The Midland Explorers Booster Club
“Excellence in Fastpitch Softball since 1987”
MIDLAND, MI – It looks like winter has finally moved out and Spring is on the horizon, which means another summer of Midland Explorers softball. The 2010 season was one of the biggest in the team’s history as the Explorers Booster Club hosted the ISC World Tournament at Emerson Park and Redcoats Complex. The City of Midland and softball fans from all over the country turned out for the tournament and made it one of the best ever. 2010 was the Explorers 25th year of Major-level Fastpitch.
Highlights of the season were a 10th place finish at the ISC World Tournament and a 5th place finish at the ASA Major National Tournament. A mid-season win over eventual ISC World Champion Jarvis Travelers showed that the team was still a force to be reckoned with, but the bats cooled off towards the end of the season, and a strong pitching staff just wasn’t enough to push the team to the top. The Explorers hosted the Midland Special Olympics Dawgs softball team and the 2011 game will be the 4th year in a row for this event.
2010 ISC World Tournament……and beyond
The 2010 ISC World Tournament was played last August, and by all accounts – players, teams, fans, and media – it was one of the best ever. Emerson Park/Currie Stadium is the perfect venue for Fastpitch softball and almost 20,000 fans turned out to see games during the week.
I’m happy to share news with our supporters and fans that the Explorers Booster Club is in negotiations with the ISC to bring the tournament back in 2012; we’re hopeful for an official announcement within the next month. In 2010, Midland proved that it still had claim to the title of ‘Softball Capital of the World’ and we’re looking forward to 2012 to continue that tradition and make it even bigger and better.
Fundraising
As always, fundraising remains a priority, and it is our hope that you will continue to support the team with your donation.
** Your contribution to the team is tax-deductible – our 501c3 (non-profit) license # is 38-2656547.
Your support of the team is one of the reasons we are able to continue the tradition of the Dow AC’s and Midland McArdles and keep top-level men’s Fastpitch alive and well in Midland. We thank you for your annual support – every year, we receive feedback that our model and program is one of the top in the sport, and being able to maintain the Explorers for 25 years is a positive testimony to the Midland community.
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2010 MIDLAND EXPLORERS BOOSTER CLUB DONATION FORM
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2011 Schedule and Roster
June 17 Midland, Michigan June 25 Kitchener, Ontario
July 15 Tavistock, Ontario July 29 Erie, Pennsylvania
August 4 South Bend, IN – ASA National August 12 Quad Cities, IA – ISC World
As you can see, the schedule has become shorter and more condensed than past years; many teams are keeping their weekends heavily slanted towards the end of the year and we are preparing ourselves to make our annual strong runs at the ASA and ISC Tournaments.
Beane retires:
Manager Clint Beane – who has led the team since 2002 – is stepping down. With (5) top-10 finishes at the ISC World Tournament and (3) top-5 finishes at the ASA Major, ‘Chet’ has done a great job leading the team and representing the Explorer program. The Booster Club is extremely grateful for his dedication, time and energy.
Taking over will be Gregg Sauve, who moves from the first base coaching box to the manager role. A fixture in Midland softball for 30 years, Gregg brings great experience and ability to this role. Former Explorer and long-time standout infielder Dave O’Keefe will also be joining the coaching staff.
Meet The 2011 Explorers
Grant Patterson returns to the team after two years with the Kitchener Rivershark Twins. Grant has moved into the elite level of pitchers in the sport and will give the team a chance to beat anyone the team faces.
Outfielder Dale Levy returns after a 15-year absence, a feared power hitter, and still retaining one of the strongest outfield arms the game has ever seen. Newcomer Gregg Garrity is a 2-time All-World hitter, and one of the top pitcher/hitter combos in the game.
In 2011, the team is thrilled to include three of the Midland’s top young players: Shea Bryant begins his 3rd season with the team and Catlin Porter and Jason Hoisington will also be with the team full-time.
Pitchers: Grant Patterson, Toronto ON. Gregg Garrity, Toronto ON. Mike Joseph, Canton MI.
Catchers: Steve Roberts, Reese MI. John Zeiger, Queensville ON.
Infielders: Kyle Beane, Lapeer MI. Steve Horning, Canton MI. Eddy Ketelhut, Canton MI. Rowan Lam, Glencoe ON. Jason Hoisington, Midland MI.
Outfielders: Todd Moore, Clio MI. Shea Bryant, Midland MI. Dan Loney, Cornwall ON. Dale Levy, St. Mary’s ON. Catlin Porter, Midland MI.
Staff: Gregg Sauve, Manager, Midland MI. Dave O’Keefe, Coach, Midland MI. Don Walter, Scorekeeper, Midland MI.
See you at the park this summer!
Sincerely,
Kyle Beane
President, Midland Explorers Booster Club
(810) 813-5178 kbeane8@yahoo.com