Welcome to our website! You are visiting the home
of the Niagara Metros of the Central Ontario Major Baseball League. Since 1985, we've been the home for
Elite Senior baseball in the Niagara region.
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Special thanks to Accurate Litho and Print for supplying our "Front Page Design".
Last week we told you about the four Metros
players that have moved on to bigger and better things in 2009. This week we'll look at the 3 new players and 2 returning
players that complete the changes to our 2009 roster. First we'll tell you about the 3 new guys, that have joined our
club, this year:
1. Kevin Benjamin, C / 1B.
Kevin comes to us from his hometown of Kentville, N.S., by way of Brock University. Kevin is a line-drive hitter, who,
last summer was voted the All-Star Catcher in one of the top Senior leagues in the country, the Nova Scotia Senior Baseball
League. The 22 year-old batted a healthy .402, to finish 4th in his league's batting race...while finishing 3rd in the
league with 39 hits. He also led his Kentville Wildcats to the League Championship final, by finishing 5th in the
playoff batting race. Having secured a local job that will keep him in Niagara for the summer, the 6'2"
200 lb. Benjamin can also play some 1st Base, which will add some defensive versatility to his already impressive
batting resume.
2. Aaron Butler, 3B. Aaron
is a 20 year-old graduate of the Niagara Falls Minor system, and played some very good ball for the Bullett-Proof Prospects...a
highly regarded "Elite" program based in Welland. For the last couple of seasons, Aaron has plied his trade for the
University of Waterloo, as he completes his schooling in "Urban Planning" At every level of play, Mr. Butler has provided
steady defense, great speed on the bases, and a strong presence in the batting order, while also providing leadership
off the field. That's a rare combination for such a young player, and the Metros are hoping Aaron can continue
that track record in 2009.
3. Chris Magarian, P. The
Metros are also pleased to welcome Chris Magarian, a 21 year-old lefthanded pitcher to the club in 2009. Magarian grew
up in St. Catharines and has played at the "Elite" levels since his midget years, when he was a mainstay on the pitching staff
of the Canadian Thunderbirds. He has since made his mark at the U.S. College level, having posted superior E.R.A.'s
at both Erie Community College (JUCO), and Clarke College (NAIA). Chris will be returning home in early June,
at the completion of his spring classes, and will give the Metros a rare thing...a fourth lefthanded pitcher on
their staff, for 2009.
The Metros are also pleased to welcome
back two players who were integral parts of their teams in recent years, but were unable to play in 2008. The two players
are:
1. Brian Essery, P. The veteran
Essery established himself as one the top pitchers in the province during his 11-year career with the team. His
record of 59-21, his career ERA of 2.46, and his 14 complete-game shutouts gives you some idea of the caliber of Brian's
skills and his importance to the team. After starting 2 games at the European Baseball Championships in 2007 (anchoring
the silver medal-winning British National team), Brian took a job as the Coordinator of the British National Junior Baseball
program, last summer. But his contract ended in October, and has since returned home...looking forward to continuing
his stellar career with the Metros.
2. Steve Baldinelli, OF / P.
The 23 year-old Niagara Falls native played for St. Catharines in 2005 and 2006, and was a vital cog in the Metros offense,
batting .337, and .338 in his 2 seasons. He also added 31 stolen bases (while only being caught 2 times). After
finishing up a distinguished career at Niagara University in Lewiston, N.Y., Steve was approached to play professional ball
in Italy...and in 2008, that's where he was. He completed a successful season there, and returned home to Niagara
last fall, with the idea of returning to the Metros this summer, and pick up his COBA career. Steve, who's arm
was ailing when he last appeared in a Metros' uniform, will also give the team some valuable innings on the mound in
2009.
The
St. Catharines Metros would like to welcome (and welcome back) these 5 players. We're sure you'll enjoy the competitive
caliber of the baseball, as well as the beautiful parks and facilities that we enjoy in the C.O.B.A. Major Baseball League.
By the way, you can check out the complete bios of these 5 players, as well as all the rest of the Metros, by clicking our
updated "2009 Roster" link.
LOTS
GOING ON THESE DAYS...
