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A wounded team of underachievers, who were dismissed by many forecasters as yesterday's news, the Dusters quickly turned into the force they insisted they were last fall and parlayed their strong postseason play into a championship. 

The Beach will enter the 2014 year as defending champs after winning its first TBL crown last season thanks to a dominant playoff run in which the club strung together its only three-game winning streak of the year. While much of the year didn't go according to plan, the Dusters stepped up in the postseason and let their Easton aluminum bats and ace Matt Strevens' arm do the talking, outscoring opponents by a 17-2 margin. 

Before that run? Well, it wasn't pretty. Throughout the regular season, the Dusters didn't look like the team that in previous years was considered among the league's best after back-to-back semi-final appearances in 2011 and '12. The reality is that the Dusters got hot at the right time and played up to their potential when the pressure was at its highest. But, in the end, that's all that matters, and the Dusters earned the right to talk a little smack and turn the Burby Cup into an oversized pint of beer. 

"We're the *#%$%@! champs!" Chris Toman can still be heard yelling to anyone who will listen, while admiring a Burby Cup that has "Dusters 2013" plated on the front. 

While they are still buzzing about the Cinderella season, the Dusters realize what's most important, and that's defending their title. 

If they are to repeat, it will be done with the same cast of characters, as there's nothing new about the 2014 version of the Dusters. General Manager Jack Cherry saw what his team was capable of and opted against making any additions, preferring to maintain the status quo, instead. They will have some key reserves ready to step in and do damage, but the foursome that won it all a year ago will predominantly be the team the Dusters feature this upcoming campaign. 

            SPELLS RELIEF                                 MVP                                POWER MAN

They hope, once again, that Toman's and Cherry's arms will hold up. Both have continuously battled arm ailments and have been a fraction of what they used to be on the mound, but last year the Dusters were able to get by thanks to the emergence of Strevens, who, as a rookie, solidified himself as one of the league's top arms. It's a lot to ask for again, but the Dusters have done it before and didn't believe any pitching upgrade was needed, as a result. 

The Dusters will be looking for Toman to provide the club with more innings. If he can come into the year healthy, Cherry believes it can give the Dusters another top-of-the-rotation arm to throw out against the league's best. 

Both Cherry and Toman, as well as Johnny Duco -- who last season assumed a much larger pitching role than expected -- will have to win some games on the mound when Strevens is unavailable, and the Dusters' bats are a big reason they should be able to. 

 

Cherry proved once again last season that he's among the league's most complete hitters. He hits for average, draws walks, doesn't strikeout often and can put the ball over the fence at any time, against any pitcher. He is recovered from a left wrist injury that bothered him and zapped some power over the last chunk of the season, and remains an MVP candidate until further notice. The 2013 TBL leader in batting average and on-base percentage is the main offensive ingredient in the lineup and hits second behind Duco, the Dusters' leadoff man. 

Not only was Duco valuable on the mound over a career-high workload, he once again set the table at the top of the lineup. Duco has proven to be a pest at the plate, as his quick hands allow him to get the bat on the ball and spoil pitches. The lone left-handed bat on the Dusters, Duco makes a lot of contact, has home-run power and gets on base at a high clip, putting Cherry in a constant position to do damage, which he usually does. For the Dusters, everything starts with Duco at the top and that will be no different in 2014. 

 

Toman is looking to build off his breakout 2013 second half in which he emerged as one of the toughest outs in the league. That tear continued into and throughout the postseason, as he earned himself the playoff MVP. With more confidence, and a couple years of service under his belt, expect nothing but big things from the fiery competitor this upcoming season. 

 

The Dusters will follow with Strevens, who provides the Dusters with big power out of the No. 4 spot in the lineup. Strevens doesn't hold back on any swing and no one should be fooled by his home run output from a year ago. He hit just one -- a mammoth walk-off blast against the now-defunct East York Heat -- but there's potential for much more. With a strong trio hitting in front of him, Strevens should get plenty of opportunities to cash in and have a big year at the dish. He's likely to go from being considered one of the league's top arms to one of the league's top players, period. 

 

It's basically the same story as last season for the Dusters. They have an ace who will be relied upon heavily when October rolls around and believe that after Strevens a mix and match of Duco-Toman-Cherry can help them win some close games. The bats, they feel, will keep them in many contests and allow them to win some high-scoring affairs if the pitching isn't up to par. 

