The Weyburn Beavers, the defending Saskatchewan Division pennant winners will have their home opener on Friday night, and are hoping for a great crowd for the game.
The Beavers will host the Yorkton Cardinals twice at Tom Laing Park, with games on Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4.
“We had a very good team last year, and we have a lot of guys back from last year,” said Eric Evans, a returning veteran pitcher.
“Because we have so many returning players, and good strength on the bench this should be a good year for the team.”
Evans noted that there is still a rivalry between the Beavers and the Cardinals. “It will be interesting to see what they bring this year.”
“It will be pretty fun to play at home, especially when you have a good crowd to cheer you on.”
Remembering the last home game of the season for the 2015 season, Evans said that he really hopes that they can pack the park again for the home opener.
For pitchers Cole Feazell and Scott Doucet, this will be their first year playing with the Beavers.
“It was really good to be out on the mound, since it was the first time we have been pitching or swinging a bat for a couple of months,” said Feazell.
“This should be a fun year,” said Doucet. “We have already been welcomed into the organization. I am looking forward to learning about how the Beavers go about their business on the diamond.”
Like many players on the Beavers baseball team, both Feazell and Doucet are billeted during their stay in Weyburn. “They treat us just like family,” said Feazell.
In the first game of the regular season, the Beavers lost 5-3 to the Regina Red Sox, during an away game.
The Weyburn Beavers compete in the Western Major Baseball League.
This year, there are 12 teams who are competing in the two different divisions. In the eastern division are the Swift Current Indians, Regina Red Sox, Yorkton Cardinals, Melville Millionaires, Weyburn Beavers and the Moose Jaw Miller Express.
In the western division are the Edmonton Prospects, Lethbridge Bulls, Okotoks Dawgs, Medicine Hat Mavericks, Brooks Bombers and the Fort McMurray Giants.
Both the Brooks Bombers and Fort McMurray Giants are new teams to the league, who are competing for the first time this year.
Evans said that by having only two divisions this year, instead of three, it will make scheduling games a little easier this year.
It will also change the dynamics of who makes the playoffs, at the end of the season.
