It was a perfect afternoon for baseball. Because of the long ride to Kendal, the teams played a double header. The Eagles’ continued their winning ways in the first game as Jason Carroll pitched a shutout, to lead the hometown boys to a 3-0 victory. This is the second victory in a row for the cagey hurler. Since the games are only seven innings in a doubleheader, it really helped the cause when Dave Trew doubled and was advanced home on a single by Kris Boyd to give the veteran all the runs he needed. Carroll was impressive striking out five batters and allowing no walks. Jason has not given up a free pass this season, a remarkable feat considering the number of innings he has pitched. Tyler Knight and Rob Staples scored the other runs and Steve DeGraff accounted for the other RBI.

Then, Ryan Babcock, a hard throwing left-hander, who had some issues with the Eagles, last year, finally snapped the winning streak by throwing a no-hitter. The hitters said he was by far the best hurler they have faced to date. Coach Sharpe used his younger pitchers in the second game but they could not repeat Jason’s effort. Nick Stacey went 4 innings allowing five earned runs. Russ “Snuffy” Hunt pitched the next two innings and gave up three earned runs, as the Limestone crew seemed to get the travel out of their bats. Orono native and rookie, Bob Witheridge, finished the game with 2 strike outs and no runs as the team suffered their first defeat of the season 9-0. All in all it was an exciting afternoon of baseball in the hamlet.

The next weekend the boys have two home games both starting at twelve noon. On Saturday, they play the Ajax Spartans and then on Sunday are at home to the Port Hope Flyers. Sunday is “KENDAL DAY”. All the Kendal teams have a home game that day. The Eagles and the Royal the junior team both play Port Hope. After those games the Midgets their game. On the smaller diamond the Rookieball team has a doubleheader while the big boys share the main field. This should be an exciting afternoon for all the baseball enthusiasts in the area and I am assured their will be plenty of those special Kendal Hot Dogs available for all the games.

After a winning streak of four games, the Eagles are now mired in a 3 game losing streak. Ajax came to the hamlet in the valley on Saturday and beat both the seniors and juniors. The final score was 6-4 in favour of Ajax, as B.J. Hackett hit a three run homer in the ninth inning to make the score close but it was not enough to bring the Eagles back to a victory. The other scoring play featured Tyler Knight who took a pitch for the team (that means he was hit by a pitch). Then, Bryan Landry and Chris Stark, the Eagles’ Dynamic Duo in the center of the infield, provided the hits to make Ajax pay for their mistake. But the pitching staff gave up 6 runs that resulted in the loss.

Sunday was a new day. Although rain threatened most of the afternoon, it held off for the Eagles’ game versus the Port Hope Flyers, coached by legendary Eagles’ second baseman, Bernie Alldred. The Eagles gave pitcher “Snuffy “ Hunt a two run lead in the first as Landry singled then the Flyers committed two errors and allowed the home team a lead. Then in the fourth, Hunt gave up 3 earned runs to return the favour. Then Hunt had some control problems in the sixth and allowed another run. The Eagles loaded the bases in the seven but only managed to score Devon Witheridge running for B.J. Hackett. Mark Foster pitched shutout ball the last three innings to give the home team a chance to comeback but it was not to be. The Eagles continue to sparkle in the field with Chris Stark making several nice catches at shortstop and Jason Carroll cut the runner at the plate with a dandy throw from left field. Corey Baker seemed to be the difference for Port Hope as he pitched well with little or no support from his fielders. He also contributed three key hits to spark the Flyers at the dish. Steve DeGraff’s streak of hitting his own vehicle with a ball two games in a row came to an abrupt end too.

Faces in the crowd: Last week, Orono Pitching sensation Keith “Gramps” West was in the stands and this week Jack Moffat took his regular spot under the shade tree to watch. Councillor Charlie Trim was buying hot dogs for many of his friends too.
50/50 Winner: $ 65 Dwight Searle coach of the juniors.
Next Week’s Games: The Eagles travel to Bowmanville Wednesday night for a 7:30 start against the Clarington Orioles. Saturday at noon they play the juniors and Sunday at noon are at home to the same Clarington Orioles.

JAY CARROL PITCHED 9 INNINGS GIVING UP JUST ONE EARNED RUN ON 4 HITS WHILE STRIKING OUT 7 BOWMANVILLE ORIOLES, AS THE EAGLES POSTED WIN NUMBER 6 ON THE SEASON. CHRIS STARK LEAD THE OFFENSE GOING 3 FOR 4 WITH AN RBI AND A STOLEN BASE.

