Poll Results
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July 13, 2015
Thanks to a suggestion by a former OBA umpire, and follower of this site, I decided to compile a different type of ranking for the site. However, instead of ranking it myself, I reached out to players and coaches in the four major senior AAA leagues, and it turned into sort of a player/manager poll. The responses I received were very thought-provoking, seemingly genuine, and very insightful. Instead of reading what I personally think all the time (I'll still include some personal opinions here), it's nice to get a take of what the players and managers around Ontario are thinking. While I asked everyone questions about their respective leagues, a lot of people had opinions and takes on players and fields in other leagues as well. Everyone surveyed was free to select as many fields, managers and players from each category. Here it is:
* please note, unless stated- these are not my opinions.
Can-Am
Best Park(s): Lacasse Park, Tecumseh.
Players across the entire province seem to love the friendly-confines of Lacasse Park. Having played there a few times myself, I definitely agree. The grandstands and bullpens are what I remember most about the field, while current players really love the quality of the field itself. The field is well-maintained, and the atmosphere can be electric in big games.
Others to receive votes:
Woodslee Park is no longer home to a AAA team, but some Can-Am and elims games are still played there. As one player put it: "it's a gem in the middle of nowhere", and I completely agree. I remember the first time I played there in 2006. Driving to the field after exiting off the 401, I remember thinking to myself: "where the --- am I"? Then driving up the small street to the field, I was in awe. The dugouts are great, the field is in great condition, and the small-town "gem" definitely is impressive.
Cullen Field was a popular choice for a lot of people as well. Generally speaking, all of Ontario loves making the trek to Windsor every year, because of the great fields. I love the atmosphere when there are games going on at both Cullen Field and Soulliere Field at the same time during the elims.
Best Recruiter(s): Dave Cooper, Tecumseh JR; Jamie Kell, Tecumseh; Ron Smith, Windsor.
The voting on this was as close as it could possibly be. Out of ten Can-Am players/managers surveyed, the votes between the three were split evenly.
Best Manager(s): Dave Cooper, Tecumseh JR; Ron Smith, Windsor.
Before doing this, I didn't even know who Dave Cooper was. I always figured whoever was running the Thunder junior program was a good baseball guy, but I never went out of my way to find out who was behind it all. Well, now I know. Cooper is spoken very highly of. He's recognized as being a terrific baseball man who eats, lives and breathes the sport. With Cooper in charge, I'd imagine the junior Thunders will always be good- and by extension- the seniors as well.
Ron Smith also received some love, and that's not surprising at all. The Stars have been the epitome of success over the years, and they are still a first-class organization. A lot of that starts with the humble Smith.
Others to receive votes: Jamie Kell, Tecumseh
Toughest Pitcher(s) to Hit: Steve Teno, Windsor; Zack Breault, Tecumseh.
I mentioned in a tweet the other day, that this guy is just incredible. Teno does it year in and year out. It's not just the numbers with this guy. Opposing players and managers just don't like to see him on the hill. He's a fierce competitor, and he never takes a pitch off, let alone a game. Teno also received a couple of votes from outside the Can-Am League.
Zack Breault also received a couple of votes. I'm sure he would have received more if he was pitching this year. There's still a chance he might be available to pitch for the elims, but that's not for certain.
Others to receive votes: Skylar Janisse, Windsor.
Toughest Hitter(s) to Get Out: Cam Goddard, Windsor; Kevin Mailloux, Tecumseh.
Goddard kinda flies under the radar on this site, but the players and managers who see this guy on a daily basis really show him a lot of respect. He's the anchor of the lineup, and pitchers around the league are really starting to pitch him differently.
Mailloux- a former MVP- came in a very close second. Managers don't want to see this guy at the plate, and pitchers don't want to face this guy. He's an unbelievable talent, and should be around for a while- continuing to make the Thunder the most feared team in the province.
Others to receive votes: Eric Cunningham, Tecumseh; Frank Jeney, Windsor; Kris Klassen, Windsor; Curtis Lambkin, Tecumseh; Casey Power, Tecumseh.
COBA
Best Park(s): George Taylor Field, Niagara; Connorvale Park, Etobicoke.
