GUELPH - The 2022 baseball season was an exciting one like no other. The Guelph Silvercreeks saw themselves lead the ICBA 22U division almost the entire season. The well rounded baseball club won two regular season tournaments, one in Mississauga and the other in Brampton, as well as the leagues regular season pennant. They then capped off the 2022 season by winning the ICBA playoff tournament against the Waterloo Tigers with a convincing 10-3 victory.
Although the team was excited to bring home an ICBA Championship, the 2023 teams ultimate goal will be to win Elims and represent Ontario at the 2023 U22 Canadian National Tournament. The only difference is they’ll have to do so without several notable graduating players.
Pitcher Jason Boulanger, Catcher/3B E.J. Martinez, Centrefielder Ashton Patterson and DH/INF Tyler Stoltz are all graduating from the current roster. They were all major contributors to the team and although there are several young players ready to step up, the impact of their absences will be felt, as they are not easy to replace.
Rockwood Ontario native Jason Boulanger came to the Silvercreeks as a hard throwing lefty in 2019. After leaving the Silvercreeks for two seasons to play in the US at Rend Lake College, he returned this year to dominate the ICBA. Jason logged 38.67 innings, racking up an impressive 58 K’s, and finished the season with a tidy 2.56 ERA. Exuding a quiet confidence on the mound, Jason will leave a large hole in next years rotation.
Guelph native E.J. Martinez came to the Silvercreeks while playing at Genesee Community College in Batavia New York. Initially joining the Creeks as a catcher EJ quickly transitioned into a solid third baseman. A quiet, affable player who came to the field every game ready to contribute with the glove as well as the bat, EJ’s leadership will be missed next season.
This next graduate only played one season with the club, but he left an impression that no one will soon forget. Coming to us from down Highway 7 in Kitchener, centrefielder Ashton Patterson not only lead the team in stolen bases with 33, he registered 37 hits, 13 extra base hits and hit 5 HRs to end his 2023 campaign with a respectable 0.349 AVG. Ashton will play this fall on the University of Guelph Gryphons Baseball Team.
Finally last but not least, we will say goodbye to team icon Tyler Stotlz. Stoltzy was a larger than life presence on the bench in the clubhouse and on the field. Starting his Creeks career in 2019 as a shortstop, Tyler was unfortunately bit by the injury bug early on. Never one to let injury slow him down, Tyler contributed however and whenever he could, whether it be as an infielder, a pitcher, a DH or even on the rare occasion filling in as a coach. Always smiling with a razor sharp wit, Tyler was a consummate team leader. His presence will be missed next season.
While the core of next years team remains largely intact, the loss of Boulanger, Martinez, Patterson and Stoltz will be felt. The team’s young talent looks poised to repeat again even with such big shoes to fill.
The team and management want to thank all of our graduates for your hard work and dedication, and to wish all of you the best of luck in your future endeavours!
- Creeks For Life -
IMAGE COURTESY GAR FITZGERALD
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