Expanded Senior Slo-Pitch Association

[Expanded Senior Slo-Pitch Association]

2023 Playoff Qualifying Round Standings

  1. Irish Shebeen Pub
  2. Westowne Mazda
  3. RenPark Security
  4. Maple Leafs
  5. The Grille
  6. Roto-Rooter Toronto

2023 Semi-Final Playoff Results

  1. RenPark Security 25 vs Westowne Mazda 13
  2. Maple Leafs 15 vs Irish Shebeen Pub 21

2023 Championship Final Playoff Result

  1. Irish Shebeen Pub 15 vs RenPark Security 13
Pictures from the championship game can be seen here.

End Of Season Activities - Monday September 11

4 events were planned for the End Of Season Picnic, but were postponed to September 11 due to excessive heat:

1'st Annual ESSA Men's and Women's Fastest Player Competition

Each participant had a timed run around the bases.

Fastest Women on the Bases
  1. Janet Kriscuinas - Roto-Rooter
  2. Sandi DiLena - Roto-Rooter
  3. Cheryl Tenn - The Grille
Fastest Men on the Bases
  1. Dave Williams - Maple Leafs
  2. Bing Young - Westowne Mazda
  3. Jeff Britton - The Grille
  4. Ted Ward - Westowne Mazda

1'st Annual ESSA Men's and Women's Home Run Derby

Each participant provided their own pitcher (or one was provided for them).
They were pitched 1 bucket of balls that they tried to launch over the fence.
For the women, home plate was placed at second base.

Women's Home Run Derby
  1. Krista Currie - Shebeens Irish Pub
  2. Janet Krisciunas - Roto-Rooter
  3. Sandy DiLena - Roto-Rooter
  4. Cheryl Tenn - The Grille
  5. Sherry Botnick - Maple Leafs
Thank you to Romeo Laroque, Steve Craig & Michael Hart for pitching.
Men's Home Run Derby (in order of appearance)
*Judges are sworn to secrecy over the results*
[As a note, a good wind came up, blowing into home plate, which made this competition very tough.]
Thanks to Romeo Laroque, Krista Curry & Michael Hart for pitching.

For all events, not-so-fabulous prizes were awarded along with bragging rights for the season.

Pictures from the events can be seen here.

ESSA @ Ontario 55+ Summer Games (from Eric Burton / Jan Macaulay / Mike Peterson mostly)

Congratulations to all the ESSA members who participated in the Ontario 55+ Summer Games at Brantford, August 9-11, 2023.
Results are available here.

11 people played a round of golf at The Oaks of St. George before the games began:

[OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge]

Others went hiking along the Grand River:

[OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge]

Opening Ceremony

Held at Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, Brantford:

[OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge]

Slo-pitch

Held at Green Lane Sports Complex, Paris:

Players: Bettina Samson, Bing Young, Cheryl Tenn, Dave Williams, Diane De Souza, Eric Burton, Gregg (Mac) Macaulay, Ian Schell, Jan Macaulay, Mike Peterson, Sandy DiLena, Sherry Botnick, Ted Ward, Tony Peluso, Vince Pileggi.

Our ESSA slo-pitch team played in the Recreational Division and played 8 games over the 2 days. We played: 2 London teams, Shakespeare (Stratford area), Peterborough, and Barrie. Due to some last-minute rule changes by tournament organizers, game lineups had to be totally changed and Mac and Jan did a masterful job of keeping us organized. On the first day we played with the 11" womens Incrediball, a surprise to all teams; the next morning we switched back to the 12" mens Incrediball. Our team made it to the Bronze Medal game and finished 4'th overall.

There is a tremendous amount of work and coordination that goes on before and during a tournament like this. The team and ESSA would like to acknowledge Mac, Mike, Terry and Jan for all the effort put into fielding a team and through their leadership & organization providing us such a memorable experience.

The coaches, Mac & Mike appreciated and would like to thank the team for all their effort and cooperation. It was indeed a great team effort from everyone. An enjoyable few days of slo-pitch and comradery.

[OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge] [OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge]

Darts

Held at Dunsdon Legion.

