The Red Deer Riggers baseball season is finally here.
The 2023 Senior AAA Sunburst League campaign started Monday with the Riggers in Sherwood Park and on Tuesday they’ll play their home opener at Gulls Stadium against the St. Albert Tigers at 7:30 p.m.
Riggers manager Jaret Chatwood said this is one of the earliest starts to the season they’ve had in recent memory.
“We’re excited to get going a little bit earlier than usual and I think everyone is eager and ready to go,” he said.
“Our fan base has always been the best in the league… and with the surge of baseball in central Alberta with us hosting nationals and the Gulls being competitive we’re starting to see a little bit of that kickback from them.”
The Riggers will have most of their core returning but added Cooper Jones, who played for the Sylvan Lake Gulls of the Western Canadian Baseball League last year.
The core of returnees consists of shortstop Gavin Fraser, second baseman Corbyn Shields, first baseman Josh Edwards, and outfielder Zach Olsen.
Catcher Kyle Belich and pitcher Kade Kahlert, both from Red Deer will also join the team. Kahlert was on the Lethbridge Bulls of the WCBL last season.
They also have a few players on the roster that won’t join until they host the Canadian Senior AAA baseball championships on Aug. 24-27 at Great Chief Park.
“It’s exciting. We always try to put together the best team but this year is a little bit different. It’s easier to find some guys because you’re hosting this big event,” he said.
“Just looking around the league at some of the other rosters it looks like everyone got a little bit more competitive this year.”
Two teams out of Calgary were added to the Sunburst League during the offseason, the Rockies and the Diamondbacks. Along with those two squads the Riggers, Edmonton Cubs, and Edmonton Padres were all moved to the South division.
“It’s nice to get a little bit more variety… The playoff format is different this year so it’s definitely going to be more competitive.
“You’ve got to really attack every game this year so it’s something we’re looking forward to and I think we’re well-equipped as a team to be competitive every game.”
