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  • ***WELCOME TO THE HOME OF THE FORMER BLIZZARD BASEBALL CLUB***
  • *****BLIZZARD MANAGEMENT CEASE OPERATIONS*****
  • *****WELCOME BACK FORMER PLAYERS AND FANS!!!!*****
  • *****FORMER BLIZZ MARK HARDY AND TAYLOR GREEN NAMED TO CANADA'S 2013 WBC ROSTER*****
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MARK HARDY TO PITCH VS TEAM USA SUNDAY AT WBC

04 March 2013:  Canada's Skipper Ernie Witt announced his pitching rotation today for Canada's 1st round pool games.  With a 50 pitch, 4 day rest limit imposed on WBC pitchers in the 1st round, whitt has decided to name 2 starters for each 1st round game.  He has decided to start two AA pitchers in Sundays Pool D game against powerhouse Team USA.  Former 2010 2nd overall pick Jameson Taillon and the Padres AA pitcher Hark Hardy will each be held to a 45 pitch limit before turning to the bullpen.  Canada also plays games Friday and Saturday vs Mexico and Italy.

 

FORMER BLIZZ BRYAN PAWLINA MAKING HIS MARK WITH THE UBC  THUNDERBIRDS

21 February 2013:  Former Blizz Bryan Pawlina, a freshman with the UBC Thunderbirds tossed five stellar performances in his debut with the varsity squad during their 1st roadtrip to California this month.  Bryan who picked up his 1st win in relief in a 7-5 win over Cal-Lutheran, has a sparkling 1.23 ERA with 6 K's over 7.1 innings pitched and has held opponents to a .120 batting average.

MARK HARDY ADDED TO 2013 CANADA'S WBC ROSTER

20 February 2013:  Former Blizz Mark Hardy has been added to the Pitching Roster for Canada's entry into the 2013 World Baseball Classic Roster.  Mark who was drafted in the 43rd Round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres played for their AA Affiliate in 2012 and was a member of Canada's WBC Qualifier squad in the fall  

TAYLOR GREEN NAMED TO CANADA'S 2013 PROVISIONAL WBC ROSTER

January 17, 2013:   

Baseball Canada has submitted to World Baseball Classic Inc. for approval, the names of 23 players to appear on their Provisional Roster for the 2013 World Baseball Classic, March 2-19. The official Provisional Roster was scheduled to be announced by WBCI on Jan. 17.

The remaining five players elected to fill out the Provisional Roster will be announced at a later date.

The roster features 12 players who played Major League Baseball in 2012 including Courtenay's Taylor Green of the Milwaukee Brewers, Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins, Russell Martin of the Pittsburgh Pirates, John Axford of the Milwaukee Brewers, Jesse Crain of the Chicago White Sox, Michael Saunders of the Seattle Mariners and Brett Lawrie of the Toronto Blue Jays.  Also being named to the roster are some familiar names with the National Team including Chris Robinson (Dorchester, ON), Jimmy Van Ostrand (Richmond, BC), Jonathan Malo (Joliette, QC) and Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC).

“I’m pleased to see that our roster consists of many players that have worn the Canadian colours before with our National Teams program,” said Canadian Manager Ernie Whitt. “The familiarity our players have with one another, and the coaching staff, will be beneficial in a short tournament like the World Baseball Classic.”

Of the 23 players, eight were part of the World Baseball Classic in 2009 which includes Phillippe Aumont, Crain, Chris Leroux, Martin, Lawrie, Morneau, Pete Orr and Saunders. Players from the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic roster include Crain, Scott Mathieson, Robinson, Morneau, Orr and Loewen.

Canada will open the World Baseball Classic against Italy on March 8 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, while other first round games will take place at Chase Field in Phoenix on March 9 against Mexico and March 10 against the United States.

At the completion of the first round, the top two teams in each of the four pools will advance to the second round.  Canada will play exhibition games against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 5 and the Cincinnati Reds on March 6 at each club’s respective Spring Training Facility.

For more information on the World Baseball Classic, visit www.worldbaseballclassic.com.

– Baseball Canada

PAUL BARTON GETS HONOURABLE MENTION FOR2012 COLLEGE ALL-CANADIAN

31 December 2012:  Former Blizz pitcher Paul Barton, pitching for Panola College Ponies

ERA W-L G-CS CG SV IP H R   ER BB SO Bat Avg.
1.70 3-4   16-12  2 1 63. 2  56 30 12 25   50   .224

FORMER BLIZZ PITCHER MARK HARDY TOSSES SCORELESS 6TH INNING IN WBC QUALIFIER CHAMPIONSHIP GAME VS GERMANY

24 September 2012:  REGENSBURG, Germany -- Jimmy Van Ostrand's roller-coaster season finished on a smashing high, hitting his fourth home run of the World Baseball Classic qualifier to guide Canada to an 11-1 victory over Germany on Monday and a spot in the 2013 Classic.

