The following article is going to take an in-depth look at the 18 teams that will take part in the 2025 Ontario Men's AAA Elimination Tournament which will take place in the Windsor/Tecumseh, ON area from August 1st - 4th.
 

For those of you that have known me for awhile, you know I am not a big predictions person. My manidate with what I am doing is meant to spread the word about Men's AAA Baseball across the country. Hence, this article is meant to put a spotlight on the teams attending the tournament this year.

 

We will take a look at each of the opening round match-ups and break down each team and their progress to date so far this season. Records that are indicated for teams are their overall record for the summer (including exhibition and tournament play)

 

Game # 1: Brampton Royals (11 - 17) vs Ajax Spartans (11 - 16)

Friday, August 1st - 12:00pm @ Amherstburg

Previous Matchups:

Ajax 11 vs Brampton 0 (Vaughan Tournament)

Brampton 0 vs Ajax 13 (Hap Walters Tournament)

 

The Brampton Royals have had an admittedly up and down season in 2025. After a very successful 2024 campiagn which saw them go 19 - 5 in COBA Major League and make it to the Final 3 in the Eliminations, they have had some struggles in tournament play this year. They are 10 - 9 in COBA Major League play and they attended three tournaments including the Gold Bat (1 - 2), Vaughan (0 - 3) and the Hap Walters (0 - 3) ammasing a record of 1 - 8 and not advancing to the playoff round in any of the tournaments. That being said, a good core of the team from last year's deep run at the Elims is back this year and this is a team if taken lightly could catch some teams off guard if they get hot at the right time.

 

Key Players: Joe Ferreira, CJ Fearon, Patrick Pinlac, Victor Speciale

Key Pitchers: Joe Ferreira, Arman Lahkani, Cameron Hibbs, Alex Emerson

 

The Ajax Spartans have had a good season to date so far in 2025. The never flashy Spartans boast a very veteran ladden roster that has years of experience at this tournament and always seem to find themselves in the mix come Sunday at the Elims. They are currently 7 - 12 in GBTL league play and have seen some small successes at tournaments this summer as they were semi-finalists at both Vaughan (2 - 2) and the Hap Walters (2 - 2). The Ajax club will look to see if they can translate these results into a deep run at the Eliminations as they look for that big win that could push them into Sunday evening or Monday this weekend. 

 

Key Players: Jesse "Father" Dynes, Jacob Bonzon, Sean Molony, Peter Riccardi

Key Pitchers: Nic Greenslade, Patrick Vecchiarelli, Josh Essery, Shaun Slemko 

 

 

Game # 2: Waterloo Tigers (11 - 13 - 2) vs Milton Red Sox (10 - 15 - 1)

Friday, August 1st - 12:00pm @ Woodslee Park

Previous Matchups:

Waterloo 6 vs Milton 7 (League Game; June 25th)

Milton 2 vs Waterloo 14 (League Game; June 29th)

 

The Waterloo Tigers have had a pretty good season for their first run through at the Men's AAA Baseball ranks. Even though they are an expansion team into the COBA Major Baseball League, the roster does boast plenty of talent that has moved over from other Men's AAA Baseball program in the area. Currently, the Waterloo club sits with a record of 11 - 10 - 1 in COBA Major League action good for top spot in the Johnson Division. The Tigers only attended one tournament this season as they went to the Vaughan Tournament going 0 - 2 - 1 and missing out on the playoff round. Look for the Tigers to lean on their veterans to see if they can ruffle a few feather and make some noise at their 1st Elimination tournament. 

 

Key Players: Sean Alp, Jack Symington, Sean Skorupski, Nolan Misa

Key Pitchers: Scott Seifried, Adam Robertson, Spencer Bertlesen, Nathan Laird

 

The Milton Red Sox have had a good season so far in the summer of 2025. After a bit of a subpar 2024 season which saw them go 8 - 15 - 1 in COBA Major League regular season play, they have vastly imporved their performance as they sit with a 10 - 10 record righ tnow in league play and are challneging for a Johnson Division title. Tournament play as been a bit of a issue though for the Red Sox as they attended the Rudy Godwin Tournament in London (0 - 2 - 1) and the Hap Walters Tournament (0 - 3). Despite the end results, they had a couple of good games against some top tier teams in the province and have the ability to hang around in games. If taken lightly, the Milton club could surprise a few teams this year.