In addition to the introduction
of our new and returning players, the Metros are very busy with a number of things...with the current team, our alumni, and
stuff here at metrosbaseball.ca. Here is a short list of "What we're up to":
1. Metros outdoor practices
continue this week. Monday night and Thursday night at 6:00, and then Saturday afternoon at 1:00. The season is
less than 10 days away, and the boys are working hard to get ready. A reminder to let Mark or Kerry know if you
can't make a practice.
2. Speaking of Mark, our own
General Manager, Mark Walters is being inducted into the St. Catharines Sports "Wall of Fame" on Tuesday night (April 28).
Anyone who might want to attend this prestigious event are invited to meet us at the "Starlight Room" at Club Roma, on Vansickel
Road. Admittance is free, and the festivities get underway around 5:30.
3. It is with great pleasure
that we announce that former Metros' star Jamie Robertson and his wife "Juice" (Kristen) welcomed a new member to their
family, earlier this month. Joshua James Robertson was born on April 17th, 2009 at 8:15 A.M., in Buffalo, N.Y.
Joshua weighed in at 9 lbs., 5 oz. (gulp), and was 20 1/2 inches long. The couples' second child is a brother to big
sister Samantha. Mom and baby are home and doing very well. Congratulations, Jamie and Juice, from all the Metros.
By the way, we've posted a picture of the family with their new baby...in our "Photo Album". Click the link on the left.
4. We continue with our look
at the "pitcher we love to hate", as we have posted the final installment in our, "Let's boo #21" series.
Hey, is there anything better than watching this clown lie and squirm his way through a Congressional deposition
and into a jail cell? Just scroll to the bottom of this page...Press "Play"...and enjoy!
5. Finally, our "25th Anniversary"
celebration continues this week with "A Look Back at 1996". After the worst season in Metros history in 1995, the
Metros needed a boost...no, they needed a "kick in the ass". And just like the doctor ordered, 4 new players came to
the team and re-energized it. The improvement was imediate, and the overall result at the end of the year was a
second O.B.A. Championship. Just click on "25th Anniversary" (to the left of the page), and then on 1996.
Talk to you next week.
With the Metros
having completed they're first outdoor workout, this past Saturday (and what a perfect April day, it was), we thought it was
time we told you about some of the changes the team has made to it's roster, this off-season. We're going to do this
over the next two weeks, as we build up for opening day. This week, we'll focus on a review of the players that have
retired from the club...and next week we'll look at our newcomers, and returnees.
The Metros have lost four very good
players from their 2008 roster, and will have trouble replacing them...both on, and especially off the field. The following
players will be missed in 2009.
1. Justin Montgomery, 2B. Justin showed
the meaning of determination, last season. After hurting his arm, while away at school in 2001, Justin felt that
the 7 years of healing would enable him to try a comeback with the Metros in 2008. He did manage to play 5 games with
the team, going 2 for 10, with 4 walks, but reinjured the same troublesome shoulder...ending his career.
2. Dan Estey, P. Danny played
his second season with St. Catharines in '08, and gave the team some steady innings as their 4th starter. The New Brunswick
native pitched 50 innings, allowing 54 hits, and 30 walks, while striking out 32. He went 3-4 with a 4.32 ERA.
But it was off the field where Dan really stepped up. He ran the team's refreshment fund, was an instumental part of
the Hap Walters Tourney preparations, and was always available, and "ready" to take the ball. He was named
the Metros' Coaches award winner at the year-end Christmas party. He has retired to concentrate on his job as a teacher
in the Brampton area.
3. Rob Nixon, P. Rob came
out of nowhere to become one of the Metros "big-3" starters, last season, combining with Dustin Turner, and Jason Ermers to
form a very good rotation. As a rookie, Nixon led the team in Games (15), Starts (11), Innings (77), Saves (tied
with 2), and Winning Pct. (.636). He allowed just 54 hits in his 77 innings, while striking out 67. Robbie
also went 7-4, with a sparkling 1.99 E.R.A., to win the Metros Rookie award, while finishing 3rd in league voting. Rob
is playing in a college summer league in Virginia, this summer, after completing his season at Adelphi University.
