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Toronto Blue Jays
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2004-03-12 --


Storm announce move to Stratford

A media conference was held on Friday to announce the details of the move of the IBL's St. Thomas Storm to Stratford.

IBL Commissioner Jim Rooney was on hand for the media conference, along with several team representatives from around the league. Stratford mayor Dan Mathieson officially welcomed the Storm to the city during the media conference.

The team announced details of the 2004 season at National Stadium as well as their involvement with the Stratford Minor Baseball Association.

Players interested in trying out for the Stratford Storm can visit the team website at www.stratfordstorm.com

The following story about the team's move was reprinted from the Stratford Beacon-Herald.

Intercounty baseball set to take Stratford by Storm this spring


By Mike Savage Stratford Beacon Herald


Pictured above is Storm Owner Robert Ross (Beacon Herald Image)

Commissioner Jim Rooney was both nostalgic and forward-thinking in his remarks Friday afternoon as he welcomed Stratford back to the Intercounty Baseball League.

"It's a special day," declared Rooney, who reflected briefly on the glorious history of baseball in this city during a press conference at the Kiwanis Community Centre. "It's great to be back. Before long, I can see the old rivalry with (Toronto Maple Leafs' owner Jack) Dominico heating up again."

With snowy Avon River as the backdrop, Rooney introduced the new ownership and management group of the Stratford Storm and saluted both city leadership and Stratford minor baseball for their part in the Intercounty's return.

Taking Rooney's remarks a step further was Mayor Dan Mathieson, who evoked images of Kevin Aitcheson, Roger Kahle and other Stratford baseball greats.

"We have a very proud baseball history in Stratford," said Mathieson.

"Whether it was the Nationals 60 years ago or the Hillers 10 years ago, there's a very rich tradition.

"(And) we're very excited about playing at National Stadium again - that field has witnessed it all."

The mayor emphasized his appreciation of the work done by community services director Ed Martin and the SMBA in helping secure the franchise.

Storm owner Rob Ross echoed the comments, and identified Stratford minor baseball's commitment to try and sell 150 season tickets as the final piece of the negotiating puzzle.

"The fact that they're willing to do everything they can to try and make this work says a lot," said Ross.

On the matter of Stratford's failed attempts to make baseball a go since the Hillers folded seven years ago, Ross seemed unfazed. "You never really know for sure why you bring something back ... it just felt right. We were reviewing different ballparks for some time, several different cities; the co-operation here has been outstanding."

Nowhere but up

The 1-33 record posted by the St.Thomas Storm last season is not good. Not good at all. And while Ross knows those numbers will be improved upon this year, it's safe to say he doesn't expect miracles. The same cannot be said, however, for field manager Bob White, a scrappy, in-your-face, yet friendly fellow who undoubtedly commands as much performance from one of his drivers for his London-based 1st Class Limousine Service as he does from his ballplayers.

"Play hard and you'll see the field," is his motto. His mandate - other than winning, which he expects the team to do right away - is making sure players from around here get a good look.

"There has already been some enthusiasm among local players and that's great," said White. "That's exactly what I hoped would happen. I've already been contacted by one young man from Stratford and we'll be giving him a shot, along with anyone else who is serious about playing baseball for this team."

The Storm's three import cards have been used on University of Texas lefties Troy Kiesling and Dmitri White, both starters, and the aptly named Fielding Lewis, an outfielder and righty reliever. (Kevin Hinton of the Guelph Royals - one of four rival Intercounty teams represented at the press conference - mused it's no wonder the team is bringing in southpaws, given the short porch in right.) White's managerial stops have taken him from Class A Virginia to AA Florida to, most recently, London, where he took over the 3-9 Majors when Arden Eddie stepped down last year.

And he couldn't be happier his latest stop has him in Stratford. "We were planning to move here even before the announcement was made so we'll just have to do it a bit sooner now," said White, who counts among his many local limousine riders the actor Christopher Plummer.

"We love the community and can't wait to live here."

Lofty goal

White swears he's not dreaming when he says a .500 season is do-able, ... in 2004, no less.

"I want to work with players who are willing to listen and play hard," he said. "I'll take hard work over talent any day, and I'm telling you if we dedicate ourselves we can win half our games this year. Maybe more."

Now there's confidence for you.

But just in case ... Aitch, Roger, Muzz, what are you guys up to this summer?





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