Ball season gets underway at North Battleford's Beaver Lions Stadium Saturday afternoon. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Swinging into spring

18U Beavers kick off ball season in North Battleford

May 5, 2023 | 5:22 PM

It’s a beautiful day for baseball in North Battleford.

The NB Beavers 18U baseball team kick off opening day of their spring season Saturday afternoon at Beaver Lions Stadium.

Taking on the visiting Regina Buffaloes in back-to-back games through the afternoon, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., head coach of the Beavers, Dean Dimmick said the team has been chomping at the bit over the last week to get the season underway.

“I think the common theme Wednesday night when we practiced was that the players are all excited for this weekend, and can’t wait to kick off the season,” Dimmick said with a laugh. “We’re looking forward to it and I know the guys are looking forward to it, and even if it’s a bit cool or windy it’s still going to be a lot better than the weather usually is this time of year.”

Coming off a .500 record last season as a young group overall, the Beavers return to play this season with essentially the same team, now another year older and more familiar with the 18U ranks.

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“We have higher expectations this year with virtually everyone returning from a year ago, and 18U is a three-year age group, so another year of maturity both physically and mentally I think will bode well with the skill we have,” Dimmick said.

Looking at the roster heading into the year, the coach added their depth, especially at the mound, gives lots to be excited about with the group.

“It’s still obviously early, but pitching-wise, some of our arms are looking really good, and so far that’s really jumped out, just how much depth we have with our arms and the velocities there,” Dimmick said. “Fielding and hitting are going to come along as we get more reps in too, so we’re looking forward to a lot to like there too, and just getting into games [today] will be a good test.”

The Beavers’ opening game will be played at 1 p.m., followed by their second at 4 p.m., both at Beaver Lions Stadium (next to the ACC in North Battleford).

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1