The 2023 season turned out to be a banner year for the Soo Black Sox Program. Soo Minor Baseball is proud to announce that three of their Black Sox teams won Provincial titles this past weekend.
For the first time, SMBA hosted both the 9U and 13U Dedicated Select OBA Provincial Championships at Sinclair Yards during the same weekend. This brought 20 teams from out of town to Sault Ste. Marie for the Labour Day weekend. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker welcomed all players, coaches and parents at the opening ceremonies with all the teams standing around the baseline on IDA Park. He and his son shared the honours of throwing the official first pitch. Visiting teams thoroughly enjoyed their experience at Sinclair Yards with beautiful weather playing competitive baseball, getting pictures with the World's Largest Baseball and enjoying some hot dogs, burgers and snacks from the association-run canteen.
In the 9U division, the Soo Black Sox went 5-0 defeating Thornhill 7-5 in the championship game on Sunday on Superior Customs and Detailing Field. This great group of young athletes finished the season with a record of 31-1 while winning the Clarington Classic and Forest Glade Summer Classic earlier this season.
In the 13U division, the Soo Black Sox also went 5-0 defeating Mansfield 20-4 in the championship game on Sunday on Nissan Field. This team finished the season with a record of 26-4 and won the Southwest London Tournament earlier this season. These young men had an amazing run during the provincial championships while showing tremendous resilience and teamwork.
In the 11U division, the Soo Black Sox travelled to Hamilton, Ontario and started out with a 3-0 record until their first loss. They managed to win in the semi-finals to get them to the finals only to meet the undefeated Mansfield Cubs. The Sox needed to beat the Cubs twice in order to take home the title, and without a doubt, they won the first game Sunday afternoon forcing an "if necessary" game on Monday morning. The Sox managed to mercy the Cubs 15-5 in the final game, claiming the provincial title. Earlier this season, they also won the Woodstock Tournament.
On behalf of Soo Minor Baseball Association, we'd like to congratulate all the players, coaches and parents who made 2023 a successful season both on and off the field. The future looks bright for baseball in Sault Ste. Marie.
9U Soo Black Sox
11U Soo Black Sox
13U Soo Black Sox
9U and 13U Soo Black Sox Champions on home soil.