The 77th year for the Oshawa City and District Softball Association was both busy and eventful. We had a 15 team League with 10 Intermediate Men teams in the Campbell Division and 5 Midget Boys teams in our Brady Division. At our August Championship weekend Claremont Rebels were crowned League Champions for the Campbell Division while Pickering Heat Midget Boys were crowned League Champions for the Brady Division.

In 2003 the Association re-introduced the League All-Star Game which was played at Durham Fields in July. The Intermediate Campbell Division was played in a North versus South format with the South coming out on top in a very hard fought and entertaining game. In the Midget Brady Division, two all star teams were created who played in a Prospects game. The teams were named in honour of Vin Walker and Keith Fleming past Presidents of both our Oshawa City and District and the OASA. Team Walker held on for the win. A special thanks to Jim Spiers, our League Statistician, for the successful implementation of the All Star game and for providing the league with our top batter, top pitcher and MVP awards for 2003.

The Campbell Division top pitcher was Paul Boynton from Stouffville Mennos with a 2.67 ERA, top batter was Steve Townson of the Mount Albert MudHens with a 453 batting average in 58 plate appearances and the MVP for 2003 was John Sharpe of the Claremont Rebels capping off a great year of pitching with a 1.75 ERA and the league championship victory.

The Brady Division top pitcher was Kenny Cooke of the Pickering Heat with a 2.76 ERA, top batter was Dave Smith of the Oshawa Double B Midget II with a batting average of 500 in 52 at bats and the MVP for 2003 was Richard Colin-Thome of the Oshawa Double B Midget II. Richard had a 2.19 ERA and a 449 batting average in 60 plate appearances.

Tragedy struck this past year when Brent Bonner from Mount Albert was killed in a car accident. Brent left behind his wife Jen and 5 month old son Benjamin. The League rallied behind the family and arranged a Benefit Golf Tournament held in October at AshBrook Golf Club in Port Hope. This event raised $4,500, which was presented to the family. Special thanks to Buddy and Helen Yahn and Bill Rourke for taking charge and organizing this very successful event, the Ash Brook Golf Club, sponsors who donated gifts and all who attended.

The 2004 Executive are preparing and excited for the 2004 season. Keep up-to-date on the latest fastball news. Be sure to visit www.ocdsa.ca often, it will soon be updated with news and events for the 2004 season. The O.C.& D.S.A. is still going strong and another year of entertaining and competitive fastball will soon be underway.