$43,000 TOTAL PRIZE MONEY 1st - $18,000 / 2nd $9,000 3rd - 4th $4,000 ea. / 5th - 6th $2,000 ea

Table of Contents Tickets 04...... Welcome to the GFI Tournament Passes 06...... at it’s Best Single...... $115 07...... Mayors Message Family...... $275 08...... Take me out to the ball game Senior...... $100 10...... Burnaby Bulldogs / Caldwell Coyotes Passes available at Pharmasave 12...... Lewiston Idaho Truckers / Cincinatti Cobalts in Grand Forks, BC 14...... San Diego Stars / Seattle Studs Reserved Seating...... $145 16...... Game Schedule Phone the GFI office 250-442-8323 17...... GFI Game Rules TF: 1-866-GFI GAME (1-866-434-4263) 18...... Trail Oriols / Reno Astros 20...... Mexican Stars / Chicago Prairie Gravel Single admission 22...... Prince George Axemen / Team Canada Adult...... $6.50 24...... GFI Location Map Student / Senior...... $5.50 26...... Thank you Children 6 to 11 ...... $4.00 28...... Welcome from our local MLA and MP Under 6 ...... FREE 30...... Autographs Debit,Visa Mastercard accepted at the park. contact us online @ www.grandforksbaseball.com e-mail [email protected]

2008 GFI Diamond Production: Beyond Graphix / Brian McAndrew,Ad Sales: Clear Image This 2008 GFI Diamond is published by the GFI Organizing Committee Media / Ted Morris,Photos by: Chris Hammett / Grand Forks Gazette, and Beyond Graphix.No portion of this publication may be reproduced Printed by: Mitchell Press, Burnaby BC. Special thanks to the Grand without the written consent of the GFI Committee and Beyond Forks Gazette for helping gather the pictures and information for the Graphix. teams. 4

GFI Coordinator On behalf of the Executive and the over 300 Volunteers I want to welcome you to the 28th Grand Forks International. This event would not be possible if it were not for all the sponsors and advertisers, the City of Grand Forks Council and Staff and of course you the fans that come out to support the great game of Baseball. If you are visiting our great city I invite you to take time to look around; spend some time in the great outdoors, visit the local stores, enjoy some Russian cuisine and enjoy the local hospi- tality of the citizens of Grand Forks and surrounding area. After missing a year I want to welcome the teams back and wish them luck as they play for the prize money. This would not be an International invent if it were not for our American Teams and players that come every year to support this tournament. I also want to recognize the past GFI Coordinators Gerry Foster & Larry Semenoff both who have set the standard for this Tournament. After missing a year it is my pleasure to say “Let’s Play Ball”

President of On behalf of the membership of Baseball Canada, I am pleased to welcome all ath- letes, sponsors, volunteers and guests to the 2008 edition of the Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament. The Tournament Committee has put a great deal of time and effort into preparation for this event to ensure that your stay will be a very enjoyable one. I feel that all play- ers, coaches and officials will return home with many good memories of Grand Forks. I thank the Committee and the City of Grand Forks for hosting this prestigious event and wish the participants “Good Luck, Safe travel and a very rewarding and enjoyable baseball experience. Sincerely: Ray Carter, President

Executive Director of Baseball BC It is with great pleasure that I welcome all participants to the 2008 Grand Forks Invitational Tournament. This event continues to be recognized as one of the premier baseball tournaments in North America. Congratulations to the local Organizing Committee for staging such a successfull event. May the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play prevail

6

8 9 10

Burnaby Bulldogs The Burnaby Bulldogs Baseball Club was established in 1976 and they play in the Pacific Metro Baseball League, one of Canada’s most competitive Senior Men’s Leagues.The Bulldogs, who will be at the GFI for the fifth time, are led by Head Coach Tim Fehr and Manager David Laing.This classy team were PMBL Champions in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005.They were BC Provincial winners from 2001 through 2004.

THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS Caldwell Coyotes The Coyotes were 36 – 20 in the 2006 season under Head Coach Shawn Humberger, who will be entering his ninth year as skipper of the team.This will be the ‘yotes sixth consecutive trip to the GFI. 11 12

Lewiston, Idaho Truckers Can you say national champions fifteen times? The Lewis-Clark State Warriors made it number 15 in the last 24 sea- sons in 2007, when they defeated Spring Arbor University 9-2 in the title game. The Truckers will again be led by acclaimed head coach Ed Cheff, who will look to lead the always competitive Truckers to GFI glory once again.

THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS Cincinnati Cobalts The creed of the Cincinnati Cobalts is simple,“God gave us only so many years to play this great game, don’t waste them playing softball.” These players, determined to not waste their playing days, compete at the highest level available to amateur baseball players including the Roy Hobbs World Series, AABC Regionals, MABL World Series and the NABF World Series. Titles over their 22 year history include: Quatman Trophy Winners,TriState League Champions, CRC Suburban League Champions, CRC City Champions, AABC State Champions, Roy Hobbs AAA World Series Champions, Cincinnati RH League Champions in 2005 and 2006, and 2006 CRC City Champs and 2006 NABF Regional Champions. The Cobalts had a stellar 2006 season, doing what no other Cincinnati Semi-Pro team has ever done, winning the Roy Hobbs Title, the CRC Championship, and the NABF Regional Tournament Cham- pionship. They spent 2007 rebuilding their team after many veterans retired and were unable to repeat their perform- ance of 2006.They look to be in fine form (11-2 as of printing) in 2008 and we look forward to having them! 13 14 San Diego Stars The defending Champion Stars will be back to Grand Forks in 2008! “The Stars come out at night!”This fine team from San Diego uses that as a team motto and they have certainly enjoyed some shining moments at the GFI. This fine team from San Diego has been to the GFI 11 times, made it to the final five times, and taken the prize twice, in 2004 and 2006. Mickey and his Stars will look to defend their title in 2008 and try to make it back to back Championships.

THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS Seattle Studs Six time GFI champions and one of the outstanding semi-pro teams in the United States, the Studs will once again take aim at another Grand Forks trophy. Over the years the Studs have showcased some very special tal- ent in their lineup. Two examples in recent years are Brent Lillibridge and Tim Lincecum. Lincecum, who was drafted number 10 overall in 2006 year’s major league draft by San Francisco Giants, received the 2006 Golden Spikes Award, which goes to the top amateur player in the United States. 15 16

Wednesday, August 27th 1:00pm ....Game 1 * ______vs* ______4:00pm ....Game 2 * ______vs* ______7:00...... Opening Ceremonies 8:00pm .... Game 3 * ______vs* ______Thursday August 28th 8:00...... Game 4 * ______vs* ______11:00...... Game 5 * ______vs* ______2:00...... Game 6 * ______vs* ______5:00...... Game 7 * ______vs* ______8:00...... Game 8 * ______vs* ______Friday. August 29th 8:00...... Game 9 * ______vs* ______11:00...... Game 10 * ______vs* ______2:00...... Game 11 * ______vs* ______5:00...... Game 12 * ______vs* ______8:00...... Game 13 * ______vs* ______Saturday August 30th 8:00...... Game 14 * ______vs* ______11:00...... Game 15 * ______vs* ______2:00...... Game 16 * ______vs* ______5:00...... Game 17 * ______vs* ______8:00...... Game 18 * ______vs* ______Sunday, August 30th Money Round 10:30...... Game 19 (#1 Seed______vs #8 Seed ______) 1:30...... Game 20 (#2 Seed______vs #7 Seed ______) 4:30...... Game 21 (#3 Seed______vs #6 Seed ______) 7:30...... Game 22 (#4 Seed______vs #5 Seed ______) Monday September 1st 8:30...... Game 23 Winner game #19 ______vs winner game #22 ______11:30...... Game 24 Winner game #20 ______vs winner game #21 ______8:30...... Game 25 Winner game #23 ______vs winner game #24 ______CLOSING CEREMONIES

* Team placements in the schedule were not available at press time for this program guide.Visit our website at www.grandforksbaseball.com for updates. A schedule insert will be available during game time 17

Rule 1. The official rules of baseball, as published by Rule 9. There are no restrictions relative to roster size. Baseball Canada, shall govern the playing of However,teams will not be permitted to add to baseball games during the tournament. their roster any player who was on the roster Specifications as to facility, equipment, play-off of a team eliminated earlier from further com- format, etc. have been modified to meet the petition. needs of the tournament. Teams may elect to Rule 10. Should a protest arise, that protest must offi- use the designated hitter rule. cially be brought to the attention of the home Rule 2.All games will be nine (9) innings. Extra innings plate umpire, who in turn will forward such to be played to determine winners. protest to the Tournament Protest Committee Chairman or designate. This Committee will Rule 3. Toss of a coin at home plate will determine then rule on the identified protest and their home team for all preliminary round games. decision will be FINAL. Teams with better records, as determined by the tournament rules, will be the HOME TEAMS Rule 11. In the event a contest is forfeited, the team for all MONEY ROUND games. receiving the forfeiture shall claim a 7-0 win. The forfeiting team,meanwhile,shall surrender Rule 4. Teams must be prepared to play ball when all earnings, if any, to the tournament. scheduled.Infield drills will be permitted only if time allows. Rule 12. The top two teams in each division will qualify for the tournament’s MONEY ROUND. Rule 5. The 20 second rule between pitches will be invoked. If the pitcher has not delivered the Rule 13. Two wild card teams with the best record after ball to the batter within 20 seconds after the top two division teams are determined will receiving the ball an automatic ball will be complete the eight team money round. issued to the batter. If the batter is not Rule 14. Tie Breaker Rule: the following Rule will deter- set in the batter’s box within the 20 seconds mine division winners, division runner-up and the pitcher is ready to throw an automatic teams, wild card teams and money round strike will be issued. seeding. Rule 6. After the third out of each at bat the teams have 90 seconds to resume play. Tie Breaker Rule: 1) Runs allowed / innings played defensively. Rule 7. A Seven Run rule will apply to all tournament 2) Earned Run average. games except the semi-finals and final. If one 3) Runs for / innings played offensively team is ahead by seven or more runs after seven complete innings the game is over. Rule 15.A playoff game of 5 innings will be held to determine the second wild card team in the Rule 8. Should circumstances arise where a game or event of all 3 divisions having 3 teams with games are postponed or cancelled, the identical 2 - 1 round robin records. Tournament Rules Committee (TRC) has the authority to act upon any alteration to the Rule 16.This is a wood bat tournament.Composite bats tournament format or schedule. are allowed. 18

