Batting cages, soft toss areas, a weights and running machine section, pitching mounds and an infield area are all part of the facilities.

Directions: 401 to Hanlon Pkwy (one cutoff west of #6 Hwy. - north to Paisley St. cutoff - exit rt. on Paisley and head east for 2 stoplights to Alma St. - rt. on Alma south for a few blocks to RR tracks - in middle of tracks is Crimea St. to the left. Peak Performance Athletics is on the immediate right - likely the only building lit in the area. (519-515-0140)

In game 2 of the day, the Milton hitting lethargy wasted a solid complete game performance from Adam Ahearn. Ahearn was touched up for 3 ERs on 6 hits while striking out 6. Offensively, the Sox were held to just 2 hits: an RBI double by Kevin Greer in the 1st and a single by Steve Lauzon. Only 3 men were left on base.

So comes to an end a very up and down season for the Red Sox who ended up 25-27 overall. On the positive side, the team charged hard to finish 17-15 in league play and advanced to the Final 4 of the Championship Finals. They ended up as finalists in the London Tournament - losing to Erindale, and scratched their way to 3 wins at the Elims - also losing out to Erindale. New players such as Jon Roth, Adam Scheerer, Kevin Greer and Jay Egbuna, blended well with returning veterans and young players alike to offset the many injuries and work commitments that hampered the Milton team until mid-season. Next year the current crop of eager Juniors send 4-5 graduates to try to push the current Trailer Park Boys to a higher level. All Red Sox members anticipate less injuries next season and another solid performance by the class of 2010.

Thanks profusely to Matt 'Bonesy' McCandless, Mike Austen, Joe Jurus and Dave Strutt, who helped all year trying to keep the young 'wackos' in line. Also, 'Bonesy's' faithful commitment to bringing refreshments, which goes a long way to paying for our tournaments, was exta-ordinary and should be highly commended. He followed suit in the steady commitment established for years by Kevin 'Willie' Wilson. 'Bonesy' also coaches 1st Base and tries to keep 'El Mooro' under control - not an easy task. Mike Austen is perhaps the best BP pitcher in Milton and is growing steadily into a solid 3rd Base Coach. Thanks to Gerry Moore for helping with the Wednesday night practices and to Ken Armstrong for securing a tournament sponsor for the team. Thanks also to Glenn 'Alvin' Turner for his tireless work attempting to get Brian Best Park into tip-top playing shape all season. Great job, Glenny!

Congratulations also to Greg Cranker and the Erindale Cardinals for winning the Ansen Buck Trophy for league excellence and also for winning three straight games today to win their 2nd COBA MAJOR PLAYOFF Championship in a row. Take a bow, guys - you are indeed worthy champions, and a great bunch of guys. You set the standard for other teams to follow in the COBA MAJOR.

Saturday at Dundas, the Metros jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning, only to have the Sox surge ahead with 3 runs of their own in the 4th. Both teams scored a pair of runs in a water-logged 6th before the game was called and reverted back to the end of the 5th inning, ending with a 3-1 score. Adam Scheerer was the winning pitcher logging the 5 1/3 innings, allowing 3 ER on 7 hits while striking out 3 and walking a pair. Ian Zettle came on in the 6th and retired one batter before the game was called due to the inclement weather. Offensively, Joe Jurus led the Sox with a 2/3 day and 2 RBIs at the plate. Kevin Greer smashed out a pair of doubles and produced an RBI, while Steve Lauzon and Jon Roth contributed 2 hits each. Taylor Lawton pinched in with a single. Starter, Dustin Turner, took the loss for St. Catharines.

On Sunday in Burlington, 'Silent' Adam Ahearn and Kevin 'Little Breits' Breitner put on a pitching show for the fans. Milton's 'AAs' allowed just one baserunner over 7 innings while striking out 4 batters, and Breitner was equally as stingy as he gave up just 3 hits and 3 BBs. Mark Capone chipped out the Rangers only hit. The game ended dramatically in the bottom of the 7th when Kurt Mitchell drew a walk with one out and Taylor Lawton hit a deep blast to CF that appeared to be just short of the fence. In attempting to make the catch and double-up Mitchell on 1B, the CF seemed to actually tip the ball over the fence ending the game. Kevin Greer, Jon Roth and 'Shoeless' Joe Jurus registered the Milton hits. Milton played errorless ball in both of the Preliminary Round Games on the weekend, a key factor in advancing to the second round of playoffs next weekend.

