Carp Shootout kicks off elite level fastball in WC tomorrow

CARP – The first of three elite-level fast pitch tournaments kicks off in Carp this weekend with the big cash tournament the Carp Shootout delivering the first pitch tomorrow evening (July 19).

This is year two for the prestigious tournament organized by the Carp Fastball Committee and will feature some elite fast pitch players and some elite fast pitch teams, all vying for more than $7,000 in prize money.

The tournament runs from July 19 to July 21 at the Carp Fairgrounds ball diamonds (3790 Carp Rd.) and of course there will be a beer garden and food.

The defending champions from the inaugural tournament are returning, as well as a few others, and some new teams will test their mettle as well.

West Carleton’s foremost authority on fastball – a fast pitch coach, player, commentator and member of the Carp Fastball Committee – Fitzroy Harbour’s Adam Brown lets us know who’s who for this upcoming weekend.

“Fastball fans will be in for a treat this weekend at the Carp Shootout,” Brown said. “The Greater Ottawa Fastball League’s (GOFL) Micksburg Twins are back as defending champions as are last year’s finalists the East Hants, NS Mastodons. The Kingston Axemen, with several members from the GOFL’s Kars Aces, are also returning from last year as is Team Quebec. New this year are Los Caballos, a team playing an affiliated schedule in the GOFL, the U17 and U20 teams from Napanee Express, and Ottawa Valley Grain, a team put together for the event with players from four different GOFL teams.”

If you are familiar the upper Ottawa Valley intersection known as Micksburg, you know the tiny community produces plenty of big-time fastball players.

“They always bring lots of fans to the park and ensure the beer tent is well attended,” Brown said.

Well-known Carp business Ottawa Valley Grain Products is sponsoring a local team and Brown says they will look sharp.

“There is a local team made up of GOFL players sponsored by OVGP who will have some sweet retro uniforms,” Brown said.

Los Caballos is a new-ish Ottawa team that is making a splash in the Ottawa area.

“Los Caballos, a local team of players from Latin backgrounds, are in too,” Brown, who recently saw the team in action, said. “They will bring lots of flair and high-end pitching.”

But everyone at the tournament is coming in expecting to win.

“The Kingston Axemen are back again this year, as well as two teams from the Napanee Express,” Brown said. “The U17s who won the Ontario Amateur Softball Association Elimination Tournament earlier this month and the U20s who will be defending champions at the Softball Canada U20 Canadian Championship in Carp in August.”

A couple of teams are coming from away for a chance at the big cash as well.

“There are two teams from other provinces,” Brown said. “Last year’s finalists, the East Hants, NS Mastodons are back and the Softball Quebec U20 team are entered as well.”

Of course, there will be a barbecue and beer gardens all week long. Tickets available at the gate are $5 for Friday night, $10 for each day on the weekend of $20 for a tournament pass.

There are two games Friday night starting at 7 p.m. with the Ottawa Valley Grains versus Los Caballos, followed by Micksburg versus Kingston.

There 10 games scheduled for Saturday spread across two diamonds starting at 10 a.m. and going until 8 p.m.

Sunday is playoff day with semi finals starting at 10 a.m. and the final scheduled for 1 p.m.

Following the shootout, two other major tournaments will be held in Carp.

The U20 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship will be held Aug. 20 to 25, with nine teams participating from across Canada. The third tournament will be a Women’s University National Championship which will be hosted by the Ottawa University Gee-Gees with university teams from across Canada participating. This tournament will be on Thanksgiving weekend.

For tournament coverage from the host organizers, visit the West Carleton Fastball Facebook page here.