Councillors here honoured local achievement that took the Palmerston Marlins to the Eastern Canadian Fastball championships last month.
On Sept. 5, Minto Mayor David Anderson commented on the efforts of the Marlins midget girls Black team which won the gold medal at the event held in Prince Edward Island last month.
The recognition included presentation of certificates to the players and coaches.
Anderson said that on the eve of the win, he had received a call from the recreation director. Anderson’s first question was "When are they coming back (in order to provide an appropriate reception)."
"It’s quite an accomplishment," he said.
As a result of the advance information, the municipality was able to make the Harriston fire truck available for a brief victory tour.
Councillor David Turton said that on behalf of council, he was pleased to recognize that the team has managed to win the championship for the second year in a row.
Qualifiers were held in Stratford this year, which took the team to the provincial finals (held in Palmerston), and the win there led the team to the Easter Canadian Championships.
At the qualifier and provincials, Turton said the team was undefeated, and in Prince Edward Island, the group was undefeated in six straight games.
The last game, against Coal Harbour, Nova Scotia, ended after 12 innings with a 1-0 win for Palmerston.
Turton said the girls played excellently and have great coaches.
While two team members were able to attend the council event, most are now at either college or university and were unable to return for local recognition of their efforts.
The municipality is also having a sign placed at the Barb Wright ball park in Palmerston to recognize the achievement.
Brent Ready noted that of the 11 players from last year, two were overage to play this year. However, he said the two newcomers worked well within the team. The rest had been a team since they were "this high" he said lowering his hand closer to the floor.
"They’re a very special group," he said.