Terry Jackson and Krista Currie.

Golf

Held at Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course.

Pat Mullen - silver in Men's 65+.

Swimming

Held at Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.

Julie Suehiro - silver in Women's 55+ Option A.

[OSGA Brantford, click to enlarge]

Well done everyone!!

ESPL / ESL / ESSA

The Etobicoke 55+ Slo-Pitch League (ESL/ESPL) started play in 1994. The League was founded by Anne Colhoun, under the auspices of the City of Toronto Department of Parks and Recreation; she is also an Honorary Association Member. It is open to players of all genders.

In 2021 the Etobicoke Senior Slo-Pitch Association (ESSA) was formed as an unincorporated non-profit association to run the day-to-day activities on behalf of the members (players).

In 2023 the name was changed to Expanded Senior Slo-Pitch Association (ESSA) to better reflect that players come from all over the greater Toronto area to play.

See the Association Information notes for more information on the history of the League/Association, and how it operates.

Games are ON unless specifically cancelled. If possible we will try to cancel by 8 AM, so if you don't hear anything by e-mail or on the web site by then, assume you are playing.

We have one player who has been in the League/Association since inception: John Hughson (30 years). Vic Leonard has played 25+ years, Steve Bozicevic has played 25+.
In 2013, these players were inducted into the "20 Year Club": Anne Colhoun, Art Wade, Barb Wade, Bert Chalmers, Bob Goddard, Bob Weston, Clare Jones, Lorne Christie, Mike Forestell, Ralph Currie, John Hughson.
In 2014, these players were inducted into the "20 Year Club": Bill Chambers, Danny Ryback, George Turriff, Glenn Shields, Jim Luscombe.
In 2015, these players were inducted into the "20 Year Club": Jim Jennings, Vic Leonard.
In 2016, these players were inducted into the "20 Year Club": Steve Bozicevic, Hank Elnicki, Kiene Stewart, Stan Wilson, Vince Abate.
In 2018, these players were inducted into the "20 Year Club": Dan O'Handley, Larry Adler, Paul Graham.
In 2019, these players were inducted into the "20 Year Club": Art Zan, Marilyn Hawkins, Rolf Bjordammen.
In 2022, these players were inducted into the "20 Year Club": Alan Rouse, Nick Hnatiuk, Graeme Swift.
In 2022, this player was inducted into the "30 Year Club": John Hughson.
In 2023, these players were inducted into the "20 Year Club": Ray Hipolito, Ted Talbot.

Players Creed

Captains Creed

Players / Teams / General Info / Rules

Round-Robin Schedule / Playoff Schedule / Standings

Memorial Tournament

Tournaments

Spares

ESSA Board of Directors

Registration

Association Spring General Meeting

Association End Of Season Picnic Lunch

Association End Of Season Karaoke Night

Association Banquet / Fall General Meeting

Rookie Camp

The Irish Shebeen

Bob Stewart Award

Anne Colhoun Founders Award

Calvin Katz Memorial Photo Contest

League/Association Champions

Sponsors

Pictures

Historical Information / Pictures

Archives

Co-Ed Older Adult Volleyball

For those looking for indoor activities over the fall/winter/spring, there is drop-in volleyball at the following locations:

There is also pickleball at other times at these locations, and almost every community / recreation centre in Brampton and Mississauga.

Registration

Registration is now closed for the 2023 season.

You can check your registration status here: List of Registered Players.
Note that it may take a few days (for online registrations) to a few weeks (for mailed registrations) to show up here. Same applies for payments by e-transfer or mailed cheques.

At this point, please contact Mike Peterson directly to register to play: "mikep9x@gmail.com" or call 647-393-4661.

2023 Association Advertizement (PDF format).

NOTE: The Association has established a minimum safety standard for rookies to play (click here for details).

