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The Innisfail Merchants are on their way to Winnipeg to represent Alberta in the Western Canadian Baseball Association Jr. AAA championships.
“We have been fairly competitive over the last three years,” said Desmond Boutellier. “In 2011, we earned a silver medal, losing to the Altona Bisons and in 2012 we lost to Team Alberta and brought home silver.”
Boutellier added that in 2013, the team lost out in round-robin play, missing out on the medal games but hoped to change that this year and bring home the gold.
“For 2014, we are the only team to be in the tournament for the fourth straight year and have experience which will help,” said Boutellier. “We also have two fourth year players, Corbyn Shields and Taze Steeves which adds depth to our roster.”
After a final tune-up practice on Wednesday, the team left for Winnipeg after Brian Sutter stopped by to give a pep talk to the players.
“Any time you get someone of Brian's calibre out to talk to the young guys, it is a good thing,” added Boutellier. “Our team is not just about turning our 18- and 19-year-olds into better baseball players, but into better people in the process. Brian brings that message. He has injected himself into the community and truly is part of Innisfail already.”
Their schedule at the Winnipeg-based tournament is going to be tough.
“As soon as we arrive in Winnipeg on the 7th, our first game is going to be against the Elmwood Giants at 8 p.m.,” said Boutellier. “On Friday, we have games against Pembina and Weyburn, and Saturday sees us in action with the Regina Pirates and the St. Boniface Legion.”
After the round robin is complete, the gold medal match is played between the top two teams.
“Last year we were tied for second place but due to a mathematical formula, were placed third. Consequently (we) could not play for the gold,” said Boutellier. “Last year during our loss, we let the other team run the score and learned the hard way. That was part of the reason we did not medal. This year, we know we have to keep the games as close as possible and run the score if we are able to prevent a repeat.”
The Merchants coach is pleased with the support the team has garnered in Innisfail.
“Our trip to Winnipeg is an expensive one but we have had great support from Jackson Pharmasave, Palliser Chev, the Innisfail Eagles and the Sutter Fund,” added Boutellier. “When we re-formed, we wanted to honour the businesses that supported the team and players. This is one reason why we have been successful.”
Go to www.merchantsbaseball.ca and follow them on Twitter @MerchantsAAA for up-to-date scores and news.
