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2019 Summer of Spartan!

 

As the Riverdale Spartans embark on the Kings Conference in the new year, many questions may remain. They can hit, and in bunches, but can they do so in the clutch? They can pitch, yet can they hold a lead late and in close matches? Rest assured one thing is certain, these guys are brash & confident. No matter what the record or overall differential showed in 2018, most opponents would agree these Spartans can hang tough with them all - yet Riverdale needs a full 7 innings from its squad to turn a few of those tough losses into a higher mark on the Kings' standings. From the addition of a strong arm, some classy defense from many & more than one hero with a clutch hit to remind us why we got up in the first place - Spartans bring a passion and sportsmanlike grin to the schoolyard. This summer brings a reset on past seasons. With the odd surprise and rivalries with clubs either unable to shake them early, or think they're an easy win that day, Riverdale will be an exciting team to watch.

 

~ scottyB

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Riverdale Will Surprise On and Off The Field

 

 

Riverdale last year took a big step at becoming a competitive team by recording a team record for wins and by also capturing their first playoff win but this was followed by a sobering exit at the hands of the Cedarbrae Storm in the semi final round which highlighted the need to improve the look of the team in the off season both on and off the field.

 

Off field…….

 

Taking in to consideration the close proximity of the Greek heritage of the Danforth and combining this with the proud Riverdale community to the south, this team will now proudly boast the name of the Riverdale Spartans going into 2016.

 

On field……..

 

After Robert Irvine went out and found Gino Collura back in 2013 to join the TBL. Bench boss Wil Donohue consulted with Robert Irvine to find his next prospect gem. Enter Anthony Macdonald.  Expectations are at an all time high in 2016 as Riverdale is now ready to compete with the big boys of the division and ready unleash a massive hitting attack combined with solid pitching this coming summer. Sunday March 13th marked the first official team scrimmage for the crew from Riverdale and the team walked away in awe of off season signing Anthony Macdonald who smashed the ball all over and out of Earl Haig and then threw fire at the box even impressing Riverdale ace Steven Parsons.

 

Riverdale is poised to take another step forward this year with their new rookie signing set to unleash his talents on the Kings conference and he will compliment an already potent batting lineup that will feature Ryan William, Steven Parsons, Wil Donohue, and  Slugger of the year runner up Robert Irvine. Mike Thorton will take a step off the field this year but will stay with the team in a managing/consulting role.

 

Manager Wil Donohue is slowly putting together a contender at the hood.

 

From a 1 win season 2 years ago, to a middle of the pack finish last year and their first playoff win in 2015, the plan in 2016 is to get to the top and Riverdale looks to be making the strides required to be there in 2016.

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IRVINE SIGNS WITH THE RAILKATS

 

 

With Eglinton dispersing their team this off season the Riverdale Railkats were aggressive in pursuing free agent Robert Irvine and they got their coveted player by signing him to a long term contract.  Irvine was a slugger of the year candidate last year finishing the campaign with a .554 batting average (3rd overall), 26 RBI's (2nd overall), and 5 Hr's (2nd overall). Riverdale will be banking on these type of numbers in an effort to become a more competitive opponent this coming year after finishing with a single win last year.

 

The deal does not come without its skeptics though. Irvine has been with 4 teams in 4 years. He was unhappy in Warden to start his career. He had team quarrels when he managed The Don Valley Vikings. Eglinton took a downward spiral when he took over that team midway through last year. And now he finds himself with Riverdale. Can he maintain a strong relationship with the RailKats? He seems to think so.

 

When asked about the signing, Irvine had this to say.......

"Although it is regretful that the Isotopes have disbanded, I look forward to joining a team with one of the most hitter friendly parks in the league. I hit quite a few bombs at the Hood and will looking to do the same again this year. I am also looking to improve on my numbers from last year and will add a silent lead by example approach to this already scrappy team. I am confident that I will also be able to provide a number of innings as a starter and also as a relief man. I was fortunate to finish with a .472 ERA last year with 42 K'S but this simply was not acceptable by my standards and will look to improve also on these numbers this coming year. "