Canada's first baseman reached base four times with a homer and double to go along with four runs and two RBIs to lead the Canada attack, which scored 38 runs over the three games in Germany.  Van Ostrand went from Houston Astros training camp to the Sugar Land Skeeters -- best known as the independent-ball home of Roger Clemens' recent attempt to return to the game. The 28-year-old was then signed by the Washington Nationals and had a strong season for their Double-A Harrisburg team.  In Germany, Van Ostrand hit .538 with four home runs to go along with nine runs and 10 RBIs.

"I haven't seen a guy locked in like that for a while. But it wasn't a surprise. He's a gamer. Jimmy's a classic grinder. He will hit at every level. Hopefully an eye saw him here. That was an impressive run," said Canada catcher Chris Robinson about his roommate.

Canadian lefty starter Andrew Albers dominated the German offense, allowing one run on just two hits with three strikeouts in six innings to get the victory.  Campbell River native, Mark Hardy came on in the 7th allowing just one hit while recording a strikeout.  Tom Boleska recorded the save with a 1-2-3 8th.

"We accomplished our goal. We came in knowing we needed to win three games. You can't say enough about this team. They are gamers who played with pride and passion. We are just happy that we are going on," said Canada manager Ernie Whitt.  "This is our team. This is where we come together and play with the guys. Most of the guys on this team will not be on the team next year, but we knew how important it was for this team," said Robinson, who slugged a home run and drove in two runs.

Adam Loewen went 2-for-4 with a homer, two runs and three RBIs as every Canada player got a hit.  Germany bowed out with wins over Czech Republic and Great Britain and two losses to Canada.  "While I am disappointed, I will have my head high. We are still learning a lot and we are still in transition," said German manager Greg Frady.  "Everything about this tournament has been positive except for the two losses against Canada. We need to play more tournaments of this caliber. And we will get even better."

 

FORMER BLIZZ MARK HARDY CLAIMS PAN AM GOLD IN CANADA'S 1ST EVER WIN

25 October 2011:  Canada edged Team USA 2-1 to win its first ever gold medal in baseball at the Pan Am Games Tuesday night in Lagos de Moreno, Mex.  It was Canada’s first medal at the Pan Ams since Stubby Clapp’s crew won bronze at Winnipeg.  Canada has never won a major international senior tournament.

Former Blizzard Mark Hardy. a AA Pitcher in the San Diego Padres organization was a member of Team Canada's pitching staff. 

CONGRATS MARK!!!!!

FORMER BLIZZ CARTER BELL HEADS DOWNUNDER TO PLAY FOR THE PERTH HEAT  

24 October 2012: 

By Roberto Angotti

Like Sex and the City starlett Kim Cattrall, Carter Bell grew up in the small Vancouver Island, BC city of Courtenay.

Opting out of the A-Rod spotlight method with the usual Hollywood fanfare and paparazzi, the 22-year-old Bell chose a lower profile means of pursuing his pro career under the radar by playing for the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League.

Following the same path as Milwaukee Brewers’ infielder Taylor Green, the six-foot-one Canadian third baseman played high school ball for the Comox Blizzard, and the Parksville Royals of the British Columbia Premier Baseball League. Upon graduation, Bell was a 22nd-round selection by the San Francisco Giants in the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft but did not sign in favor of accepting a scholarship to play ball for the Oregon State Beavers.

Scouts noticed Bell early on when he donned a Team Canada uniform for the first-time at age 17. Representing his country in far away competitions held in Mexico and Japan as well as on his home turf, the BC All-Star chose the 2006 and 2007 NCAA National Champ Oregon State University program to further develop his craft. The decision was sound as he was selected in the 29th round of the 2011 June amateur draft and signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks following his junior year at OSU.

Hitting .270 in 41 games with eight doubles, two triples, one home run and 17 RBIs, Bell’s pro debut with the 2011 class-A Yakima Bears catapulted him to class-A Visalia Rawhide in 2012. In Cal League play, he batted .259 in 81 games with 11 doubles, one triple, four home runs and 36 RBIs.

The road leading Down Under to the Perth Heat originated back in Oregon, where Bell played for former Perth Heat manager and long-standing Corvallis Knights skipper Brooke Knight after his first year at OSU. In his limited 10 games of 2009 West Coast League action, Bell hit .303 (10-for-33) with three RBIs before suffering a season-ending concussion.

Knight credits his best friend since his college days in playing ball together at Oregon State, Mike Thurman, for pointing him in right direction  north of the border to find the Victoria-born Bell, who rapidly rose to prominence in the Comox Valley Association and BC Premier Baseball before playing as a teenager for Team Canada.

Before departing to Australia to assist new Perth Heat skipper Steve Fish in preparing the reigning Australian Champions for next month’s Asia Series against its foreign counterparts from Japan, Taiwan, China and South Korea, Knight explained how Canadian Bell landed Down Under.

“To his credit, Carter took the initiative to call me and express his initial desire to play for the Perth Heat. He still considers it a privilege to take on this challenge. I told him it was the perfect winter league for him to get his body ready for spring because the ABL offers something that cannot be found anywhere else. The atmosphere and structure keeps players healthy because the league emphasizes safety first by limiting play to four games a week, which allows you to rest your body and properly heal.”

