Closets, basement corners, garage shelves. That’s where you’ll find the tools of the trade. Cold, creaky, winter-worn hands pulled out their gear bags. Dusted off their mitts. Pine tarred their bats. Re-laced their cleats. Ball season was upon them.

 

 The Toronto Burby League kicked off it’s season last Saturday morning with the traditional finals rematch. The Agincourt Hitmen hosted the champion Birchmount Burbarians at Oakridge Hill. The champs were looking like they were still suffering from whatever swamp water they drank from the King’s Cup. Nick Liontas looked in mid-season form as he struck out the first three Burbarians he face. He’d finish with a dynamite opening stat line:  seven strikeouts, three walks, zero hits, and a 3-0 lead.

 

 Muzafar Malik started for BB. He looked a little rusty to start, giving up three early runs, but then he settled in. In the fourth, he started to tire, and Agincourt add three more. Reigning playoff MVP, Joe Resendes, relieves his mate and holds the damage there.

 

 Unfortunately for Agincourt, their bullpen couldn’t match the start, and Birchmount starts taking walks and smacking doubles. Everyone gets in on the fun and drive in, at least one each. Hentley Small lead the team with five RBI. Rookie of the Year, Marvin Afriyie, had four RBI, a double and a triple. Jeff Walter had a 3-run bomb for Agincourt.

 

 Birchmount wins it 15-9.

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Welcome To The New Dark Ages!!

Welcome to the new Dark Ages!! The Birchmount Burbarians are the 2016 Kings Cup champions after finally ending the reign of the tenacious Agincourt Hitmen in an offensively explosive game with home runs galore that more than lived up to its potential. These two teams had split the season series, with the Burbarians winning the first one decisively 8-1 at the Den back in late April while the Hitmen were still in an apparently extended hangover from celebrating their very impressive and memorable perfect season. Agincourt rebounded in the rematch, prevailing 1-0 at Oak Ridge back in mid-July in an extra innings pitcher’s duel that could have gone either way.

Both teams were clearly better than their regular season record suggests, with the Burbarians having edged out The Junction 2-1 in the semis, and having beaten every team in the conference, often convincingly, at least once during the regular season (with the only exception being Cedarbrae, although their first encounter could have gone either way). The Hitmen meanwhile brought considerable playoff experience; this was their impressive third consecutive finals appearance, after having lost to Bellwoods in 2014. Moreover, they were coming off an impressive 8-2 upset over Cedarbrae and seemed to be peaking at exactly the right time, which probably made them the favourite in most people’s minds.

The one advantage the Burbarians may have had was that all the pressure was squarely on the Hitmen to defend their title, especially against an almost entirely rookie lineup (veteran manager Jerome Persaud was unavailable to play). However, this didn’t seem to be a factor as the Hitmen carried their momentum into the game, greeting veteran Burbarians starter Muzafar Malik with a walk and back to back doubles to take a quick 2-0 lead, then adding another run in the top of the second on another double and a pair of hits. The Burbarians caught a major break in the bottom of the second when a worsening injury unfortunately undermined Hitmen ace Nick Lionitis’ effectiveness. They got two runs back on four walks and a line drive single, before Lionitis was able to bravely finish the inning. The score at that point was 3-2 for the Hitmen.

Veteran lefty Aaron Dixon entered the game in relief in the bottom of the third and was promptly greeted with a solo homerun from rookie .120 hitter and TBL strikeout leader, Joe Resendes, his improbable second of the playoffs, to tie the game 3-3. Then in the bottom of the fourth rookie Mark Herbert hit the fence with a solid triple that just missed going out by a foot; which clearly seemed to signal a shift in the momentum of the game. Afterwards, Dixon seemed to become a bit gun shy and struggled with control (as well as very selective batters) to allow four walks, resulting in another two runs to give the Burbarians the lead for the first time 5-3.

The Hitmen got one back in the top of the fifth on a long hit off the outstretched glove of rookie outfielder Hentley Small that was ruled a triple instead of double in a disputed call; followed by a single, to narrow the score to 5-4. But in the bottom of the fifth Small singled and then red hot rookie slugger Marvin Afriyie hit a solid two run homer to widen the Burbarians’ lead again to 7-4.

