December 11

Regular Season Batting Stats since 2000 season. Minimum requirement - played all 5 seasons & 40 games played.

2000 to 2004
PLAYER GP IP AB R H 1B 2B 3B HR BB RBI EBH BA
Al Jackson 43 192 112 64 76 50 17 7 2 19 46 26 .679
Doug McDonald 53 224 114 58 74 40 22 8 4 27 59 34 .649
Jim Senay 52 232 135 61 87 61 18 7 1 14 61 26 .644
Len Fong 53 221 117 68 75 36 26 7 6 22 51 39 .641
Darcy Grendus 61 280 161 77 100 46 35 6 13 23 104 54 .621
Paul Wuttunee 47 223 134 60 82 50 18 3 11 14 65 32 .612
Ed Falys 49 221 138 56 83 56 24 2 1 12 59 27 .601
Bob Ostafiew 47 221 117 48 67 49 12 6 0 26 39 18 .573
Dan Gray 46 212 123 38 60 42 14 3 1 12 41 18 .488
Nancy McCabe 49 197 116 28 51 50 1 0 0 15 20 1 .440


November 28

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in December:

Bob Ostafiew — December 25


November 7

The Veterans are getting together. Plan to attend.

WHEN: Monday, December 6th   TIME: 6:00 pm
WHERE: Extra Innings Club - Eldorado Hotel

Join us for Monday Night Football - Dallas Cowboys versus Seattle Seahawks


November 4

Bjorn Borg    Randy Morawski
Tennis Great Bjorn Borg and Veteran player Randy Morawski. Which is which?


October 31

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in November:

Michelle Connell — November 3; Paul Wuttunee — November 5; Tammy Daly — November 7; Nancy McCabe — November 10; Jane Senay — November 27


October 23

Red Green    Doug Walls
TV personality Red Green and Veteran player Doug Walls. Which is which?


October 22

The Vets have secured a new web hosting company. And at a very reasonable cost! - $2.99 US per month. No more advertising or annoying pop-ups. Good work Darcy!

October 17

Michelle & Darrin
Darrin and I had a beautiful wedding and an even better honeymoon!

I would like to thank all of you for your generous gifts & kind well wishes.

Look forward to next season (if Darcy lets me play!)

all the best, Michelle


October 15

Jenn Eadie has announced plans to retire, once again, from the Veterans.
Hi Veterans,
Just thought I should let you know that I am once again leaving Vancouver, Canada in fact, so I won't be around to play on the team next year (although never say never, I may be back!) I'm heading back to the UK and then hopefully later next year a bit more travelling in some other part of the world still to be decided. I leave Vancouver on the 29th so just a couple more weeks left.

I wish everyone well and please, try to kick some butt next year! Take care all, Jenn

The Veterans Softball Club wish Jenn all the best on her future travels. Wherever they may take her.


October 9

Manager Darcy Grendus has recently spoken to alumnus Al Morawski about rejoining the team in 2005. Contract negotiations will be conducted over the winter. More info when it becomes available.

October 4

You may notice that our site now has advertising & Pop-up Ads. After two years of paying $95.00 US per year out of my own pocket I have decided to move the Veterans site to a free host. A free host means annoying ads. Sorry.

We still own our domain name - www.veteranssoftball.com


August 31

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in September:

Len Fong — September 10; Doug McDonald — September 15


August 29

Sean Grendus Sean Grendus

The 17-year old son of Vets Manager Darcy Grendus, is off to training camp with the Saginaw Spirit (Michigan) of the Ontario Hockey League.

Vital Stats

Position: Left Wing
Birthdate: 21 September 1986
Birthplace: Vancouver, BC
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 190 lbs
Shoots: Left
OHL: 3rd Round (47th) 2002
NHL: Eligible 2005

At left - action photo of Sean from last season.



  http://www.saginawspirit.com/home


August 27

The McCabes hosted the final team get-together on Sunday, August 15th. Many thanks!
Making the pilgrimage to Langley were:

George & Sharon West, Craig Ristock, Al & Sharleen Jackson, Ron Van Luven, Doug McDonald, Len & Tara Fong, Darcy Grendus, Randy & Jackie Morawski, Jenn Eadie, Jim & Jane Senay, Laine Garland, Paul Wuttunee & Trish Masonville, Sarah Senay, and Nancy & Sean McCabe.

Vets kids included: Mikaila Morawski, Sam Senay, Matt & Melissa Jackson, Shane & Jennifer McCabe, Kassidy Garland, and Hayden Fong.

A $20.00 Spaghetti Factory gift certificate was presented to Assistant Manager Al Jackson for his invaluable contribution to the club this season.

Jim Senay, the Veterans Equipment Manager, received a vintage 1984 Detroit Tigers schedule encased in acrylic. (Jim's a huge Tiger fan)
Thanks for dragging our equipment from game to game.