Knight also read Bell the disclaimer and warned him of the Aussie side effects:

“I told him that Australia was culturally different as well and when it gets hot in December one can get homesick real fast and start crying out for girlfriends.”

Knight feels blessed to have had the opportunity to coach such fine players as Bell in Perth and Corvallis.

“With guidance, I have luckily ended up with the right kids. Carter is a solid player. I’m waiting for him to breakout. He’s got gap power and can hit the ball well the other way. His power numbers will bump up as they did for import Adam Melker, a St. Louis Cardinals prospect.”

Melker was Carter’s teammate on Knight’s 2009 Corvallis Knights. They will reunite under Knight’s leadership on the Heat in the upcoming Asia Series on Nov. 8-11 in Busan, South Korea.

Melker hit 10 home runs for Double-A Springfield in 2012 as compared to none in 2011. Knight believes in Bell, saying: “He’s got a chance to make a difference. Carter has good range and can play the corners, not to mention he’s a Team Canada All-Star shortstop.”

3 FORMER BLIZZ NAMED TO CANADA CUP TEAM

 

22 July 2011:  Three former Blizzard players were named today to the Team BC Roster for the 2011 canada Cup to be played in Moncton NB.  Canadian Jr National Team member Clayton Isherwood anchors the pitching staff for Team BC.  Fellow Parksville Royal pitcher, Bryan Pawlina will also join the pitching staff after posting a breakthrough season with the Royals in the PBL.  Former Blizz SS, Josh Croft will also be joining the club in Moncton.  Clayton has vast experience on this stage having won the Gold Medal at the Pee Wee Westerns and Bantam Nationals.  He was also a member of the 2010 Club as well as two years on the Jnr National Squad.  Bryan played in the Pee Wee Tier II Westerns and Josh the Tier I Westerns in 2007.

Best of luck to the boys.  You do the Blizz proud!!!!

 

 

 

 

CLAYTON ISHERWOOD MAKES JNT DEBUT VS THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS PROSPECTS CLUB

18 Oct 2010:  Clayton Isherwood made his Junior National Team Debut on Monday vs the Blue Jays prospects at Disney World in Florida.  Former JNT member Dalton Pompey led off with a triple and later scored on a single  in the 6-0 Jays win. 

 

Clayton settled down from there tossing scoreless innings in the 2nd and 3rd in his 1st scheduled appearance.  Each of the pitchers are scheduled for 3 innings.  Overall, Clayton gave up 2 hits, a walk, and one run while striking out 1 Jay.

Next up, Clayton is scheduled to pitch the 1st 3 innings on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves Prospects who beat the JNT 13-0 on Tuesday.  All games are at Disney World in Orlando.

 

CONGRATS TO CLAYTON ISHERWOOD ON BEING INVITED TO JNR NATIONAL TEAM CAMP

31 August 2010:  Clayton Isherwood follows in the grand tradition of Former Blizzard Players being invited to the Canadian Junior National Team Selection Camp in Orlando Florida in October.  Clayton follows in the footsteps of former Blizz as Taylor Green, Carter Bell, Paul Barton, and Ethan Stewart who have donned the National colours.

Clayton was also selected to participate in the 2010 Mizuno Camp in Toronto which is used to identify up and coming players for the Junior National Team program as well as the 2012 MLB Draft. Clayton was selected through his play for Team BC's Gold Medal winning team at the 2010 Canada Cup, held in Kindersley Saskatchewan. Clayton went 1-1 9.1 IP 1 ER 12 K 0.75 ERA over the Tournament. 

 

MARK HARDY AND ETHAN STEWART BECOME 4TH AND 5TH BLIZZ DRAFTED IN MLB

9 June 2010:  Mark Hardy Senior UBC (2001-03) and Ethan Stewart Freshman New Mexico JC (2004-05) became the 4th and 5th Blizzards to be drafted by MLB teams today.  Mark, who is the Blizzard Career strikout leader, went in the 43rd Round to the San Diego Padres.  Ethan who is also a pitcher was taken by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 47th Round.  Both ex Blizz are from Campbell River. 

 

TAYLOR GREEN BECOMES 1ST BLIZZ TO PLAY FOR MLB CLUB!!!!!

 

It was Miller time for Taylor Green when he joined the Milwaukee Brewers for their final two MLB preseason exhibition games on the weekend.

The former Comox Valley Blizzard infielder saw action in both games with the big club against the Detroit Tigers at newly renovated Miller Park in Milwaukee, pinch-hitting for first baseman Prince Fielder. He got in one at-bat both games, reaching base both times but was left stranded both times. The Brew Crew swept the Tigers, winning 3-2 Friday and 13-12 Saturday.

It was a great way to wrap up spring training for the 24-year-old Green, who is expected to start the season with AA Huntsville Stars of the Southern League in Alabama. MLB teams have two training camps, minor league and major league, explained Taylor’s father, Bill.

“Most players, except the big shots and a few select invitees, go to minor league camp ... that’s all the rookie, A, AA and AAA players. Taylor had been in the minor league camp and had been doing well. He was playing on the AAA Nashville roster,” Bill Green said.

In the third week of March, the major league camps are whittled down to a very select group of proven major leaguers and three or four other prospects.