Ten of the 13 people in COBA surveyed mentioned the Metros' home park as the best field. From the stadium feel- with grandstands, and player announcements- to the overall quality of the field, this field seemed to be a no-brainer. It's too bad the Hap Walters isn't played in Niagara Falls/St. Catharines any more, because a lot of the younger players today might not get to play at this great park.
Six of the 13 people mentioned Connorvale Park in Etobicoke. This is a legendary field, that has hosted some big events over the years. I played all my midget and junior days at this park, and my first two years of senior. In my younger days, Bob Smyth would make our parents wait til midnight if they had to, to make sure the field maintenance was in order after games. He took a great deal of pride in the field, and so did the players. While the allure of the Friday night Connorvale game still persists, there seems to be a growing sentiment that the actual quality of the field has dwindled significantly. Steve Breitner is serious about maintaining the quality of the field, but there are teams playing there every night, and maintenance has become increasingly difficult. And that's too bad, because Connorvale Park was known to be very immaculate.
Others to receive votes: Dave Dash Park, Brampton; Nelson Park, Burlington; Oakville Park, Oakville; Erindale Cardinals Field, Erindale.
Best Recruiter(s): Mark Walters/Jono Marcheterre, Niagara; Steve Breitner, Etobicoke.
The Metros' organization received votes from seven of the 13 people surveyed. Some of those people mentioned Mark Walters, and some of them mentioned new GM Jono Marcheterre. Walters had been the man in charge for quite some time, but Marcheterre took over after last season. Marcheterre got right to work, and was instrumental in bringing back Rob Nixon, Jordan Proctor and Dustin Turner. One player gave a recollection of Walters travelling to the US to watch him play, and being very honest, candid and passionate about the Metros' program. With a roster comprised of not too many local guys, the Metros have to work year in and year out to find the next batch of talent. Their hard work is definitely paying dividends and being recognized around the league.
"Whitey" was a close second, with five votes. He is described as a baseball nut, and a very hard worker. Breitner took over the Etobicoke junior program and instantly turned it around. His work with the juniors allowed him to make his senior team that much stronger, by using the talented junior teams as a feeder system. This basic principle is something that wasn't being practiced in Etobicoke for many years. Thanks to Breitner, that has changed. He works hard to keep up with everything that's going on around the province, and knows almost every player on every team. As a former player of his, I can honestly confirm that Breitner is a terrific baseball man, and very hard worker.
Others to receive votes: Mike Smith/the late Bob Kulchyk, Mississauga SW; Alex Hawley, Oakville; George Moore, Milton.
Best Manager(s): Mike Smith/the late Bob Kulchyk, Mississauga SW; Steve Breitner, Etobicoke.
Smith and the late Kulchyk received five votes for their efforts in helping make the Mississauga SW Twins one of the best programs in all of Ontario. They've exhibited nothing but success since joining the AAA ranks. A lot of people question their attitude and the way they play the game, but nobody argues the results of the team over the years.
Breitner was tied with Mississauga SW with five votes. While a lot of people feel like Breitner loses his cool a bit too much, he is still one of the most respected managers in Ontario.
Others to receive votes: Alex Hawley, Oakville; Kerry Hedden, Niagara; Greg Cranker, Erindale.
Toughest Pitcher(s) to Hit: Kyle Breitner, Etobicoke; Billy Hurley, Mississauga; Rob Nixon, Niagara.
Breitner and Hurley both shared five votes a piece. Nixon was third with four votes. Breitner also received one vote from outside of his league.
Breitner is the bonafide ace of the Rangers. When he's on the mound, they can beat any team in the province. He throws very hard, and he has the competitive fire to match. His numbers this year aren't as good as they have been in the past, but his opponents don't care. He's still a very respected pitcher when he takes the hill.
Hurley has gained the reputation of being a big-game pitcher. Opponents feel when the stakes are highest, Hurley is at his best. With a pitching staff so loaded, I had trouble pinpointing who I thought the Mississauga ace was. Turns out, the Twins' opponents think it's no contest.
Nixon's return to senior ball was announced just a couple of weeks ago, but everyone is already on notice. Only the Brants have seen him in action (ten pitches, three strikeouts), but people definitely remember Nixon from his first stint with the Metros a few years ago. He has bounced around MLB farm systems, and word is he is even better than he was in his first tour of duty.
