Sometimes, an early season exhibition tournament is a good thing, a chance to work out some kinks.
This year, though, the Hub City Paving Pirates don’t seem to have too many kinks to work out – they’ve won eight of their first 10 and all facets of the game have looked good.
Nanaimo’s premier baseball team and the rest of the league is taking a break Friday (April 29) through Sunday for the Abbotsford Invitational Tournament.
“Is it needed? Probably not, we’d like to keep going, our record being what it is,” said Doug Rogers, Pirates manager. “But you’re still playing, you’re still getting your hacks.”
The Pirates plan to have fun, win games, bond as a team and share playing time.
“We get a chance to use some of the guys we haven’t used a lot so far in our first 10 games,” said the manager. “It’s a good weekend to develop those kids.”
It’s also a chance for players to test their limits, on the basepaths, for example.
“If it’s exhibition and you get caught stealing, it’s not going to really affect you, so you just kind of go out and see what you can do,” said Ben Dunbar, Pirates catcher.
GAME ON … The next home action for the Pirates is Wednesday (May 4) when the Parksville Royals visit Serauxmen Stadium for a 6 p.m. game.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com