The Yorkton Yankees of the Southeast Senior Baseball League (SESBL) were one loss away from their first losing streak in three seasons after falling to the Swan River Reds and Russell Bulls by identical 3-2 scores on Sunday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 26.
But luckily enough for them they managed to avoid the losing streak, instead dropping the Yorkton Orioles 6-1 on Friday, May 29, before picking up their second win of the season over the Langenburg Indians on Sunday by a score of 6-4. “We went through a bit of a rough patch there but it’s nice to get back in the win column especially with the way we’ve managed to lose those two earlier games,” assistant manager/player-coach Mark Jacobs told Yorkton This Week. “Luckily we were able to get our bats going again and because of that we got the wins.”
In addition to the offence getting back on track the Yankees were also bolstered by the addition of Damon Severson, who during the winter months suits up for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and who until recently played for the Melville Bison of the SESBL before the Bison folded. “It’s great to pick up a guy like Damon,” offered Jacobs. “Unfortunately Melville had to fold for the rest of the season but Damon still wanted to play some baseball and we were happy to pick him up.
“He’s a natural athlete and he loves the game. He’s a welcome addition and he’ll only make us stronger.”
However Severson isn’t the only form Bison player the Yankees are interested in. In fact the Yankees are also looking to acquire the services of two of Melville’s stronger players – Jarrett Waldbauer and Benny Walchuk. “Yeah we’d like to bring Waldbauer and Walchuk on board,” said Jacobs, adding that both former Bison players would fit in well with the Yankees. “They’re good players so we’d love to have them come out and play for us.”
Next action
The Yorkton Yankees (4-2) welcome the Swan River Reds (3-2) to Jubilee Park tonight (Wednesday) for a 7:00p.m. game with the hopes of avenging their earlier loss to these same Reds in Swan River two weeks ago.
The Yankees then have a few days off before hosting the league leading Canora Supers (3-0) on Monday, June 8. That game is set for 8:00p.m. at Jubilee Park.
