Etobicoke Senior Slo-Pitch Association 2022 Memorial Tournament

A bit of history about the origin of the Memorial Tournament, courtesy Barb Wade: her husband, Art Wade, was a founding member of the League. He played for years, served as a Captain and also as Commissioner.

In May 2006, he was diagnosed with cancer and died three weeks later. He had been assigned to a team that year, and even had his shirt. His favourite charity was the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. They were starting a baseball camp for children for a week in the summer. Art wanted donations, so that children who could not afford to go, could go.

The League decided in August to have an Art Wade Memorial Tournament just for our League, to raise some money for the camp. It poured rain that day, but everyone turned out to play and have lunch after.

During the winter, the League decided to start an annual Memorial Tournament to honour all people who played or helped in the League. The plaques were set up and the first tournament as we know it was held in June 2007. It has been held annually ever since, except for the COVID years.

The annual Memorial Tournament was held Friday, June 3, 2022, at Centennial Park Diamond #3 (SE).

The weather was perfect - we had about 20 family, friends, and alumni players, 32 current players (thanks for participating) and a handful of fans!

These former players, umpires and scorekeepers were remembered:

Dale Whitacre (2009-2017),
Irene Marks (2000-2006),
Al (Alex) Costenuck (2008-2013),
Betty Densen (1999-2002),
Brian Jefferson (2011-2021),
Pat Jones,
Ken Ward (2001-2015),
Moe Jenkins (1997-2010),
Paul Graham (1996-2009),
Jim Carey (2001-2015),
Harold Rozen (1998-2006),
Peter Panacci (1998-2014),
Karen Marshall (2000-2017).

Their names were added to the memorial plaque; family members were invited to attend.
The families and League alumni truly appreciated that we took time out to honour those who have passed. They were thrilled. One of them mentioned that because of COVID many did not have funerals or memorials, so this was an opportunity to see old friends and catch up!

Donuts and coffee were available before the ceremony and games.

These games used the Incrediball (spongy softball) for safety. Current and former Etobicoke 55+ Slo-Pitch League players / Etobicoke Senior Slo-Pitch Association players / umpires were welcome to play, as were their guests, and family members / guests of the players remembered at the ceremony.

Everyone was invited for lunch at The Grille afterwards (along with a few beverages).

Special thanks to the following for helping make this event happen:
Barb Wade - worked to ensure we reached the families and friends of our honourees.
Anne Calhoun - worked her extensive network and was able to reach many of the alumni that attended.
Nick Hnatiuk - put together the picture collage of the honourees.
Glenn Shields - our Master of Ceremonies.
Debbie Estey & Lisa Ryan - helped set up and manage the refreshments and lug lots of dusty and heavy equipment.
Joe Parisani and Natalie Teixeira who helped set up the diamonds.
George Cushing for captain duties and comic relief.
Terry Jackson - who should be our official colour commentator and sports announcer.

Photos from Eric Burton. Click on the thumbnail to see the full size image: