The 2018 baseball season was definitely one to remember for all involved within the St. Thomas Minor Baseball Association (STMBA), as the organization was showcased locally, regionally, and even on the national stage.
St. Thomas Minor Baseball saw its highest registration numbers in the last several years, with just over 600 participants across both the travel and house league programs, which enjoyed strong seasons on the diamond. On the house league side, STMBA fielded 10 T-ball teams, 16 rookie teams, five teams in mosquito, four in peewee, three in bantam, and two at the midget level. Meanwhile, our travel baseball program also experienced growth in 2018, with the additional of a second minor rookie ball team – and, for the first time, a true mosquito select team – to round out the slate of 10 teams.
Our travel teams represented the city and the organization exceptionally well this season. Competing at championships throughout the province, our minor rookie, major rookie, and major mosquito teams all captured Ontario Championship gold medals by winning their respective championships. The Cardinals minor mosquito team was an OBA finalist and took home silver.
In August, St. Thomas Minor Baseball hosted the TD 21u National Men’s Championship at Cardinal Field and Emslie Field. Ten teams from across the country took part in one of Baseball Canada’s most prestigious events. And though the event got off to a tough start with rain and wet fields causing issues with scheduling, in true STMBA fashion, the organizing committee, along with over 65 volunteers, stepped up and pulled off one of the best National Championship events hosted in 2018.
The organization is now working on the completion of an offseason indoor training facility for the members of our program. The Power Alley is STMBA’s new indoor home for offseason workouts and tryouts. This 6,500 square foot facility will have five batting cages and field space for its members and others to use for skill development and extra winter workouts.
STMBA will also be holding its tryouts in 2019 for the first time indoors in the city. The organization has contributed to the outdoor facilities over the last number of years, and this was the next logical place to develop. For more information on the facility, you can visit poweralley.ca.
As we start to plan for the 2019 season, we want to thank all of the volunteer coaches and board members for all their time and hard work. Without you, we could not offer all our programs and teams. And to the parents and players, thank you for a great 2018. We’re now looking forward to an even better 2019!
Submitted by LDBA Baseball
