From The Guardian, Prince Edward Island
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Ellsworth sets sights on return to national team
ERIC MCCARTHY
Transcontinental Media
BROOKLYN — Another busy summer of competitive ball awaits Jeff Ellsworth.
The Brooklyn, P.E.I., resident recently signed to play for the Broken Bow Patsy’s out of New York City for the 2010 season.
The team finished second in the International Softball Congress world championship last year, up from fourth the previous year.
Ellsworth is also very interested in continuing playing with Canada’s senior men’s team.
“I’ll definitely be sticking around,†said Ellsworth.
Team Canada is currently in the midst of selecting a new coaching staff and a new players’ pool will subsequently be created.
“I’d expect the old players will be getting a call right away to see what their interest is,†Ellsworth suggested.
At the end of the 2009 season, Ellsworth indicated he would take some time to decide his future in the sport. Changes in the International Softball Federation’s schedule are working to Ellsworth’s advantage. Previously, the ISF held a world championship every four years but has since changed that to every two years.
“That’s more attractive for older players,†said Ellsworth.
Ellsworth, known for his strong play in the outfield, sound batting and swift base-running, will be one of two Canadians on a Patsy’s roster loaded with international talent. There are only two Americans signed with the team.
He also plans to play for the Charlottetown Fawcetts in the Canadian senior men’s fastpitch championship in Charlottetown in August. The last time the Canadian championship was on P.E.I., Ellsworth was just starting out in senior ball, and playing for the host Summerside Twins. That was nine years ago and he has been all over the map with his sport since then.