“Players are being sent back to minor league camp. So, Taylor (playing on the AAA roster) felt that as soon as players were released from the Major League camp, he would be displaced to the AA roster. This is usually what happens,” explained Bill Green.

However, on March 22 while in Minor League camp he was told to pack his bags and go over to Big League camp. He thought he was just being invited over for a game that day with the Big League team. (The previous week in Phoenix, Taylor had been invited to play in the big league games against the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants).

“He was wrong ... it wasn’t a one-day invite ... it was ‘Pack your bags son, you’re now on the Big League spring training roster!’” Bill Green said. “Taylor said his feet barely touched the ground as he walked into the dressing room with Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Trevor Hoffman, Greg Zaun, etc.etc. And the $1,000/week meal money is a lot better than $20/day in the minor leagues!” Bill Green added.

That kind of move at that time, with just over a week in spring training left, is highly unusual and a real big vote of confidence, Bill Green said. “The Brewers obviously are taking a good look at Taylor fitting into the major league team right away. He played an outstanding game against the Kansas City Royals last week ... hitting a towering home run, stealing a base, and making two diving plays at third ... all in front of the GM Doug Melvin and assistant GM Gord Ash.

“What happens will all depend on a number of factors relating to trades, other players, and how well Casey McGehee, the Brewer’s present third baseman, is playing,” said Bill Green, noting McGehee has not enjoyed a stellar preseason.

Despite that, McGehee will start the season at third for the Brewers, a position where the team has good depth. Perhaps for that reason, the Brewers had been moving Green around the infield during spring training.

sports@comoxvalleyrecord.com

 

FORMER BLIZZ MAKE ROYALS ROSTER

 

02 April 2010:  The Parksville Royals have named 8 former Blizzard players to their roster for 2010.  Ashton Martin, Marcus Drewry, Clayton Isherwood, Josh Croft, Cody Egan, Bryan Pawlina, MacKenzie Parlow, and TR Doty have been named to this years squad. 

Four former Blizz made up the battery in the 2nd game of the season.  Clayton Isherwood(5 IP 1 BB 2 H 6 K), Marcus Drewry(1 IP), Josh Croft(1 IP) and Mac Parlow  behind the dish.

Congratulations and best of luck on the season guys.

 

FORMER BLIZZ MARK HARDY NAMED TO 2ND  ALL CANADIAN COLLEGE TEAM

 

28 Dec 2009:  Left-hander: Mark Hardy (Campbell River, BC) of the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds named 2nd Canadian College Team Pitcher.

Hardy was 10-1 with a 2.97 ERA, despite being out since April with an arm injury. Making 12 starts, Hardy walked 23 and struck out 61 in 69 2/3 innings. He also pitched for Canada at the World Student games in the Czech Republic and did not allow an earned run. Hardy pitched Terry McKaig’s Thunderbirds to wins over Concordia-Oregon and Corban (twice apiece), plus wins against Claremont, Patten, Lewis-Clark State, Idaho, Bethany and Idaho, before losing his final start to Lewis-Clark. He earned NAIA Region I all-conference first team honors. Hardy held opposing hitters to a .233 average.
Hardy, who pitched for the Parksville Royals and The Comox Blizzard, earned All-Canadian honourable mention honours in 2008.  Mark played for the Blizz from 2001-2003. 

 

 

FORMER BLIZZ NOLAN LADEROUTE DOING WELL IN ST ALBERT

 

 

 

Former Blizzard catcher and Comox Valley Baseball Association alumnus Nolan Laderoute has taken his catching gear east this season, accepting a spot on the St. Albert Cardinals Bantam AAA roster.

Laderoute, who began his baseball career in Spruce Grove, Alta., hosted his old friend Andrew Kotscherofski last summer and the offer was reciprocated this year. Kotscherofski, a pitcher with the Cardinals, worked out with the Blizzard for most of last summer and played in some exhibition games.

His father Bob, an assistant coach with the Cardinals, extended the offer to Laderoute to play with the club this year and he took them up on it in May.

And what an exceptional season it’s been.

The Cardinals have gone 50-7-1, including a silver medal at a tournament in Regina, the gold medal at the BLE Tournament in Oliver, the Bantam AAA league crown and a berth in the Western Canadian Tier I tournament in Port Coquitlam from Aug. 21 to 25. Game reports from the St. Albert Gazette show that Nolan is a big part of that success.

Head coach Greg Reiniger stated in one recent article that “with Nolan, we were expecting big things from him. And he delivered.”

After the game, Reiniger continued a new tradition this season with his players.

Former Cardinal Landon Burt passed away in April after a 15-month battle with brain cancer. In his honour as a player, mentor and coach for two years, Reiniger began the Landon Burt Award of Courage. A process similar to what some college clubs do, after every week or two, Reiniger will give Landon Burt Award stickers to players for exceptional performance on the field in categories not just statistical, but also the unsung details like sacrifice bunts and great defensive plays.

Laderoute has been among these recipients, earning stickers for his on-base percentage and batting average.

