“Get to know your PSO (Provincial Sport Office)” is a new feature on baseball.ca that will provide an informative look at each of the ten Provincial Baseball Organizations throughout Canada. The 2014 baseball season has already begun for some provinces, while others are still counting down the days until they can get on the field. Either way, baseball season is upon us so let’s take a closer look at the organizations that help bring baseball to communities across our country!
Ontario
The facts…
Name of PSO: Baseball Ontario
President: Mark Orton
Administrative Director: Mary-Ann Smith
Headquarters: Cambridge
Phone #: 519-740-3900
Website: www.baseballontario.com
Twitter: @BaseballOntario
Established: 1918
Number of staff members: 3
Number of Board members: 34
National Championship highlight: Medals at all seven National Championships Baseball Ontario sent teams to in 2013 including six gold, one silver and one bronze
Major Awards: Province of the Year (1982, 1983, 1985, 2013)
Membership: Baseball Ontario has 18 affiliate (regional) members, and 179 local associations.
Annual Provincial championship events: 56
Most notable baseball player(s) to come out of province: Baseball Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins and 2010 National League MVP Joey Votto
Famous non-baseball alumni: Luke Willson (2014 Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks), Wayne Gretzky
Three things to watch for in 2014:
Coaching Certification Program
Baseball Ontario announced last October that the organization would be making a $1 million dollar investment in coach education over the next four years.
The new standards that combine technical and soft skills will provide coaches with a well-rounded skill set and better prepare them to coach.
“The increase in coaching standards is critical to on-going player development across all age groups in Ontario,” said Baseball Ontario President Mark Orton in a press release. “In addition, enhanced coaching development will provide the opportunity for coaches in Ontario to better meet the needs and demands of today’s parents and players.
2014 Ontario Summer Games, Windsor August 7-10
Windsor will host the Ontario Summer Games August 7-10 where baseball will be one of 20 sport disciplines. For more information, please visit osgwindsor.com
Return of 13U Nationals, London, Aug 21-25
For the first time since 2008, a 13U (formerly Peewee) National Championship will be held. The event will take place August 21-25 in London, Ontario with the London Badgers Baseball Club hosting the event. Eight teams are scheduled to take part in the championship. For more information visit baseball.ca/13U.
