Local minor ball players shine during Canora Minor Ball Day

Canora Minor Ball Day was held under near-perfect weather conditions on June 3, featuring a full day of baseball for fans and friends to enjoy.

After suffering through a long winter, players were eager to get on the field and play their best.

All 12 of Canora’s minor ball teams were in action, including baseball teams from U6 right up to 18, and U11, U13 and U15 girls softball teams.

The U6 age group plays tee-ball, and the two Canora teams battled each other in a spirited game.

Both U8 Canora teams played against Norquay. In this age group, the coaches do the pitching. Scores are not kept in either U6 or U8 games.

The Canora U11 team, coached by Amanda Hall, went down to defeat by a score of 13 to 6 to the visitors from Cote First Nation. Hall said everyone on the team enjoyed the nice weather for baseball.

“Our season is going well, we have won two games and lost one,” she reported. “We are working as a team, stressing sportsmanship, pitching and fielding ground balls. As the season goes on, it’s great to see the growth in the kids, and how they are getting better and more confident in the game.”

Hall said they only have nine players at this point.

“It would be nice for a few extra players to come out and ensure we can still play if someone can't make it or gets hurt.”

The U11 Canora Reds Team 2, coached by Shannon Unick, hosted Kamsack Team 1 at Canora Minor Ball Day.

“Our team played well and came out with a tie,” said Unick.

“It’s been a great season so far with two wins, one loss and a tie. As the season continues I see determination from all the players. They are eager to try different positions to expand their baseball skills. As a coach I enjoy being out learning along with the team, I see improvement and many smiles from all the players after each practice and/or game.”

The Canora U11 girls softball team played against Yorkton, and came out on the short end of a 6-1 final score. Coach Terry Wilson said this was the first game for the new team.

“The game went really well; it was the first game of softball our girls had ever played.” said Wilson. “The girls on both teams showed off the skills they have learned so far this year. We work on the fundamentals including throwing, fielding, hitting, base running, pitching and catching.

“I really enjoy seeing the girls engage and improve their skills week to week. Only a couple of short weeks ago most struggled with a simple game of catch, and now they are fielding ground balls and catching fly balls regularly.”

With girls softball coming back to Canora for the first time in a number of years, Wilson believes there is plenty of potential for local growth.

“I hope the girls learn something this year and stick with softball over the coming years. I think they could really create something special here if they do.” 

The U15 Canora girls softball team was involved in a high-scoring affair against Preeceville, with a final score of 22-15 for the visitors.

Coach Aimee Ruf said, in spite of the loss, “the team is having a dynamite startup season! We really hit the ground running this year. Even starting the season in the rink when we really wanted so badly to just be out on the diamonds didn’t phase anyone.

“I can’t say enough about how impressed myself and the rest of the coaching staff are with the girls’ effort and willingness to learn any and all things we threw at them. They came with the drive and determination of true athletes Their skill development has been amazing. I was impressed with our talent when we started and it continues to improve every time we step on the field. We look forward to the rest of the season and hope to see everyone back next year.”

The U15 Canora Reds baseball team, coached by Dayne Babchishin, hosted Keeseekoose First Nation.

“Minor Ball Day for our team was a great success. We had a full roster and had a successful game versus Keeseekoose First Nation,” reported Babchishin.

“The development and improvement of skills amongst the players is what I enjoy most about coaching. Getting to know all the dynamic personalities on the team comes with its challenges but is extremely rewarding when you make that personal connection.”

Skill development is front and centre as Babchishin continues to work with the team.

“Pitching, batting, positional play, and personal physical fitness are constant skill sets that we're working on.

“I'd like to thank Canora Minor Ball and all the volunteers that put together such an excellent event. Overall there was a great sense community pride.”

The U18 Canora Reds had their hands full with the visitors from Hudson Bay, but came away with a hard-fought 17-12 victory. Coach Graham Lamb said the players have thoroughly impressed him so far this season.

“I am very pleased with our record of three wins and two losses in league play so far, as we have a very young team and we are keeping up with older, more experienced teams.”

Lamb said he enjoys seeing the players make improvements during the course of a season, both in their abilities and their general understanding of the game.

“What we’ve been working on this year is doing all the little things right, if you can make all the plays that you are supposed to make, you should make out alright.”

After Canora Minor Ball Day, the Reds continued their winning ways with an impressive 24-2 victory over Preeceville on June 7, but then dropped a tight 10-9 decision to Wynyard on June 9.