Coach Kotscherofski states, “Nolan has had a very good summer. He has shown consistent improvement as a catcher and his bat has kept him in the lineup on days when he’s not scheduled to catch. He has widened his stance and taken a lot of lower body motion out of his swing. The result is he’s seeing the ball better, staying back and making good contact. He’s been a clutch hitter in the second half.”  He has also been dedicated to changing his arm slot and has improved his throw to second. He's starting to have more success throwing runners out and that's a big asset since Bantam Ball here with 80ft base paths can turn into a track meet if you can't hold runners. Nolan has no hesitation at all throwing to bases at all so accuracy is most important for him.

"We just finished the Alberta Zone playoffs where our zone finished 4th. It was disappointing as we were the favourite going in but Nolan had a great weekend catching in 3 of 4 games and also gathered a few innings in left field. At the plate, he was 7 for 10 with 2 walks. I believe he will carry this into the Westerns in Poco and end his season with us on a good note," he added

 

FORMER BLIZZ PAUL BARTON DRAFTED IN 39TH ROUND

11 June 2009:  Congratulations go out to Paul Barton as he became the 3rd former Blizzard to be drafted in the MLB Draft.  He follows in the footsteps of Taylor Green (25th Round Milwaukee Brewers 2005) and Carter Bell(22nd Round San Francisco Giants 2008).  Paul was drafted in the 39th Round by the Cincinatti Reds of this years MLB Draft.  He is currently a member of the Parksville Royals and the Canadian Junior National Team...

 

FORMER BLIZZ MAKE ROYALS ROSTER

Congratulations to Former Blizz Paul Barton and Kyle Rosenke on again being part of the roster of the 2009 Parksville Royals Premier Club.  Paul Barton continues the tradition of former Blizzard players playing with the Canadian Junior National Team.

The Junior Royals named 8 former Blizzard players to their roster for 2009.  Ashton Martin, Marcus Drewry, Clayton Isherwood, Josh Croft, Cody Egan, Bryan Pawlina, MacKenzie Parlow, and TR Doty have been named to this years squad.  Best of luck on the season guys.

FORMER BLIZZ PLAYING COLLEGE BALL IN 2009

Congrats to the following former Blizzard players playing College Ball this year.  Mark Hardy UBC, Carter Bell Oregon State University, Rob Alksne Okanagan CC, Chris Makowichuk Kwantlen College, Mike Tomlinson Thompson Rivers U,  Ali Simpson Bethune-Cookman U, and Bruce Biro Douglas College.  Best of Luck on the season guys.  

 

MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCE DEMISE OF THE BLIZZARD

30 January 2009:  The Management of the Blizzard Baseball Club announced today that the Blizz will cease operations for the 2009 Season.

It was felt that with no support from Campbell River, Oceanside/Alberni creating their own program, that it was in the team's best interests to shutdown the program.  Management searched exhaustively to find someone take over the program but there was no one with the needed credentials who was remotely interested.  It is unfortunate as there was a core group of returning players who would have been quite competitive leading one Mainland Head Coach to list the Blizzard as one of the top four pre-season Bantam AAA Clubs.

It is hoped that someone will resurect the Club in the future.  All the best for 2009 to the 9 players eligible to return to Bantam.  Hopefully you all will find somewhere to play in 2009........

 

BLIZZ NAME ANNUAL AWARDS WINNERS

24 AUG 2008:  THE BLIZZARD HELD THEIR 2008 WIND-UP ON SUNDAY.  AS EXPECTED, CLAYTON ISHERWOOD TOOK HOME A GOOD CHUNK OF IT CAPPING OFF A SPECTACULAR SEASON WHICH SAW HIM WIN GOLD MEDALS IN THE BC SUMMER GAMES AND BANTAM AAA NATIONALS.  FINISHING OFF WITH A 1.11 ERA ON A TEAM RECORD 151 STRIKEOUTS AND A 7-3 RECORD GARNERED CLAY THE TEAM PITCHING HONOURS.  A TRIPLE CROWN WINNING SEASON (.338 BA 36 RBI, 8 HR) TOOK THE BATTING TITLE AND HE WAS ALSO AWARDED THE OVERALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR HONOURS.  COACH KENNY ALSO PRESENTED CLAYTON WITH HIS 100 STRIKEOUT BALL (58.67 IP).

MARCUS DREWRY PICKED UP THE TEAM GOLD GLOVE AWARD FOR DEFENSIVE PROWESS.  MARCUS HAD A .971 FIELDING AVG WHILE BEING THE ONLY BLIZZARD TO PLAY ALL NINE POSITIONS IN 2008. HE ONLY MADE 5 ERRORS IN 244 INNINGS PLAYED.

RYAN FAIRGRAY TOOK HOME THE MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD. HAVING NEVER PLAYED REP BALL BEFORE, RYAN STEADILY IMPROVED HIS GAME WORKING HIS WAY INTO BECOMING ONE OF THE TOP DEFENSIVE CATCHERS ON THE CLUB.

