UNITY — What a season it has been for the Unity Junior Cardinals. The highs and lows of regular season played in the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League built resiliency and the resolve to better their game each time they arrived at a diamond, driving the team’s desire to capture the 22U provincial championship on their home diamond, July 23 and 24.
In an earlier interview with Cards coach, Dan Feser, he said the Cards were getting a later start with most of the team’s roster in university and the remainder in the work force, resulting in them starting in untried waters. Feser noted that normally they would have been throwing for a number of weeks leading up to the season.
Feser notes the chemistry of the team and their work ethic are key factors in success stories they would have during their season.
The Jr. Cardinals lineup for the 2022 season includes Ethan Scherr, Garin Scherr, Kenny Feser, Tommy Feser, Andrew Feser, Skyler Mackie, Robert Duhaime, Blaise Weber, Jarrett Gartner and Brayden Schultz. Matthew Snell, Carter Johnson, and Zenon Orobko are also on the roster. The team also picked up Tylin Hilbig for provincials.
In addition to earning a playoff spot for NSRBL league finals, the Cards hosted a three-team exhibition weekend July 9 and 10 giving team members more reps with players in different positions.
Many of the players on the Cards roster have played years of minor ball together, experiencing the coaching style of Dan and Rene Feser, and that equates to familiarity in each other throughout their season. Add in the confidence they have gained in themselves and each other through a season that started slow but gained momentum and wins each week in NSRBL regular season. .
After losing the provincial final in 2021 to the senior men’s team, Macklin Lakers, the Cardinals are determined to capture a provincial title at home. North Battleford are their opponents and action begins at noon on July 23 with the Cards in the opening game. Playoff games will take place July 24 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to determine a 22U provincial champion.
