The Newmarket Hawks senior baseball team will get to compete on the national stage after a dramatic extra-innings win at provincials Aug. 5.
The local AAA team defeated Sarnia 7-5 in the final game in provincial eliminations to punch their ticket to play at the Baseball Canada Men's National Championships in Tecumseh Aug. 22. It is the first time in years that a Newmarket senior team has qualified for the national tournament.
“Ridiculous effort from absolutely everyone,” coach Matt Richard said on social media.
The team has earned notoriety after a strong season got them consideration as one of the top senior teams in the country.
Newmarket started its provincial tournament with an 8-3 win over East York and then an 8-3 win over Sarnia. A 10-1 loss to Brampton put them in a bad position in the double-elimination event, but Newmarket went on to best Ilderton 11-2 and then came back from being down 6-0 to win 12-6 versus Etobicoke.
"Not every piece of art is a Picasso," Richard said of the comeback win.
They then bested Brampton 9-4 and won the tournament with a 7-5 win over Sarnia.
The team has paid tribute to lost teammate Dan Lehmkuh, who passed away in a vehicle collision Dec. 13. The team held up his jersey number as they took their provincial win.
“I truly do believe he is still playing with us right now, an angel in the outfield,” Richard has previously said.
With the win, the team will represent Ontario in the nationals championship. The tournament will feature 10 teams representing provinces across the country, along with the host team from Tecumseh.
Fans in Newmarket celebrated the news.
“What a grind! I don't have any fingernails left! Congrats to you all,” one fan said on social media.