Despite difficulty finding information (the last update of the B.C. Senior Baseball website was in February and don’t even ask about the Orioles site) I am counting on watching some very good baseball at Butler Park this weekend - beginning, I suppose, at about four today.
The men’s provincial championship runs through Monday at one of many of the Home of Champions little jewels of event sites and the home team, given anything like a full roster in action, should be competitive throughout.
There are strong squads from around the province involved and they haven’t put in all those miles to get to this hinterland for any reason but to compete to win, but if Trail’s pitching holds out for the whole deal, and assuming most of the listed roster is available, the hosts can make a run, too.
However that part of the equation works out, this will be the best baseball in this area in a while. Trail has always been as much a baseball (and fastball) town as a hockey one - only the world championships achieved by the Smokies differentiate the two sports. I am hoping the turnout this weekend reflects that.
One reason Trail gets to host these things on a regular basis is that locals are willing to put in the effort required. The least we can do is show the support for those efforts by showing up at the park this weekend - next to winning, being appreciated is the best reward.
• In spite of the temperature being in the high 30s, it is time to to start thinking about the 2014/15 hockey season.
Cominco Arena ice will be in heavy use soon and clubs at every level are looking for volunteers (and in the Smokies’ case, billet families).
Start scheduling yourself, get your tickets, be hopeful.