Last year, the Charlottetown Gahan House Bud Light Fawcetts had their first taste of what it was like to reach the title game at the Canadian senior men’s fastball championship. Now they’re going back for seconds.
“For a lot of us, it’s gold or nothing,” said Fawcetts infielder Mark Arsenault. “It’s about getting that ring now.”
The Fawcetts, who picked up the first medal for an Island entry at this tournament as hosts in 2010 when they captured silver, open the eight-team national tournament Sunday against the host Owen Sound Selects of Ontario.
Arsenault believes this year’s edition, on paper, is stronger than that silver medal-winning squad.
“We’ve upgraded at catcher and our outfield is probably the best we’ve ever had,” said Arsenault. “Our pitching is as deep or deeper than last year and we can go deep into our bench. But last year we really gelled well together and played as a team, so that’ll be something we’ll have to work on as the week progresses.”
The Fawcetts might have to shake off some rust, as they haven’t played as a unit in almost a month since the Maritime league season ended.
Arsenault, outfielder Jeff Ellsworth and pitcher Mitch Hardy attended the International Softball Congress tournament in Moline, Ill., two weeks ago.
“It might take a couple of games to get our feet under us again,” said infielder Chris Craig, an all-star at third base at last year’s Canadian championship. “We’ve seen some good pitching in the league, but at this level you’re seeing a top pitcher every game, so that’ll be something we’ll need to adjust to.” Click here to continue reading.
Fawcetts’ Schedule
Sunday, Aug. 28 – vs. Owen Sound, Ont., 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 29 – vs. St. John’s, N.L., 11 a.m.; vs. Quebec, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 30 – vs. Fredericton, 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 31 – vs. Vancouver, 1 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 1 – vs. Kitchener, Ont., 11 a.m.; vs. Port Elgin, Ont., 7:30 p.m.