OAKVILLE MASTERS MEN'S SLO-PITCH LEAGUE - (Oakville, ON)

Bill Carson Award — In memory of Bill Carson who passed away in 2005 at age 53 after a very courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

For the benefit of the players who never met Bill, he was not only a gifted ball player, but more importantly, a terrific person and dear friend of many who now play in the OMMSPL. Bill was mentally tough and garnered nothing but respect from both his team mates and competitors. He is remembered by his fellow slo-pitch players for his many attributes including his patience, positive attitude, enthusiasm, support of his team mates, his command of respect from both team mates and competitors and his proclivity to lead by example. The "Bill Carson Award" is a trophy that had been awarded annually to an East Side Mario's player (from the Mississauga Men's Slo-Pitch League) who best exemplified Bill's qualities. With the establishment of our league in 2009, the award was transferred to the OMMSPL and is now presented to an OMMSPL player each year.

Congratulations to the 2023 recipient - Shane Noseworthy.

BILL CARSON MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS


Year	Recipient
2006	Larry Weber
2007	Pail Bagnarol
2008	George Picken
2009	Larry Stacey
2010	Rolf Bjordammen
2011	Bill Maver
2012	Jake McLean
2013	Grant Chapman
2014	Max Crocker
2015	Tom Gorman
2016	Doug Wheeler
2017	Harvey Hewgill R.I.P.
2018	Doug Ford
2019	Lloyd Johnston
2021	Gary Goulden
2022	Brock Paterson
2023	Shane Noseworthy

In the OMMSPL’s inaugural year,

Larry Stacey of the Grey Beards won the Bill Carson Award.

Also nominated by their respective teams were Howie Hall (Golden Years), Bert Chalmers (Red Faces) and Bill Maver White Hairs.

THE BILL CARSON AWARD 2010

For 2010, each team nominated a player that they felt possessed and showed Bill's attributes. The nominees were:

Golden Years – Ray Grisold
Rusty Royals - Cliff Glover

White Hairs - Dave Adams

Red Faces - Rolf Bjordammen
Blue Pills - Ken Bellamy

Grey Beards - Bill Maver

Being selected by your team and teammates is an honour in itself.

It should be noted that when the Executive and Managers voted, each and every player got votes – a very close choice which illustrates the kind of players we have in our League.

Congratulations Rolf Bjordammen -2010 Bill Carson Award

In his second year with the OMMSPL, Rolf is one of the senior members of our league and a shining example to all, both on and off the field. As the Red Faces' 1rst baseman, Rolf is a treat to watch as he gives it all when fielding grounders and the inevitable errant throws. In a recent playoff game he saved the game with a dive for a ground ball out. As he headed off the field he simply flashed his usual smile when teased about getting his uniform dirty. At bat, he has consistently been one of the better hitters, showing amazing power numbers.

When some mid season adjustments were needed to balance the batting order, Rolf was openly supportive in being moved down despite his outstanding batting average.

While his contributions as a player have meant a great deal to the Red Faces' success, his leadership qualities are probably of even more value. This was a very happy team and Rolf played a huge role. He was always upbeat, keen, uncomplaining and never critical of others. He also knows how to have fun — a willing participant in any of the team high jinx and not being timid about being the one featured.

Respected by both his team mates and opposing players, he is at all times both a true gentleman and tough competitor. Rolf always presents a calm and positive demeanor and in his soft spoken manner, regularly offers quiet encouragement to others.

Whenever the Reds had to install bases at the diamond, Rolf was frequently the first one to grab the hammer and lead the way. He also helped after the game. As noted by opposing teams, Rolf was one of the first to volunteer to umpire.

The Red Faces had great post game attendance at East Side Mario's this year and Rolf was one of the regulars who enjoyed replaying the game and poking fun at one another. He is a pleasure to have as a team mate and someone the team was proud to nominate as a Bill Carson Award nominee.

THE BILL CARSON AWARD 2011

AND THE WINNER IS: BILL MAVER!

Bill has been nominated by his teams in each of the three years of the league’s existence.

He leads with a quiet respectful air, while being supportive and encouraging to both the better and weaker players on the team.

Bill is the ultimate team player enthusiastically encouraging team performance throughout the game while leading with his on field performance.

CONGRATULATIONS BILL!

BILL CARSON AWARD 2012

At a packed Fionn MacCool's, Commissioner Told concluded a most successful season with presentation of the trophies to the Regular Season Champs, the Grey Beards and the Playoff winners, the Golden Years.

The "Bill Carson" trophy was also awarded after each of the team's nominees was introduced by his respective manager:

The following is an excerpt from the 'Bill Carson Award' write-up found on our web site in the 'Hall of Fame' Section:

Bill Carson Award

"Named in memory of Bill Carson who passed away 5 years ago at age 53 after a very short battle with esophageal cancer.

For the benefit of the players who never met Bill, he was a not only gifted ball player, but more importantly, a terrific person and dear friend of many who now play in the OMMSPL. Bill was mentally tough and garnered nothing but respect from both his team mates and competitors. He is remembered by his fellow slo-pitch players for his many attributes including his patience, positive attitude, enthusiasm, support of his team mates, his command of respect from both team mates and competitors and his proclivity to lead by example."

During Thursday's presentation, Told stressed that the Carson Award is essentially a "character" award and not necessarily an MVP. He then announced that the 2012 winner is Jake McLean of the Fine Wines.

Jake McLean is in fact, a former team mate of Bill Carson and a mentor many years ago to a number of our "younger" OMMSPL players. After playing in the first two seasons of OMMSPL, Jake encountered some serious medical problems that resulted in months of hospitalization and further rehabilitation. As a result, he missed part of the 2010 season and all of 2011. But, despite some continuing limitations, but not surprising to those who know him, Jake bounced back, returned to play ball this year and worked hard at getting back to being the gamer he has always been.