 

Key Players: Liam Buckley, Chris Bloom, Jacob Siracusa, Liam Butchereit

Key Pitchers: Nathan Hamel, Chris Cloes, Dylan Clark, Kyle Clark

 

 

Game # 3: Sarnia Brigade (14 - 3) vs Windsor Athletics (6 - 20)

Friday, August 1st - 12:00pm @ Soulliere Field

Previous Matchups:

N/A

 

The Sarnia Brigade have been having another solid season in 2025. After having some solid seasons the last few years, the Brigade are certainly on everyone's radar now as one of the perennial powerhouse teams in Ontario. Last season, Sarnia came up just short as they finished in 2nd place at the Gold Bat as well as a heartbreaking 7 - 5 loss to the Newmarket Hawks in the Elimination final last August. This season, the Brigade are 6 - 2 in Southwestern League play and they have performed well in tournament play too winning the Gold Bat (5 - 0) as well as being a finalist at the Rudy Godwin Tournament in London (3 - 1). Sarnia will certainly be out for retribution this weekend as they look to win their first Elims title since 2019.

 

Key Players: Carter Aarts, Logan Buntrock, Aidan George, Cameron Gurney

Key Pitchers: Mike Damchuk, Seth Ainsworth, Greg Ross, Quinton Johnston

 

The Windsor Athletics have had a bit of a rough go so far in their 2025 season. That being said, their league record of 5 - 19 in Can Am League play certainly does not depict the way things have been going for the A's so far as they have had some very tight games with some of the stronger teams in the province. Along with their regular season record, the Windsor club attended the Gold Bat Tournament in Sarnia and went 1 - 2 in the round robin including a tough 4 - 1 win over Ilderton. All that being said, the Athletics have shown year in and year out that they can be a threat at this tournament as they have racked up some marquee wins over the past couple of seasons. Look for that to continue if this team is taken lightly. 

 

Key Players: Chris Rinaldi-Ross, Adam Pickle, Will Cockram, Shane Munro

Key Pitchers: Kyle Trudell, Isaac Harris, Mitch Zimmerman, Cole Hillier

 

 

Game # 4: Thornhill Reds (7 - 14 - 1) vs Newmarket Hawks (24 - 7- 1)

Friday, August 1st - 12:00pm @ Cullen Field

Previous Matchups:

Thornhill 1 vs Newmarket 11 (League Game; May 27th)

Newmarket 15 vs Thornhill 0 (League Game; June 11th)

Newmarket 10 vs Thornhill 10 (League Game; July 23rd)

 

The Thornhill Reds have had a bit of an up-and-down season so far in 2025. They currently sit with a record of 4 - 11 - 1 in GBTL regular season play which has them in last place overall in the standings. Even with their current record, the Reds have still remained competitive with their games this season challenging other teams within the GTBL. In tournament play, Thornhill attended the Gold Bat Tournament in Sarnia (1 - 2) and the Hap Walters Tournament (2 - 1) and in both tournaments just narrowly missed the playoffs. Despite their record, the Reds have played some competitive games in tournament play hanging aroind with some of the top teams in Onatrio. Having a good knowledge of their opponent, Thornhill should havew a decent shot in this game. 

 

Key Players: Kravice Batts, Tyler Hill, Warren Kember, Argenis Paz

Key Pitchers: Chadwick Cameron, Daniel Meron, Joseph Handley, Josh DImpfel

 

The Newmarket Hawks have picked up right where they left off in 2025. They are having another hot season in the GTBL as they sit with a current record of 15 - 4 - 1. They have dropped 2 of their last three league games though but the deep Hawks roster seems to be posied to make another deep run at the Elims this season. In tournament play, the Hawks were semi-finalists at the Gold Bat (3 - 1), finalists at the Vaughan Tournament (4 - 1) and went 2 - 1 at the Hap Walters Tournament missing out on the playoffs by defensive runs. The Newmarket club enters the 2025 Elims Tournament as one of the tourney favourites to win it all and make the trek back to nationals in Regina. 

 

Key Players: Darcy Moore, Ethan Murdy, Reid Lunney, Lenny Wood

Key Pitchers: Carson Hepburn, Lucas Earle, Keegan Pulford-Thorpe, Christian Mullen

 

 

Game # 5: Burlington Brants (14 - 14) vs Leaside Leafs (12 - 13)

Friday, August 1st - 12:00pm @ Lacasse Park

Previous Matchups:

Leaside 3 vs Burlington 7 (Gold Bat Tournament)

 

The Burlington Brants have had a good season so far in the summer of 2025. The Brants have been having another good run in COBA Major League play as they have a record of 10 - 9 in league play. They have lost two of their last three games but are still in a good spot entering the Elims this weekend. In tournament play, the Brants were semi-finalists at the Gold Bat Tournament in Sarnia (2 - 3) as well as the Hap Walters Tournament (2 - 2) this season. Over the course of the last couple of years, the Brants have had decent runs at the Elims but have yet to make the big leap into contenders. This year, they will look to get that elusive win and make the jump into Sunday night or Monday. 