Brampton hurler, Chris McCanna, held the Red Sox to 5 hits - a double by Jon Roth and singles by Steve Lauzon, Kevin Greer, Jay Egbuna and Nick Mazzorato.

Saturday at Brian Best in Milton, the Oakville A's bested the Sox 7-3. The game evolved around one inning from hell for the Sox as the A's struck for 6 runs, highlighted by a 3-run HR from Wulf. Conrad Bach also homered for Oakville in the 5th. Jeff Felker was the starter and loser as he surrendered 6 runs on 6 hits. Adam Ahearn, was dinged for a solo HR; however, pitched well for two innings. Sean Mathe' threw a perfect last two innings .

Offensively, Milton matched the A's with 8 hits led by Steve Lauzon's 3 hits. Kevin Greer had two hits and an RBI, while Kevin Cooper struck for an RBI double and Sean Mathe' and Jay Egbuna also registered singles.

Offensively, the Red Sox were led by rookie Kevin Greer with 2 hits and Carlos D'Costa with a bases-clearing 3-run double in the 4th. Steve Lauzon drove in a pair of runs and Taylor Lawton, with a double and stolen base, Jason Egbuna with an RBI single, and Nick Mazzorato and Jon Roth with singles, accounted for Milton's 8 hits.

The Red Sox trailed 5-4 heading into the bottom of the ninth, however, pulled off two runs in their half of the inning to escape with a 6-5 victory. Carlos D'Costa led the 7 hit Milton offense with 2 hits, 2 walks and 2 RBIs. Steve Lauzon registered a single and 4 BBs while Sean Mathe' and Nick Mazzorato had RBI singles. Mathe' drove in the winning run in the 9th. Kevin Greer blasted a double and Jason Egbuna had a single and a pair of walks. The Red Sox frustratingly left 14 men on base. Ian Zettle started on the hill and was touched for 4 runs on 5 hits over the 3 innings he worked. Lefty, Kevin Cooper was magnificent in relef hurling 5 1/3 innings surrendering just one ER and limiting the Chiefs to just 5 hits. Jeff Felker was the 'vulture winner' in relief of Coop in the 9th, retiring the two men he faced in the top of the inning.

Game 2 was a see-saw affair until a disastrous Milton 5th when the Sox gave up 4 runs on 2 errors and a walk and 3 hits. Jeff Felker started for the Sox and pitched a solid 3 1/3 innings, touched for only 2 ERs on 7 hits. Kevin Greer, having not taken the mound since May, was pressed into action for 3 innings. He also was dinged for 7 hits; however, a few untimely errors didn't help the situation. Sean Mathe' came on in the 7th to finish up.

Offensively, Milton was outhit 14-5. Steve Lauzon and Nick Mazzorato had RBI singles. Jon Roth with a double and Joe Jurus and Carlos D'Costa rounded out the hitting with a single each.

In Game 1, the Red Sox fell behind early in the game surrendering 3 runs without an out being registered. Then, perhaps the turning point in the game - 'The Trailer Park Boys' pulled off a triple play in a most unusual fashion. Jon Roth snared a sinking liner in CF and threw home to nail the tagging runner from 3B at home. Then catcher Carlos D'Costa fired back to 3B to get the tagged up runner from 2B - to covering first baseman, Joe Jurus, who had travelled across the infield as a possible cutoff to home! The turn of events seemed to rally the floundering starter, Adam Scheerer, who settled down to register a 7-inning complete game victory allowing 4 ERs on 6 hits, walking 3 while striking out 6. Trailing 4-1 for most of the game, the Red Sox exploded for 5 runs in the 6th, four courtesy of a grand slam HR by catcher Carlos D'Costa. Jason Egbuna had a key pinch-hit RBI single in the 6th and Dave Strutt, Kevin Greer, John Roth and Sean Mathe' each had singles in the 6 hit Milton offense. Brian Essery went the route for the Metros on the mound and baffled the Sox until the 6th. Andrew Sorochan led the St. Catharines' hitters wih a towering HR and a double.

Game 2 saw another pitching duel , this time between Milton's veteran - 'Silent' Adam Ahearn - and St. Catharine's lefty, Chris Magarian. Milton pushed 2 runs across in the 5th and one more in the 6th to take a 4-1 lead going into the 7th. The Metros made a last inning charge; however, Ahearn held the Metros to a late run and shut down the visitors 4-2. St. Catharines had 7 hits on the day and were held to just 2 ERs by Ahearn. Metros' Rocco Spano blasted a HR in the 2nd and pitcher, Magarian had a pair of singles. For Milton, catcher, Nick Mazzorato, had two hits , one a HR to left. Steve Lauzon and Kevin Greer had RBI singles, Jon Roth slammed a double, and Taylor Lawton hit a single and stole a key base to set up Milton's 4th run in the 5th. The Red Sox were outhit 7-6.

