The Saint-Bruno Minor Baseball Association is offering its 18th Alex Agostino 11U Provincial Tournament at Rabastalière Park, from June 28 to July 1. In all, 28 teams have registered for the competition.
“It’s a record this year,” said the president of the Saint-Bruno Minor Baseball Association, David Trépanier.
In previous editions, the organizers limited themselves to 24 teams. This time, 12 clubs will participate in the 11UA category and 16 others in the 11UB category. “There was a strong demand. With the public holiday on Monday [fête du Canada], we decided to extend the tournament. It allowed us to take on more organizations,” confides David Trépanier.
“The Saint-Bruno Blue Sox always do well in our tournament. » – David Trépanier
When asked what explains this increase in registrations, the volunteer replies that there has been an increase in requests in the category. “It’s difficult for these teams, in the A, to find tournaments in Quebec. For us, there are always more groups in B than in A,” he explains.
The reputation of Rabastalière Park
According to the president of Baseball Saint-Bruno, the reputation of Rabastalière Park also helps attract the 11U baseball community. The reputation of the Alex Agostino Provincial Tournament also helps. “Our tournament is fun! Several teams come back year after year, and there are new arrivals every year too,” comments Mr. Trépanier.
As for the ball fields and Rabastalière Park, the man insists that the location is ideal and recognized. “The place is perfect, in the city center. Personally, I have rarely seen that elsewhere. There are restaurants nearby, a park for children, the soccer field, the skate park… there are a lot of activities at once.”
According to him, and based on the comments he receives from visiting clubs, the atmosphere at Rabastalière Park has a lot to do with the interest shown by the baseball community. “It’s the entire park that brings this atmosphere!”
Les Blue Sox
To return to the 28 clubs that are expected on the fields this weekend, let us note the participation of four groups of the Saint-Bruno Blue Sox, including three clubs in the 11UB category. “The Saint-Bruno Blue Sox always do well in our tournament,” recalls Mr. Trépanier.
And for good reason, the Blue Sox 11UA lost in the final last year, and they won the tournament in 2022. In 2015, the local representatives achieved a double at the event, winning in both the A and B divisions. Saint-Bruno also won the tournament in 2014, 2012 and 2007.
“This year, several of our players went to play in the double letter. They will not be in the tournament. This is a sign that our baseball is healthy. It’s not just a question of the number of teams. The talent is there too,” boasts David Trépanier.
Alex Agostino
The supervisor of scouting for Canada and the Northeastern United States for the Philadelphia Phillies organization in Major League Baseball, Alex Agostino, has been lending his name to the 11U Provincial Baseball Tournament for a few years now. For a rare time, the Montarville native will not be on site for the games. “Unfortunately, I have a work assignment. It hurts me not to be there, but I know that the tournament is in good hands with all the stakeholders on site,” replied Alex Agostino, who was contacted by the newspaper Les Versants.
He wrote in an email that baseball is a wonderful sport that helps develop team spirit. He also insists on reminding people that it’s just a game and that pleasure comes first. “I look forward to having more time to become more involved, but in the meantime, minor league baseball is fortunate to have volunteers dedicated to our youth. I thank them from the bottom of my heart and wish them all a good ball season,” says Alex Agostino.
More than 700 visitors
Including the players and coaches of the 28 teams in action, the families of these young people and the ball fans who will be there, the Saint-Bruno Minor Baseball Association expects to welcome more than 700 people throughout the competition. “Our tournament is our biggest source of income after registrations. That’s what allows us to keep registration fees low. Canteen sales also help us a lot,” concluded Mr. Trépanier.
Depending on the weather, the number of participating teams and many other factors, including the canteen, Baseball Saint-Bruno can recover between $4,000 and $7,000 thanks to its 11U Alex Agostino Provincial Tournament.
2024-06-28 12:35:27
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