Baseball Canada rep praises local organizers
McIntosh credits team effort in getting through Sunday’s rain delays at Ray Carter Cup
As far as Kelsey McIntosh is concerned, the biggest curveball thrown at local organizers of the 2017 Ray Carter Cup came from Mother Nature.
McIntosh is the program co-ordinator for Baseball Canada, and was the national organization’s representative for the Canadian 15-under championship in Summerside from Thursday to Sunday. It marked the second year in a row Summerside hosted this tournament.
When asked in an interview with the Journal Pioneer during Sunday night’s championship game if he has any advice to pass along to the host committee that will assist in hosting future events, the best McIntosh could come up with was, “Don’t have rain on Sunday.”
He continued: “There are always little things, but it’s always good when a host hosts it the second year. There are some little tiny tweaks, and it’s nothing the average person would see. . . I did not see any hiccups.
“This is my 14th national (championship) that I’ve run as a Baseball Canada rep, and I think I’ve organized just over 80 in the eight years I’ve been there, and again, this was as smooth as the rest of them. It is great.”
Robbie Rankin, event co-ordinator for the City of Summerside, said organizers are “very happy” and pleased with “great crowds” throughout the fourday event. He noted there were around 200 volunteers working the 10-team tournament.
“We spoke to all the teams,” said Rankin. “They love P.E.I., love Summerside, love coming here and wish we could do it again next year. That’s always a pat on the back for your committee and volunteers as well. . .
“Overall, it went well.”
Rankin and McIntosh were both pleased with how everyone worked together to get Legends Field and the Very Important Volunteer Field back in playing condition after two lengthy rain delays on Sunday.
“If it wasn’t for the grounds crew, volunteers who chipped in and the cooperation of the teams, we wouldn’t be here,” said McIntosh, who is from Chepstow near Souris and previously worked with Sport P.E.I. for eight years.
McIntosh did confirm Monday was set aside as a rain day, if needed.
“At the 13U and 15U there is a time cap with no games to start after 10 o’clock,” added McIntosh. “We are happy we didn’t have to use it and play on Monday, because we try to play everything on Sunday.”
The 2018 Ray Carter Cup will be held in Oshawa, Ont., and McIntosh noted the 2019 and 2020 championships will be awarded in the fall.
Rankin added the host committee received positive feedback from discussions with Baseball Canada.
“Our Baseball Canada people are very happy with the facility, the organization and we’ll definitely be working on bringing some more back,” said Rankin.