Spring is here, which means it’s time to get primed for the upcoming Canora Supers baseball season.
The Supers are once again playing in the Southeast Senior Baseball League (SESBL) and are looking forward to an exciting season, said player/manager Greg Andreychuk. Andreychuk expects the 2017 version of the team to have good pitching depth, and be capable of hitting for power and scoring plenty of runs in any given game.
There are a number of Supers players for fans to look out for during the coming season, said Andreychuk.
Travis Mentanko hits for a high average and has led the league in home runs the past several seasons, said Andreychuk. One of the most dangerous power hitters in the league, he now resides in Canora with his wife Lauren and three daughters.
Zach Rakochy of Canora always has one of the league's top batting averages, said Andreychuk. He also steals bases and brings a positive attitude to the field each day. Unfortunately, he makes limited appearances due to farming.
Dylan Toffan of Canora is a talented young shortstop and relief pitcher. He hits for a good average and plays very good defence, said Andreychuk. He can also come out of the bullpen if needed. Unfortunately, due to work commitments he makes limited appearances but improves the team greatly when available.
Derek Palagian from Sturgis is a pitcher in the starting rotation. He has pitched by far the most innings for the team since 2004, is always a productive hitter and is one of the most dedicated players.
Phil Sobkow from Calder hits for power and has a good batting average as a switch hitter, he said. Unfortunately, he makes limited appearances due to farming but is a great asset when available. He was drafted in 2001 by the Detroit Tigers and in 2003 by the L.A Dodgers as a pitcher. He spent seven seasons pitching in professional baseball. Unfortunately arm injuries have derailed his availability as a pitcher.
The Parachoniak brothers from Yorkton are Colby and Logan. Both are right handed pitchers who can throw 80 miles per hour and more. Both attended Hilbert College in Buffalo New York from 2013 to 2016. Both also play infield.
Darcy Blommaert from Yorkton is a left-handed pitcher who has been with the Supers since 1999, said Andreychuk. He doesn't throw as hard as he once did, but he continues to be effective.
Adam Korb is an emerging pitcher from Yorkton. Although not a hard thrower, he picked up a complete game victory over the Russell Bulls in 2016, allowing just one run. He will be counted on mainly from the bullpen as a pitcher. His hitting improved greatly last season, and expects to get plenty of at bats as a DH and first baseman this year.
“Scott Sharp from Yorkton is our utility player,” said Andreychuk. He can play almost any position on the field, including pitcher and catcher. He has pitched effectively out of the bullpen the past couple seasons, and is expected to do the same this year while playing where needed in the field as well.
Evan Rostotski of Norquay emerged as a solid hitter in the 2013 season as the regular right fielder and continues to provide stability in the lineup.
Brogan Legebokoff, Rawlee Wyatt, Terry Cumming, Carson Dennis and Clint Maduck are expected to be contributing players as well. Andreychuk will continue to play for the team, in addition to his duties as manager.
The 2017 season includes a total of 16 games per team, said Andreychuk. Players are required to play in at least five games, approximately one third of the season, in order to be eligible to play in playoff games.
The SEBL will include 10 teams for the upcoming season, he said. The Grandview Man. Lakers are new to the league, while the Russell, Man. Bulls, a long time league member, are taking a one year leave of absence.
Two of the teams in the league this season, the Yorkton Orioles and Parkland Padres, are twilight teams made up of players 35 years of age and older. They will play each team once and are not eligible for the playoffs.
The other eight teams will play each of the remaining seven teams twice, for a total regular season schedule of 16 games per team.
The Yorkton Yankees are defending league champions, and they look to be strong contenders to repeat, said Andreychuk. Their roster includes Logan Calanchie, one of the toughest pitchers to face in the league.
The Supers finished in second place behind the Yankees during the 2016 regular season, but were eliminated by the fourth-place Langenburg Indians in the second round of the playoffs, he said. The Indians have defeated Canora in the playoffs in three out of the last four seasons, creating a hotly contested rivalry.
All eight full-time teams will qualify for the playoffs, said Andreychuk. The first and second rounds will be best-of-three series, with the first round scheduled to begin on July 9 and the second round on July 18. The SEBL championship final will be a best-of-five series, and is expected to start on July 27.
Of course Andreychuk would like the Supers to win as many games as possible during the regular season. But it’s also important to maximize the playing time of each player, which prepares everyone for the playoffs. Anyone interested in playing for the Supers this season is asked to contact Andreychuk.
He encourages Canora fans to come out and support the team at home games to see an entertaining brand of baseball. More fans in the stands usually translates to more wins for the home team.
The new season begins for the Supers with a game on May 6 in Grandview against the Lakers, said Andreychuk. The first opportunity to see them play at home is scheduled for May 12 against “those pesky” Langenburg Indians.
You can keep follow the Canora Supers on twitter. (@canorasupers)