Offensively, Milton's 6 hits featured Carlos D'Costa with a pair of doubles, while Kevin Greer, Jason Egbuna, Steve Lauzon and Nick Mazzorato had singles each. Not often does 6 scattered hits trump a 16 hit onslaught.

Friday night at Labatt Park, Adam Scheerer was solid over 7 innings as the Sox jumped on the Brampton Battlecats for 5 runs in the first inning en route to a convincing 6-2 victory. Scheerer allowed 2 ERs on 6 hits, 3 BBs while striking out 8. The 11 hit Milton attack was led by Steve Lauzon, Taylor Lawton and Joe Jurus with 2 hits each while Jason Egbuna and Jon Roth drove in a pair of runs apiece. Carlos D'Costa and Nick Mazzorato each drove in a run and Kevin Greer added to the attack with a single.

Saturday at noon at Norm Aldridge Park, Red Sox hurler Adam Ahearn and Etobicoke's Dan McIldoon hooked up in a pitching duel that saw the Rangers emerge on top 1-0. Ahearn, who went the 7 innings, scattered 7 hits while walking one and striking out 5. McIldoon limited the Sox to 4 hits while striking out 6. JJ Jurus recorded two of the Milton hits while Taylor Lawton and Kurt Mitchell scratched out a single each.

Game 3 saw veteran Ian Zettle power his way to a 3-0 win over Martingrove White Sox at Byron. 'Zetts' held the Toronto entry to 3 hits while striking out 4 over 7 innings. Steve Lauzon led the Red Sox with 2 singles and an RBI, while Kevin Greer and Jon Roth had RBI singles. Joe Jurus and Carlos D'Costa rounded out the Milton 6-hit offense. The game remained scoreless over 4 innings with Milton scoring one in the 5th and a pair more in the 6th.

Sunday morning at Emslie Field in St. Thomas, the Sox hooked up in a see-saw affair with COBA rival - the Oakville A's - eventually coming out on the top end of a 6-4 score. Oakville scored 3 in the first inning and the Sox answered with a run in the 2nd, one in the 5th, 3 more in the 6th and one in the 7th before holding off a charging A team in their half of the 7th. Steve Lauzon and Carlos D'Costa set the pace with 3 hits each and an RBI; however, it was Jason Egbuna's clutch bases -clearing double in the 6th that was the turning point in the game. "Eggy" ended the day with a pair of hits as did Taylor Lawton. Jon Roth with a double and Kevin Greer and Joe Jurus each with singles added to the 13-hit Milton offense. Brian 'Stewy" Stewart started and worked a solid 5 innings surrendering 2 ERs on 6 hits while walking 3. Jeff Felker earned the win pitching the 6th, while veteran Mike Grabauskas registered the save in a tension-filled last of the 7th.

The Boys headed immediately back to Norm Aldridge Park in London, where the Erindale Cardinals provided the opposition. The Red Horde attacked suddenly and often in the first inning driving rookie Sean Mathe' out after a 5 run outburst. Friday night starter, Adam Scheerer, came on to settle things down over the rest of the game allowing 3 more runs on 8 hits. The pesky Red Sox punched away scoring 3 in the 4th, 2 in the 6th, and one more in the 7th before finally succumbing to Erindale 8-6. Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell led all Sox hitters with 3 singles. Taylor Lawton with an single and 2 RBIs, Kevin Greer and Kevin Cooper with RBI singles, and Jason Egbuna, Joe Jurus, and Carlos D'Costa with singles each, kept the pressure on the Cardinals who outhit Milton 12-9.

So, the Milton Red Sox, not given much of a chance by many throughout the province and locally in COBA, once again found a way to piece together some victories in this great Elimination Tournament. The team should be proud of what they accomplished. Bonesy and El Mooro certainly are!

Junior call-up Scott "Little Skip" McTrach earned the win with 5 solid innings of work.. After a shakey first inning that saw the Grizz manufacture 3 runs - one unearned - McTrach ended the night surrendering 5 hits while striking out 5. Sean Mathe' threw a scoreless 6th and 7th, and Jeff Felker and Mike Grabauskas, as usual, finished the game in veteran fashion with a scoreless 8th and 9th respectively.

