Maple Leafs are Champions!

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Last night the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Intercounty Baseball League championship 13-5 at Christie Pits in the final game of the best-of-seven series. They defeated the defending champion Brantford Red Sox and claim their first title since 2002.

It was my first game at Christie Pits, and it was a refreshing change from the omnipresent concrete of the Rogers Centre. The night was beautiful, the crowd was massive, but it's just a shame it was the last game of the season. I've already added Maple Leaf Baseball to my summer of 2008 list of fun free things to do in the city. You don't even need to be a sports fan to have a good time. Many people just treated the grass slopes as a massive patio shared with a few thousand others, brought along a few beverages and a couple lawn chairs and enjoyed the night. People watching/listening is as fun as the game, oh, and bring the dog too!

And if you ever played little league baseball, you'll probably run into your coach at the game. I did. Seriously. Killer mustache and all.

My people watching favorite: the "I'm going to go shirtless to try and get rid of my farmers tan even though it's a night game" guy. Maybe that's why he has a farmers tan?
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Cheers/taunts overheard at the game included the classic, "Come on Joe, show 'em where you live," the pre-classic classic, "Here comes the hit parade," the insult their best player by making fun of his lack of a position, "More like designated bus-driver," the Ludacris, "Down up front," the complex yet simple, "Go Leafs Go," the confusing and questionably inappropriate/appropriate "Easy-peasy low and sleasy," and 15-straight minutes of "Mul-let, Mul-let, Mul-let" which was in response to the final Brantford pitcher who had, well, a mullet. The best thing about any cheer at Christie Pits is that the players can actually hear them - the mullet cheer was particularly effective, almost as effective as 'Dar-ryl.'

Two rules I should warn you about before you venture on your own next season. I learned the hard way.

1) You can't keep the foul balls, no matter how spectacular/embarrassing it was to get it. Once you have the ball, young children will run up to you to ask for the ball. Give the ball to these kids not because you think you might rack-up 'nice guy' points with your date, but because that's the kids job and you'll be kicked out if you don't.

2) Do not under any circumstances stand in front of someone who looks like they might have season tickets. Season ticket holders are usually identified by their knowledge of players' names, and most of the ticket holders are old. They can be really cruel if you stop for even a moment in their field of view. Cruel I tell you! You've been warned.

In case you haven't been to the park, bring a blanket or chairs to sit on the grass. You might also want to wear comfortable shoes, as the hill is really steep. Only disappointments: bathrooms all the way behind center field, no vendors in the stands.

It's where little league and big leagues meet happily and perfectly.

Tell me you've ever seen this at a baseball game: Pitcher Paul Spoljaric (former Blue Jay) gives up a home run to Lee Delfino that ties the game 3-3 in the fifth inning. Delfino tosses his bat triumphantly and starts rounding the bases like he's just hit 766. Spoljaric actually follows Delfino AROUND THE BASES, like right up in his face, chirping at him the whole way to home plate. The Leafs followed with four run in the bottom of the inning.

Reader Reviews and Comments

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That was THE most bush league move by Spoljaric that I've ever seen! The entire team should be ashamed of his actions.

Posted by: Len at August 30, 2007 2:56 PM

Great post! I'll make sure to mark next season's home opener in my calendar. Finally a TO sports team that can actually win a championship!

Posted by: Robby at August 30, 2007 6:34 PM

Looks like a great time!

Posted by: Jerrold at August 30, 2007 7:16 PM

Great post!!! I think what Paul Spoljaric did was justified. In a championship game, you don't want to hit the next batter or Lee Delfino the next time he comes up This would allow a baserunner in a game where in no circumstances would you allow a baserunner to reach unless he earns it. That was the only thing Paul could have to done in that game to show lee how upset he was over his actions after the home run. In addition, it sparked the Maple Leafs. It also shows that Paul still pitches with emotion and prooves his desire to win every time he steps on to that nmound at Chritie Pits.

Posted by: dan at August 31, 2007 10:47 AM

Sorry Dan ... BS! What Spoljaric did was big time bush league. Delfino just tossed his bat and held his arms up. Never did he taunt Spoljaric or Toronto. If it was anybody but Spoljaric, he would have been tossed. Imagine a batter charging the mound, stopping inches from the pitcher to discuss just being hit?!?

Posted by: Len at August 31, 2007 5:59 PM

gteat photos, dude.

Posted by: garry at September 1, 2007 12:59 PM

You are proving my point. Paul Spoljaric is the one guy in the league you don't do that against. You shouldn't throw your bat in the air and wave at the crowd after hitting a home run. And if you do, choose anyone BUT Paul Spoljaric. He has tenure and seniority. He has been around the game more than anyone that has ever played in the intercount baseball league. When you hit a home run off paul spoljaric you drop your bat and run around the bases.

Posted by: dan at September 5, 2007 1:42 PM

Key word in all this is "was" - Spoljaric WAS a good player. If anyone else had done such a childish prank like that we all know what would happen. But everyone "babies" Paul. You only baby players that act like babies. Paul - grow up and act your age. You showed what class your team is in. Which is too bad as you do have some good players, ones that can actually still play! Toronto may have the title but there are many teams in IBL with much more class, I'd say 8 of them.

