The Parkland Whitesox outlasted the persistent Edmonton Blackhawks by a score of 3-2 in game one of the best of three series at Henry Singer Park. Kukovica took the loss despite allowing only three hits over six innings of work. Josh Turner, who allowed 6 hits, enjoyed a better fate as he continued to power the Whitesox into early series leads. It was a very stingy defense in game two of the series which saw the Whitesox dominate while ably assisted by Aaron Huber who allowed only three hits over seven innings of work. Errors plagued the Blackhawks in game two which allowed the Whitesox to capitalize on their six hits despite Regan Hoet’s efforts on the hill which included six strikeouts over seven innings of work. The Whitesox are the first club to add their name to the newly minted League Championship Trophy which replaces the first generation trophy, now retired to the hall after 43 years in circulation.

The victorious Parkland Whitesox led by Manager Doug Jones celebrate after clinching their third NCABL Championship in four years.

Whitesox sweep Athletics while Blackhawks edge Red Lions in the Championship Semi-Final Series

In a classic match-up of pitching power, Josh Turner of the Whitesox edged Mark Trela of the Athletics in the only close contest in Semi-Final Series A. Turner pitched all eight innings in the extra inning game which saw the Whitesox nip the Athletics 2-1. Turner struck out 14 batters while allowing no earned runs in registering his victory. The Athletics could not muster any offense in game 2 of Series A as the Whitesox steamrolled to an 11-0 victory to advance to the Championship Series Final on Saturday.

Series B was a much closer series as the Blackhawks needed the full three game set to dispose of the pesky Red Lions. The Blackhawks outhit the Red Lions in game 1 by a margin of 14 to 9 as Kukovica hung on for the 6-5 victory. The Red Lions roared back in game 2 on Sunday behind the strong pitching of Adam Sawatzsky who outdueled David Schneider who also had a strong outing for the Blackhawks. The seventh inning 2-0 victory set the stage for a third game in which Adam Sawatzsky threw another 62/3 innings before bowing to the Blackhawks behind the pitching of Regan Hoet. Both pitchers allowed only 4 hits each in the final contest. The Blackhawks will meet the Whitesox on Saturday in Spruce Grove to determine who will be the 2011 league Champions.
 

Matt Jones and Scott Hoekstra accepted the first ever Servus Cup which has replaced the Molson Cup as the trophy which recognizes regular season supremacy in the NCABL. The Whitesox finished the regular season with a record of 16 wins and 4 losses. They scored 112 runs (fourth among League clubs) while allowing only 46 runs (least among League clubs). Ryan Rau of the Westlock Red Lions was presented with his second consecutive Bob Kootenay Memorial Award as Manager of the Year. Mark Trela of the Edmonton Athletics became only the second player in NCABL history to capture the Most Valuable Player in the regular season award for a fourth time in his career. The Dan Gerlach Memorial Award, presented to the most promising junior player in the NCABL, was won by Padon Brenholen of the Sherwood Park Athletics.

For a complete summary of the runner’s up for Manager of the Year and the Most Promising Junior Player of the Year as well as for the official top ten most valuable players in the League, please refer to the Commissioner’s Corner on this website.

The sponsor of this great award may no longer be with us. Faye Cyre (Schultz) passed away quietly last year to be with her son Ken, a solid umpire who served in the NCABL core for many years with distinction and who passed away in his thirties after a lengthy illness. Ken’s dedication to both baseball and the NCABL have been embodied in an award meant to recognize a contribution of significance to baseball over an extended period of time somewhere in this region. For more information on this award simply contact the Commissioner@ncabl.ab.ca or communicate with any of the League’s Governors. Submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis with a recipient chosen annually and presented with the Schultz Award during the NCABL Championship Final Series.

Tim Schultz presents the Ken Schultz Memorial Award to Matt Payne who is represented by fellow core umpire Matt Becigneul.