UNITY ‑ It was hoped that the senior Cardinals baseball team would make their return to the diamonds in 2022. However, they have announced another year off. The Junior Cardinals will continue playing in the league
The senior Cards have not been able to get the younger guys to come back like they had thought. The team is hoping this is the last summer without the senior Cards in the NSRBL and that there will be a good, strong core of '01s aging out of the junior program to play senior ball next season.
Some of the senior Cards players migrated to other teams last season, adding to their existing fan base.
Junior Cardinals coach, Dan Feser, says, “Our 21Us suffered some unexpected losses from the core as Zenon, Max and Dillon have all physically relocated and won't be available this season.”
“However, a good chunk of the 2001 core is returning: Easton McLean, Ethan Scherr, Brayden Schultz, Skyler Mackie, Tommy Feser and Kenny Feser as well as '02s Robert Duhaime and Carter Johnson, returning from college ball in B.C."
Feser said these players will be joined by graduating 18Us Garin Scherr, Blaise Weber, Jarrett Gartner and Andrew Feser. "There have been some inquiries about other players of age from out of town, but we are happy and excited about the players we have on the roster..”
The Junior Cardinals have put in a bid to host 21U provincials in hopes there are enough teams to have a tournament this year.
Feser adds, “We are in the ultra tough south division in the NSRBL with the defending champion Kindersley Stallions, stacked provincial champion Wilkie Brewers, provincial champion Macklin Lakers and the NB Beavers who amalgamated with the Trappers so they will be even stronger. The perennial powerhouse Lloyd Jays also folded making the Twins and Standard Hill Lakers even stronger.”
Feser feels that the NSRBL is arguably the best league in the province, and it just got stronger. He notes his team will have to be at their best to compete. He also adds that his team have never been afraid to work, or never backed down from a challenge.
“It’s going to be a great summer on the diamonds.”
Playoff picture
All 10 teams from the league will make playoffs with the teams seeded seven through 10 playing in a wildcard game to open the postseason schedule July 7. Following wildcard action, teams will then be seeded in standard fashion of one through eight, top teams playing the lower seeds.
Participating in provincial championships will add an extended baseball season to cheer for.
“We’re looking forward to a normal year of play again, and it should be a good year,” says League Commissionaire, Kelvin Colliar.
You can check out all the latest details and schedules for the NSRBL on their website .