Sponsors

[Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall]

Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall (5230 Dundas St. W, Six Points Plaza, Toronto, ON M9B 1A8 (Dundas W. / Islington); 416-239-1114)

[Renpark Security]

RenPark Security (#6 - 2400 Dundas St W, Suite 655, Mississauga, Ont L5K 2R8; 416-925-1771)

[Roto-Rooter Toronto]

Roto-Rooter Toronto (923 Oxford St, Toronto, ON M8Z 5T3 (Kipling Ave / Queensway); 416-503-4444)

[The Grille Restaurant & Bar]

The Grille Restaurant & Bar (1596 The Queensway, Etobicoke ON, M8Z 1V1 (Queensway / Hwy 427); 416-255-7455)

[The Irish Shebeen]

The Irish Shebeen (5555 Eglinton Ave W, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5M1 (in Centennial Park Plaza between Centennial Park Parkway and Eastgate Drive); 416-695-9178)

[Mudhens]

The Mudhens (Joe Parisani)

[Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club]

Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club (home games played at Dominico Field at Christie Pits; office at 42 Chestnut Hills Pkwy, Toronto, ON M9A 3P6; 416-631-2600)

[Westowne Mazda]

Westowne Mazda (5511 Dundas St W, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9B 1B8 (Dundas W. / Shorncliffe); 416-232-2011)

Association Spring General Meeting

The 2023 Spring General Meeting was held for Monday, May 15, 10:00 AM, upstairs in the Ski Chalet at Centennial Park (north of the hockey arena). All player information is now available on the web site.

A pizza lunch was provided by the Association after the meeting.

End Of Season Picnic Lunch - Wednesday September 6

There was a picnic lunch on the final day of the season (Wednesday September 6) from 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM, at the pavilion at Dunton Park.

Everyone brought their own lunch, camp chairs, barbecue etc.

There was to be a 50/50 Draw, so please bring your cash!

4 events were planned, but postponed to September 11 due to excessive heat:

1'st Annual ESSA Men's and Women's Home Run Derby

Each participant may provide their own pitcher (or one will be provided for them).
They will be pitched 1 bucket of balls that they will try and launch over the fence.
Depending on the number of participants, we will have one or more rounds to determine a winner.
For the women, home plate will be placed at second base.

1'st Annual ESSA Men's and Women's Fastest Player Competition

Each participant will have a timed run around the bases.
Depending on the number of participants, we will have one or more rounds to determine the winner.

For both events, not-so-fabulous prizes were to be awarded along with bragging rights for the season.

End Of Season Karaoke Night

Details to be announced.

Association Banquet / Fall General Meeting

The 2023 Association Banquet / Fall General Meeting will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM, at the Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall (Six Points Plaza, Dundas W / Islington).

For full-time players, the Banquet is included in the registration fee, but you must indicate your meal preference (roast beef, salmon, chicken, veggie) to your team Captain.
Spares and guests are invited to attend; cost is $40 per person, including tax/tip.

Rookie Camp

The 2023 Rookie Camp was held Monday, May 8, 9:45 AM, at Dunton Park in Mississauga (Kennedy Rd, near the 401/403/410 interchange).
Dunton Park Map
NOTE: there is no exit to Kennedy from the 401 (or 410); use Courtney Park Dr off the 410, or Hurontario N off the 401.

Rain date was Tuesday, May 9; same location and time.

The Irish Shebeen

[The Irish Shebeen]

The Irish Shebeen is the Association bar, and also a team sponsor. It is located at 5555 Eglinton Ave W, in Centennial Park Plaza, which is on the south side of Eglinton, between Eastgate Parkway and Centennial Park Boulevard.

Click here for a map.

Players and teams are invited back after the game for lunch and beverages. There are lunch "specials" including a burger and wraps; beer is on tap for a good price!

Bob Stewart Award

In 2015, the Association established the Bob Stewart Award, in honour and memory of Bob Stewart who was the longest serving ESSA/ESL team Captain. Bob's philosphy of playing was: don't criticize, cheer each other on, and most of all have fun. The award is given each year to people who, through the years, have been a wonderful teammate and demonstrated what the Association is all about. The honoree(s) must have been involved with the Association for at least 5 years.

2015 Honoree

Howard Hall ("Howie"), a long-time player and member of the League Executive, including Commissioner.

2016 Honoree

Glen Shields, a long-time player, Captain, member of the League Executive and umpire.