Ian Zettle was outstanding on the mound. 'Zetts' held the hard-hitting Oakville crew to just one HR by Mark Walton, scattering 6 hits, walked just one and struck out 6 over the 7 innings he worked.

The Trailer Park Boys next action is a re-scheduled affair vs. Glanbrook this Tuesday at 9th Line Park. Game time is 7:30pm.

Tomorrow, weather permitting, the annual All Star Game will take place at Burlington's Nelson Park. The Home Run Derby gets underway at 12:00pm with Cranks twirling his offerings to the candidates from all teams. Game time is about 1:15pm.

The Milton Red Sox are pleased to announce that Steve Lauzon, Taylor Lawton and rookie Kevin Greer will be the positional players attending. Red Sox veteran work-horse, Mike Grabauskas and rookie Sean Mathe' will represent Milton on the mound, and Nick 'Short Circuit' Mazzorato will cast his lot in the Home Run Derby.

Brian "Busman" Stewart threw a solid 5 scoreless innings for the win. 'Stewy' gave up 3 hits while walking one and striking out 7. Adam Scheerer was also solid over the 3 innings he worked allowing one ER on 3 hits, and veteran Mike Grabauskas finished up the game in the 9th in workman-like fashion.

Three errors, 5 walks and pitching behind in the count, put the Sox into a trance in Game 2 from which they were unable to recover losing 5-2 to a short-handed Windsor Athletic Association squad. Starter Ian Zettle surrendered 3 earned runs on 5 hits and an uncharacteristic three walks to get tagged with the loss. Sean Mathe' held WAA scoreless over the final two innings. Offensively, Milton had 6 hits led by Nick Mazzorato's pair of singles and an RBI. Kevin Cooper with an RBI double and Steve Lauzon, Kevin Greer and Jason Egbuna rounded out the Red Sox hitting with singles each.

At Alex McKenzie Park later in the day, Milton was never in Game 3 with Leaside after the 2nd inning, eventually being on the reverse end of a 9-3 score. Leaside pounded out 12 hits on the day. Kevin Cooper, in his first start of the season, ran into the Leaside hitting machine as the Leafs scored 6 ERs on 4 hits and 3 BBs to saddle him with the loss. Jeff Felker, who followed in relief, gave up another 3 ERs on 6 hits and 4 walks until workhorse Mike Grabauskas came on to baffle Leaside over the final 3-innings holding them off the board. The offense with only 4 hits, failed to counter the Leafs attack. Nick Mazzorato had another pair of hits and Taylor Lawton also struck for a pair. Each also recorded an RBI.

Thanks to Mark Walters and his guys for staging this great tournament despite the uncertainty of Niagara Peninsula weather this weekend. Take a bow, Mark!

Jeff Felker started and pitched 4 innings surrendering 5 ERs on 5 hits wihile walking 3 and whiffing a pair. Milton's bullpen was solid as Sean Mathe' earned the win with a scoreless 3-inning performance allowing the Brants just a single hit while striking out 3. Veteran workhorse Mike Grabauskas recorded the save allowing 0 ERs in the 8th and 9th.

Adam Scheerer earned the win with a dominating 7 inning performance limiting the Chiefs to one ER and 6 hits while striking out 8 and walking 2. Work-horse Mike Grabauskas threw a scoreless two innings to finish up.

Offensively, Taylor Lawton broke out with a 3/5 performance that included a triple, two singles and an RBI. Steve Lauzon, Dave Strutt, Kevin Greer and Sean Mathe' had two hits apiece while Carlos D'Costa and Jon Roth added singles. The Sox left 13 men on base and commited 2 physical errors and about 6 mental errors.

Friday night the Exeter pitcher hurled a one-hitter at the Sox with only Adam Mills breaking up the no-hitter with an RBI single to score Steve Lauzon in the 7th of the 4-1 loss. Jr. pitcher, Adam Slessor, overcame early jitters and threw a strong 4 innings surrendering just one earned run while allowing 3 hits, 3 walks and striking out a pair. Brian Stewart held Exeter scoreless in his two innings of work allowing only one hit while striking out 3.