 

Key Players: Bill Reaume, Noah Bertin, Michael Westlake, Tim Sogan

Key Pitchers: Joel Connors, Luke Connors, Trevor Woodjetts, Charlie Lisac

 

The Leaside Leafs have been having a good season thus far in 2025. The Leafs have been in the upper half of the standings in the GTBL all season long and currently sit in 3rd place with a league record of 9 - 10. They have won two of their last three league games coming into this weekend. In tournament play, Leaside went 1 - 2 at the Gold Bat Tournament and 2 -1 at the Hap Walters Tournament missing the playoff round at both events. The Leafs have had a couple of moderately good runs the last two years going 2 - 2 last year and 3 - 2 the year before. Leaside will now look to make the jump back to Sunday night at the Elims. 

 

Key Players: Andrew Clifford, Ben Jones, Ryan Ricci, Dan Goldberg

Key Pitchers: Jorge Frugoni, Chris Goodale, Andrew Morales, Noah Falkenberg

 

 

Game # 6: Ilderton Riverhawks (15 - 7) vs Tecumseh Thunder (17 - 9)

Friday, August 1st - 3:00pm @ Lacasse Park

Previous Matchups:

N/A

 

The Ilderton Riverhawks have had a very successful season to this point in 2025. The Riverhawks are currently sitting with a record of 6 - 4 in the Southwestern League in London good for 3rd place in the standings. Even with the limited league play this season, Ilderton has been one of the hottest teams in Ontario over the last few weeks. In tournament play, they went 1 - 2 in the Gold Bat Tournament in Sarnia missing out on the playoffs. After that, they went on a bit of a heater winning the Rudy Godwin Tournament (4 - 0 - 1) as well as the Hap Walters Tournament (4 - 1). After a couple of subpar years at the Elims, the Ilderton club will be looking to get themselves back in the running for an Ontario Men's AAA title. 

 

Key Players: Jordan Camara, Mitch Lumley, Will Pollard, Troy Lofgren

Key Pitchers: Jordan Townshend, Leo Labine, Ryan Beckett, Josh Krautner

 

The Tecumseh Thunder have been having a great season so far in 2025. After a very successful 2024 campaign which saw them win a National Bronze medal, the Thunder now look to be carrying that momentum into the 2025 season and into this weekend. Tecumseh currently is sitting with a 15 - 7 record in Can Am League play good for top spot in the loop. In tournament play this season, the Thunder went 2 - 2 at the Gold Bat Tournament in Sarnia losing a close quarter-final matchup to the Windsor Stars. After a few shaky years at the Elims, the Thunder seem to have righted the ship as they have their sights set on their 1st Ontario championship since 2018. 

 

Key Players: Cam Goddard, Dan Warkentin, Ross Barker, Myles Miller

Key Pitchers: Chris Horvath, Taylor Pappin, Micah Harris, Kyle Breitner

 

 

Game # 7: Windsor Stars (16 - 13) vs Oakville A's (6 - 17 - 2)

Friday, August 1st - 3:00pm @ Cullen Field

Previous Matchups:

N/A

 

The Windsor Stars have had a good year so far in 2025. The Stars have won three of their last four games coming into this weekends Elimination Tournament. They currently sit with a record of 12 - 11 in Can Am League play good for 3rd spot in the loop currently. In tournament play this season, the Stars only attended the Gold Bat Tournament in Sarnia but made the most of it as they finished in 2nd place (4 - 2) losing 5 - 2 in the final to the Sarnia Brigade. The Stars lost a few pieces from their championship teams in 2022 & 2023 but still have a strong lineup and boast one of the best pitching staffs in the province. Time will only tell if Windsor can get back into win column and capture another provincial title. 

Key Players: Carter Reh, Noah Renaud, Alec Boucher, Jacob Prsa

Key Pitchers: Kimani Bailey, Noah Richardson, Jack Zimmerman, Jackson Moon

 

The Oakville A's have had a bit of a rough go so far this season. The A's come into the weekend with a little bit of momentum as they have won two of their last four COBA Major Baseball League contests. They currently have a record of 5 - 13 - 1 in league play and sit in last place in the Johnson DIvision standings. In tournament play this season, the A's have had some struggles as they attended the Rudy Godwin Tournament in London (0 - 2 - 1) and the Hap Walters Tournament (1 - 2) missing the playoff round in both tournaments. Oakville is certainly in tough in this game but do have a handful of wins against top tier teams this season and shouldn't be taken lightly. 

