With the arrival of improving spring weather the Innisfail Indians players are finally hitting their own field of dreams for the 2014 season.
After a successful 2013 season that saw the Indians tied for second place with the Acme Pirates but falling short in the Parkland Baseball League (PBL) final, they are ready to take the big shot to find a berth in the post- season.
“We have been practising for a couple of weeks now,” said Steve Bouteiller, the Indians' head coach and veteran first baseman and catcher. “It looked like we were going to be out longer, but good weather came and we were hitting balls and getting rid of the winter rust.”
Their first game will be played May 21 against the Acme Pirates at Innisfail's home diamond. The 18-game season comes to an end July 27 in a game against the Red Deer Razorbacks with playoffs starting shortly after.
“Last year we had a tournament to decide the PBL champion but this year we are changing it,” said Bouteiller. “There will be a regular playoff format to decide the league winner.”
He noted the team roster has been fairly consistent over the last couple of years with only a couple of players not returning to the senior squad, but they have until June 1 to finalize their rosters.
“Between now and then we will see who turns out to play ball with us,” said the coach. “We know we will be competitive no matter which team we field.”
And there is plenty of pride on the team with Innisfailian Kyle Burkitt leading the charge for the Indians squad.
“I was born and raised in Innisfail and this is my home team,” said Burkitt. “I grew up playing ball with some of the Indians players so we have been friends for most of my life.”
He noted the team is largely the same as last year's squad with the exception of a couple of players. He expects the same result or better.
“We fell short last year and only had six of our regular players going into playoffs due to the Western Canada Baseball Association Junior AAA Championships in Regina,” added Burkitt.
Meanwhile, Bouteiller is enthusiastic over the upcoming 5th Annual Dallas Yarbrough Memorial Baseball Tournament from June 6 to 8.
“In honour of Dallas Yarbrough, who died in a head-on collision while returning from work, we will be holding our fifth tournament to raise funds for local baseball players who want to improve their skills,” said Bouteiller. “Last year we sent three players to the Toronto Blue Jays Supercamp held in Okotoks but this year we are going to hold our own camp in Innisfail.”
The team practises on Diamond One by the Innisfail Aquatic Centre on Wednesday and Friday nights starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Indians, who have won five league titles since the PBL was established in 1994, last won a league title in 2009.
