During baseball try-outs there are no rain delays only liquid sunshine so with new talent and many returning players, the Trail Jays baseball season is looking bright.
Under a wet and dreary overcast sky, head coach Nick Combo put 45 hopefuls through the paces at Butler Park on the weekend for the American Legion Baseball tryouts.
“All things being said, battling bad weather, the weekend went really well,” said Jays advisor Ed Ferraro.
The players ranging in ages from 13-19, are looking to crack one of three baseball teams: the “AAA” Jays, “AA” Diamond Backs, and “A” Phillies.
Last year, the Jays finished a respectable .500 season in the North Idaho American Legion Baseball Conference. The Diamond Backs turned in a solid year tied for first in the Spokane American Legion Baseball “AA” National North League, while the Phillies came second in the “A” North Division.
This year’s Jays will benefit from eight returning players including Montrose slugger Brady Glover who hit .320 last season.
Kyle Paulson, Jesse Rypien,Gerry Rebalato, Jarrett Conway, Lee Makortoff, Geoff Sukeroff, and Garrett Kucher also return in what should be a markedly improved and experienced squad.
“We are expecting some solid leadership from these boys both on and off the field,” said Ferraro.
The Jays also reap talent from last year’s Diamond Back bull pen, adding to the team Dallas Calvin, a big left handed pitcher who can hit a ton, Scotty Davidson, another lefty who can play any position, and Jordan Roblin who pitched terrific and should be a workhorse for the Jays, says Ferraro.
The Jays still have a few decisions to make before they finalize their roster but with the new talent, returning players and hard work it should be an exciting and promising season.
“We will have to stick to our team philosophy of working harder that any team we are playing, minimizing mistakes, and creating runs to be successful.
“But with guys like Glover, Calvin, Paulson and Rypien we have the horsepower to get a lot of runs in a hurry.”
The Jays first action goes in Kalispell, Mont. for the Canadian Days Tournament on May 20-23.