Resendes came on in relief of a visibly tired Malik in the sixth who had put in a very gritty pitching performance, enduring multiple high pitch counts from an unrelenting Hitmen lineup, and limiting the damage until the Burbarian batters were able to come to life. He was promptly greeted with a solo homer by Jeff “Mr October” Walter, his fourth of the playoffs, to narrow the score to 7-5.

However, with Small and Afriyie on base due to a walk and single respectively, Resendes redeemed himself with a solid three run homer (his highly improbable second of the game and third of the playoffs) in the bottom of sixth that seemed to break the game open. Herbert followed with a solo home run of his own (making it that extra foot over the fence this time) that increased the lead to 11-5..

But the Hitmen were champs for a reason and made another valiant comeback effort in the top of the seventh with a towering two run home run by Aaron Dixon that narrowed the score to 11-7. But this was the Burbarians’ day as they responded with a succession of hits and walks in the bottom of the inning, culminating in a double by Afriyie, to score another three runs and expand the lead to 14-7.

Samir Patel managed to get back another run for the Hitmen with a solo homer in the top of the eighth before Resendes shut the door on their comeback attempt, to secure the win and start the celebrations. The final score was 14-8, and Resendes was later awarded the Kings Playoff MVP despite his protestations that “Muz wuz robbed”. (At least there is no question Malik was the Burbarians’ team MVP.) It was an otherwise worthy ending to a fine TBL season.

It was a delightful result for the Burbarians (and especially veterans Malik and Persault) in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year for this team which started the season as the North York Masons following their voluntary transfer from the Premier Conference this spring. In a delicious bit of irony, manager Persault opted to change the team name in order to preserve the Premier Conference heritage of the Masons. Unfortunately, the decision cost the Masons a title. And as long suffering fans of teams such as the Chicago Cubs (and Toronto Maple Leafs) know, titles might not come around very often

On a more serious note, an investigation into Joe Resendes’ suspicious sudden power surge is reportedly under way. When asked, Resendes vehemently denied any allegations of performance enhancing drugs, exclaiming: “No way! I’m clean. I am a long time vegetarian and teetotaller after all! Actually, if it must be known, the truth is that I cut a deal with Satan before the playoffs began. And the evidence for that is the fact that I gave up 3 home runs in relief. That’s how Satan works, he gives but he also takes. He is a devious scoundrel. Despite this it all worked out, and trading away my eternal soul for momentary burby glory was definitely worth it. If Commissioner Adrian and the rest of the perennially successful Brickies could do it (just look at the painting of Jeff Snow on his TBL website profile page!), why couldn’t I? Anyway, I’ll see them and some of you guys later in hell.” Indeed.

Anyway, best wishes to all until next season.

 

Joey Rez

 

 

 

ODE TO THE MASONS

The north winds have blown cold for the last several months.  Icing tennis balls.  Freezing bats.  Just the thought of vibrating contact could send shivers up your spine.  The North York Masons memories have been frozen, too.  After an impressive run to the Burby Cup Finals, the team effort fell just short of a championship.  The image of Mike Meredith swinging through strike three, with the bases loaded, etched in ice.

 

As the winter grew long, fissures cracked thunderously beneath the Masons feet.  One crevasse was wide enough to claim Mike Meredith.  His retirement leaves the TBL with only one year of memories from the young fireballer.  Other chasms nearly laid claim to Tim Loat and Rob Leth.  The clouds floated tumultuously above Mason heads.

 

But the north is part of the Masons, as the name shows.  The spring thaw is nigh, and the new look Masons emerge from the chilly fog with the confidence to finish the job and hoist the cup.

Manager duties now lie on the shoulders of Jerome Persaud, who's hoping his hot playoff bat can carry over into April.

 

 Returning is proud new papa Muzafar Malik.  We all look forward to seeing the Masons youngest cheerleader at a game or three.  The talents of Leth, Loat and Craig Berry are also back in the fold, even if they must battle their schedules as well as opposing pitching.

 

 And welcome to the newest Masons  -  Joshua Shepard and Steve Mizuik.  Both taking to the mound, and aiming to keep the TBL knees buckling all year.

A new Masons story will be built in 2014, brick by brick.  Here's to a great season everybody!

 

--Jerome Persaud

YOUR 2013 NORTH YORK MASONS!
 
