By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

eyeing nationals berth

Red Deer Riggers optimistic for big season ahead

May 23, 2024 | 10:57 AM

A pair of losses to start the season isn’t bringing down the Red Deer Riggers’ confidence level.

Jaret Chatwood, player, coach and team president, says there’s plenty of optimism the team can compete for a Sunburst League title, a provincial title, and ultimately a berth in the 2025 Nationals, to be held in Regina.

“We just had a week off,” he says, which is good for rest after the inauspicious opening two games — a 4-1 road defeat to the Calgary Rockies, and a 2-0 blanking at home against the Edmonton Cubs.

But it wasn’t all bad.

“Our bats weren’t where we want them to be, but our defense and pitching were really good. It’ll be a pretty good year.”

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The club was supposed to compete in a tournament this past weekend in Calgary, but it was cancelled due to some teams withdrawing.

The season [sort of] continues May 23 as the team competes in an exhibition game against the WCBL’s Sylvan Lake Gulls, a team that will provide strong infusions into the Riggers’ identity this year.

First pitch at Gulls Field is at 7:05 p.m., with tickets available at SylvanLakeGulls.com for just $5.

“In that game, we’ll get to see some quality pitching and our guys should put up a good battle. It’ll be exciting to play in front of a home crowd of sorts,” Chatwood says.

“Plus, the more exposure we can get for both teams, the better. Some of our guys are playing on the Gulls as well, going back and forth. We have pretty good relationship.”

That includes Matt Murray and Ryley Doig.

Other additions included aged-out WCBLers Adam Turgeon, Carter Claerhout and Tyler McWillie.

“The local academy has also been a good feeder for us,” Chatwood says. “We’ve added some youth and speed this year, and that’ll be beneficial because it gives us the extra threat of being able to steal bases.”

Home games this season will once again be split between Gulls Field in Sylvan Lake and Great Chief Park in Red Deer.

Tickets remain free, with the exception of the team’s annual tournament, taking place July 19-21. More details are to be announced.

A full league schedule is here.

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