 

Key Players: Nick Jaeggin, Steve Shum, Ryan Freemantle, Adam Doyle

Key Pitchers: Peter Zytner, Cam Cook, Joe Giansante, Alex Fulton

 

 

Game # 8: Etobicoke Rangers (23 - 7) vs Erindale Cardinals (7 - 23)

Friday, August 1st - 3:00pm @ Woodslee Park

Previous Matchups:

Etobicoke 16 vs Erindale 3 (League Game; May 12th)

Erindale 1 vs Etobicoke 12 (League Game; May 30th)

Etobicoke 10 vs Erindale 6 (League Game; June 9th)

 

The Etobicoke Rangers, once again, are having a very strong season here in 2025. The Rangers are coming into the weekend hot as they have won four of their last six games in league play. They currently sit with a record of 17 - 5 in the COBA Major Baseball League good for top spot overall in the league. In tournament play this season, the Rangers were 2 - 2 at the Gold Bat Tournament losing in the quarter-finals. They also attended the Hap Walters Tournament going 4 - 1 and losing in the final to the Ilderton Riverhawks. The Rangers have had a couple of good runs the last few years at the Elims but will be looking for that extra gear to see if they can get back in Monday and win a provincial championship. 

 

Key Players: Tanner Young-Schultz, Noah Case, Dan Franceschetti, Mark Capone

Key Pitchers: Andrew Hyde, Max Zentil, Mike Asta, Mark Rizzotto

 

The Erindale Cardinals have been having a decent season so far in 2025. After a rough start to the year, the Cards have been playing some better baseball over the last month and now have a little bit of momentum coming into the Elims weekend. Currently, Erindale has a league record of 7 - 14 and sit in the basement of the Andrews Division. In tournament play this year, the Cardinals have attended the Gold Bat (0 - 3), the Rudy Godwin Tournament (0 - 3) and the Hap Walters Tournament (0 - 3) missing the playoffs at all three events. Erindale has a tough schedule ahead of them but are capable of rattling some cages if taken too lightly by their opponent. 

 

Key Players: Pip Murray-Smith, David Walling, Andrew Mullin, Krozzly Vassos

Key Pitchers: Andrew Mullin, Johnny Dewolfe, Adam Lamoureaux, Eric Alcaraz

 

 

Game # 9: East York Bulldogs (6 - 17 - 2) vs Kendal Eagles (16 - 3 - 1)

Friday, August 1st - 3:00pm @ Soulliere Field

Previous Matchups:

East York 5 vs Kendal 9 (League Game; May 25th)

Kendal 10 vs East York 10 (League Game; June 2nd)

East York 4 vs Kendal 5 (League Game; June 8th)

East York 2 vs Kendal 9 (League Game; June 8th)

Kendal 11 vs East York 3 (League Game; July 9th)

 

The East York Bulldogs have had a bit of a rough go this year in 2025. Though they are struggling record wise, they have won a few games as of late as they ramp up for the Elims this weekend. They curremtly sit with a record of 5 - 15 - 1 in GTBL League play good for 5th spot out of 6th in the standings. In tournament action this year, the Bulldogs were limited there as they only attended the Vaughan Tournament going 1 - 2 - 1 and losing out in the semi-finals. East York had a deep run a few years ago at the Elims which included a good part of this current roster. If taken lightly, this team has some pop to advance a few rounds and ruin some tournament runs for other teams. 

 

Key Players: Steve Andreopolous, Jacob Mahoney, Anthony Fera, Anthony Buonaiuto

Key Pitchers: Justin Newbold, Cam Martin, Peter Stasyszyn, Josh Neposlan

 

The Kendal Eagles have been having a great year so far in the 2025 season. The Eagles would have to go all th way back to June 2nd for their last league loss as they have rattled off 13 wins in a row the last two being against the league leading Newmarket Hawks. They currently possess a record of 14 - 2 - 1 good for 2nd place overall in the loop. Kendal did not take part in a lot of tournament play this year as they only attended the Hap Walters Tournament going 2 - 1 and narrowly missing out on the playoff round. The Eagles have been ok in the last couple of Elimination Tournaments but the eay this club has been playing this year, anything less than a trip to the Final 5 would be a bit of a disappointment for them. 

 

Key Players: Evan Magill, Cruz Lopez, Quin McLane, Eric Murchison

Key Pitchers: Ethan Nichols, Jackson Painter, Evasn Magill, Jayson Wilbur

 

 

The top two teams from this year's event will earn a birth at the Men Canadian Baseball Championships Augist 21st - 24th in Regina, Saskatchewan. Best of luck to all 18 teams this year.