The North Battleford senior Beavers have a fresh start in 2016 after a subpar NSRBL season just a year ago.
An elongated campaign, bumping the amount of games to 16 from 13 last year, may help the bats get to where they need to be.
"Beavers typically finish in the top of the league and we are looking at doing the same this year," Coach Ryan Shepherd said. "Last year was one of the first years we missed the playoffs, so making the playoffs is a must this season."
The Beavers hit just .243 as a team, missing the playoffs with a record of 4-9, and will look to build success on both sides of the baseball.
Blair Geering is one of the players that will lead the way for North Battleford moving forward. Playing in nine regular season games last year, Geering had four multi-hit plate appearances while finishing the year with a .571 average. He also led the team in hits. All four of those games saw him making consistent contact, combining for nine base knocks.
Kyle Palmer is another hitter the Beavers will be leaning on to provide a spark for their offence. He led North Battleford in RBI during the 2015 season, driving in 12 runs, more than doubling the next hitter. He displayed some pop to his bat as well, hitting two of the four home runs the Beavers hit last year. He ended the campaign with a .368 average, and was a solid base runner, stealing six bases. Palmer will need to use all his tools to help the Beavers get back into the playoffs. On the other side of the ball, Palmer was also an instrumental part of their pitching staff. Throwing 10.1 innings, Palmer struck out 17 batters, while allowing just three earned runs. He also recorded a save to his name.
"The pitching staff will be much of the same. With David Miller being the only pitching loss, Palmer, Rory Gregoire, Kyle Gregoire and myself will be coming back to the rotation this year," Shepherd said. "We have gained a number of arms in our new guys as well so we will see where they contribute."
The North Battleford Beavers season kicks off Tuesday, May 24, as they travel to Border City to play the defending champion Blue Jays.