Trail Orioles Trail, voted as the best sports town in British Columbia, in 2005. Trail, home of Major League all-star and National League Rookie of the year, Jason Bay. Trail, home of the Orioles. The team that travels the shortest distance to the GFI provides a lot of excitement for local fans, and we welcome them back to Grand Forks.They have been playing a number of teams this summer, home and away, and have participated in a couple of tournaments, as they pre- pare themselves to once again compete at this Canadian classic. Congratulations go to Ashton Florko on his selection in the 2008 draft. He was picked in the 44th round by the Chicago Cubs and will finish the season with the Orioles before deciding on his future.

THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS Reno Astros The Astros are always among the contending teams at the Grand Forks International, winning it twice (1999 and 2003), and Josh Beckett (Boston red Sox) once pitched the Astros into the championship final with a performance Grand Forks fans won’t soon forget.They’ll be back in 2008 to search for another GFI Championship. 19 20

Mexican Stars The Mexican Stars will be back for their second GFI tournament. In their very first appearance, in 2006, they made it to the final game, defeating the Tinseltown Terror and the Idaho Warriors, only to fall to the San Diego Stars, whom familiar names Ramsey Ochoa and Oscar Barreras had played for, in previous years at the GFI.The Mexican Stars, a travelling tournament team, will be back in Grand Forks in 2008 to see if they can improve on their stellar finish two years ago.

THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS Chicago Prairie Gravel This year marks Chicago Prairie Gravels’ 6th visit to Grand Forks.They have advanced deep into the money rounds on 4 previous GFI tournaments and in the 2002 World Baseball Challenge.They are also preparing for the 2009 WBC in Prince George.

22

Prince George Axemen Located in the centre of BC, Prince George is the home of the largest senior baseball league west of Saskatoon and in 2009 will host the “World Baseball Challenge”. The Axemen were here in 2002 when Grand Forks hosted the “WBC” and are looking forward to this years GFI.

August 12 2006 Facial: photo courtesy [email protected]

THE TEAMS * THE TEAMS

Team Canada Canada will again be represented by Canada’s University ball team, the UBC Thunderbirds. 23 24

26

THANKS TO EVERYONE Without the commitment of the community the Grand Forks International would not be possible. It takes a lot of hard work by many dedicated individuals - the VOLUNTEERS - to make the GFI a reality. With over 300 volunteers we are able to showcase the community at its best. Everyone’s contribution is extremely valuable. The GFI lives and breathes through the volunteers.

In addition to our volunteers, we have been very fortunate to once again secure committed sponsorships for the 2008 tournament.

GOLD STAR SLIVER STAR BRONZE STAR KBS Radio AM Ford CIBC Overwaitea Foods Community Futures Boundary Grand Forks Station Pub Roxul (West) Inc. Grand Forks Credit Union Pharmasave ENJOY THE SPECIAL DAYS DEDICATED TO OUR GOLD STAR SPONSORS ROXUL DAY Thursday August 28th Overwaitea Day Saturday August 30th KBS Day Sunday September 1st Hat’s off to all our volunteers, sponsors and fans. Together we make the GFI team. Joan Thomas, Volunteer Coordinator

28

Welcome to all of the 2008 Grand Forks International baseball tournament fans, volunteers and teams taking part in this wonderful event. To visitors, we invite you to enjoy the beauty of the area, the hospitality of the people and businesses, and the excitement of the games! To tournament volunteers and organizers, we salute your dedication, hard work and enthusiasm.

Alex Atamanenko, MP Katrine Conroy, MLA B.C. Southern Interior West Kootenay-Boundary

Congratulations to all the teams, fans, organizers and voluteers of the 2008 Grand Forks Internatonal Baseball Tournament! This event exemplifies how people from more than one nation can work and play together in peace and unity. Good luck to all the teams! Enjoy the Tournament!

Alex Atamanenko, MP Katrine Conroy, MLA BC Southern Interior West-Kootenay Boundary 337 Columbia Ave. #2-1006 3rd Street, Castlegar BC V1N 1G6 Castelgar, BC V1N 3X6 1-800-667-2398 1-888-755-0556 [email protected] 1-250-304-2783 www.atamanenko.ca Fax: 1-250-304-2655

30