4. Ryan Villers, P.
Ryan is calling it "a career", with the Metros, after giving the team 10 wonderful years. Coming up for good in 1999,
Ryan was an accomplished starter early in his career, before moving to the pen, and performing yoeman's service for the last
4 seasons. He has also done a great job, when called upon, as an infielder and catcher over the years. His final
pitching numbers show an outstanding 30-12 record, with a 4.62 ERA, over his 329 innings. He added 2 shutouts, 8 saves,
and 251 K's. As a hitter, Ryan batted .266 (92 for 346), with 8 HR's and 71 RBI's. But it is his clubhouse leadership
that will be hardest to replace. A two-time Coaches award winner, he is the consumate teammate...and one of the
most "coachable" athletes to ever play for the Metros. Best of luck, Ryan, in whatever you choose to do.
You will be missed by this ballclub.
A REMINDER...
Outdoor workouts continue
this week, with practices Monday April 20, Thursday April 23, and Saturday April 25. The weeknight practices begin at
6:00, and the Saturday practice is at 1:00. All players are asked to get to everything that they can, and to let Mark
or Kerry know when they'll be absent. See you at the park.
DID YOU CHECK OUT...
...the new photos
posted on our website? Hot off the Nikon, we've got some random pictures taken during our last indoor workout, at Thorold
High School. These photos prove that baseball is a "year-round" sport. Please click on "Photo Album" and
scroll down.
WHAT'S NEW WITH "THE ROCKET WHO FELL TO EARTH"?
Let's keep on hating that former Blue
Jay, Red Sox, Yankee, and Astro. This week, we have a short film that takes us into the future...some 45 years into
the future. And we'll find out that, with some pompous "athletes", things just don't change. Scroll
down to the "Metros Baseball Film Feature" near the bottom of the page, and press"Play".
ONE MORE THING...
Our 25th Anniversary look at the "Metros
History in Words and Pictures" continues, with a study of the 1995 season. With the Metros winning an O.B.A. silver
medal in 1994, the team was looking to take the next step forward. But in fact, they went three steps backward...and
had their worst season in club history. Check it out by clicking of the "25th Anniversary" link, and then "1995".
Well, it's been roughly 33 weeks since
we were last able to say this: "The Metros are playing baseball this weekend". That is, as long as Mother
Nature cooperates. The team has it's final indoor workout Tuesday night (8:30 at Thorold High School), and if weather
permits, they'll be moving outside on Saturday. Early weather reports indicate that it may be a beautiful weekend...so
the Metros are keeping their fingers crossed.
The early workouts will be held at Pic
Leeson Park (formerly Dempsey Park), in St. Catharines...at the end of Rockwood Avenue. Here is a link to the map
for directions to the park.
The Saturday practice will begin at 1:00.
After that, the Metros will continue their outdoor training on Monday, April 20, and Thursday, April 23 before repeating the
Saturday, Monday, Thursday cycle, each week before the season starts. That magical opening day is just 3 1/2 weeks away.
A COUPLE MORE THINGS...
Our regular features continue this week...as
we continue to revile that former Blue Jay, Red Sox, Yankee, and Astro that we love to hate. This week, we have a short
film depicticting his rather strange relationship to his best "friend". Just scroll down to the "Metros Baseball
Film Feature" near the bottom of the page, and press"Play"
Also this week, we continue with
our look at the "Metros History in Words and Pictures: 1994"...the 10th Anniversary edition. After the team's disappointing
finish in 1993, what happened to turn around the Metros fortunes, as they headed into '94? It all started with a phone
call. Check it out by clicking the "25th Anniversary" link, and then "1994". Talk to you next week.
The St. Catharines Metros are pleased
to announce that the field for the 2009 Hap Walters Senior Baseball Tournament is now set. The "Walters" is entering
its 6th year of operation, and has become one of the top events on the Senior Baseball schedule, each year. This year's
tournament will be played the weekend of July 18th, at Community and MacKenzie Parks in St. Catharines, and McMillan Park
in Thorold.