Others to receive votes: Gord Robertson, Oakville; Dave Davidson, Niagara; Jordan Petruska, Mississauga; Justin Ayles, Niagara; Mark Tourangeau, Oakville; Paul McKenna, Mississauga; Eric Ventura, Mississauga; Trevor Woodjetts, Burlington.
Toughest Hitter(s) to Get Out: Mark Capone, Etobicoke; Sean Binall, Mississauga; Chris Novia, Erindale.
Capone led the way with six votes. Bignall received five votes, but he also received two from outside of COBA. Novia came in third with four votes, as well as one from outside the league.
As a former teammate of Capone in both junior and senior, I'm really glad to see him get the respect he deserves. The little guy doesn't strike fear in anyone when he steps in the box from a power standpoint, but everyone who has seen him for extended periods, and every pitcher who has ever tried to get him out- knows just how difficult a hitter he is to retire. Capone hits everything hard and on a line, and doesn't just stuff his stats against weaker pitching. He is never over-matched by any pitcher.
Bignall seems to really have a lot of respect both in COBA circles, as well as the rest of the province. He received votes from three different leagues in total. Like Capone, Bignall is rarely over-matched. This is a guy who was mashing home runs at the NCAA division 1 level, he was last season's Ontario MVP, and he can change the course of a game in the blink of an eye.
Novia is another guy who doesn't get the respect he deserves. Over the last four seasons, he has been hitting home runs like he's playing a video game. Until pitchers start pitching him like he's Barry Bonds, he's going to continue to crush home runs. As one person put it: he has "Giancarlo Stanton power".
Others to receive votes: Victor Speciale, Brampton; Taylor Anderson, Niagara; Ryan Panas, Etobicoke; Geoff Cullen, Erindale; Phil Steer, Niagara; Dave Davidson, Niagara.
GTBL
Best Park(s): Don McKnight Park (formerly The Fairgrounds), Newmarket.
This one wasn't even close. Nine of the ten GTBL players/managers polled voted for the home park of the Newmarket Hawks. The Hawks don't have much competition from the other fields in their league, but that doesn't mean they don't have one of the most picturesque ballparks in the province. Like Lacasse Park in Tecumseh, the Hawks play in a hitter-friendly park. The maintenance at the field is one of the best around, and the big park that it is nestled in, makes for a lot of stragglers in the stands. This was definitely the least surprising result of all the votes.
Others to receive votes: Don Beer Park, Pickering.
Best Recruiter(s): Matt Nailer, Leaside; Nolan Revin,Thornhill.
Only five people had an opinion on this one. Nailer and Revin received two votes each to lead the way.
Nailer has done a marvelous job helping the Leafs add depth over the years. Leaside has always been a formidable team, but top to bottom, they have one of the best rosters in the province now. Nailer took over the helm a couple of years ago, and has worked very hard to build the team the way it is. He has made some key acquisitions, like Tyler Hughes, Adam Campbell, Tyler Plumpton and Brad Grieveson.
Revin built some stacked Thornhill teams a few years ago. He has lost most of the top players from those teams, but he has been very diligent in searching for replacements. With the mass exodus that took place this offseason, it could have been easy for the team to pack it in. Instead, Revin got on the phones and found some more than viable replacements. He was at it all the way up to the June 30th deadline. Somehow, he has his team playing over .500.
Others to receive votes: Adam Panagopka/Sal Stabile, East York.
Best Manager(s): Sal Stabile, East York; Matt Nailer, Leaside.
Once again, the GTBL as a whole seemed to be very un-opinionated. Out of the ten people surveyed, two voted for Sal Stabile and two chose Matt Nailer.
This does not come as a shock. These two teams are the class of the league. Yes, they are talented and loaded on paper, but the two guys in charge of the teams still have to put it all together and make their teams successful. They do just that, and they have been recognized for their accomplishments by their peers.
Others to receive votes: Scot Angus, Martingrove.
Toughest Pitcher(s) to Hit: Jeff Gibbs, East York; Chadwick Cameron, Thornhill.
Without hesitation, Gibbs' name was the first one to come to people's mind as the toughest pitcher to hit in the GTBL. The hard-throwing, former pro, received six votes. He has put together a fantastic start to the season, and he is being recognized for it. The Bulldogs thought they had lost Gibbs to the pros at the beginning of the season, only to get the great news that he was coming back. He is a top five pitcher in Ontario, and according to his league-mates, the best in the GTBL.