On Saturday, Adam Scheerer powered his way to a 2-0 2-hit shutout of East York striking out 8 and allowing just a pair of walks on the day. Offensively, Milton managed just 3 hits with Steve Lauzon's two-run single in the 3rd being the hi-lite. Brandon Banaschowski and Brian Hunter also added singles. The Trailer Park Boys and the 'Bottle Kids" headed out afterwards to the famous Harmony House all-you-can-eat buffet and nobody got cheated. Bonesy, Willie, Shoeless, Jack and Felks set the pace for the inexperienced young kids. A good time was had by all.

On Sunday, in the first of three consecutive games, classy veteran, "Silent" Adam Ahearn threw a 4 hitter at the host Lakeside Lizard, striking out 7, while walking three. Jon Roth led the Sox at the plate with a 2/3 performance driving in the only run. Lee and Sean Mathe and Ryan Bauer rounded out the 5-hit offense with a single apiece.

Next against Oakville, Milton came from behind a 3-0 deficit to tie the A's in the 5th and to forge ahead 5-3 in the top of the 7th, holding off Oakville to seal the win 5-4. Catcher, Adam Mills, led Milton with 2 hits, while Jon Roth and Joe Jurus had RBI doubles each. 'JJ' pounded the ball hard all day for the Sox. Ageless Dave Strutt drove in a run with an RBI single and Sean Mathe and Nick Mazzorato also had singles. Jeff Felker started and hurled the first 4 innings, holding the powerful A's to 3 runs on 4 hits, walking 2 and recording a pair of strikeouts. Young Jr. reliever, J D Hartnagle, earned the win in relief as he threw 3 innings, limiting Oakville to 1 run and 3 hits. A dramatic pickoff move by J D in the 7th, with Oakville's tying run on 2nd, proved to be the back-breaker for the A's.

The Sox held the Erindale 'Red Horde" scoreless- who received a bye into the finals - until the 4th when they struck for two runs courtesy of a monstrous HR from Kevin Treichel. Sean Mathe was solid for the 5 innings that he worked surrendering just 2 ERs.The 6th proved disastrous as El Mooro ran out JD Hartnagle again, Dave Strutt, the sqalking osprey on the light-standard in CF - who, by the way, threw well until he decided to fly off with the ball - and finally CFer Jon Roth who shut down the Cardinals 6-run 6th inning explosion in 1-2-3 fashion. Bonesy, sobbing and laughing in the bullpen, was seen warming himelf before the final out of the inning. Steve "Bully" Gallant, always one of the classiest guys in the league, was masterful on the mound for Crank's Cardinals surrendering just 2 hits - one each by Jon Roth and Nick Mazzorato - over 7 innings of work.

Congratulations to the Erindale Cardinals, worthy winners of this year's London Tournament and a great bunch of guys. Congrats also to the 10 juniors and 8 seniors who took the time this weekend to provide a solid entry in this tournament. Both teams were worthy COBA MAJOR representatives. Thanks also to Jack Cantelon and Frank "Shaggs" Hume for helping manoever all the kids into the lineup over the course of the tournament. great job, guys. Thanks also to Glenn and Lorraina Turner for coming to the tournament and keeping everything well in order for the entire Red Sox organization. It was a lot of fun, and that's what it really is all about anyways - having some fun.

Offensively, rookie, Kevin Greer, continued to impress with his bat and glove leading the Sox with a double, single, 2 walks and an RBI. Chris Pittaway slammed a double, and Steve Lauzon with a single and 4 BBs, were Milton highlights. Jon Roth, with an RBI single, and Carlos D'Costa, also with a single, rounded out the Milton 6-hit offense.

Kurt Mitchell drove Kevin Greer in from 3rd in the bottom of the 7th for the opening game victory. Greer accounted for two of Milton's 5 hits with a pair of doubles and an RBI while Jay Egbuna drove a run in with a double and Jon Roth also singled. Brian Stewart held the powerful 'Red Horde' to 2 runs on 6 hits while issuing a pair of walks. Mike Gabauskas threw the final 1 1/3 inning to gain the win. 'Grubs' walked a pair, but the defense bailed him out as Nick Mazzorato cut down a steal attempt in the 7th that seemed to halt a Cardinal rally. One of the highlights of the game was a monster two-run HR shot by Geoff Cullen in the 4th that ended up on the other side of Commercial St.

Wiley veteran "Bully" Gallant set the Red Sox down in Game 2 as he held Milton to three hits in fashioning a 4-3 win. Nick Mazzorato drove in one run with a single and Jon Roth and 'Bonesy" McCandless provided the rest of the offense. Scotty "Little Skip" McTrach, up from the Juniors, hurled a magnificent game allowing just 2 ERs on 7 hits. The "Horde" sensing a young victim, were stymied by McTrach's control hitting his spots repeatedly. Jeff Felker continued to impress with a stellar 7th inning fanning 2 batters.

