What a season for the 2026 11U Dedicated Select Soo Black Sox!

When this team came together, eight of our players had never hit live pitching or pitched in a game. They accepted the challenge, committed to the work and improved tremendously throughout the season.

Across three tournaments, we watched this group grow with every game. They became better hitters, pitchers, fielders, teammates and competitors. That progress was on full display at the OBA Championships, where the Black Sox battled through tough games all weekend, earned three victories and advanced to the semifinals on Sunday before falling to the eventual champion Vaughan Vikings.

While wins and losses are part of baseball, this season was about much more than the final score. It was about learning what can happen when you work hard, stay committed, support your teammates and bring a positive attitude no matter the situation. We are incredibly proud of the progress these players made and, more importantly, the way they represented the Soo Black Sox throughout the season.

To our parents and families, thank you for trusting our coaching staff with your players. Thank you for the countless hours spent at ballparks, practices and on the road, and for giving us the opportunity to help these young athletes grow not only as baseball players, but as young people.

To our sponsors, thank you for your generous support of our team. Your financial commitment helped provide these players with opportunities to compete, develop and pursue their goals. We are extremely grateful that you chose to invest in our young athletes and the Soo Black Sox program.

And finally, to our players: be proud of what you accomplished this season. You proved that where you start doesn't determine where you finish. Improvement comes from putting in the work, being willing to learn and continuing to compete when things get difficult.

You can't control everything that happens on a baseball field, but you can always control two things: your attitude and your effort. Bring both with purpose, every time you step on the field.

Keep working. Keep learning. Keep being great teammates.

Practice with a purpose. Play with a purpose.