Thornhill's Chadwick Cameron received three votes, and even received two more from outside of his league. That's quite the feat for a guy who has been under-the-radar for the last couple of seasons. With Dave Anderson now in East York, Cameron is the unquestionable ace of the team. He has been more than willing to accept the role, and he has lived up to expectations. He was described by one player as a guy who is "tough to pick up, and his ball just jumps on you." I've known Chaddy from our early teenage Rexdale baseball days. Needless to say, he is a really good pitcher- and an even better person.
Others to receive votes: Jerome Werniuk, East York; Brad Grieveson, Leaside.
Toughest Hitter(s) to Get Out: Kyle Moloney, East York; Dan Telford, Newmarket.
Moloney and Telford both received three votes each, narrowly beating out Tyler Plumpton and Brian MacDonald (who each received two).
Moloney is a guy who has been raking for Thornhill the past couple of seasons. He was doing the same for the Bulldogs in 2015, before a terrible injury cut his season short in the London tournament. "Mo" is described as a "very tough out", and a guy who does not give at-bats away. It's too bad he's not going to be able to contribute again for the rest of the season, but you better believe that the East York Bulldogs are going to try to "do it for 'Mo.'"
Telford was a bit of a surprise here to me. A lot of people in GTBL circles have mentioned this guy to me in the past, as someone who is a dangerous hitter. Newmarket's offence may not be one that jumps off the page, but Telford is a guy who league mates are aware of, and give a lot of respect to.
Others receiving votes: Tyler Plumpton, Leaside; Brian MacDonald, East York; Steve Correa, Pickering; Tyler Hughes, Leaside; Henry Yap, Leaside; Jack Malone, East York; Jesse Dynes, Pickering.
SWBL
Best Park(s): Labatt Park, London; Emslie Field, St. Thomas.
All eight people from the London league mentioned Labatt Park as the best field in the league. A couple of players from other leagues even mentioned this park as their favourite, and it's no surprise. The historic stadium has been around since 1877 and is widely recognized as one of the best parks in Ontario. The stadium atmosphere, the great dugouts and bullpens, and the beautiful backdrop are some of the things that make this park a favourite for everyone. In addition to that, the "ground work is flawless." Teams from all over Ontario love playing at Labatt Park, and it should continue to be a fixture for baseball in Ontario for many more years.
Emslie Field in St. Thomas received three votes. The parks got bit of a "mini-stadium" feel with grandstands behind the plate. The dugouts are right on top of the action, and they make players feel like they are a part of the game at all times. Most importantly for players, the maintenance there is some of the best around.
Others receiving votes: Errol Russel Park, Sarnia.
Best Recruiter(s): Derek Bloomfield, Strathroy.
Only five of the eight people had an opinion on this one, and all of them chose Bloomfield. There seem to be mixed reviews and opinions of Strathroy's modus operandi. Some feel that Strathroy getting the best talent in the London area has ruined the competitive balance of the league in general. On the other hand, others commend Bloomfield for his focus on winning, and they believe that players simply want to play for the Royals because they are in a class of their own in the SWBL. Whatever people's opinions are, there is obviously a consensus that Bloomfield is the best recruiter in the league.
(Edit: So, after putting this out, a former Strathroy player sent me an email- as always, his name will remain anonymous. He wanted me to know something about Bloomfield, so I'd figure I'd share some of it:
Im emailing you regarding Derek Bloomfied from the Strathroy Royals. You gather a lot of information through various sources so in no way is this email being sent in a bitter tirade, but Bloomy is the best guy ive ever played for... (players) collectively thought Strathroy would give (them) the best chance to win because they recently earned a 2nd place at Elims, along with the fact that Bloomy has a reputation for absolutly LOVING the game and giving it his all to win. This guy is an absolute beauty and Ive played for a lot of guys but he is without a doubt the best guy to play for.)