Saturday the Seniors played the Kendal Juniors for the second time of the season. Mike Landers got the nod on the hill from acting manager Chad Maartense. The Eagles took a 4-3 lead into the the sixth inning with all 4 Kendal RBI's going to first baseman Mark Foster. That was when the Royals wheels fell off giving up up five runs. Then, as Juniors are prone to do, they got down and allowed the seniors to coast to a victory. Rob Staples had a great day at the plate getting on base all four times and hitting a home run to spark the sixth inning rally. B.J. Hackett the designated hitter also reached base four times. Left handed relievers, Don Armstrong and Eric Zuvic came in in relief of “Ned” to insure the win. Chad showed his keen baseball sense as he used his bench with the precision of a big league manager.

Sunday the Eagles were back at it again vs the Clarington Orioles. Mark Foster took the hill for the Eagles and faced off against the traveling suitcase of the league, veteran Greg McIsaac. This game started out like Wednesday’s encounter with both pitchers cruising right along. But in the fifth inning two freak accidents caused Orioles pitcher Greg MacIsaac and the third basemen to leave the game suddenly. Since Clarington had no players on the bench the coaches were pressed into action. This lead to a seven run bat around inning for Kendal. With an 8 run lead manager Sharpe pulled pitcher Mark Foster after 6 scoreless innings of work. Steve Foster, Don Armsrong and Eric Zuvic each worked an inning on the mound to close out the third win in a row for the Eagles. The Orioles did not give up and played a gallant game for the final four innings. Manager Sharp took his cue from Chad and used his bench wisely. Jim “Popcan” Conboy stepped in with two solid at bats and some nice fielding plays.

On Sunday June 27th the Eagles played their western neighbours the Clarington Orioles. Coach Sharp chose to start rookie pitcher Bob Witheridge and was not disappointed by the youngster’s efforts. He allowed no runs and struck out four in a successful five innings. Big brother Devon, collected a single and scored to give his sibling all the run support he needed. Nick Stacy, another rookie, set up Eric Zuvic for the save by pitching three shutout innings. The other high point of the game was the fielding of another brother act on the team the Foster boys who played the corners. Both flashed the leather and flexed their arms to support the pitching and preventing the Orioles from scoring any runs. Chris Stark also dazzled at short stop. The final score was six nothing.

Coach Sharp has not been happy with the teams hitting and was quoted as saying, “the team will practice, practice, practice when we have this week off from the schedule.” A broken thumb on the hand of Kris Boyd will keep the utility player out of action for four to six weeks. Dave Trew jammed his ankle scoring at the plate but continued to play. Tyler Knight continues do all he can for the team. The rookie hustles to warm up starters; pinch hits, keeps the bench alive and comes in, in the late innings as a defense specialist. A strong bench will be needed if the team is to have a successful season.

Perhaps the biggest story of the game involved Margo Knapp, the hot dog lady. A line drive, foul ball narrowly missed fan and mother Valerie Witheridge and came perilously close to hitting Margo as it rattled around in the Snack Shak. Undaunted, she was able to continue the game and provide players, fans, and umpires with those delicious dogs. The batter from the Orioles was hit on the next pitch but the pitcher claimed there was no connection in the two events.

Faces in the Crowd: retired manager Bill Briton and sponsor Mike Rainford were both at the game
50/50: The anonymous winner donated his winnings back to the team after he won the $50. The team appreciates his support!
Future Games: Saturday July 10 the team travels to Kingston for a double header and Sunday July 11 at home for a noon start versus Port Hope

What a game! On a perfect night for a ball game two of the leagues top pitchers locked horns and did not disappoint. Eagles pitcher Troy Foster and Port Hope pitcher Corey Baker both pitched a complete game 10-inning masterpiece. Unfortunately the Eagles ended up on the losing end after a tailing line drive popped out of the Eagles right fielders glove with 2 out in the bottom of the tenth. This allowed Corey Baker to cross home plate for the victory. The game was full of great defensive plays as both teams used a full bench during the extra inning duel. It was Port Hopes second one run victory over the Eagles this season. It appears that the age-old rivalry between the Port Hope Flyers and the Kendal Eagles is heating up for the first time in years. The next tilt between the 2 clubs takes place Sunday July 11th at the Harvey Jackson Memorial.