 
 
After enjoying their first two years in the Toronto Burby League, the North York Masons are ready to make a statement. The Masons have been competitive but after numerous heartbreaking losses, including a 1-0 loss to the eventual champion Birch Cliff Bears in last year’s playoffs, the franchise has loaded up for 2013.
  
Leadoff man Jerome Persaud returns to ignite the lineup and after hitting 9 triples over his first two seasons, he is all but guaranteed to go deep in ’13. Way deep.
  
If Kevin Youkilis is the Greek God of Walks, then Muzafar Malik is the Albanian God of Walks (Editor’s Note: I’m not actually sure of Muz’s origins so that nickname is probably not even close to being accurate) and he should provide some quality innings during the season.

 

  
After an off-year in 2012, Craig Berry looks to rebound with a power explosion. Expect several balls to fly out of schoolyards around the GTA.
   
After an impressive rookie season, switch-hitter Tim Loat returns to the Masons and if he can keep his arm healthy, his pinpoint control and moving pitches will leave several TBL opponents shaking their heads as they walk away from the box. 
  
Joining the Masons this year is Mike Meredith. Scouting reports indicate that double-M will be dominant player on both the mound and at the plate. A player the Masons will be counting on to take them to the next level.

  
The biggest question mark at this point is Rob Leth. Right elbow woes have not subsided in the off-season and the 2011 Slugger of the Year may have to go under the knife to remove a bone spur.

                                           ROB LETH'S ELBOW XRAY

But with the team he has assembled, he is an early favourite for 2013 Manager of the Year.A solid looking team on paper, let’s see how they do on grass and pavement!

 
 
- Rob Leth

 

WHEN YOU’RE THIS GOOD, THEY CALL YOU MISTER



If there is one thing the North York Masons have been missing over their first two seasons of TBL play, it’s motivation. Time and again the Masons have suffered heartbreaking 1-run losses to teams that were hungrier, with more desire, more fire. The Masons have basically looked just happy to be there. Complacent.



Enter Mr. Mason.

 

Distant cousin of Mr. Met, mascot of the New York Metropolitans, Mr. Mason has always been a bit of an outsider. Laughed at by his mascot bretheren. Born with a tennis ball head and a baseball uniform, he never really fit in at tennis matches nor baseball games.



Then he found the Toronto Burby League.

“I couldn’t believe it,” wrote Mr. Mason because he’s not allowed to talk. “A baseball league that uses a tennis ball! I had always dreamed that such a magical sport existed. And THEN to find out that one of the teams was called the Masons, well I almost fell over. Partially because I don’t have too real good balance to begin with what with my large head and all. But as a mascot in all seriousness, I can’t wait to cheer on the North York Masons this season and hopefully my motivational skills will help inspire the Blue and Orange. Go Masons!”



Said Masons leadoff hitter Jerome Persaud “Mr. Mason is funny and good.”

Expect Mr. Mason to be prominently displayed on the Masons new uniforms currently in development.



- Rob Leth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MASONS 2012 SEASON PREVIEW

 

The North York Masons struggled out of the gate in their first season in the TBL but managed to string together some wins in the second half. Known more for their offence, the Masons managed to score runs off burby pitching legends Kevin Leach and Joe Callaghan. Many felt that the blue and orange needed to add an arm or two in the off-season, instead, they went for more POWER! Here’s how the core of the Masons shapes up for 2012.

 

Jerome Persaud – The Producer

 

Mr. Punctuality is the straw that stirs the drink. He may not always be on time but you can count the Masons leadoff hitter to get on base. His line drive power produced 10 doubles and 4 triples last season and he will no doubt be looking to go deep more than once in 2012. On the mound, his knuckle-curve may make Tim Wakefield look like Nolan Ryan, but when he finds the strike zone, it may be the most effective pitch in the TBL. In the field, Persaud is as dependable as they come with 41 putouts last season, many of them spectacular.

 

Muzafar Malik – The Director

 

Joining the Masons halfway the season, “Moose” gave the Masons some much needed pitching depth. With his smooth as silk delivery and intimidating Aviators, Malik kept opposing hitters off-balance and racked up a pair of saves. Malik had his struggles at the plate in 2011 but with a .471 on base percentage, his ability to get on base is key in the two-hole. Despite only playing 6 games, Malik made 19 putouts, tying him for 8^th in the league. His speed in the outfield is second to none.