The Dusters learned a lot last season and feel capable of overcoming whatever adversity is thrown their way in 2014. They stumbled through their worst regular season in franchise history, entered the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, and then went on to take down two formidable clubs in East York and Leslieville before disposing of North York in the finals. 

 

They started from the bottom and ended on top, and the Dusters intend to stay there in 2014. It won't be easy, as the league continues to get stronger but the Dusters welcome the challenge and relish having a bullseye on their backs. 

 

Chris Toman

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Dusters 2013 Preview

 

The Beach Dusters enter there 3rd year in the TBL and despite some solid seasons they have not been able to accomplish what they have set out to do....Make the big dance! With the parody in the league the way it is this will be no easy task.

The Dusters were hampered by arm injuries throughout last year to starters Chris Toman and Jack Cherry but with a year of rest they hope to come back strong. Along with improved arm strength in Johnny Duco and new hot shot Matthew Strevens manager Cherry is confident in anyone they throw out there.

Hitting as never been a problem with the Dusters as reigning slugger of the year Jack Cherry leads a talented squad. Johnny Duco will continue to be one of if not the best lead off hitter in the TBL and Chris Toman looks to bounce back hitting behind Duco and Cherry, expect a big year from Chris says Cherry. Strevens a burby vet will bring another power bat to an already potent line up.

The Dusters come into this year as a humbled club, having lots of respect for all there tier 1 opponents. It should be an exciting year and after starting strong last year then running out of gas, the boys from the Beach look to ease there way into the start of this year then walk with a swagger into the playoffs.

Go Jays!

 

Jack Cherry

 

 

 

THE BEACH CLOSES OUT RONCESVALLES

SUNDAY WAS A DAY OF CELEBRATION AND SAYING GOODBYE TO THE ROCKETS

 

Sep 23 2012-- The Beach Dusters limped into the playoffs leaving the rest of the league questioning the one time number 1 ranked team.  Injuries and work schedules got the best of the Dusters down the stretch and they clearly lost their groove.A regroup and change of attitude was necessary, manager Jack Cherry said pre-game reflecting on their recent string of losses. Well sure enough the Dusters got their swagger was back Sunday against the Rockets at Courcelette.

 

The Dusters elected to start Johnny Duco against arguably the best starter in the game Joe Callahan in hopes he would silence the potent Rockets bats for the first 2 innings before handing the ball off to Ace Chris Toman.  Duco did his job with 2 impressive scoreless frames.  Callahan was his usual self mowing down Dusters hitters through 4 innings with a nasty mix of his hard fastball and nasty curve not giving up a run.

 

A 0-0 game until the fifth, Rockets got on the board will a DY oppo double opening the scoring.  The Dusters answered with 2 of their own in the bottom half on a Johnny Duco 2 run triple. Duco carriedthe offense this day smashing 3 extra base hits including 2 off the Rockets starter.   

 

A bulldog mentality helped Toman shut the door the rest of the way. He pounded the strike zone and only seemed to get stronger as the day went on.  Tossing 5 innings of 1 run ball.

 

Make the final 2-1 Dusters, this was a typical playoff punch for punch battle, a true TBL gem.  A great season by the Rockets who could very easily gone on to win the whole thing. 

 

The Dusters know they will have to come with the same nothing to lose I don't give a F*** attitude against the number 1 seated Brickies.

 

Chris Toman 

 

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The Beach Dusters take down the Brickies in the 15th inning, with a bases loaded triple off the top of the fence at The Haig!

 

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2012 BEACH DUSTERS TEAM PREVIEW

The Dusters believe last season’s success -- in their inaugural year in the TBL -- was just the beginning. In short, 2011 was no fluke. The Dusters finished second in the regular season, earning themselves a first-round bye, before getting ousted from the playoffs in a heartbreaking, extra-inning loss to the underrated Leslieville Brickies. It was a tough exit for the boys from the beach, but they were pleased with the depth of their roster and will return everyone from the 2011 squad.  

Led by one of the best two-way players in the league, Jack Cherry, the Dusters have a strong balance of hitting and pitching; a paramount ingredient for success in the TBL. Cherry had a landmark season, earning MVP of the TBL All-Star Game, as well as Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year. Cherry should be considered a trendy preseason MVP pick based on his exceptional raw power and strong arm. Despite having never pitched growing up, Cherry sports one of the better fastballs in the league. Cherry was a top-five hitter and pitcher in the league last year and the Dusters will be counting on that type of production from him once again this season.  