Kendal Eagles Chris Stark, David Trew and Mark Foster recently visited New York city to take in a classic 2 game set between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. (more pictures in the photo album)

Kingston Ponies left hander Ryan Babcock baffled the Kendal Eagles in the first game of the double header in Kingston. Troy Foster collected 2 of the Eagles 4 hits. Jay Carrol suffered his first loss in 2 years giving up 4 earned runs over 6 innings of work.

Veteran Troy Foster kept the Kingston batters guessing all game long for his 2nd win of the season. The Eagles offence came from 1 through 9 and the defence continued it's strong play to get the split with a 6-1 victory.

Troy Foster hit a 2 run homerun in the bottom of the fifth that proved to be enough as the Eagles pitching staff held Port Hope to 1 run yesterday at the "Harv". Mark Foster picked up his 3rd win of the season going 6 innings surrendering one run. Mike Landers pitched the 7th and 8th for the hold and Eric Zuvic shut down the Flyers in the 9th for his first save of the season.

June 22, 2004

Ex-Eagle Frank Villella now of the Niagara Falls Falcons no hit the defending Senior League Champs Thorold Fantoms on Sunday evening at Oakes Park. It is the first no hitter in Falcons history. Congratulations Frankie!!!!!

Bryan Landry stole a season high 4 bases is Kendal’s 5-1 win over the Flyers last night in Port Hope. One of Landry’s steals included home plate as the Port Hope hurler went from the full wind-up and Landry took off from third swiping home with a close play at the plate. Snuff Hunt had his best outing of the season going 7 innings for his second win of the year. Mike Landers picked up his second save of the campaign shutting down the Flyers in the final two innings.

Ex-Eagles manager Bill Britton made his return to the dugout of the Kendal Eagles on Sunday afternoon. With current manager Paul Sharpe on crutches after a work accident, Bill managed his squad to a 7-0 win over the Belleville Labatt Nationals. Rookie Bob Witheridge put in another solid outing for his 2nd win of the season. Bob pitched 5 scorless innings before giving way to Steve Foster and Eric Zuvic who tossed 2 frames each to keep the shut out intact. 3B Steve Foster had a good day at the plate going 3 for 4 while the entire Eagles team continued to play sound defense as they head into the final month of the season.

THE DATES FOR THE KENDAL EAGLES VS THE WHITBY CANADIENS TO SEE WHO REPRESENTS THE E.O.B.A AT THIS YEARS SENIOR "B" ALL-ONTARIO CHAMPIONSHIPS HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED.

GAME ONE : KENDAL 11 WHITBY 1

GAME TWO : TUESDAY AUGUST 17TH, 7:30PM, IROQUOIS PARK (WHITBY)

GAME THREE : WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18TH. 7:30PM, TOWN PARK (PORT HOPE)

ALL EAGLES FANS ARE URGED TO TRY AND ATTEND THESE GAMES AS IT SHOULD BE A HARD FOUGHT SERIES BETWEEN 2 TEAMS THAT DON'T WANT TO LOSE.

Manager Sharpe announced on Wednesday night at practice that rookie flame thrower, Tyler Knight is going to get some action on the hill this Saturday night in Ajax. Tyler has called on Devon Witheridge to take on the catching duties for this rare appearance.

The Kendal Eagles finished off a sweep of the Whitby Canadiens on Tuesday night at Iroquois Park. The Eagles took game 1 in Kendal on Sunday with a marvelous pitching performance from veteran Troy Foster who went 7 innings giving up no runs. B.J. Hackett broke the game open in the bottom of the 6th with a pinch hit grand slam over the right field wall to put the Eagles up by a score of 6-0. Kendal went on to win game 1 by a final score of 11-1.
Game 2 took place Tuesday night in Whitby. The Eagles sent Jay Carroll to the mound hoping he could baffle the powerful Whitby bats as Foster had done 2 days prior. Whitby got on the board quickly putting up a 2 spot in the bottom of the 1st. The Eagles responded in the top of the 2nd when right fielder Rob Staples crushed a 2 run shot over the left field fence. The score remained 2 a piece until the top of the 8th when Staples stepped up and launched a 400 ft solo shot to give the Eagles the lead for good. The “Mailman” Jay Carroll went the distance for the Eagles who seemed to get stronger as the game progressed.
By winning the series vs Whitby, Kendal advances to the All-Ontario Senior “B” championships in Courtright (outside Sarnia) on Labour day weekend. This will be the 3rd consecutive season the Eagles have headed to Courtright for the provincial championships.
Before the Eagles head west to provincials, they will be competing in the E.O.B.A. league tournament that takes place in Whitby on the August 27th, 28th and 29th weekend. The Eagles will be opening the 7 team tourney on Friday August 27th, 7:30pm at Iroquois Park vs the Port Hope Flyers.
The Eagles would like to thank all the fans for the support during the Whitby series and to our sponsor, Northumberland Motor Products for all they have done to make this season such a success so far.

