About the
PALMERSTON MARLINS
A Tradition of Winning...
The history of the Palmerston Marlins Softball Association
In 1993, the idea of getting a group of girls together to play softball at an elite level was talked about. Through the efforts of the late Dave Moore, the first teams began play in 1994. Our girls were very competitive then and have been ever since. Other centres in that league were Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge London and Stratford. Dave and his gang (coaches and girls) were very proud that Palmerston could compete not only at the Grand Valley League level but also at the Provincial level. Several of the teams went (and still do) to the U.S. to play in tournaments. Again no trouble to compete.
The Florida Marlins won the world series in 1996 and they were a favourite of Dave’s, so hence the marlin name was adopted for the Palmerston girls. Because of his diabetes and immobility, many of the meetings were held at his house and he eventually had to take a less active roll. Dave passed away in 2002. One of the early events in Marlin history was the Triple Crown Tournament. The winners would qualify to play in a tournament in Colorado that would feature many of the best teams in North America. Because of the cost and distance to travel, very few of them went to Colorado to play and compete there. Some money was offered to the Marlins to host this qualifier, but because of problems getting money from them the triple crown affiliation was discontinued.
Palmerston did host some good tournaments with the Triple Crown affiliation and have continued to host a tournament each year with some of the best teams in Ontario coming to play in it. There have been teams from the U.S.A. enter the tournament as well.
Many of the Marlin players have been chosen to compete with other teams at the Provincial and National level and a few of them have received scholarships at U.S. colleges. Perhaps the crown jewel came in 2006 when the Midget Black team won the Eastern Canadian Championship.
The only name mentioned in this brief history is the late Dave Moore. Many others were responsible for helping start the group and for helping to continue with the vision and potential that Dave saw. To mention anybody else would cause some to be left out and that would not fit in with the Marlin ideals. We can only hope that the Marlin organization will continue for years to come.
AWARDS
WON
The Marlins Organization has a history of winning. A tradition of strong athletes come from the surrounding area and usually bring a high level of compete with them.
Going on 32
Provincial Championships
Championship appearances
Eastern Canadian Championships
Provincial, National, and Eastern Canadians Achievement Awards
2005 Provincial Broze PWSA T1 – Junior
2006 Provincial Gold PWSA T2 – Midget
2006 Eastern Canadian Silver – Midget
2007 Provincial Gold PWSA T2 – Midget
2007 Eastern Canadian Gold – Midget
2009Provincial Bronze PWSA T2 – Midget
2009 Eastern Canadian 5th – Midget
2010 Provincial Bronze PWSA T2 – Midget
2010 Eastern Canadian 6th – Midget
2012 Provincial Silver PWSA T2 – Bantam
2012 Eastern Canadian Bronze – Bantam
2013 Provincial Gold PWSA – Select – Squirt
2013 Provincial Gold PWSA T2 – Novice
2013 Eastern Canadian Silver – Novice
2013 Provincial Bronze PWSA T2- Midget
2013 Canadian Gold T2 – Midget
2013 Provincial Silver & Bronze PWSA – Junior
2014 Provincial Silver PWSA Select – Squirt
2014 Canadian Silver – Novice
2015 Provincial Silver PWSA T2 – Bantam
2015 Eastern Canadian Gold – Bantam
2016 Provincial Bronze PWSA T2 – Novice
2016 Canadian Gold – Novice
2018 Provincial Gold PWSA – U12
2018 Provincial Gold PWSA – U14
2022 Eastern Canadian 5th – Intermediate
2023 Provincial Silver PWSA – Intermediate
2023 Eastern Canadian Bronze – Intermediate
2023 Provincial Bronze PWSA T2 – U19
2023 Provincial Gold & Silver PWSA T2 – U15
Our EXECUTIVE
Matt Bromley
Mike Merchant
Sarah Magee Burtch
Shelly Mendez
Debbie Schneider
Melanie Golchuk
Board of Directors
Darcy Herrfort
Melanie Golchuk
Brandi McLEOD
Trevor Branning
Debbie Schneider
Kelly Robertson
Get involved
Join the fun and volunteer
Our successful girls softball program depends on having enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers. We are looking for people like you. Each year there are opportunities for you to get involved & help us continue to offer amazing experience for our athletes. No experience necessary! Please contact one of our executive or board to learn more. Ask about Community Involvement hours!
Our non-profit organization is dependant on volunteers. Each and every contribution made by a volunteer means so much that without them these past 30 years of support the Marlins would not exist. We are very thankful for all volunteers.
Palmerston Marlins board of directions leads our association and holds several meeting where plans and budgets set the course for each softball season.
Our annual general meeting is held every year in September, is where elections to the board are made.
CONTACT US
Palmerston Marlins Ladies Softball Association