MacKENZIE PARLOW WAS SELECTED FOR THE COACHES CHOICE OF BLIZZARD MOST DEDICATED PLAYER.  MAC'S TIRELESS EFFORT TO IMPROVE HIS GAME WHILE WILLINGLY ASSUMING ANY ROLE GIVEN TO HIM BY THE BLIZZARD COACHES CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO THIS AWARD.  HE EXEMPLIFIED ON THE FIELD WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BLIZZARD.

NOLAN LADEROUTE'S WORK WITH THE CVBA MOSQUITO HOUSE LEAGUE AS AN ASSISTANT COACH AND HIS WORK WITH THE MOSQUITO CARDINALS AAA TIER II CLUB, WERE RECOGNIZED WITH THE BLIZZARD COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD.  NOLAN EXEMPLIFIED WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BLIZZARD OFF THE DIAMOND AND HAS INSPIRED MANY YOUNG CVBA PLAYERS TO DREAM OF PLAYING FOR THE BLIZZARD.

ISH WINS GOLD AT THE NATIONALS

20 AUG 2008:  AS AN ENCORE TO HIS GOLD MEDAL HE RECEIVED AT THE BC SUMMER GAMES, CLAYTON ISHERWOOD CAN NOW ADD A BASEBALL CANADA NATIONAL GOLD TO HIS TROPHY CASE. 

CLAYTON JOINED THE BC BANTAM AAA CHAMPS VICTORIA VIPERS IN THEIR RUN TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN AUGUST.  CLAYTON PLAYED SOME 1ST BASE IN THE GAME AGAINST NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR  GOING 1/2 WITH A WALK AND 2 RBI'S IN THE 36-1 WIN.  HE ALSO TOSSED A 2 HIT SHUTOUT(4-0) AGAINST THE BRONZE MEDAL WINNING HOST CLUB FROM LANAUDIERE QUEBEC.  VICTORIA BEAT TEAM ONTARIO 4-3 IN THE FINAL. 

THE BLIZZARD CONGRATULATE CLAYTON ON HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AND ARE PLEASED WITH HOW WELL HE REPRESENTED THE BLIZZ ON THE NATIONAL STAGE.....

BLIZZ GO 2-2 AT PROVINCIALS

05 AUGUST 2008: For the 1st time since 2001, the Blizzard headed to the Bantam AAA Provincials. Qualifying after coming in 2nd place in the Island Division, the Blizz were in the A Pool along with the Richmond Red Sox, Cloverdale Spurs, Ridge Meadows Royals, and the Rutland Rockies. The Blizz opened up their Provincial run on Thursday 31 July against the 4th Seed, Cloverdale Spurs.

Needing to start out with a win, the Blizz sent their pitching ace, Clayton Isherwood to the mound and he didn't disapoint. Facing the Spurs number one chucker, Devon Olson, Clayton gave up only 3 hits while striking out 14 on his way to a 1-0 complete game shutout win. Olson on 5 hits and 8 strikeouts battled Ish all the way with both hurlers picking up their team's respective MVP awards. The Blizz got all the offence they needed when lead-off hitter Ashton Martin stroked an 0-2 offering to right. Martin advanced to 3rd on a Josh Croft single and scored on a wild pitch.

The Blizz had the early game on Friday against the Wild Card Tourney winner, Rutland Rockies. After a 2 and a half hour delay, the game finally got going and Martin and Croft were at it again. Martin led off with a single and Croft followed up with a double. An Isherwood infield out put the Blizz up by 1 to open the game. The Rockies tied it up at 1 with an unearned run in the bottom half of the inning. On the mound, Marcus Drewry was weaving his magic. He went 6 and a third innings on 6 hits, 7 strikeouts and 1 earned run. He would be named the Blizzard MVP for the game. With the score knotted at 1 in the top of the 3rd, Dillon Robson singled to center to start the inning off. Josh Croft singled him in to get the go ahead run. Clayton Isherwood then took the next pitch over right center for the 1st homerun of the tournament and a 3 run lead. Not to be outdone, the Rockies led off with a triple, then cashed in 2 runs with an error and a double to pull within one. drewry dug deep and struckout a pair to preserve the lead. The game see-sawed back and forth with the Blizz and the rockies stranding 6 runners apiece. In the bottom of the 7th, Drewry fanned the 1st Rockie batsman then allowed a pair of baserunners with a hit and a walk. Sensing that his pitcher had run out of gas, Coach Kenny went to the bullpen and with 1 out and 2 aboard, Bryan Pawlina got the call. He pronptly induced a flyout to the centerfielder Ashton Martin. Thinking there were 2 outs, the Rockies baserunner took off for 3rd and was headed for home when Martin relayed the ball into 2nd baseman Garrett Brandsma for the game ending doubleplay.   Drewry got the win and Pawlina the save.

