Fastball league hands out awards

John Desaulniers and George Oltsher were the big individual winners Saturday night at the Rainy River District Fastball League’s annual banquet at the Emo Legion.
Desaulniers, a pitcher for the Pinewood Bears, took home the Jerry Harasymyk Memorial Trophy while Oltsher, manager of the Barwick Blue Knights, captured the Shane Jarvis Memorial Trophy.
Meanwhile, the Emo Bulldogs dominated the league all-star team with six selections, including Glen Kellar (first base), Sean Taggart (second base), Don Copenace (third base), Dennis Mounk and Grant Swire (outfield), and Jim Fowler (manager).
Rounding out the all-star team were Don Gall of Stratton Equipment (catcher), Greg Wilson of the Barwick Blue Knights (pitcher), Trevor Oltsher of the Barwick Blue Knights (shortstop), and Jake Allan of Sight & Sound (outfield).
George Olson and Jake Allan, who shared emcee duties, also presented last year’s Western ‘A’ men’s provincial Intermediate champs with ribbons and certificates.
The league championship trophy and playoff trophy were presented by Olson to Fowler, who had commented earlier that 1997 was a great year for the Bulldogs.
He said they had a lot of fun, and that they’ll be back to defend their titles next year.
Fowler also praised the work of local umpires as being superb compared to ones they had encountered at out-of-town tournaments and the Western provincial ‘A’ Intermediate playdowns.
Others who spoke on their team’s performance included Bert Seguin (Stratton), George Olson (Williams Night Hawks), Mr. Tom Woolsey (Barwick), and Desaulniers (Pinewood). They all told of having an impressive year and excellent support throughout the season.
Dorothy Bonot said grace, after which those on hand enjoyed the supper catered by the Br. 99 Legion ladies auxiliary, who were applauded for their fine service.