HALDIMAND/NEW HAMBURG—The Haldimand Heat U20 Men’s Fastball team is heading back to the Canadian Championships after finishing second in the Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) Elimination Tournament in New Hamburg. The Heat captured bronze at the 2022 national tournament.
The Heat opened the OASA tournament with a win over Northumberland on Friday, July 7. That was followed by a second win on Saturday morning against Westport. Weather became an issue later in the day as games were suspended due to rain, leading to a very busy Sunday of ball.
Haldimand started off July 9 defeating Chatsworth for their third straight win. The victory put them in the ‘undefeated’ game against the Rostock Braves. Rostock handed the Heat their first loss, but a win over Tavistock put them into the finals for a rematch against the Braves.
While Rostock took the win, second place secured Haldimand’s berth in the Canadian Championships. Heat pitcher Dale Schweyer was named Top Pitcher of the tournament having pitched 38 innings, allowing 30 hits, with 56 strike outs and four walks.
Rostock and Haldimand will compete as Ontario 1 and 2 at the Canadian Championships, August 15 to 20, 2023 in Napanee. Ontario’s contingent also includes Tavistock as the returning champions and Napanee as the host team.
The Haldimand Heat plays locally in the Erie Men’s League and will be fundraising in the coming weeks to offset tournament costs. The players and coaches of the Heat are proud to be representing their county and province at the national level and appreciate the strong support of the community on their quest for the gold this August.
Those wishing to support the Haldimand Heat can donate by mail or drop off: 12 Main Ave West, Fisherville, ON N0A 1G0; or etranster: markoschweyer@gmail.com. Please identify donations as “Haldimand Heat U20 Men”. Donations can also be sent with any player/coach from the team.
