The Union team will officially be called the St. Thomas Storm. We will be playing in Fingal this year. The move was necessary for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the poor lighting in Union. There will be a concession booth operating this year at our games as well as decent washrooms. I hope this makes it more enjoyable for the fans who come out to support our league.
The 2006 roster is as follows: Dan Beecroft, P, Ryan Cummings, P, Chris Wismer, C, Bryan Harvey, Tom Edie, Dan Denniss, Troy Rick, Tyler Lessard, Aaron Gould, Chris Payne, Jamie Peat, Dave Ferguson, Mark Coleman, Kevin Lynch. All of these guys are returning from last year when we won the regular season and playoffs.
Newcomers this year are Brent Crocker, Scott Bate and Rich Siple. Crocker is making his second appearance with the Storm. He played a number of years ago and is welcomed back to help as a utility player. Brent will be called upon to pitch from time to time as well as play 1B, 3B, OF and DP. We hope to see Brent back to form as a top hitter in the league and a very reliable pitcher.
Scott Bate is entering his first year of fastpitch. He has played baseball at the intercounty level with the Jr. Tomcats and the Sr. Elgins in St. Thomas for several years. We expect Scott to adjust well to the fastpitch game and contribute defensively in the infield and outfield. He is an excellent athelete and is a hard worker.
Rich Siple is also in his second stint with the franchise. Rich was a member of this club when I first joined back when we were in the Yarmouth/Southwold league. After a number of years playing slopitch Rich has come back to the great game of fastball. A Fingal resident, Rich is happy to be playing "at home" and will help in the infield and outfield. He is a veteran player and a good team guy.
The 2006 St. Thomas Storm are preparing for what is shaping up to be a very competative league this year. Most teams appear to have improved and that is exciting.
Team goals include trying to repeat as league champs and attempting to win the All Star game on July 11 in Fingal.
The first game for the Storm is May 1st at Belmont and the hope opener will be on May 4th. Both games are at 8pm.
See you all at the park!!
Tom