Posted by: Marie at September 5, 2007 3:20 PM

Well he certainly has set a precedence I guess. You can accompany a player around the bases, threatening to "put one in your ear next time!" without repercussions. Marie is correct though, I can't imagine any other player in the league stooping to that level. What I failed to mention was that Hyung Cho had just hit a home run prior to Delfino so perhaps the wily old veteran knew he was running out of gas and would be done soon so why not initiate contact and take Delfino out of the game with him? Very smart Paul but still classless. Unless you are planning on retiring, plunk Lee next year if it makes you feel better and call it even.

Posted by: Len at September 5, 2007 4:28 PM

Re Post by Garry, Sept 1:

The actions of both guys were unreal. Never seen it before. One comment re: statement by Garry ... "He (Spoljaric) has been around the game more than anyone that has ever played in the intercount baseball league."

uh... don't think so. World Series hero and 31-game winner and Cy Young Winner Denny McLain, Cy Young winner Ferguson Jenkins both played in London

From wikipedia ...

In 1974, after Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Denny McLain had retired from the major leagues (two years earlier), McLain played a season for the London Majors, restricting himself to home games at Labatt Park. Due to arm problems, however, McLain only pitched nine innings for the Majors, but did play in 14 games at either shortstop, first base and catcher and batted .380, including hitting two homers in one game in London.
After Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Fergie Jenkins pitched his final major league game on September 26, 1983, London Majors' owner-player Arden Eddie convinced Jenkins to pitch for the Majors in 1984-85, commuting from his home near Chatham, Ontario.

Posted by: jk at September 5, 2007 6:44 PM

Re Post by Garry, Sept 1:

The actions of both guys were unreal. Never seen it before. One comment re: statement by Garry ... "He (Spoljaric) has been around the game more than anyone that has ever played in the intercount baseball league."

uh... don't think so. World Series hero and 31-game winner and Cy Young Winner Denny McLain, Cy Young winner Ferguson Jenkins both played in London

From wikipedia ...

In 1974, after Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Denny McLain had retired from the major leagues (two years earlier), McLain played a season for the London Majors, restricting himself to home games at Labatt Park. Due to arm problems, however, McLain only pitched nine innings for the Majors, but did play in 14 games at either shortstop, first base and catcher and batted .380, including hitting two homers in one game in London.
After Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Fergie Jenkins pitched his final major league game on September 26, 1983, London Majors' owner-player Arden Eddie convinced Jenkins to pitch for the Majors in 1984-85, commuting from his home near Chatham, Ontario.

Posted by: john Kastner at September 5, 2007 7:35 PM

I'm a long-time Intercounty League fan. I've seen many a thing in this league over the years but I have never seen anything as unprofessional, childish-like as what Spoljaric did in the final game. Yes, Lee did throw his bat up and yes he did raise his arms - but remember, he just hit a homerun in a championship game. Aren't the batters allowed to celebrate or acknowledge what they've done?

Obviously, some of you out there aren't aware of other things the ex-major leaguer has done. How about kicking over the water jugs when he's pulled from a game? How about when he lost a game a couple of years ago (I believe it was his only loss of the season) and trashed the clubhouse (Toronto was the visiting team) and left his spikes behind?

His antics have, by far,overshadowed Toronto's win. It's a shame because Toronto does have many talented plyers such as Colameco who plays and conducts himself with respect for himself, his team and the opposing team.

At least the Brantford Red Sox can hold their heads up with pride with the knowledge they don't resort to and don't need to resort to cheap, attention-getting antics.

Posted by: cowbellgal [TypeKey Profile Page] at September 9, 2007 8:12 AM

Good points by all. However, if you have ever played baseball you would realize that showing up a pitcher who is much more experienced than you is completely unacceptable. You people are all fans, not players. Both players got caught up in the heat of the moment. Would you rather Paul throw a ball at his head? NO, because you can't put a guy on base in the championship game. I believe there was no other way Spoljaric could have showed his discontent for delphino's actions. Therefore, you people won't make any comments when a pitcher throws at a hitter his next time up trying to injure him but you cry when he yells at a hitter after a celebration. WHY? Why don't you post something every time a pitcher has hit a batter out of frustration. Are you saying you support violence in baseball? I didn't see any violence. You think Paul is getting paid big bucks? NOT A CHANCE!!! he is playing for the love of the game. He did not deserve to be showed up by a hitter shouldnt even be able to sniff pauls jock.

Posted by: dan at September 18, 2007 4:38 PM

Dan,, if you honestly think for one minute that Paul is playing for free..... then good for you. And no I don't support violence in baseball or any other sport for that matter. It was quite obvious that Paul wanted to get Lee worked up too and get tossed, but as stated earlier, Lee showed much more class and kept his cool. Sorry Dan, but just because Paul has a little more experience over Lee definately doesn't make him a better player and his actions showed Lee has more class in his little finger than Paul has in is jock.

Posted by: marie at September 25, 2007 12:41 AM

You'd think Paul would be used to the idea of Lee showing him up by now. Does anyone remember when Paul was humiliated at home in game one of the 2006 semi-finals? I believe that he gave up 8 straight hits to start the game including a Delfino grand slam. Then the Leafs pulled Paul just before Lee's second AB to save him from further humiliation. This was just a continuation of Lee's success off of Spoljaric that fueled a toddler-like tantrum that is not excusable for any player, regardless of talent level, at any level of the game.

Posted by: Chip at October 1, 2007 5:18 PM

I was at that game Chip. Lee actually hit 2 home runs in the 1st inning. A grand slam and a 3 run shot for 7 rbi's. It should be interesting to see when we play Barrie with Spoljaric on the hill!

Posted by: Len at June 3, 2008 6:53 PM

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