Each participant had a timed run around the bases.
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.
Pictures from the events can be seen here.
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:
Others went hiking along the Grand River:
Held at Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, Brantford:
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.
Held at Dunsdon Legion.
Terry Jackson and Krista Currie.
Held at Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course.
Pat Mullen - silver in Men's 65+.
Held at Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.
Julie Suehiro - silver in Women's 55+ Option A.
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.
For those looking for indoor activities over the fall/winter/spring, there is drop-in volleyball at the following locations:
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).
Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall (5230 Dundas St. W, Six Points Plaza, Toronto, ON M9B 1A8 (Dundas W. / Islington); 416-239-1114)
RenPark Security (#6 - 2400 Dundas St W, Suite 655, Mississauga, Ont L5K 2R8; 416-925-1771)
Roto-Rooter Toronto (923 Oxford St, Toronto, ON M8Z 5T3 (Kipling Ave / Queensway); 416-503-4444)
The Grille Restaurant & Bar (1596 The Queensway, Etobicoke ON, M8Z 1V1 (Queensway / Hwy 427); 416-255-7455)
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)
The Mudhens (Joe Parisani)
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 (5511 Dundas St W, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9B 1B8 (Dundas W. / Shorncliffe); 416-232-2011)
A pizza lunch was provided by the Association after the meeting.
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:
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.
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.
Details to be announced.
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.
Rain date was Tuesday, May 9; same location and time.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
The contest has 3 categories:
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.
League/Association information and pictures from past seasons:
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022.