HCol (Ret) Thomas Dunn had many passions, his family, shooting, but he also had a great love of sports and the Lorne Scots Regiment. After he passed away in July 2013, the Lorne Scots Regimental Association decided there would be no better way to honour him then create a softball tournament in his name. The goal in creating this event would be to bring together current and former members of the regiment and their families in the spirit of competition, fun and camaraderie.
On a cold, rainy, September Saturday morning over fifty ball players and many fans braved the elements and attended Duggan Park in Brampton to take part in the competition. Five teams made up of Peel Coy, Halton Coy, Dufferin Coy, the Association and family & friends competed in two pools of head to head action. The fighting companies played some hard, competitive games with Halton Coy winning games over Peel and Dufferin to take the current members pool. At the same time the Association team got off to a slow start against the upstart family and friends team. However, fueled by their veteran status the “old guard” snuck past the family team which lead to a championship game between the Association and Halton for the honour of playing for a beautiful trophy donated by the Dunn family.
There are some images that are entrenched in the minds of the avid baseball fan, Carl Yastremski waving at a ball to keep going down the third base line at Fenway, Dave Windfield catching a throw at first to win the Blue Jays first world series, and Joe Carter hitting a walk off homerun against the Phillies to complete the back to back. The inaugural battle for the “Dunn Cup” may top them all. CSM Gillies displayed great spirit by motivating his company, MCpl Brioux hit a homerun that may not have landed yet, however in spite of their determination, and nothing could stop the Cinderella story that was the association team. After a well-played game, when the dust settled and the last bat was swung, the dream team ruled the day. It must have been expected with a line-up of softball legends like Kase, Parkin, Darling-Mitchel, Lowe, Warner, Lukasik and Shepley to name a few. The teams lined up and congratulated each other; the anticipation of the trophy presentation was almost too much to bear. Pat Dunn presented the championship trophy to Rick Lukasik and Lawrence Shepley who accepted it on behalf of the association, ending a wonderful tournament.
The organizers would like congratulate all the players and to thank Jackie Dunn for her generous donations, the CO and RSM for their support and participation of the tournament, Sgt (Ret) Oliver Garceau for keeping the food coming off the barbeque and Affair Rentals for their donation of tables, chairs, tents and barbeques.
With the success of the softball tournament the association is looking forward to organizing other events. Everyone mark your calendars for March 7th 2015 at 1800 hours we will be hosting a “Boarspiel” curling event at the North Halton Curling club in Georgetown. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Sgt (Ret) Andrew Harris
Association Vice-President
