The Weyburn Beavers will have a lot to offer baseball fans for their home opener against the Yorkton Cardinals on Saturday, June 4.
The Weyburn Beavers will have a lot to offer baseball fans for their home opener against the Yorkton Cardinals on Saturday, June 4. Three-year veterans will be providing the strength and leadership of the senior baseball team this year, including local players, Canadian imports and the head coach.
"I am looking forward to this season," said Gord Gateman, the new assistant coach, and a former Beaver player who lives in Weyburn. "The core group of guys are local leaders who will know what it takes to win."
Returning local veterans include Derek Wallace, Brad Weisgerber and Jon Neuberger.
"We also have a lot of older players this year from the States who have been playing for good college ball teams," said Gateman. "This will put us ahead of the game and get us ready for the season. The key focus will be to have fun and play summer ball."
According to Gateman, the team has the potential to go further into the league playoffs this year. His own experience in the league means that "I know a lot of the other teams, and the fields where we will be playing. It is also going to be great to have Terry Smith returning as the head coach for the third year."
Residents will have an opportunity to interact with players from the team during a tailgate party from 4 to 6 p.m. at Tom Laing Park. Free burgers and hot dogs will be prepared for those attending the party, and it gives an opportunity for baseball fans to watch the pre-game practice.
"We are trying to build a fan core by having players get into the community more," said Gateman. The Beavers will also be doing school visits during the month of June. "Our players are only in Weyburn for a short time, but we want them to get a personal experience with the community," added Gateman.
Two fundraisers for the Beavers will officially start at their home opener. The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Dream Trip Raffle will award a $5,000 CAA Travel Voucher to one recipient.
It is valid toward travel arrangements that the recipient creates, including cruise, coach tour, package holiday, airfare or hotel packages. Only 1,500 tickets are printed. They cost $20 for one ticket or $200 for a book of tickets. The draw date for the raffle is August 8.
The Grand Slam 50/50 will be offered throughout the season starting on June 4, with the draw date on July 28 at the Beavers' last home game of the regular season. Only 1,500 tickets are printed, and they cost $10 for one or $20 for three.
The Beavers will officially start their season for the Western Major Baseball League with an away game in Melville on Friday, June 3. Their home opener against Yorkton on June 4 starts at 7 p.m. at Tom Laing Park. They return to Tom Laing on Sunday, June 5 to face Yorkton again at 2 p.m.