The tournament partcipants were solidified
this past week, and the Metros are pleased to announce this elite field of 12 teams. Of course, St. Catharines will
act as the host team in the tourney, and four other C.O.B.A. rivals will also be returning...the Erindale Cardinals, Etobicoke
Rangers, Burlington Brants, and Milton Red sox. From other top leagues in Ontario, come last year's Elimination Tourney
Champions and Runners-up...the Windsor Stars, and Oshawa Royals, respectively. Also returning for 2009, are top-notch
teams...the Leaside Leafs, Windsor Athletics, Markham Pioneers, and Newmarket Hawks. The lone new entry is the
Whitby Canadians, who are making their first run toward an Ontario "A" title in 2009. The Metros would like to issue
a warm welcome to the Canadians, in their first "Hap Walters" event.
The tourney divisions and schedule will
be finalized during the month of April, and posted on our website by mid-May. For all the information on the tournament,
just click on the "Hap Walters Tourney" link, to the left of this page.
ERMERS SELECTED BROCK BASEBALL M.V.P.
The St. Catharines Metros would like to
extend heartiest congratulations to Jason Ermers, who was recently awarded the Brock Badgers Baseball Most Valuable Player
award! The Brock University Department of Athletics held their 42nd Annual Athletic Awards Dinner Tuesday night, in
front of a crowd of over 500 at the Quality Hotel Parkway and Convention Centre.
The Metros' young lefthanded pitcher was
selected as the Badgers' best in 2008, from a group of three finalists. In fact, Ermers was in the running for
the Brock Athlete of the Year Award...the top award handed out by the athletics department. The prestigious award
ended up going to wrestler, Alex Brown-Theriault, while Ermers and rower Patrick O'Connor were finalists.
Congratulations on an outstanding
accomplishment, Jason!
2 MORE THINGS...
Check out two new features on the website
this week. Our 25th Anniversary look at the "Metros History in Words and Pictures" continues, with a study of the 1993
season. With the Metros' re-building efforts completed in 1992, it was time to see the results on the field. Were
those results positive? Check it out by clicking of the "25th Anniversary" link, and then "1993".
AND...
Also, with the recent accusations, and
revelations in the book "The Rocket that Fell to Earth" written by Jeff Pearlman...we at metrosbaseball.ca have decided that
it was time to poke a little fun at our least favourite #21 (22 in N.Y.). We believe that Cito Gaston's assessments
were right, and that this most pompous, arrogent, and least-likeable clown deserves all of the dislike and disdain
he is now receiving. In fact, we dislike him so much, we refuse to even mention his name on this website. But
you know who we're talking about...
So scroll to the bottom of the page,
for a special feature, on our "Baseball Filmclip of the week". The entire month of April will be devoted to the roasting
of R.C., with new, very funny skits, designed to smash this guy's pedestal. The films will change each week, so mark
your calenders.
We apologize if you're a fan, but
we think that even the most ardent fans of #21 can agree that he's earned it...
Check out ourShowcase Filmfor the period of August 23 to September 7.
Just scroll
to the bottom of this page and press "Play".
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Click to visit the "St. Catharines Standard" Website.
Thank You:
To the St. Catharines Standard
for allowing us to use pictures and articles throughout this website.
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Niagara Metros website reaches 100,000 hits on April 18, 2010.
hits since December, 2004
Thanks for visiting
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Thank You to our corporate sponsor - HunMar and Associates. We appreciate your support!
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Niagara Metros Bi-Weekly "Baseball Film
Feature"
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This week on
our "Baseball Film Feature", we are taking you back to February of 2008...and looking at the testimony that
got Roger Clemens in so much trouble. If you missed it, on August 19th a U.S. federal grand jury indicted Roger
Clemens on charges of making false statements to Congress about his use of performance-enhancing drugs.
The 19-page indictment charges Clemens with three counts of
making false statements and two counts of perjury in connection with his February 2008 testimony before the House Committee
on Oversight and Government Reform. According to the United States attorney's office, Clemens faces a maximum sentence of
30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine, but under the current sentencing guidelines, a conviction would likely bring 15-21
months.
So what was it that he said that got the U.S. Congress so steamed? We have it for you right here.
Just press play, and judge for yourself...was Roger lying??
Don't forget to check out the
Metros Archive Section!
You will see the history of
our team, as well as the past glories of St. Catharines Senior Baseball in words and pictures dating back to the 1940's.
Just click on the link near the top of this Main Home Page.
