TMBI’s boys and girls of summer enjoying their season’s home stretch

(Jeff Tribe Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Post Correspondent

Tillsonburg Minor Baseball’s boys and girls of summer are heading into their home stretch.

“Busy time and exciting for sure,” said president Josh Walda amidst the confluence of the conclusion of the first season of the Jr. Otters program (Wednesday, August 6th), Local League Closing Day (Saturday, August 9), Southern Counties Baseball Association (SCBA) tournaments for the organization’s rep teams (August 15th to 17th) and Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) championship tournaments the Labour Day weekend.

“Very exciting,” Walda added in emphasis.

He is pleased to report TMBI had around 400 members this summer, supported by the numerically-largest board in ‘a decade or more.’

There is always room for more volunteers said Walda, welcoming interested persons to check out TMBI’s website (tillsonburgminorbaseball.ca) or Facebook page for information on the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) in October.

“It’s a great way to connect with the community.”

His focus has been on community engagement - ‘community, community, community’ he emphasized - as well as an approach summed up by ‘The 399.’ In other words, while there is an understandable tendency for parents and volunteers to focus on their own player, a gentle reminder that the organization serves all its members.

“We try to big picture it so kids have fun in the sun,” Walda summed up. “Just getting the families out, enjoying baseball.”

Notably this season, T-Ball was replaced by the Jr. Otters program, based says the president, on skills-development and fun. The 10-week program’s final weeks culminated with game experience, and on its final evening, pizza, drinks and medal presentations.

“It’s nice to see the engagement.”

The intent was keeping players more engaged during sessions, providing a solid fundamental base for future growth and development through advancing age groups. Another innovation was removing pitching machines for the U11 Local League program, successfully so believes Walda, after a period of adjustment.

“Knock on wood, it’s gone pretty well,” said the president.

In general, nothing comes without the occasional trial or tribulation Walda concluded, but overall, he was extremely happy with ‘positive growth’ throughout the season.

Association with local leagues based in Ingersoll and Simcoe expanded diversity in both opportunity and competition for TMBI teams. Roughly three-quarters of the organization’s membership plays at that level, representing an extremely important component overseen by convenor Adam Mulder.

“That’s where you build your kids,” said Walda.

TMBI also fielded 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 14U, 15U and 18U teams in rep baseball. The five youngest age divisions play their regular season within the SCBA, 15U in the London District Baseball Association, and the 18U in the Tier I Inter-County Baseball Association. Collectively, the teams were a couple of games over .500 (96-94-5) on the verge of SCBA closing out its regular season.

“I think we’re going to finish strong,” said Walda, looking forward to OBA BB qualifier events for the 10U, 11U, 14U and 15U squads, which are also new this year. Based on comparative population, Tillsonburg might be considered as playing up.

“But we’re not afraid of a challenge.”

Historically, OBA tournaments represent a seasonal goal. Playing well during the regular season and seeing both individual and collective development is also very important.

“But the goal is to go to the OBA and win that tournament, or do the best you can,” Walda said, noting that time has almost arrived.

“Go Otters, right?” he concluded. “Go Otters.”