New Gowan Park ball diamond complete

Where there was only a shell of a baseball diamond at Gowan Park there is now a fully functional field and two York Simcoe Baseball Associations (YSBA) select teams to occupy it. 

Until last year, there hadn’t been a youth baseball league playing out of Creemore in two decades or more but the Dupuis family, who are big on baseball, saw a need for the creation of local teams. 

There are now two select teams (peewee and mosquito) playing under the Creemore Braves banner and there is talk of adding a house league, to open it up to the whole community as it builds. Coach Marc Dupuis plays for the senior team and his kids play select. About 25 youth are now playing baseball in Creemore, with many coming from outside of the area. 

He set in motion the YSBA team when he found his tyke team playing out of New Lowell wasn’t really challenged and would benefit from a higher level of play. 

A fundraising effort kicked off last year to pay for the creation of the second playing field. Local businesses and individuals contributed just over $2,000 but then the township kicked in some funds for the infield mix so funds were able to be redirected toward the construction of two new dugouts. The dugouts were built by a local contractor who donated the labour, so the club only had to pay for materials, and some temporary fencing was installed. 

Also at Gowan Park, the pavilion foundation has been poured but until the building is complete, the club is setting up its concession stand in a tent. Sabrina Stamp Dupuis said the concession is the only source of revenue for the club, so grab a jumbo hotdog or other snacks and beverages during games.

Creemore is hosting the YSBA playdowns, to see who will compete for the league title, Aug. 17-19 with games taking place at various area fields. For a full schedule and scores, visit creemorebraves.com. 

Braves basbeball standings

The Creemore Peewee Select team has kicked off their season on the right foot with a record of 2-1-3 through the first two weeks of the season. Cal Stinson has been dominant on the mound and a wrecking ball at the plate. Next up, they’re in Muskoka for a doubleheader Saturday then back home June 13 to host Innisfil.

In Mosquito action, Creemore is sitting now with a 4-1 record in league play. Top to bottom the lineup has been churning out runs, most recently a 25-12 drubbing of Bradford. They’ll be heading off to Brampton for tournament play this weekend before hosting Barrie Tuesday night in Creemore for an exhibition game.

The Creemore Senior team has come out of the gates slow, losing six of their first seven games, including a beat down this past Tuesday at the hands of the New Lowell Knights. They’ll try to turn things around Friday night in Ivy. Braves are back home Tuesday to host Barrie.

– Submitted by Marc Dupuis