Again the Blizz would be forced to postpone their 2nd game of the day, finally taking the field at 7:30 against a well rested Ridge Meadows Royals. In a twist brought on by the weather, this was the 1st game of the day for the Royals. This combined with a costly 1st inning error proved to be the ultimate undoing for the Blizzard. After giving up 2 unearned runs in the 1st, the Blizz came back with 4 of their own in the top of the 2nd frame. Nolan Laderoute led off with a walk and was cashed in on a Bryan Pawlina double to the gap. ryan Fairgray and Pawlina then scored on a Josh Croft double off the fence in right center. Croft then scored when the third baseman muffed an Isherwood grounder. The blizz added another in the 4th when Marcus Drewry cashed in Croft to go up 5-2. The Royals picked up a pair in the bottom half and took the lead on a 3 run homer in the 5th. The Blizz made a last ditch effort with Clayton Isherwood's 2nd homerun of the tourney, an opposite field smash to make the score 8-6 but that's all they could muster. They gave it a valiant try but in the end, there was no gas left in the tank. Adam Riley got the start on the hill and put in 4 hard fought innings. MacKenzie Parlow kept the game close behind the dish and threw out a baserunner at 2nd. Bryan Pawlina got the MVP honours for his RBI double and defensive play at 2nd.

Needing a win on Saturday morning against Richmond, the young Blizz had nothing left. They hadn't finished Friday's game until 10:30 PM then were back at the field at 8:00 AM. The Red Sox took it to the Blizz all game long. Josh Croft went 2/3 with a homerun while pitching a scoreless 5th inning and garnered the game MVP. Both clubs finished with 2-2 records and finished tied for 2nd in their pool. Richmond advanced on the head to head, but the Blizz had nothing to hang their heads over. They fought for and received some real respect at the tournament while finishing 6th overall. With 9 possible returning players, they should be a force to be reckoned with in the Bantam AAA Division. A few players will be extending their seasons. Clayton Isherwood has been picked up by the Provincial Champion Victoria Vipers for the Nationals in Mascouche Quebec. Bryan Pawlina, Cody Egan, and Adam Riley have been chosed to play for BC Team Blue at the 2012 Draft class Tournament in Oregon in august as well. The Blizzard Coaching Staff would like to thank all the parents who helped out this year in so many ways. They would also like to thank the Anco Motel and the Comox Valley Lion's club for their financial support. And to the graduating seniors, Ashton Martin, Marcus Drewry, Garrett Brandsma, and Ryan Fairgray, best of luck in your baseball future

FORMER BLIZZ MARK HARDY TOSSES GEM FOR TEAM CANADA

23 JULY 2008: Team Canada, representing Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), defeated the Czech Republic, 4-0, at AVG Draci Brno Field, in Brno, CZ. Team Canada improves to 2-3 at the 4th annual World University Baseball Championships while the Czech Republic falls to 1-4.

Team Canada came into tonight’s game knowing they needed a victory to keep their medal hopes alive. That is exactly what the team did; they played a complete game pitching, hitting and defense to eliminate the host Czech Republic from advancing to the medal round and now with a 2-3 record they can concentrate on their one game showdown with Korea, who currently sport a 3-2 tournament record.

Again tonight the story was starting pitching. Veteran British Columbia and former Comox Blizzard LHP Mark Hardy of Campbell River, BC pitched the game of his life. The Sophomore Thunderbird struck out 15 Czech Republic batters, while walking none and giving up only three hits over 8 innings. “Mark gave us a big time performance tonight when we needed it most,” said Head Coach Terry McKaig. “Our starting pitching has come around and now won two key games for us, giving our bullpen the needed rest for tomorrow’s game against Korea.”

 

 

 

 

OUR CREDO

The Blizzard Baseball Club is associated with Comox Valley, Campbell River, and Powell River Minor Baseball Associations. It will be entering its 11th year of operation in 2008. The schedule varies from year to year with the goal being to play 50-60 games of the highest calibre possible in the Bantam age level. Players selected to this program require a strong baseball commitment, however family and school come first. The Club will take part in the B.C. Bantam AAA League, with games played in Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan. Our home field is Bill Moore Park, situated at 2361 Kilpatrick Avenue in Courtenay, which offers 2 regulation size diamonds, complete with lights. Part of this year's plans is to host the 7th Annual Blizzard Wooden Bat Tournament during the Victoria Day Long weekend. The Club is made up of players from the Comox Valley, Campbell River, as well as players from Powell River and the North Island Associations. Players from Port Alberni and Oceanside are encouraged to try out and are eligable to play. Our goal is to ensure the development of a high level of baseball in our area with a consistent program well into the future, not simply one year at a time. Upon graduation from this development team, many players have been placed on the Parksville Royals, a Midget Premier Division team, as well as other high-calibre teams. We currently have several graduating members playing at the BCJPBL, BCPBL, College level and one in the Milwaukee Brewers Organization.

 

 

 

GREEN HAS WRIST SURGERY

 

 

 

 

01/31/09 7:44 PM EST

Third baseman forced to wear a cast for four weeks

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers prospect Taylor Green could miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery this week for a fractured left wrist.  Green, 22  a third baseman, underwent a procedure in Milwaukee on Wednesday to repair a compression fracture in his left wrist, five months after he was originally hit by a pitch while playing at Class A Brevard County. The Brewers' official word was that Green, who was the organization's Minor League Player of the Year in 2007, would be back in playing shape by May 1.