On the other hand, leadoff man Johnny Duco enters the 2012 year after posting the highest OBP (.595) in a single-season in league history. Duco proved to be a pest at the plate and wasn’t overmatched by any arm, including the elite ones. A selective hitter, he sets the pace for the Dusters at the top of the lineup and is a viable reliever who keeps hitters off-balance with his secondary offerings. The Dusters wouldn’t be surprised if he took his game to another level after looking to be in mid-season form at the plate during a spring tuneup.

Many TBL players may not know the name Chris Toman but that will change.  Last years Dusters used Toman as their closer for the 2nd half of 2011.  This year Chris will split innings with starter Cherry and will provide another power bat for the potent Dusters line up.  After a sub par hitting year for Chris the Dusters are confident he will bounce back to form.  "Chris can be a top 5 hitter and pitcher in this league no question" Johnny Duco expressed this offseason.  All Star games and Awards are right around the corner for Chris and the Dusters are glad to be playing with him and not against him. 

Outfielder Dan Murphy is an exceptional defensive player who showed the league he can also swing the bat. He was a tough out at the plate last year and showed an ability to continue counts through a knack of fouling off pitches. Murphy also has the arm to log emergency innings, which is extremely beneficial in this league. The Dusters are confident he will build off a strong second-half showing in 2011.

A professional-hockey career ended Mike Duco’s -- Johnny’s younger brother -- season early, but he proved to be a formidable presence when penciled into the lineup. Like his brother, his quick hands enable him to consistently get the bat on the ball. He was strong out of the ‘pen as well last season, making the Duco brothers one of the stronger relief pairings across the league. The Dusters missed Duco down the stretch, but if he can provide them with the same play he did during the first half of last season, they will gladly take it. Duco, again, will likely miss the stretch run of the 2012 year, but he’ll be an integral piece for the Dusters during the regular season, as they jockey for playoff positioning.

Last but not least the Dusters have added Colin May to the team.  The scrappy player will get the tap on the shoulder when the Dusters find themselves short handed.  He is raw but athletic and will relish the chance to get in the box.

Outlook: A lot of teams made offseason moves that should make the league even more competitive this year, while the Dusters remained quiet. With their eyes on the grand prize, the Dusters believe their homegrown talent will take another step forward in 2012. They aren’t weak anywhere and are coming off a season in which they set a league record with 108 hits as a team. The Dusters know they will enter the year with a bullseye on their backs after the preseason power rankings had them listed as the No. 1 team, but they don’t plan to disappoint. The Dusters are just one of a number of championship-calibre teams and will need improvement all around to get to the promised land in 2012.

 

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2011

 DUSTERS 3  MASONS 0 

 

 

Beach Dusters Dan Murphy watches his teammates Chris Toman up to bat

 

June/12-- The Dusters and Heat got together in a battle of the top east end teams in a last minute make up game and second game of the day for the Beach crew. The Dusters have heard a lot about Heat starter Kevin Leech and his overpowering fastball and Leech did not disappoint throwing 5 innings of 1 hit ball mowing down Duster after Duster. Beach starter Jack Cherry battled threw his 5 innings working out of jams and not allowing a run despite throwing 10 innings on the day. The beach got on the board in the 6th with back to back doubles by Johnny Duco and Cherry and Mike Duco came in and shut the door for another save. Great baseball game and these two teams look forward to playing together in this years all star game. 

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Another day at the park brought another W for the boys from the Beach. Despite falling down 4-0 to Roncesvalles, and getting shut down by DY through 5 innings, well-timed hitting clawed the Beach Dusters back into the game. Big bats from Roncesvalles opened the scoring throughout the first 5 innings with 2 long flys off starter Jack Cherry. Yet Cherry managed to connect for a 3-run bomb himself to centre field to even the game at 4. Injured Roncesvalles' bullpen righty was then lit up. Effective lead off walks and hits from Daniel Murphy and Johnny Duco and a plethora of hits were the difference as the Beach Dusters pulled ahead 7-4.  Beach closer Mike Duco gets his first win of the season and win #3 for the Dusters was in the books with a 7-4 final.  Kudos to Roncesvalles player Greg Majster for battling through the game despite clear discomfort. Next up for Beach is a date with East York at Courcelette. Roncesvalles faces SSK at the Haig.

-Daniel Murphy

 

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Brickies get Cherry Picked