This was no easy task; and while it was undoubtedly frustrating to a man who had excelled at the sport in the past, he never gave any hint of that. Much to the contrary, in submitting the team's nomination for the award, Fine Wines' Manager Bob Neilson outlined that as the season progressed, so did Jake's on the field performance. Neilson added: "This man never complains that he is sore or hurting; he just keeps laughing and telling jokes to keep us all loose. If anyone shows the characteristics of Bill Carson, it is Jake McLean."

Congratulations Jake — You earned this — "Now you're ready!"

BILL CARSON AWARD 2013

During the post season celebrations and award presentations at Fionn MacCool's on September 20,103, the "Bill Carson" trophy was also awarded after each of the teams' nominees was introduced.

The following is an excerpt from the 'Bill Carson Award' write-up found on our web site in the 'Hall of Fame' Section:

Bill Carson Award

"Named in memory of Bill Carson who passed away 5 years ago at age 53 after a very short battle with esophageal cancer.

For the benefit of the players who never met Bill, he was a not only gifted ball player, but more importantly, a terrific person and dear friend of many who now play in the OMMSPL. Bill was mentally tough and garnered nothing but respect from both his team mates and competitors. He is remembered by his fellow slo-pitch players for his many attributes including his patience, positive attitude, enthusiasm, support of his team mates, his command of respect from both team mates and competitors and his proclivity to lead by example."

The 2013 winner is Grant Chapman of the Fine Wines.

Grant's Manager, Roy Kitching, summarized why Grant derserved to win this "character" award:

"The Fine Wines baseball club is honored and privileged to nominate Grant Chapman as our representative for this years Bill Carson award.

As a friend and teammate, Grant has displayed all the tremendous characteristics that Bill brought to our game on and off the field. He plays the game as it is to be played with skill and respect while honoring every good play or hit made by a teammate or opposing player.

We know that Grant has great appreciation for Bill both as a player and friend and is deeply humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as Bill. We believe that Bill would be more than happy to have Grant represent him for this year.

Grant assisted in the establishment of the OMMSPL by managing the Grey Beards for the first two years (2009 & 2010). Grant is also responsible for introducing many players to "Tournament" slo-pitch as about 16 years ago he formed the Mississauga Legends, beginning with players in the 50+ category and evolving to teams at the 55, 60, 65 and 70 levels.

It was through Grant's initiatives that many avid slo-pitch veterans have been able to continue to enjoy competitive slo-pitch provincially, nationally and internationally. This spawned numerous lasting friendships and bonds amongst players that continue to this day. Many of these players continue to compete in the OMMSPL.

Thirteen years ago, Grant began the on-going tradition of Legend teams participating in the World Senior Games in St. George Utah each October.

Mississauga Legend teams at all levels have excelled in both their on-field successes and in the respect generated off the diamond.

There are a lot of ball players who remain most grateful to Grant for his efforts over the years. We have had fun!

Congratulations Grant-- well deserved!

THE BILL CARSON AWARD 2014

Max Crocker of the Rusty Royals was voted the 2014 recipient of the Bill Carson Award. Max has worked as an Assistant Manager for the last several years and has been of immense help to Les Mayer and Harvey Hewgill and George Picken. Highly regarded by his team mates, Max plays the game competitively but always with a smile that is appreciated by both his team mates and opponents.

Congratulations Max.

Max and the other Bill Carson Award winners since the trophy was introduced met for a picture and then had a beer in Bill's honour.

THE BILL CARSON AWARD 2015

Tom Gorman of the Rusty Royals was voted the 2015 recipient of the Bill Carson Award.

Tom has been a leader on every team he has played on since joining the league in 2012. As one of the elite players in the OMMSPL, Tom is a great competitor but more importantly, he is a model sportsman who is admired by both his team mates and opposing teams alike for his support and friendliness to all.

He travels a long distance from Stratford to play on Thursdays and epitomizes the spirit of camaraderie that the OMMSPL strives for.

A great choice for 2015!

BILL CARSON AWARD 2016

Candidates for the Bill Carson award in 2016 were Blue Pills – Mike McFadden, Fine Wines – Doug Wheeler, Golden Years – Don Dash, Green Gimps – Greg Aubert, Grey Beards – Paul Hunter, Red Faces – Jim Baxter, Rusty Royals – Dave Hubert and White Hairs – Don Yaschyshyn

Doug Wheeler of the Fine Wines joins the winners of the Bill Carson Award for 2106. Wheeler has played for a number of years in the OMMSPL and is a very popular Manager who leads by example in both his playing ability and in his relationship with fellow players and opponents. He is a talented player, with many of Bill Carson’s attributes, who manages his team with the utmost respect of each of its members.

Typical of Doug’s style is his desire for fairness in ensuring umpire calls are correct regardless of it impacting his own team.

Congratulations Doug.

BILL CARSON AWARD 2016

Candidates for the Bill Carson award in 2016 were as follows:

Blue Pills – Mike McFadden

Fine Wines – Doug Wheeler

Golden Years – Don Dash

Green Gimps – Greg Aubert

Grey Beards – Paul Hunter

Red Faces – Jim Baxter

Rusty Royals – Dave Hubert

White Hairs – Don Yaschyshyn

Doug Wheeler of the Fine Wines joins the winners of the Bill Carson Award for 2106. Wheeler has played for a number of years in the OMMSPL and is a very popular Manager who leads by example in both his playing ability and in his relationship with fellow players and opponents. He is a talented player, with many of Bill Carson’s attributes, who manages his team with the utmost respect of each of its members.

Typical of Doug’s style is his desire for fairness in ensuring umpire calls are correct regardless of it impacting his own team.

Congratulations Doug.