Steve Lauzon had a 3/5 night with 3 RBIs and a double, Carlos D'Costa registered 3 hits and 2 RBIs that included a double and triple, and Nick Mazzorato continued to stay hot at the plate with 3 hits and a pair of RBIs. Jay "Eggy" Egbuna, Dave Strutt and Jon Roth each had two hits on the night and a double apiece. Kevin Cooper and Kevin Greer, who was outstanding at SS, rounded out the 17 hit Milton offense with a single apiece. Chris 'Big Country' Cooney took the loss for Glanbrook with Mike Grilli hurling the 8th and 9th innings.

Starter, Adam Scheerer, earned the win with 7 solid innings allowing 6 ERs while scattering 10 hits striking out 6 and issuing a pair of walks. Jeff Felker again was rock-solid in relief, hurling the 8th and 1/3 of the ninth, with crafty veteran Mike Grabauskas earning the save asm he coaxed a game-ending DP out of his fellow Trailer Park crew. Tim Sogan led the Grizz with 4 hits including a booming solo homer in the 7th.

The win ended a long losing streak for the Red Sox in June. Injuries, work commitments and family responsibilities impair all teams at one time or another during the course of a season; however when they happen all at once, things can get quite stressful for Bonesy and El Mooro who have taken to watching the parking lot at games for the 9th player as in 'the bad old days' of about 7-8 years ago.

On another note, both teams with all their athletic, macho, ballplayers were deeply moved by three seemingly abandoned baby racoons that wandered into right field to play with Strutty and the Milton bullpen guys. Nobody knew quite what to do when they followed the guys from both teams to the parking lot. A few spectators boxed up the little guys and released them into the gulley in the hope that other racoons would adopt them. The struggle for a piece of life can be humbling, indeed.

Speaking of life, the Milton Red Sox would like to congratulate Kim and Ian Zettle on the birth of Tyrus Gordon - 7lbs. 4 oz. - a little brother for the charming Ella. Everyone is doing well, especially a stressed-out Zetts. Welcome to the world Ty. Put a ball in his left hand, Zetts.

Offensively, the only bright light was DH, Nick Mazzorato with a 2/3 night including a double and Jay Egbuna, recently off the DL, also pounded out a double. Milton connected for only 4 hits on the night.

Friday night the Sox were thoroughly trounced and mercied 12-2 by their COBA rivals the St. Catharines Metros. Starter Sean Mathe took the loss allowing 8 earned runs on 7 hits and 6 BBs. Mike Grabauskas was touched up for 3 more runs and Junior callup Craig Howse issued one run. The Milton squad managed only 4 hits off Metro pitching - Nick Mazzorato with a HR, Carlos D'Costa a double, and Kurt Mitchell and Dave Strutt with singles. As veteran 'Bonesy' McCandless and El Mooro summarized succinctly: "We sucked!"

Saturday against Oshawa Royals, a pair of 4th inning errors played a key role in the Royals 7-2 victory. Oshawa managed only 2ERs, 6 hits, and 2 BBs off starter and loser Adam Scheerer, who worked the first 3 2/3 innings. Jeff Felker finished the game in fine style allowing only one run. The Milton hitting continued to doze as they could manage only 5 hits. Nick Mazzorato continued to swing a hot bat going 2 for 3 with an RBI. Dave Strutt, Joe Jurus and John Roth added singles.

Milton started to show signs of emerging from their early season funk in Game 3 of the tournament that evening. Although they lost 3-2, the game had a few significant high points. Classy veteran Adam Ahearn made his first start of the year for the 'Trailer Park Boys' logging 5 1/3 innings. Although tagged with the loss, AA's allowed only 2 ERs on 6 hits while striking out 7 and walking none. Mike Grabauskas came in relief to shut out the Hawks in the 6th and 7th.

Offensively the Sox broke out for 7 hits as veteran Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell led the way with a 3 for 3 performance. Kevin Cooper contributed an RBI single, Mazz another hit and Sean Mathe and Jason Egbuna rounded out the hitting. The game ended with the bases loaded and Milton trying desparately to push across the tying run. Alas, for naught!

Thanks to all the guys who sacrificed their time and re-arranged their work or family schedules to participate in this great "A" tournament. We'll be back next year.

