During the November 20 Etobicoke Baseball Association (EBA) Annual General Meeting, two Bloordale people received well-deserved rewards:
Ryan Freeman won the EBA volunteer of the year award. In a few short years at Bloordale, Ryan has made a significant contribution. He has completely revamped the Bloordale website bloordalebaseball.com, and has helped launch TeamSnap software as the league registration system. TeamSnap is now in use by all Bloordale house league, select, and rep teams. Ryan has been the T-Ball convenor for several years, and has been an active coach, with multiple house league teams and a select team.
Setu Marathe won the EBA Junior Umpire of the Year award. As noted during the award presentation:
“Setu jumped on any opportunity to umpire. He worked at all levels from Rookie to Peewee house league games. He was always prepared with knowledge of the rules no matter what divisional game he was working. Bloordale’s supervisor of Umpires received several positive comments from parents and coaches about Setu’s on field skill behind the plate (calling an appropriate and consistent strike zone for the level he was working) and as a base umpire. As a testament to Setu’s knowledge, passion, and leadership abilities, he also stepped forward as a mentor to new umpires to help them during their first year on the field”
Then one week later at the Bloordale AGM, house league coach Jimmy McNeil received the Dave Lawrence trophy as the Bloordale volunteer of the year. Jimmy coached in multiple divisions, and was enthusiastically nominated by several parents whose children he coached. A sampling of comments from parents:
“He is consistently the most caring and committed coach, who every game / practise brings his enthusiasm and positivity to diamond. Jimmy not only demonstrates his knowledge of the game but develops the skills of these young ball players every week while teaching sportsmanship and fair play.”
“He has the perfect attitude as a coach – he wants the kids to learn the game and to love the game.”
“Jimmy is an amazing volunteer and a positive representation of Bloordale. The league is lucky to have him.”
Congratulations Ryan, Setu, and Jimmy!