The Kendal Eagles would like to congratulate the Kendal Juniors on a great performance at the 2004 Junior "C" O.B.A. championships over the past weekend. After entering Sunday undefeated Kendal suffered 2 losses to St.Catherines to take the silver medal.

After defeating the Port Hope Flyers 5-4 on Friday night, the Northumberland Motor Product Kendal Eagles dropped 2 games on Saturday to eliminate them from this years E.O.B.A. championship tourney. The Eagles lost 5-1 to Markham and 4-2 to Ajax. The Eagles now will spend this week preparing for this weekends Ontario "B" championships in Courtright. (pics of the weekend and up to date moustaches can be found in the photo album)

THIS IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE FIRST 2 ROUNDS OF THE DOUBLE KNOCK-OUT FORMAT O.B.A. "B" CHAMPIONSHIP THIS WEEKEND IN COURTRIGHT, ONTARIO.

Baseball can be a cruel mistress. Our boys of summer and their significant others made the five hour trek to the shores of the St. Claire river near Sarnia in search of the All-Ontario Championship. But, baseball is a game of bounces, and close calls. The locals seemed to get nothing but bad ones.
Game One: Played in Chippawa a suburb of Sarnia against a team from Milton. The team looked a little tentative as they took to the field. The pressure of previous successes seemed to be weighing them. Starting pitcher, Troy Foster, did not get a break from the plate umpire that had a small strike zone. The first hit was a ball that took a strange bounce off the edge of the grass and lead to a single. This seemed to unnerve the team. Then to make matters worse a couple of Milton bloopers dropped in for hits. When the dust cleared, Kendal was in the hole 3-0. Kendal had just the opposite luck at bat. They hit Milton’s fireballer well but all the balls went straight to a fielder. Troy lasted three innings in what must have been his most frustrating start of the year. Coach Sharpe called on rookie Bob Witheridge with the team down 5-1. He allowed another run but effectively shut down the Milton hitters. Kris Boyd collected his second hit of the game and started a minor rally but the team was not able to string some hits together. Dave Trew also had two hits. Other hitters were B.J. Hackett and Nick Stacey who collected an R.B.I. on his hit. Final score 6-2.
Game Two: Played in Chippawa versus Amherstburg. Amherstburg was not able to field a team at game time so the umpire put the clock on them. With about ten minute to go before default, a ninth player appeared. Jason Carroll pitched his usually masterful game but again the Eagles got no breaks. Several bloop hits and Kendal was behind 3-0. Nick Stacey got the teams only R.B.I. in this game too. Other hits went to Rob Staples, Chris Stark, and an impressive triple off the bat of Bryan Landry. Mark Foster came in, in relief for Jason after 3 innings and shut out Amherstburg hitters. But alas the Eagles could not score the much needed runs and were headed home.
It has been a pleasure bringing you these write-ups this summer. The young men are excellent ambassadors for our community and provide great entertainment all summer long. The Kendal community works hard to give this team and the younger ones a very positive environment to spend their recreation time. Our sponsor, Northumberland Motor Products, was very generous and a staunch supporter of the team. Thanks also to the fans that come to the park every Sunday to visit, enjoy the weather and support their team. Have a great fall and winter and we will see you again next year.

THE 2004 KENDAL EAGLES BANQUET TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13TH AT ORONO ARENA. THE EAGLES WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVRYONE FOR COMING AND EVERYONE THAT HELPED OUT DURING THE EVENING. PICTURED ABOVE IS BRYAN LANDRY ACCEPTING HIS M.V.P. AWARD FROM MANAGER PAUL SHARPE AND TRAINER BERT REID. (MORE PICTURES IN THE PHOTO ALBUM)