I tried to mention both sides of Bloomfield. There is one camp that feels one way, and there's another camp that feels a different way (not just his players). I can relate to some of what's going on. In 2008, myself, Daniel Jagdeo and Jesse Shreve left Etobicoke to go play for Burlington. A couple of guys who were going to come to Etobicoke with me (Aman Paul Kandola and Tim Lawrence), also came to play at Burlington. The reason we chose Burlington was because a coach by the name of Mike Steed went there to coach. He coached us in our youth days for the Toronto Hawks. He was one of the best coaches I had ever had. That year, we had a very good team at Burlington. People around the league were not too fond of Steed, because they believed he was essentially taking players from another team. That couldn't have been further from the truth. We had reached out to him. It was never the other way around. What coach was going to say "no" to three pitchers who could help him, a good hitter, and arguably the best hitter in COBA at that time? The answer is: not a single one. Steed was a great coach and a great man. And we all went there to play for him on our own, and because we wanted to. Not because of fabricated stories. So I can definitely relate to some of what's going on.
Best Manager(s): Derek Bloomfield, Strathroy; Rudy Godwin, Ilderton; Mike Lumley, Badgers.
Each of the three received two votes. Bloomfield is commended for his recruiting and his ability to field some very competitive teams. He focuses on the right areas when he is trying to improve his ball club, and the Royals are one of the best Ontario has to offer. Godwin took his team to the Nationals a few years ago, and his baseball knowledge is unmatched in the league. Lumley coaches the young Badgers, and he is revered for his player development, and has been thought very highly of for quite some time.
Toughest Pitcher(s) to Hit:
No player received more than one vote. The players to receive votes were:
Matt Cook, Strathroy; Tyler Annett, Strathroy; Wade Babula, Sarnia; Jordan Townshend, Ilderton; Mike Damchuk, Sarnia; Chris Gosnell, Exeter.
Toughest Hitter(s) to Get Out: Justin Randall, Sarnia.
To be honest, I had never even heard of Randall before doing this poll. Finding out about a player who is not talked about too often- but is a gem nonetheless- is one of the principles this site was founded upon. I try my best to give credit where credit is due, and try to talk about guys who are performing well. At times, certain guys might fall under the radar. Randall is definitely one of those guys. When Randall's name came up three different times, I was reminded that the best players don't necessarily all play for the top five or six teams. Randall is described as a guy who has a quick bat, and is extremely dangerous in all situations. Notice has been served to the rest of Ontario.
Others to receive votes: Andrew Hastings, Ilderton; Mitch Roy, Strathroy.
OVERALL
Best Parks
1. Labatt Park, London
2. Lacasse Park, Tecumseh
3. Don McKnight Park, Newmarket
Honourable Mention: Courtright Park, Sarnia
A couple of people mentioned this park, even though an AAA team doesn't play out of there. This park looks like it is from Field of Dreams. Easily the nicest park I've seen.
Best Recruiters
1. Derek Bloomfield, Strathroy
2. Jono Marcheterre/Mark Walters, Niagara
3. Nolan Revin, Thornhill
Best Managers
1. Dave Cooper, Tecumseh JR
2. Ron Smith, Windsor
3. Steve Breitner, Etobicoke
Best Pitchers
1. Steve Teno, Windsor
2. Jeff Gibbs, East York
3. Rob Nixon, Niagara
Best Hitters
1. Sean Bignall, Mississauga
2. Mark Capone, Etobicoke
3. Kevin Mailloux, Tecumseh
Well, there you have it. It was a lot of work, but it was the most fun I've had doing anything on this site. There was a lot of good dialogue to go around. Thanks to everyone who responded.
Who will win the Elims?
July 29, 2014
Tecumseh 145 (29.4%)
Niagara 91 (18.4%)
Strathroy 58 (11.7%)
East York 34 (6.9%)
Windsor 30 (6.1%)
Thornhill 22 (4.5%)
Etobicoke 20 (4.0%)
Who is the best two way player?
July 2, 2014
Tim Sogan 81 (42.2%)
Matt Brennan 51 (26.6%)
Jake Gallo 28 (14.6%)
Matt Stezycki 19 (9.9%)
Marc Walton 7 (3.6%)
Victor Simon 6 (3.1%)
Who is the best pitcher in senior baseball?
September 1, 2013
| Zack Breault |  |
13.7% | 79 |
| Kyle Breitner |  |
2.6% | 15 |
| Steve Carter |  |
18.0% | 104 |
| Jake Gallo |  |
2.4% | 14 |
| Brad Grieverson | |
4.7% | 27 |
| Kyle Lawrence | |
1.2% | 7 |
| Paul McKenna | |
9.2% | 53 |
| John Picco | |
12.8% | 74 |
| Tim Sogan | |
13.5% | 78 |
| Steve Teno | |
10.1% | 58 |
| Other | |
11.8% | 68 |
Which off-season addition is the biggest?
