The 18U Beavers played under blue skies this weekend at their picturesque Blue Jays field in North Battleford. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Great day for baseball

18U Beavers see strong turnout for provincial tournament

Jul 25, 2022 | 4:00 PM

It was a beautiful weekend for baseball at provincials in North Battleford.

The Battlefords Beavers 18U baseball team hosted AA Tier II Provincials, posting a 1-2 record on the weekend.

After coming out to an 0-2 start through their opening two games against Saskatoon and Estevan, the team bounced back to finish their tournament strong with an 11-5 victory over White Butte to close the round robin schedule.

Veteran of the Beavers’ program, and returning member from last year’s provincial champion team, 16-year-old Ryan Taylor, said despite just missing out on the playoff rounds, the community support made for a good experience.

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

“We had really good organizers put this whole thing together and people put a lot of time into this, so we’re thankful for that,” Taylor said. “Unfortunately our first two games didn’t go the way we wanted, but it was a great atmosphere here.”

Head coach of the Beavers, Dean Dimmick, said while the team would have liked to have been able to make a run to defend their title, the future remains bright for the 18Us moving forward. All but one player from this year’s group is eligible to return to the team next year.

“It wasn’t exactly the result we were looking for, or I think we were capable of, but I think some other teams stepped up and played well and much deservedly,” Dimmick said. “We’ve got some talent, and we have a fairly young team, so I think that was part of some inconsistencies throughout the season, but that’s just how it goes sometimes and we’ll come back next year stronger with this experience.”

It was an all-Saskatoon matchup in the finals of the tournament as the Saskatoon Blue Jays topped the Saskatoon Cardinal Sluggers 6-4 for the provincial championship.

Provincials would generally serve as the end of the season, though due to a unique schedule timing this year, the 18U Beavers will now play their league playoffs with a chance to end the summer on a high note with a strong showing in the post-season.

The fourth-seeded Beavers will open their league playoffs with a one-game showdown against the Muenster Red Sox Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Blue Jay Diamond behind the Don Ross.

A single-elimination game, the winner will advance to the next round against the 18U Unity Cardinals.

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1