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Santa Clara baseball is back!
Neepawa Cubs, five other teams to hit the field in 2023
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
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Baseball fans all across Westman have been excitedly awaiting for the return of the Santa Clara Baseball League. This year, the senior AA circuit will feature six teams, including the returning Minnedosa Mavericks, who are back in the league after a five year hiatus. Other clubs that will be back out on the diamond include the defending league champions, the Portage Padres; as well as the Austin A’s, Carberry Royals, Plumas Pirates and Neepawa Cubs.
While the official schedule has not been publicly announced just yet, the expectations is that the season will begin in mid-May. The teams are currently expected to play a 15 g ame schedule, followed by a three round playoff format. The eventual winner of the Santa Clara League will then represent the league at the Senior “AA” Provincial Championship, set for July.
As for Neepawa’s hometown team, the Cubs will be looking to improve upon their results from last year. Though the Cubs finished in first place overall for the regular season, they were knocked out of the playoffs early by the Plumas Pirates.
Roster looking good
Neepawa Cubs coach Garrett Rempel said the returning core of veteran players remember the disappointment of last year and are hoping to end this season on a more positive note.
“Our roster is looking good for this year, as we have our core group of players coming back that have lots of experience. We are also gaining quite a few new faces some younger guys that are ready to come and play ball,” said Rempel.
As for what they’ll have out on the field this year, Rempel said they’re feeling pretty good about their pitching rotation, which last year consisted of himself, Cole Krutkewich, Jordan Wickens and Taylor Fletcher. Rempel added that the hope is for defence out on the field to be a strength for the club this summer.
The first game of the season for the Cubs has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 in Minnedosa against the Mavericks. Neepawa’s home opener, meanwhile, will be on Wednesday, May 24 versus the Austin A’s. Opening pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.
