate. Still smarting from losing his walk off homer in the previous game he had that look of determination. Into a strong wind blowing in from left, he sent the 1st pitch soaring into the night for a "Grand Salami" scoring 4 runs to take the lead 8-5 and the boys never looked back. According to Basil DeMattos, "they are still selling tickets for seats on that ball". Next up, Dave Throop drove one into right and before the inning was over Rick Cromlish's double scored another pair to lead by 5. The once boiterous Birchmount bench shifted to the other side of the field and by the 6th it was a 17-7 mercy win. KD went 3 for 5 with a couple RBI's while picking up the win on the mound. Rick Cromlish went 2 for 2 with a double and 4 RBI's, Rusty Masters 3 for 4 with a walk, and an RBI, Brad Kenny ended the game with 5 RBI's and Eric Sinker scored 4 runs on a 2 for 4 night.

KEVIN DeMATTOS HERO IN EXTRA INNING WIN OVER NEWMARKET

Kevin DeMattos 8th inning double scored the winning run to decide the never ending game in the Cards favour. Scheduled to begin at 11:15 AM, the game didn't get started until 3:00 PM due to rain delays. In the top half of the 1st inning with runners aboard on 1st and 2nd for Newmarket and 2 out, the heavens opened up once again causing another rain delay. After 45 minutes of rain, the town workers stepped in and wouldn't allow the game to continue without 1 hour of drying time. At 5:00 PM, they took their time prepping the field much to many disgruntled comments heard from the stands. Starter Dave Throop was unable to go back to the mound so Rick Cromlish took down the final batter of the inning. Newmarket scored runs in the 2nd and 3rd to go ahead 2-0, but the Cards fought back in the bottom half of the 3rd with a run of their own, with Rusty Masters punching in Roger Robert who had led off the inning with a single. In the 4th the Cards scored two more to take the lead. Mike Welbourne got aboard with a free pass and Kevin DeMattos got him to 2nd with a single. Robert then loaded the bags with a walk. Welbourne scored on an Eric Sinker fielder's choice. After tagging out Robert, the 2nd baseman tried to complete the double play but over threw 1st base allowing KD to score. In the top of the 7th the Hawks loaded the bags with none out and things looked grim. The Hawks player hit a sacrifice fly to Roger Robert who caught the ball then threw to Kevin DeMattos who ran at the baserunner from 2nd tagging him out and tossed to Jesse Dvernichuk at 2nd who tagged the runner from 1st completing the team's 1st triple play.

With the game tied at 3 in the bottom of the 7th and Pete Cortesis at 1st, Newmarket elected to intentionally walk Rusty Masters to pitch to Brad Kenny. Kenny hit a towering flyball to right, sending the right fielder in high pursuit making a snowcone catch at the fence to preserve the tie. In the bottom of the 8th, with men at 1st and 2nd again, Kevin DeMattos crushed a double to right centre to score Bryan Turpin for the win as the players rushed the field to mob KD.......



BACK TO BACK JACKS (TWICE) HIGHLIGHT GAME ONE WIN OVER MISSISSAUGA SW

The Cards mercied the Titans 13-1 in 5 innings. Dave Throop took the win with Matt Coling the save. Game highlights were Rusty Masters and Brad Kenny with back to back jacks in the 1st and 3rd innings. Both picked up 3 RBI's in the game. Rick Cromlish also had 4 RBI's with a 2 for 3 night, and Eric Sinker went 2 for 3 with a walk and 2 RBI's.



CARDS TAKE ZONES 2 GAMES TO 1 OVER PETERBOROUGH TO QUALIFY FOR PROVINCIALS

Card's Ace Pitcher, Josh DeMattos celebrated his birthday in style Sunday, tossing 9 solid innings for his 9th win of the season and enabling the club to qualify for the Provincials in Sarnia. He struck out 11 in going the distance. This game marked the 1st time he has given up a run since the 6th of June vs. the Bolton Braves, an incredible streak of 43 straight innings. Josh helped himself out at the dish as well with 2 hits (1B, 3B) and a RBI.

The Cards did all their damage in the 4th inning. Mike Welbourne led off with a triple and was punched in on a Rick Cromlish single after Bryan turpin had drew a walk. Turpy was then cashed in by Pete Cortesis' sacrifice fly. A Jesse Dvernichuk single moved Rick to third where he scored on a passed ball. Josh DeMattos then helped his own cause with a triple of his own to score Cromlish. Rusty Masters then put the nail in the coffin with a single to give the home squad a insurmountable 4 run lead. The Tigers tried to chip away with a couple but a combination of gutsy pitching and tight defense shut them down for the win.