May 31, 2014
John Suomi, Etobicoke 33.1% (47)
Adam Campbell, Leaside 20.4% (29)
Tim Sogan, Burlington 19.0% (27)
Kevin Mailloux, Tecumseh 14.8% (21)
Mitch Delaney, Tecumseh 12.7% (18)
Which player would you least want to face?
July 8, 2013
Tyler Plumpton, Peterborough 31.3% 62
Evan Baglieri, Niagara 23.7% 47
Geoff Cullen, Erindale 16.7% 33
Justin Pennell, Thornhill 11.6% 23
Chris Novia, Erindale 11.6% 23
Tom Grubb, Windsor 7.6% 15
Who is the second best team in Ontario?
September 10, 2011
Newmarket 18.8% 42
Mississauga SW 17.0% 38
Milton 14.8% 33
Leaside 13.9% 31
Ilderton 12.6% 28
Markham 7.6% 17
Thornhill 6.3% 14
Tecumseh 4.0% 9
Erindale 3.1% 7
Glanbrook 1.8% 4
Who is the most underrated of the following players?
July 5, 2011
Paul Versteeg-Lytwyn, Newmarket 26.8% 26
Victor Speciale, Brampton 24.7% 24
Andrew Masojc, Windsor 19.6% 19
Steve Correia, Martingrove 13.4% 13
John DeWolfe, Erindale 11.3% 11
Barry Keith, WAA 4.1% 4
If the Windsor Stars played in the IBL, where would they rank?
July 11, 2011
1-3 60.9% 92
7-9 22.5% 34
4-6 16.6% 25
Which pool in the Hap Walters is the toughest?
July 15, 2011
(Erindale, Ilderton, Niagara, Thornhill) 37.3% 59
(Brampton, Markham, Strathroy, Windsor) 31.6% 50
(Etobicoke, Milton, Peterborough, Tecumseh) 19.6% 31
(Glanbrook, Mississauga, Newmarket, WAA) 7.0% 11
(Burlington, Lakeside, Leaside, Oakville) 4.4% 7
Which team was the biggest surprise at the Elims?
August 4, 2011
Lakeside Lizards 26.7% 43
Mississauga SW Twins 25.5% 41
WAA 20.5% 33
Niagara Metros 12.4% 20
Etobicoke Rangers 4.3% 7
Brampton Battlecats 3.7% 6
Burlington Brants 3.7% 6
Newmarket Hawks 3.1% 5
Which team was the biggest disappointment at the Elims?
August 8, 2011
Thornhill 57.9% 66
Ilderton 14.0% 16
Erindale 11.4% 13
Tecumseh 7.9% 9
Glanbrook 3.5% 4
Strathroy 3.5% 4
Milton 1.8% 2
Oakville 0.0% 0
Which player would you most want to have on your team?
August 13, 2011
Evan Baglieri, Niagara 23.2% 36
Kris Klassen, Windsor 21.3% 33
Geoff Cullen, Erindale 14.2% 22
Justin Pennell, Thornhill 9.7% 15
Victor Speciale, Brampton 8.4% 13
Tom Grubb, Windsor 7.7% 12
Jesse Dynes, Markham 5.8% 9
Mark Capone, Etobicoke 5.2% 8
Jamie Smith, Mississauga 3.9% 6
Shane Moore, Markham 0.6% 1
Who is the best pitcher on the Windsor Stars?
August 22, 2011
Steve Carter 37.6% 64
John Picco 20.0% 34
Steve Teno 11.8% 20
Brad Boussey 8.2% 14
Mike Czerwieniec 7.6% 13
Jason Lauzon 7.6% 13
Dane Little 3.5% 6
Matt Rustulka 2.4% 4
Adam Myers 1.2% 2
What was the best individual performance this season?
August 29, 2011
Evan Baglieri - 3 HR, 11 RBI vs. Erindale 51.9% 67
Brad Binns - no hitter vs. Windsor 25.6% 33
Jorge Frugoni - 15 K in 8 IP vs. Redbirds 15.5% 20
Other 7.0% 9
