The 1997 Labour Day weekend in New Waterford remains a definitive chapter in local fastball history. Over the course of three days, the New Waterford Hawks

demonstrated a blend of resilience, power, and tactical precision to capture the Nova Scotia Intermediate D Fastball Championship. Despite the unpredictable nature of Atlantic Canadian weather and a competitive field of challengers, the Hawks maintained a perfect 5-0 record, culminating in a provincial title that solidified their legacy on the diamond. 

The tournament was a community-wide affair, utilizing all three of New Waterford’s premier facilities: Tucker, Hawks, and Burns fields. However, the event faced an immediate setback when Saturday’s scheduled slate was entirely rained out. This forced a condensed and high-pressure schedule onto the remaining days, testing the depth and stamina of every roster. The Hawks met this challenge head-on, navigating the round-robin stages with efficiency to set up a high-stakes crossover game against the Sylvester Youngguns. 

It was in this crossover match that the tournament saw its most iconic moment. With the game—and the Hawks’ championship aspirations—on the line, Donnie Dupe stepped to the plate and delivered a heroic grand slam. The home run shifted the momentum of the entire weekend, clearing the bases and propelling the Hawks into the final round with a wave of local fervour behind them.

The championship final pitted the Hawks against a formidable opponent from Durham, Nova Scotia. The contest was a disciplined, low-scoring affair defined by stellar defensive play and veteran composure. On the mound, the Hawks relied on the formidable pitching duo of Dean DeGiobbi and Rollie Williamson. Their combined efforts kept the Durham hitters off-balance, providing the foundation for a victory. At the plate, the team’s veteran presence remained steady; Rusty Dupe and Dubby Blewer provided the "clutch" hits necessary to manufacture runs under pressure. Ultimately, the Hawks secured a 5-3 victory, a scoreline that reflected the competitive nature of the Intermediate D circuit. 

The Coal Bowl Board of Directors are pleased to announce The 1997 New Waterford Hawks fastball team as Honorees for Coal Bowl 2026.