Postscript
Alumni Sean McCabe shared many good ideas how the Vets should set their lineup. I'm sure we could use his expertise. Just ask Paul, Jim or Al.


August 10

Another softball season is in the books. Where did the time go?
It seems like yesterday we were getting together for spring training.

I want to thank everyone for their participation.
It was a chaotic season with the screwy schedule - Monday games.
And losing more than our fair share of games was disheartening as well.
But we did come together at the end of the season losing only one of the final six games.

The most impressive thing about the Vets is how well the team gets along.
Win or lose, camaraderie is the mainstay of the Veterans team.

  • Thanks to Al Jackson for stepping in to coach the team when I was unable to make it to the park. It was very much appreciated.
  • Special thanks to our Equipment Manager, Jim Senay. We can always count on Jim to have our equipment set up for every game.
  • With Bob Ostafiew on the disabled list it became apparent how much we need him on the mound. The Vets used eight different pitchers throughout 2004 without notable success.
  • Paul Wuttunee continued his phenomenal streak of hitting at least one homerun for a 14th consecutive season.
  • The 2004 season saw Doug Walls return to full-time status as he played in 10 regular-season games to elevate him "above the line" for the first time since the 2000 season.
  • Michelle Connell, besides scheduling her wedding on Tournament weekend, learned a valuable lesson earlier in the season.
    And no, I never used the 'S' word?
  • Manager Darcy Grendus let loose with a string of profanities when called out on a third strike late in the season. You will never see that happen again. Stupid f*****g umpire !
  • Randy Morawski & Jenn Eadie rejoined the team after long absences. I hope they're not second guessing their decision to return to the Veterans.
  • Still waiting for Kristina Davis to have her uniform altered.
  • Fred Hawkshaw played another strong season..........when we saw him. Now that there is a special woman is his life we may see him even less.
  • We learned that Ryan Taylor and Doug McDonald hang out together at physiotherapy when not at the park.
  • Len Fong, the only honest player on the Vets. He knows what I mean.
  • Sharleen Jackson learned a homerun also counts as a RBI.
  • Ed Falys, played in his 26th consecutive season, and one of the few Vets not to pitch this year.
  • We found out that Tammy Daly is much taller when she works at Earl's.
  • Nancy McCabe showed everyone she should pitch more often. Just don't tell Sean !
  • If we didn't have a photo of Jane Senay on the team web site we might forget what she looks like.
  • Dan Gray never knew where he'd be playing from game to game.
    Pitching, catching, outfield. He played them all. Thanks Danny !

August 6

The Veterans Softball Club presented Michelle Connell $170 as a wedding gift. The presentation was made at Earl's Restaurant last Tuesday after the Vets final game of the season.

Gift contributors:
Doug Walls, Nancy McCabe, Jim & Jane Senay, Dan Gray, Jenn Eadie, Ed Falys, Bob Ostafiew, Paul Wuttunee, Doug McDonald, Darcy Grendus, Fred Hawkshaw, Len & Tara Fong, Ryan Taylor, Al & Sharleen Jackson.

And a big 'Thank You' to Fred Hawkshaw for hosting the final Extra Innings Club of the season.


July 31

It's that time of year again. The Veterans Year-End Bar-be-que.

Hosts: Nancy & Sean McCabe - 20376 40A Ave, Langley (604-533-7606)
Date: Sunday, August 15th at 3:00 pm

DON'T FORGET!! Bring a lawn chair, your favourite beverage and a creation from your kitchen. Hope to see everyone there.


July 31

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in August:

Randy Morawski — August 17


July 27

Jim's niece, Sarah Senay, made her Veterans debut against Planet X last night.

And a very fine debut it was. Sarah will be a great addition to the team as we enter the Year-End Tournament scheduled for the August 7/8 weekend.


July 25

After the final regular season game on Tuesday, August 3rd the Extra Innings Club will be held at Earls Restaurant - 3850 Lougheed Hwy in Burnaby.

Vets player Fred Hawkshaw will provide some free munchies for the team. A great way to end our 'less than stellar' season.


July 18

For the first time in 26 years the Veterans were held scoreless losing 21 - 0 to Industrial Glue on July 12th.

At the post-game press conference Manager Darcy Grendus was asked if he thought his position with the club was in jeopardy.

"Hell No! I'm not the problem. Look at my batting average. Not too shabby for a 48 year old, 26 year veteran of the team. As I said before, maybe it's time to cull the herd."


July 8

Bob's arthroscopic surgery was performed today and it appears the patient is in good spirits. Bob reports that he will be out to the next Veterans game on July 12th at Collingwood Park. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

July 2

The Veterans website is receiving a facelift. As all pages are not yet active you can use the following link to access those pages that are not on the newly formatted site.