His representative is hoping for a speedy recovery. Florida-based agent Joshua Kusnick referred to the team's timetable as "ultra-conservative."  "It's my hope that he'll be ready for April," Kusnick said. "Remember that this kid is a hockey player, and he's tough. It wouldn't surprise me if he's ready to go before May 1."  Green's wrist will be in a cast for the next four weeks, Kusnick said.

 

Green originally suffered the injury in August, but tests originally showed the injury should heal with rest, and he recovered enough to play in the Arizona Fall League. Pain in his wrist persisted, and Green's AFL stint ended with a thud when he was struck by a batted ball and suffered a broken nose.  Subsequent tests revealed the compression fracture in his wrist, Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said.

"Think of it like a dent in a car," Ash wrote in an e-mail.  A very valuable car. The Brewers selected Green, a native of British Columbia, in the 25th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft and he had a breakout season in 2007, batting .327 with 14 home runs and 86 RBIs in 111 games at Class A West Virginia while earning the Brewers' Robin Yount Award, given to the organization's Minor League player of the year.

In 2008 at Brevard County, Green hit .289 with 15 homers, 73 RBIs and a .382 on-base percentage. He played amid uncertainty about his future after the Brewers traded for Indians ace CC Sabathia, because Green emerged early as the possible "player to be named" in that deal. By October, it emerged that Cleveland had the choice between Green and outfielder Michael Brantley; the Indians chose Brantley.

Assuming he recovers as expected, Green almost certainly will play for Double-A Huntsville in the coming season.

ideo.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6779091915635865520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANCO MOTEL OFFERING BLIZZARD PACKAGE

16 April 2008: The Anco Motel in Courtenay is offering a special Tournament Rate to all visiting Baseball Clubs during the 2008 Baseball Season. They are offering a rate of $75.00 plus taxes for Deluxe rooms (back side of property) based on up to 4 Guests in the room. These rooms have 2 Queen beds, mini-fridge & coffee makers and are non-smoking. Team members will need to advise the reservations agent that they are booking “Blizzard Tournament rate” rooms. You can contact the Anco Motel through their website at www.ancomotelbc.com or phone Toll Free: 1-877-393-2200....... 

 

CARTER BELL DRAFTED BY THE GIANTS

6 June 2008: Congratulations go out to former Blizzard Carter Bell (2003-05) who was drafted today in the 22nd Round(657) by the San Francisco Giants. Carter was the 5th British Columbian picked in the 2008 MLB Draft behind 3 Langley players and a North Shore Twin. Carter splits his playing time between the Parksville Royals and the Canadian Junior National Team which will host the 2008 World Junior Championship in Edmonton in August....

 

 

 

 

COACH K'S SAYING OF THE WEEK

"THAT'S IT I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!"

 

 

 

 

BLIZZ NEXT GAME

UNKNOWN!!!

 

 

 

NEXT PRACTICE

To be Announced.........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLIZZARD ALUMNUS NAMED TOP SHORTSTOP AT AMERICAS JNR WORLD QUALIFIEROCT 22 2007 BLIZZARD ALUMNUS CARTER BELL HAS BEEN NAMED TOP SHORTSTOP AT THE AMERICAS JUNIOR WORLD QUALIFIER. “IT WASN'T REALLY EXPECTED. I JUST GO OUT THERE AND PLAY MY GAME EVERYDAY AND HELP THE TEAM WIN, BUT IT'S A BIG PLUS,” SAYS BELL OF HIS TOP SHORTSOP AWARD. CARTER WAS A MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM AT THE WORLD JUNIOR BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFIER WHICH WAS PLAYED DURING THE LAST 2 WEEKS OF AUGUST AT IXTAPA MEXICO. CANADA LOST 6-2 IN THE BRONZE MEDAL GAME AGAINST THE US NATIONAL TEAM. CUBA BEAT MEXICO 7-0 IN THE GOLD AS ALL 4 TEAMS QUALIFIED FOR THE 2008 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS NEXT YEAR TO BE HELD IN EDMONTON ALBERTA. EACH YEAR, QUEBECOR MEDIA PUBLISHES THE ELIGIBLE LIST OF CANADIANS FOR THE MLB DRAFT LIST. THIS LIST IS COMPILED BY TORONTO SUN BASEBALL WRITER, BOB ELLIOT. RECENTLY THE 2008 LIST WAS PUBLISHED BY SLAM CANADIAN BASEBALL FOR THE 2008 DRAFT. COMING IN AT #3 WAS BLIZZARD ALUMNUS CARTER BELL. CARTER WHO PLAYS FOR THE PARKSVILLE ROYALS OF THE BCPBL, AND RECENTLY WITH THE CANADIAN JUNIOR NATIONALS IN FLORIDA, IS A 6'2" 180 LB SLICK FIELDING SHORTSTOP. BOB ELLIOT STATES THAT ALTHOUGH HE HOLDS THE NAME OF TWO FORMER BLUE JAYS SLUGGERS, (JOE CARTER AND GEORGE BELL) HE PLAYS MORE LIKE FORMER JAYS SHORTSTOP TONY FERNANDEZ. CARTER HAS SIGNED A LETTER OF INTENT WITH THE OREGON STATE BEAVERS FOR NEXT FALL...

 

 

 


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