Rochester vs. Selects Can-Am
Tournament July 24-26, 2009
The Selects and our great friends from Rochester did not let one of the wettest weekends in Ottawa history dampen a
most memorable weekend of socializing and ball. Among the highlights:
- July 23rd � 61 people attended the welcoming dinner
at the Rideau Carleton Raceway and Slots, enthusiastically renewing old
friendships and starting new ones. One race was dedicated to our group and
three members had the thrill of riding in the pace car for this race.
- July 24th � Although two games were scheduled for
this day, torrential downpours made it impossible to play them. This
however did not dampen spirits and the opening ceremonies proceeded as
scheduled under the cover of the RA BBQ terrace. Garth Hampson,
former lead vocalist for the internationally acclaimed RCMP Band and who
has performed the national anthems at two Grey Cup games, presented
stirring renditions of the American and Canadian national anthems. The
group then reconvened in the RA Field House for more stimulating
conversation.
- July 25th � the weather cleared, the RA grounds crew
did an incredible job of restoring the diamond to playing condition and
two games were played. Although Rochester
won both games over a competitive Selects team, either team could have
won. In Game 1, a resilient Rochester
squad scored five seventh inning runs to tie the score enroute
to a 13 to 10 eight inning victory. In Game 2, Rochester rallied from a 4 to 1 deficit
to eventually win 10 to 6. By virtue of their two wins, Rochester retained the trophy they had
recaptured in 2008. In the afternoon, over 60 people attended a BBQ with
further lively conversation and merriment.
- July 26th � Participants were divided into two teams
to play a fun game. This was followed by brunch at Robbie�s Spaghetti
House on Walkley
Road . After an exchange of fond farewells, our extraordinary
friends from Rochester
headed home after a great weekend enjoyed by all. Everyone is
enthusiastically anticipating our reconvening in Rochester in 2010.
Click here for
photos of the tournament weekend.