June 30

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in July:

Ed Falys — July 10; Doug Walls — July 18


June 15

The Vets are pleased to announce that Jenn Eadie is re-joining the team after a 2+ year absence. We're glad to have her back in the fold. Her anticipated first game will be July 12th against Industrial Glue.

June 14

The average age of the 2004 Veterans team is 42 years, 204 days.
Oldest player is: 66 years, 332 days old. Youngest player is: 27 years, 220 days old.

Birth years by decade
1930's - 1;  1940's - 1;  1950's - 8;  1960's - 4;  1970's - 5

Note: The 2003 Vets registered an average age of 42 years, 23 days.


May 29

Here's a link to the League website: Credit Union Softball League

May 29

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in June:

Fred Hawkshaw — June 28; Darcy Grendus — June 30


May 28

Thanks to Al Jackson for the following information.
Research has uncovered the following 'Most Sportsmanlike Team' trophies awarded to the Veterans during their tenure in the CUSL.

Trophies awarded: 1992, 1997, 2002.
Veterans voted Most Sportsmanlike Team in 1991 and 1994, but no trophy awarded.
It's possible we also won in the 80's, but with our failing memories, we can't be sure. Our search will continue.


May 20

A recent email update from our very own Jenn Eadie.

Yes Darcy your memory is not failing you and I am returning to Vancouver. Not exactly sure when though, but think early July so that may not be much help to the team. I would love to play again but remember I will be rusty as it's been a couple years since I last played! Will let you know when exactly I am returning but Tammy will know as soon as I know. Hope to see everyone soon.

We'd love to have Jenn back on the team. Especially as Michelle is taking half of our women players to her wedding in August.


May 20

This is likely our last in the Credit Union Softball League. The CUSL has declined to the point where it would be best to find another league to play in for 2005.

I have been in discussion with a representative of the Vancouver Recreational Softball League. And I must say I am impressed! The VRSL currently is comprised of 65 teams with plans to expand in 2005.

The VRSL offers two brands of softball:
4-Pitch where each batter receives maximum 4 pitches from their own pitcher and Mat-Ball is more like regular softball where the pitcher is a defensive position. Strikes are called when the pitch goes through the strike zone and hits a mat placed behind home plate. (No high arcing or spinning pitches.)

The VRSL offers 3 levels of play:
FUN for casual players, game scores are not recorded.
REC for mixed skill levels.
OPEN for teams with majority of skilled players and more emphasis on competition.

More information can be found at: Vancouver Recreational Softball League


May 8

The Veterans are pleased to announce that Melissa Jackson, daughter of Veteran players Al & Sharleen, has agreed to be the Official Scorekeeper for the 2004 season.

Melissa replaces Leigh Jerstad who is unable to continue as scorekeeper due to her duties with the Coquitlam Minor Football Association.


May 7

Manager Darcy Grendus is pleased to announce the signing of Outfielder Randy Morawski to a playing contract with the Veterans club.
Randy is no stranger to the Vets. He was an original team player from 1979 when the team was then known as the 'Lil Gaffers'. Randy's last action with the Vets was in 1997. Randy's sure to be a great addition to this year's Veteran lineup. WELCOME BACK !

May 5

Bartender RonDuring our first visit to the Extra Innings Club on Monday we discovered that our favourite bartender, Ron passed away suddenly last September 11th.

This news came as quite a shock to all of us.

It won't be the same without Ron refilling our beer jugs.


May 5

Thanks to everyone who attended the Ice Breaker Tourney held on the May 1st weekend at Gordon Park. And a special thank you to Maureen Stannus and Christina Meneghin for helping us field a complete team.

And remember, don't mess with Ryan Taylor or he'll rip a vicious line-drive off your face.
Just ask the Planet X pitcher.


April 30

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in May:

Jim Senay — May 12th; Kristina Davis — May 12th


March 31

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in April:

Ryan Taylor — April 4th; Al Jackson — April 9th


March 28

Everybody who comes to the April 9 practice is invited back to Al & Sharleen's house.
3178 East 21st Avenue. Rain or shine !

They will probably make hamburgers & will have several beverages available.
Sunny weather - we can enjoy the outdoors.   Rainy weather - pool tournament.


March 22

Norm & Sharon Gramchuk have announced their retirement from the team citing business and personal reasons.

The Club wishes them all the best in the future and thank them for their on-field contributions to the Vets. Gonna miss them!


March 21

Spring Training dates: • Friday, April 9 • Sunday, April 18 • Sunday, April 25.
All practises to be held at Renfrew Park at 11:30 am

February 29

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in March:

Dan Gray — March 30th


February 17

After lengthy negotiations the Veterans are pleased to announce that Leigh Jerstad has agreed to be our Official Scorekeeper for the 2004 season.

Hopefully the team will keep her pencil busy marking hits and runs this year.


January 31

Veteran players celebrating birthdays in February:

Sharleen Jackson — February 20th