The 18U Beavers pictured here following game action this summer. (Facebook/Battlefords Minor Baseball)

By Martin Martinson

Defending provincial champs

18U Beavers to host provincials this month

Jul 6, 2022 | 6:00 PM

Coming off a fairytale run to the top of the provincial podium last year, the Battlefords Beavers 18U baseball team will now look to repeat the feat on their home diamond.

The Beavers will host provincials, July 22-24 in North Battleford, with eight teams from across the province slated to attend.

Beavers head coach Dean Dimmick said it’s an opportunity they’re looking forward to, in showcasing not only the team’s baseball product, but the Battlefords community as a whole.

“It’s not just about the 18U Beavers or even Battlefords Minor Baseball, it’s really showcasing the Battlefords as a whole,” Dimmick said. “The Blue Jay Diamond by the Don Ross Centre is a majestic, picturesque ballpark that overlooks the river valley, and this gives us a chance to showcase our community and some of what we have to offer.”

Dimmick, who coached the 18Us to a provincial championship last summer in Saskatoon, said while it’s a young team overall this year, having some players who have been through the experience and know what to expect should only help them this time around.

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“I think that experience winning the championship last year is going to bode well for us,” he said.

“League-wise we’ve probably had an even stronger year this year, but last year’s provincials every single player had the weekend of their life and everything clicked on all cylinders, so we’re anticipating our guys will come together and have a solid weekend.”

A younger group this time around, the Beavers have posted a 9-7 record this summer, showing signs of a bright potential heading into the provincial tournament.

“We have a talented group of players who have played some of the top teams in the province and did very well against them, so now we’re just looking for a little bit more consistency,” Dimmick said. “For a lot of them, playing at this level might be the first time they have, so it’s a big learning curve and they’ve stepped up to the challenge.”

The participating teams will be split into two pools with games played at the Beavers’ primary home at the Blue Jay Diamond behind the Don Ross and at Diamond #4, behind the Access Communications Centre.

With the competition a few weeks out, the Beavers are looking for volunteers to help out with scorekeeping, pitch count and more. Those interested in helping out can contact Battlefords Minor Baseball via email at battlefordsminorbaseball@gmail.com, or message them on Facebook.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1