John MacNeil
Daily Herald
Baseball teams from across Western Canada weathered a splash of Friday evening rain that stopped, fittingly enough, for the colourful opening ceremonies for three AA championships — 18U, 15U and 13U — in Prince Albert this weekend.
In front of a solid crowd, all 15 teams were introduced as they paraded onto Rotary Field. A bagpiper sounded the arrival of special guests, including Premier Scott Moe.
“Prince Albert is very well known for hosting provincial, national and even world baseball and softball championships in years gone by,” said the premier, sporting a ball cap.
“I just want to take this opportunity to wish everyone the very best this weekend. And, most particular, to the players and to everyone that has come from, literally, Western Canada. To the players, I would just say … remember to compete hard every game. It’s always the goal to win, but compete as hard as you can. Respect your team, respect your opposition members that you’re playing against (and) support your teammates.
“Most importantly, always remember that what you are doing here — win or lose — is making memories that you will keep with you for the rest of your life.”
Nathan Noble, the president of the host Prince Albert Minor Baseball Association (PAMBA), said volunteers and supporters alike stepped up to the plate to make the Western baseball showcase a reality.
“An event like this isn’t possible without great volunteer work,” Noble said. “I want to start by thanking all of the board and PAMBA members that have put a lot of time and effort into this weekend. We’re very excited to have you all here.”
Noble mentioned the valuable role of the financial supporters of the triple-tournament weekend.
“Without sponsors in a community like Prince Albert, these events aren’t possible,” he said. “So, I want to give a quick shout-out to some of our major sponsors.
“Northern Lights Community Development Corporation has been an integral part of minor baseball for the past number of years. They’ve given over $20,000 and made the scoreboards possible at Kinsmen Baseball Complex and helped us with this event as well.”
Noble also paid tribute to other major sponsors, including RE/MAX Prince Albert Realty, Bronson Charters, Lehner Electric, Lake Country Co-op and the City of Prince Albert.
“Both financially and in terms of helping us get these diamonds ready, (the city’s) efforts have been wonderful and are going to make this weekend a great success,” Noble said.
“I want to wish everybody good luck. Unfortunately, only one team in every category is going to go home the champion, but I hope every one of you takes home some great memories from the weekend.”
Rain disruptions Friday pushed the completion of some action to Saturday morning. Some players showed up at the ball park as early as 7 a.m. Saturday. The weather improved considerably as the sun shone brightly throughout the late morning and into Saturday afternoon.
During the opening festivities Friday, para swimmer Ali Diehl threw the ceremonial first pitch to Owen Lypchuk, a member of the 13U AA Prince Albert Royals.
At multiple fields, action continues in all three age divisions through Sunday’s playoff games.
