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Fastball squad bringing Pride to the north

BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW A group of dedicated local fastball players have gotten together to restore the pride of Northern Ontario fastball.
BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW

A group of dedicated local fastball players have gotten together to restore the pride of Northern Ontario fastball.

"The North used to be well known provincially for strong fastball players," said Rolly Arseneault, manager of the Sudbury Pride fastball traveling team. "We're trying to reestablish the pride of Northern fastball - hence the name of our team."

Last year, a group of fastball players participated in a tournament down south and lost to the Alvinston team in extra innings. The Alvinston team went on to win the International Softball Conference (ISC) Worlds II.

"We thought, hey we have some great players in Sudbury and with the right dedication and if we practiced all winter, we could really have something special here," said Mike Chartrand, coach, who also played fastball for 30 years.

With these humble beginnings, the Northern Pride was born.

"We assembled a team with guys from all over the North," said Arseneault. "The guys are all hand picked because of their attitude and ability."

After a winter of training inside a gym, the Pride were ready for their first real test last weekend when they traveled to Bracebridge to play a two-game exhibition series. The Bracebridge team is one of the best intermediate teams in the province. They are the Eastern Canadian Champions from 2000 - 02. They also boast one of the top pitchers in all of Canada, Mike Crawford. The Pride came prepared and stunned Bracebridge 5 - 3 in the first game.

"Not only did it shock Bracebridge, but it shocked us too," said Chartrand.

The Pride dropped the second game 6 - 3. It was nonetheless a pivotal moment in the young franchise's history.

"It was the first chance to measure ourselves against one of the better teams in the province," said Arseneault. "We found out we can compete."

Even though the team is in its infancy stages, they have set high, but attainable goals.

"The Sudbury region has not won a provincial title in intermediate fastball for 25 years and we would like to change that," said Chartrand. "We'd like to win one for the North."

With a provincial title in their dreams, the Pride also has other long term goals.

"Another goal is to get to the ISC II World Championship," said Arseneault. "With the proper commitment, these are reasonable goals."

The Pride will be busy all summer competing in tournaments and exhibition games, including a rematch against the Bracebridge Dura team in Azilda at Rick MacDonald Park on June 14.

"It will be a challenge to play those guys again," said Chartrand. "It will be two exciting ball games."

The team will compete in a World Qualifier in Owen Sound at the end of June, compete in the Bracebridge Elimination Tournament on the August Long Weekend. They will wrap up their busy schedule on August 16 in Fitzroy Harbour at the Provincial Championships.

"It's going to be a great summer of fastball," said Chartrand.

The Pride have a spirited blend of strong pitching and powerful hitting. One of the top pitchers is Corey Stollar from Spanish.

"Corey isn't a big guy, but he has a huge heart and thick arms," said Chartrand. "He has the dedication and talent."

The Pride will also rely heavily on pitcher Paul Fitchett to provide solid performances.

"Paul is a big guy and can throw hard and fast," said Chartrand. "This guy can bring it."
A team requires great pitching in fastball.
"Fastball is a pitcher dominated sport and you need great pitchers to be successful."

The Pride will also boast a powerful hitting line up. Former NHLer

Troy Malette, second baseman, brings an athletic presence to the club and has great hand eye coordination. Catcher Jean Gilles Laroque hits clean up and supplies tremendous power.

The Pride needs skilled hitters to succeed at this sport.

"A professional baseball player has point four of a second reaction time to hit the ball in fastball the reaction time is point three because the mound is only 45 feet away in fastball and 60 feet away in professional baseball," said Arseneault.

Malette believes in the team and loves the game.

"I used to play very competitive hockey and I like the competitiveness of the sport," said Malette. "We have the caliber of players in the area to compete with the best teams in the province."

The Pride are actively recruiting one more outfielder for the team.
"We're looking for someone who has a strong arm with pin point accuracy and a great attitude," said Arseneault.




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