The real problem of late has been a meager hitting attack that all teams seem to encounter from time to time. The Sox were outhit 14-6. Rookie Kevin Greer punching out a double, single and an RBI, Steve Lauzon a pair of singles, Taylor Lawton with single and 3 RBIs, and Kevin Cooper with a single, rounded out the offensive output.

Offensively, the Red Sox bats continued to struggle as the 'Boys' managed just 4 hits off Mike Janes. Rookie Kevin Greer led the Sox with a pair of singles and an RBI, while Nick Mazzorato and Kevin Cooper rounded out the hitting with a single each.

Newcomer Adam Sheerer making his 2nd start, held the plucky Brants scoreless over the first 5 innings before being touched for 3 unearned runs in the 6th. Sheerer finished the day allowing 6 hits, 4 walks and struck out four over the 6 innings he worked. Veteran 'Silent' Adam Ahearn earned the save allowing a 7th inning run on a pair of hits. Two costly Milton errors made for a nervous 7th.

Game 2 was a virtual slugfest as Burlington out hit the hosts 15-10. Ian Zettle started and got off to a shakey start as he was touched for 3 runs in the first inning; however, he settled down and allowed just one more run over the 5 innings he worked for the win. Zetts finished the day surrendering 9 hits, striking out 4 while walking just one batter. Both relievers, Kevin Greer and Mike Grabauskas gave up two runs apiece as they worked the 6th and 7th innings respectively.

Chris Pittaway and Carlos D'Costa led the Milton offense with 3 RBIs each - 'Pitts' with 2 singles and D'Costa with a 3-run HR in the 2nd. Sean Mathe pounded out 2 hits that included a 2-run HR and 2 RBIs. Taylor Lawton with a 2-run RBI single, together with Dave Strutt, Steve Lauzon, Kurt Mitchell, and Nick Mazzorato with singles each accounted for the Milton 10 hits. An explosive 9-run 2nd inning proved the undoing for the hard-luck Burlington squad.

I guess many of the familiar excuses - back-to-back-weekend rainouts, shaky pitching, inconsistent hitting and untimely errors, could all be used for Milton's early season slow start out of the gate this season. But, what was evident all Saturday was the fact that this season's version of the Red Sox, despite 6 new faces, has the same ability and fortitude to fight back from deficits as did teams of the last 5-6 years.

Friday night, Etobicoke outhit the Sox 17-9, jumping on starter Jeff Felker for 5 runs and 9 hits over his 4 innings of work. Reliever Brian Stewart surrendered a pair on a monstrous HR by A.J. Iafrate, Sean Mathe had a 1-2-3 three strikeout 7th, and Mike Grabauskas finished, being touched for three runs in the 8th. Offensively, Taylor Lawton contributed four singles and Kevin Cooper pounded out a single, double and registered an RBI.9 Milton hits was not enough to 'cut it' this game as Etobicoke smelled fresh blood in the water.

Exactly the same scenario occured Sat. in GM 1 as the Rangers charged ahead 6-0 on 7 hits after 3 innings off starter and eventual loser, Ian Zettle. Kevin Greer and Kevin Cooper tried to stop the bleeding during their relief stints in the 5th-7th innings. However,down 10-2 in the 6th, the Red Sox surprisingly clawed back gamely to finish 10-7 with the game ending with the bases loaded and the winning run at the plate - somewhat heartening for the 'Boys'.

Steve Lauzon with a pair of singles and 2 RBIs, Sean Mathe with a solo HR and Carlos D'Costa with a 2-RBI double provided most of the 7-hit Milton offense.

Game 2 started out disastrously, as the Etobicoke crew shot ahead 5-0 thanks to a trio of uncharacteristic errors by Milton. However, due to 'Shoeless Joe" Jurus's incessant urging of his team-mates, the Trailer Park Boys, young and old, managed to get four of the runs back after two innings. Jurus's fence-hitting double in the bottom of the 7th tied the game and Carlos D'Costa's 8th inning double to the deepest part of CF scored Chris Pittaway with the winner. The Boys went 'nuts'.

Perhaps the highlight of this game to the pitching depleted Milton squad was the emergence of reliever Adam Sheerer into a bonified starter. After the error-filled 1st inning, Sheerer held the Rangers scoreless over the next 6 innings he worked,finishing the game with 0 ERs, 4 BBs and scattering 7 hits. Veteran reliever Mike Grabauskas(1-0) thew the 9th to 'vulture' the win.

