By Sheldon Spackman

Pogadl Park In Sylvan Lake

Riggers to host first home game of the season against Tigers

May 17, 2022 | 1:31 PM

The Red Deer Riggers are set to host their home opener of the 2022 Sunburst League baseball season Tuesday night.

First pitch against the St.Albert Tigers is 7:30 p.m. at Pogadl Park in Sylvan Lake.

“I think the Tigers might be a little bit short, just for the first few games of the year,” says Jaret Chatwood, President, Red Deer Riggers. “Lots of their guys are still in college in their conference tournaments and regional finals and stuff like that. But we have most of our team back from school already, so we’re looking to kind of go out and have a really strong showing tonight.”

Chatwood says the Riggers are excited to play in front of their home fans after playing a pair of road games to start the regular season this month.

“We got together quite a bit over the winter when possible,” he reflects. “Now we’ve got a good mix of youth and veterans on our team, so it’s going to be a pretty good season.”

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Chatwood notes a solid number of returning core players, in addition to some new ones on the roster this year.

“We have some young guys, 19 years-old, just like fresh out of their first year of school, and we also have a couple of veterans that have been around forever,” he explains. “You know, the guys we get from central Alberta kind of have that blue collar-type feel when you’re on the field. Work hard, come get the job done, and get to work type attitude.”

“Everyone seems like they’re eager and ready to go, so I would say we’re some bulldogs out there and just put our nose to the grindstone and get after it,” adds Chatwood.

He describes the Senior AAA men’s league team as having a really solid pitching staff, along with great depth for relievers and closers in the pen, making for a strong pitching rotation this year.

“Last year, we didn’t have the start of the year like we wanted to, but we peaked right at the end of the year and we pushed it all the way to the last game of the playoffs and had a really good season,” he recalls. “So we’re looking to build on that. We’re shooting to win. We host Nationals next summer, so it’s a big season for us and if we can end up being the provincial champs, then that helps us pull new recruits and pick-ups in for next year when we host Nationals.”

Chatwood encourages all local baseball fans to check out the Riggers this season, noting a family friendly environment for everyone to enjoy.

“There’s a lot of energy and it’s nice when the local fans can come out and support,” says Chatwood. “Some of our games are out in Sylvan Lake, so we’re taking advantage of that new stadium out there, but we still play about half our games out of Great Chief Park, so we have a good mix between the two ball communities.”