2017 Honorees

Mike Forestell, a long-time player, Captain and member of the League Executive, including Commissioner; instituted the player packages.
Paul Booth, a long-time player, Captain and member of the League Executive, including Commissioner; handled all sponsorship for many years.
Bob Goddard, a long-time player, Captain and member of the League Executive, including Commissioner; instituted the playoff tiebreaker format.
Herm Dyck, a long-time player, Captain and member of the League Executive, including Treasurer and Commissioner; arranged Fall Banquets for many years.
Anne Colhoun, founder of the League in 1994, long time supporter of 55+ sports in Etobicoke while working for City of Toronto Parks and Recreation, and when retired.

2018 Honorees

Bob Weston, first Commissioner, Captain for 5 years and played for 11 years (1994-2003); then took up score keeping until he could no longer come to the games; along with others, was instrumental in organizing teams for the Bobcageon Tournament, and also for Huntsville and Richmond Hill.
Ralph Currie, played 22 years (1994-2015), also Commissioner, Captain for four years; retired a few years ago from playing softball, but kept playing hockey.
Ken Ward, played 2001-2015; he was a rules and tournament guy; organized very competitive teams for tournaments in Keswick, Oshawa, Scarborough, and the Ontario and Canada 55+ Games; also involved in player rating and creating balanced teams.
Alan Rouse, a long-time player and still going; Equipment Manager for many years, Rules and Business Committee, Captain for 3 years.
Vic Leonard, a long-time player and still going; Equipment Manager for many years.

2019 Honoree

Nick Hnatiuk, played in the Association/League for many years and still going, long-time Board/Executive member, keeps Association/League records, assists with Player Draft.

2022 Honoree

Rolf Bjordammen, played in the Association/League for many years and still going, TwinPro Graphics team sponsor for 5 years (2005-2009). Also played for Mississauga Legends tournament team including Huntsman World Senior Games, Oakville Mens Master Slo Pitch League, Oakville Senior's Slo Pitch League (still going too!), 3 Score Softball Club (Florida), and a huge Blue Jays fan.

2023 Honoree

Graeme Swift, played in the Association/League for many years and still going. Always very helpful with setting up the equipment on the diamond, cheerleading and pitching batting practice even when he couldn't play due to injury.

Anne Colhoun Founders Award

In 2022, the Association established the Anne Colhoun Founders Award, in honour of Anne Colhoun who founded the Etobicoke Senior Slo-Pitch League, under the auspices of the City of Toronto Department of Parks and Recreation.

She has demonstrated extraordinary leadership with the League from its inception. Anne's numerous contributions have paved the way for the thriving success the League enjoys today.

The Anne Colhoun Builder Award will be given each year to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the development and continued growth of the League/Association for a minimum of 5 years.

2022 Honoree

Calvin Katz Memorial Photo Contest

In 2019, the Association established the Calvin Katz Memorial Photo Contest, in honour and memory of Calvin Katz who was a great teammate and usually had his camera out recording the action and events in our Association.

The contest has 3 categories:

  1. Best action shot
  2. Best funny shot
  3. Open category
Prizes to be determined and presented by RenPark Security Inc.

For 2019, first prize was a new Samsung Galaxy A50 phone, unlocked with 64 GB memory, black, triple camera - amazing pictures. Approximate retail value with tax $500.00

All categories may not be awarded each year.

See the Photo Contest Flyer for the full details.

2019 Winners

Picture Of The Year - Jim Corbett
[Clare Jones, August 12, click to enlarge] click here for original size image
Best Action Shots - Eric Burton
[Gail, Roto-Rooter, click to enlarge] [2019 Memorial Tournament, click to enlarge]
Funny Shot - Harvey Wallace
[Abacus Jerseys, click to enlarge] click here for original size image
Field Of Dreams Shot - Sportman's Award - Eric Burton
[2019 Memorial Tournament, click to enlarge]

Archives

League/Association information and pictures from past seasons:

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022.

This page created and maintained by Mike Peterson, mikep9x@gmail.com.
Created October 30, 2013. Last updated October 4, 2023.