 

Rob Leth – The Reporter

 

At the plate, not much went wrong for Leth in 2011. His 17 home runs, including a 5 homer game (3 in one inning) vs. Warden surprised even himself and earned him the prestigious slugger of the year award. On the mound, Leth had an up-and-down year dominating at times, getting pounded at other times. He’s hoping for more consistency this year and also hoping his wonky elbow can survive the rigors of another TBL season. Despite his prowess at the plate, Leth was most proud of his league-leading 46 putouts in the field combined with zero errors.

 

Craig Berry – The Shooter

 

The addition of the big bat of Craig Berry may be the equivalent to the Detroit Tigers signing Prince Fielder. In a one-game audition for the Masons last year, Berry hit for the cycle with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs. As the clean-up man, Berry gives the Masons a second legitimate power threat.

 

Greg Ross – The Anchor

 

When able to play, Ross will give the Masons the left-handed power stick they’ve been looking for. He should also be able to provide some pitching depth and if he can find the strike zone, will likely be the most dominant arm on the staff.

 

 

So with a Producer, Director, Reporter, Shooter and Anchor, the Masons are looking for a storybook script in 2012!

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SUNDAY NIGHT FEVER

The most impressive streak in TBL history has come to an end.

Staked to a 4-0 lead after 2 1/2 innings and facing the Masons for the firs time, it appeared that Joe Callaghan would breeze to another easy victory. In the bottom of the third North York served notice that they would not go down without a fight. Rob Leth led off with a ground-rule double to centre that Callaghan later confessed "I thought it was gone." One out later, after a Muzafar Malik walk, Leth came up again but after fouling off a couple of tough pitches, Callaghan got him swinging with a nasty hook.

Fast forward to the bottom of the 5th with the score still 4-0, Malik leads off with another walk and up steps Leth. BAM! A deep drive to right centre that goes off the tree and lands between the backstop and the back fence. That's a triple. That scores the run from first. That's the first run that Callaghan has allowed - EVER.

Rob Leth was agressive at the plate against The SSK's

In the bottom of the 6th, with Jerome Persaud still looking for his Burby dinger, hit an RBI triple off the top of the fence to make it 4-2.

In the bottom of the 7th with 2 runners on and 2 out, Leth hits a deep fly ball to centre. Courtney appeared to camp under it but the smallest branch on the big tree deflected the ball straight down for a game-tying triple and we're off to extra innings!

With Callaghan and Malik back on the mound, both pitchers breezed through a scoreless 7th but in the top of the 8th and 2 runners on, Callaghan showed he's not just a pitcher. A three-run blast onto Coxwell! 

That's all Big Joe would need as the Sudbury Saturday Knights improve to 9-0 and the hard-luck Masons drop to 1-7 in a game that was probably a lot closer than most people would have predicted. 

 

June 5th.2011 

2:48 One of the longest Burby games ever could also have been one of the most entertaining. The Masons and Brickies took part in a game that had everything from ridiculous catches to clutch monster shots to just clear cut drama. In short here is how it went down.....

Rob Leth got the start for NY and had good command in the early going. Mark Kennedy started for LB and had control problems but continuously got out of jams. Back and forth is the best way to describe this contest. NY up by 1,LB ties it. NY up by 3, LB up by 1. LB up by 6 and NY ties it.

The 2 stars of the game were Rob Leth and Darren Osborne. Their numbers were impressive. Leth had 2 HR's including a Grandslam. Osborne hits for the cycle and had 2 HR's including a walk off to win the game. His play in the outfeild was also unreal. A pop up to the left of the pitcher was tracked down by the OZ who started from the fence and bobbled the ball all the way to the batters area before hauling it in???

There was also some not so great play from both bullpens, but it just added to the drama. The 6th inning was a hit parade for Leslieville as NY's Jerome Persaud was dinged for 5 runs giving LB closer Adrian Golombek a 6 run lead going into the 7th. That instantly vanished with a number of walks and a Grand Salami to Leth. To the bottom of the seventh we go and who else but Darren Osborne launches a walk off homer to left centre over an outstretched arm of Leth. Final score is Leslieville 11 North York 10. A fun and exhausting game for 2 teams that needed to let loose