West Hill Blue Jays fly high

The big league Blue Jay squad isn’t the only ball team in the city racking up the runs this year.

The West Hill Blue Jays proved too much for the competition on the weekend, going undefeated over three games on their way to winning the Scarborough Baseball Association Pee Wee House League championship.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Shane Massie, who pitched the final inning for the Jays. “I hope to come back next year and try to win again.”

The Jays showcased their offensive prowess by beating the house league champs from the Birchmount Baseball League 11-4 to earn the citywide title at Birchmount Park. They also blanked the Wexford-Agincourt league champion Pirates 10-0 on their way to the finals.

“When Cassie made the final catch and we won, it felt great,” a smiling Massie said after the game as he clutched his trophy.

The two-day tournament featured the three top teams from the Scarborough baseball leagues, including West Hill, Wexford-Agincourt and Birchmount. A fourth team, from the East Toronto League, was unable to attend.

“From what I gather, the East Toronto division couldn’t get enough players together,” said Birchmount Baseball League convener Al McDonell.

Teams are made up of 12- and 13-year-old boys and girls of all different skill levels. The league promotes fair play, equal opportunity and exercise for kids in a generation where physical activity is sorely lacking.

“It helps keep kids outside and out of trouble,” said umpire Kevin Marshall. “And even better, it keeps them from playing video games.”

Aside from athletic skills, the kids develop lasting friendships and useful life skills.

“As long as the kids are out having fun and learning, it’s a good thing,” McDonell said. “They’re going to make some errors and miss some catches, but we try to teach them to just keep smiling.”

“I love watching these kids grow and get better, some of them I’ve been watching play for years,” said Eric Brewer, a proud West Hill parent.

About this article

By: Josh Ungar
Posted: Sep 17 2010 12:58 pm
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