The Roncesvalles Rockets Burby Club has a rich history that goes beyond being just one of only two remaining original Toronto Burby League teams. Called ‘Bourbon’ in the neighbourhood back in the day, Roncesvalles has a rich Burby history dating back to at least the 70’s. The Burby Shrine located at Fern Ave. P.S. was also home to the first ever documented Burby League back in 1992 & 1993, and home to the first official TBL game in
2009.

The Rockets team has seen many personnel changes over the years, most significantly the acquisition of the two most decorated and legendary Burby players Ashley "Laser Eyes"Allinson and "Shoeless" Joe Callaghan. The two have more Burby championships than anyone in the history of the game. They are also The Duo that won the first two Burby Cups, and
helped propel the The Rockets to win the 2017 Burby Cup.

Toronto Burby League clubs are usually aptly named after the history of the neighbourhood they represent. The Roncesvalles Rockets are no different. Named “Rockets" in homage of the TTC, and the Ronces streetcar yard that is home to the “Red Rocket" to this day. And just like the Roncesvalles car house that serves all the city trolly routes, the Roncesvalles Rockets
Burby club represents players that have come from all over the city.

Only two other original members from the 2009 Inaugural TBL season remain. Greg "Stro1" Majster, and Derek "DY" Young. Both who grew up in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood. DY is coming off a three year
hiatus after working across the pond. His last season being an almost perfect combined season where he and Shoeless Joe didn’t give up a run until the 15th inning of the Championship game vs arch rival Lesliville. One of only a few West side Toronto Burby League clubs, Ronces is merging with Kings Conferences Rexdale Roosters in the 2020 season. The
aging staff and stiff competition from the Birchcliff  Bears, Beach Dusters, and Cliffside Heights to name a few means the task of winning the 2020 Burby Cup and or Pennant won’t be easy,but the Rocket’s don’t mind being the underdogs. Ashley Laser Eyes is coming from a year on the DL
after undergoing eye surgery in both of his never miss Burby ball seekers so his sight will be tested in 2020. There was some talk about renaming the Rockets because of the merger to ‘TORONTO Public Libraries’ but the RRs will remain The Roncesvalles Rockets if for no other reason than not to have The Leslieville Brickies lay claim as the only ‘Original’ TBL team.

 Jesse Fulton and his arm are still on the roster, Doug Whiteside and his bat is also ready. However the booming bat of Troy Weston is now retired.

The RRs yet again feel the cup could be theirs. The Rexdale Rooster players joining the team proved themselves in the Premiere Conference as call ups last year as well. Joining the Rockets will be a reliable lefty Brett Hadden who is no slouch at the plate. Also you will see TJ McCann who will chat your ear off and then bang out some extra base hits. Marty Partience should join the roster in mid June.

So The Rockets are ready to roll. They have the players. They have the experience and their eyes are set on The Burby Cup.

Greg Majster