Minor Rookie Hawks

The '08 Hawks reached the Finals of an Open tournament put on by the Mississauga Southwest Baseball Association on May 27th-29th.

MISSISSAUGA - The SaleEvent.ca '08 Hawks had an impressive first tournament on the weekend, reaching the finals of the MSBA event against AAA competition.  The Hawks received Finalist t-shirts for their efforts and a fantastic weekend full of memories.

"The boys definitely tried their best all weekend," said Coach Tim following the tournament.  "It was hot and they were exhausted by the end of it, but I know a lot of those shirts got worn to school on Monday."

On Friday night, the Hawks opened up with a 16-1 win over Oshawa's #2 team.  Saturday's morning's 1st game was their best of the tournament, a 16-12 loss against the host MSBA Twins and eventual champions.  The afternoon saw the Hawks holding on to beat Leaside 19-18, setting up an elimination match in the evening against the North York Blues.  The Hawks prevailed 19-17, qualifying them for the Semis on Sunday.

Sunday morning's match-up pitted the Hawks against the Oakville Hammers, a tournament team comprised primarily of players 1 year older.  The Hawks rallied from down 5 late to pull-off another 19-18 victory in walk-off fashion, with Quinn delivering a 2-run single with 2 outs and 4 strikes in the bottom of the 7th.

"I know I wasn't the only coach who was a little choked up at the end of that game," said Coach Tim later.  "I had to take a walk to get control of myself and not cry like a baby in front of the kids and parents.  It was an incredible game."

The Finals put the Hawks back against the MSBA Twins.  Unfortunately the heat and the emotion of the earlier games left the kids (and coaches) with nothing left in the tank.

"23 to 4.  How'd we ever score 4?  It's a miracle.  Those kids were completely gassed.  After the top of the 3rd, I tried to get the kids to relax and have some fun.  I asked them if they knew the score.  I told them it was 21-2.  They asked me "for who?"...I had a feeling we weren't going to make a comeback," Coach Tim said.  "My kid fell asleep in the car within 5 minutes and didn't move until we were back in Newmarket.  Special thanks to Kevin from the MSBA for convening the tournament."

The 5 and 0 Hawks continue their season this weekend with games against East York at 10 am on Saturday, and 7 pm Sunday versus Leaside #3.  Good seats are still available.

- Minor Rookie Hawksbeat
- Written by Coach Tim Glenn