Offensively, the Red Sox managed just 5 hits as Steve Lauzon registered a 3/5 night including a double and an RBI, while Jon Roth with an RBI double and Kevin Cooper with a single completed the meager attack.

Brampton managed 11 hits off 4 Milton pitchers. Ian Zettle started and went 4 innings surrendering 2 ERs on 7 hits and a pair of walks. Rookie Kevin Greer threw a scoreless 5th while Adam Scheerer allowed one ER over two innings of work, striking out 3, walking a pair while surrendering one hit and earning the win. Veteran reliever Mike Grabauskas earned the save allowing two hits and hitting two batters, but holding Brampton scoreless in the 8th and 9th.

Directions: 401 to Hanlon Pkwy. (one cutoff west of #6 Hwy., north to Paisley St. cutoff. Exit rt. and travel east for 2 stoplights -Alma St. Turn rt. at Alma and head back south for a few blocks to RR tracks. In middle of tracks is Crimea St. Turn left, and Peak Performance is on the immediate right - likely the only building lit in the area.

Ty Wilson went the distance Friday night in Etobicoke to earn the 9-1 win against the feisty Brampton Battlecats, scattering 6 hits, striking out 3 and walking none. 'Shoeless' Joe Jurus with a mammoth 3-run HR in the 4th, Taylor Lawton with a 3-run triple and Curt Mitchell's and Jeff MacLeod's 2 hits apiece set the offensive tone. Nick Aalbers and Steve Lauzon contributed with singles.

Saturday in Burlington, 'The Boys' outlasted Erindale 8-5 in a rain-delayed contest. Steve Spiers got the win in relief of starter Ian Zettle, who hurled before and after the rain delay, leaving in the 6th. Milton pitching held the powerful Cardinals to 8 hits. Offensively, Milton only managed 5 hits; however, Nick Aalbers grand-slam HR in the 6th was the game-breaker for the Sox. Jeff MacLeod had 2 hits and an RBI and Kurt Mitchell smashed a key 2-run double. Matt Tales pitched in with a solo HR in the 3rd.

Sunday, under sunny skies, the Red Sox jumped on Etobicoke early and often to pound out an 11-4 victory. 'Silent' Adam Ahearn hurled a masterful 5 innings holding the 2007 Ansen Buck Trophy winners to 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 3 and walking only 1 batter. Mike Grabauskas threw the 6th and 7th and was touched for 3 runs by the Rangers long-ball boys, Warren Bradley and Rob Borden. Jeff MacLeod led the way with 4 singles and 3 RBIs, while Steve Lauzon and 'Little Curt' Davies added a pair of hits each. Joe Jurus with a 2-run double, Taylor Lawton and Matt Tales with RBI singles and Kurt Mitchell and Nick Aalbers with hits comprised the 13 hit attack.

The Championship round featured Crank's 'powerful pounders' against the Trailer Park Boys, urged on relentlessly by ageless Joe Jurus. Milton edged the Cardinals 6-5 in 8 innings. Taylor Lawton rallied the troops with 3 hits, while Matt Tales and Reese Davies added 2 hits each and Steve Lauzon pushed across 2 RBIs. However, the Red Sox offensive highlight was the Grand Slam HR in the 5th by Jeff MacLeod. Marc Sgrignoli also punched out a hit offensively. Milton rallied for the winning run in their half of the 8th, scoring Reese Davies on a wild pitch. Adam Finkbeiner started and hurled the first 2 1/3 innings. Ty Wilson, Jr. call-up, Scotty McTrach, and Steve Spiers followed in relief, with "Spiersy" earning the win for a solid 2 2/3 inning stint. Red Sox pitching held Erindale to 10 hits on the day, allowing 4 BBs whie registering 3 Ks.

So, the end has come to a long, hot summer for the emerging Milton squad. Having lost 12 players from the 2006 team, the new recruits infused great energy and enthusiasm to the core of this team. The team practised hard and played this game the way it is supposed to be played - with class and relentless hustle. El Mooro is proud as hell of all you crazy, loyal wackos. Take a bow boys, you dersrve it!

A very special thanks also needs to be extended to the player-coaches - Matt "Bonesy" McCandless, Kevin 'Willy" Wilson, Ryan 'Ryno" Davison, Scott Ballantyne and especially to the irrepressible, 'Shoeless' Joe Jurus. Thanks also to Gerry Moore for his constant support and talent evaluation. Thanks also to our GM Glenn Turner for his year-long support and his tireless efforts in maintaining our beloved Brian Best Park. Have a blast in Italy, Glenn.