As would be expected, Hugh Sullivan went the distance striking out 13 in the loss. He gave us fits this year, striking out 51 batters in 41 innings tossing an incredible 764 pitches against the Cards.

The Cards now prepare for the Provincials in Sarnia starting on Friday. Stay tuned for more info. As it is received, it will be posted..........

CARDS DROP "THE RUMBLE AT RIVERSIDE" 5-4 IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 9TH

The rumble at Riverside never materialized as the two ballclubs settled down and played serious ball in game 2. The story of the game was the Cards hitting 4 for 20 with runners in scoring position stranding numerous runners and opportunities in a 5-4 Tigers win to even the series.

Rick Cromlish took the complete game loss on the hill, settling down after a rough 4th inning to run his season record to 6-3. Rusty Masters returned to his old ways going 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, a walk, a run scored, and a RBI. Multiple hit games were also recorded by Kevin DeMattos (2/4 1BB 1R), Josh DeMattos (2/4 1BB 1R), and Eric Sinker (2/6 1 RBI). Brad Kenny was a perfect 5 for 5 on base with a single, 2 walks, and was plunked twice (Nos. 14 & 15). Jesse Dvernichuk also had a 2 run single in the 5th. Pete Cortesis was placed on the 2 day DL Wednesday after braving the Oral Surgeon without the aid of anasthetic (well they didn't put him out) and having his wisdom teeth pulled out. Both he and Dave Throop will be available for game 3 on Sunday at Donegan Park, starting time 4 PM.........

CARDS TAKE UGLY GAME ONE OVER THE TIGERS 5-2

It wasn't pretty but they got the job done in a 5-2 game one win over the Tigers on Tuesday night. Very uneven umpiring resulted in Card's starter Dave Throop getting tossed in the 6th inning and the Tiger's Coach getting the heave-ho in the 9th. In between, the Cards provided some highlight reel defense with great diving catches by Eric Sinker in the 2nd and 3rd Innings, Rick Cromlish in the 6th, and Brad Kenny at the dugout in the 7th. The Redbirds also managed to turn a couple of doubleplays in the 2nd and the 7th to shutdown the Tigers.

The Cards got on the board in the bottom of the 1st. Eric Sinker drew a walk and was sacrificed to 2nd by Kevin DeMattos. Josh DeMattos drove a double to the gap to score Sinker. In the 4th, Brad Kenny was plunked for his team leading 13th time to get on 1st. Dave Throop moved him to 2nd with a single to right. Mike Welbourne then smacked a double to score Kenny but Throop was taken out at the plate when he tried to score from 1st. The Tigers tied the game in the 6th with 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk.

Not to be denied, the Cards came roaring back in the bottom of the 7th. Jesse Dvernichuk, in to pitch for the ejected Throop, led off with a free pass. Mike Welbourne then laid down a sacrifice bunt but the catcher decided to go for the lead runner and the throw was not in time. Eric Sinker then walked to juice the bags. Kevin DeMattos took a couple of mighty cuts and with the count 0-2, drove a fastball over the left fielders head to clear the bags for a 3 RBI double.

Jesse Dvernichuk got the win tossing three and a third innings striking out 2 while giving up a hit and 2 walks. Dave Throop threw five and two third innings giving up 7 hits, 3 walks, 2 earned runs while striking out one.

Game two goes Thursday at Riverside Park in Peterborough, game time 7 PM.............

CARDS ARE REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS DESPITE DROPPING LAST 3 GAMES OF THE SEASON

The Cards managed to hold on to a 2 game lead despite dropping their last three games of the season. Early August has been tough going with 6 games in 6 days after a rain filled July, and the team is looking forward to a well deserved rest heading into the Zones. By virtue of their regular season position, the club now gets a bye and awaits the winner of the Peterborough/Pickering series. Both series are two out of three and dates have not been announced. We are still awaiting word from the League Offices on whether there will be a playoff for the EOBA or whether the Cards will be declared League Champions. With the Provincials moved up this year and the zones to be played, it doesn't leave much time for two rounds of EOBA playoffs.

Stay tuned for further info as it is passed down........