The Sask Five U18 AAA Giants are excited to playing ball after league play was reinstated as part of Step 1 of the provincial government’s “re-opening road map.”
The Giants play in the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League (SPBL) and according to Sask Five head coach Jason Ryden, the league expects each team to play 32 games.
The SPBL didn’t waste any time and was able to put a schedule in a quick turn around time as the season started on May 30, which waswhen some of the restrictions for outdoor sports were lifted.
For the Giants’ inaugural year last season, they played all home games in Saskatoon, but now they get to play home games at Mocon Baseball Diamonds in Martensville.
“We’re excited about that. It was nice to play on the fields in Saskatoon but I think this is going to be a pretty nice field … as they did some work on it last year,” said Ryden.
Ryden said it was a rush to make things happen and get everything ready to play as early as they can, but he is glad that they are back to playing baseball, since they have been practicing as a team for quite some time.
Ryden thought league play would have been similar to the 18 game schedule last year, but with the season starting earlier than expected, it allows for more games to be played, which works out to an average of four games a week.
“This year it’s going to be compacted, 32 games in eight weeks, so we’re pretty tight on time and there’s not really many weekends that you’re going to have off,” he said.
Even though some restrictions have been lifted in regards to outdoor sports, there are still other COVID-19 guidelines that have to be followed. The guidelines will be similar to what they had to follow last year, such as the sanitization of equipment and other distancing restrictions.
Ryden said that it’s important follow those guidelines and protocols that are put in place.
“We have protocol that we have to follow and if we don’t follow it properly there is a risk that we could be suspended or there’s a risk that if things aren’t being taken seriously that they could shut us down as well,” he said.
This year, the Giants have a mix of returning players as well as new players. Five of the new players are rookies in the U18 division, but Ryden said they have played at the AAA level in other divisions. Even though those players have the talent to compete, there are still other aspects of the game that can be challenging.
“The distances (of the field) have changed, and the level of play has changed. Also, critical thinking comes into play a little more with play choices and your choice to make a play to have to be a little quicker,” said Ryden.
The Giants have a smaller roster compared to other teams, but according to Ryden, that means more opportunities for everyone on the team to get plenty of playing time.
“There will be enough opportunity for them to be on the field to develop. Sometimes when you get too high in numbers you don’t get enough reps on the field and the opportunity to showcase yourself,” he said.
Last year, only teams within the respective north and south divisions played each other, but this year there will be some interdivisional play.
The Giants will play eight doubleheaders against teams from the south for a total of 16 games. Four of those double-headers will be at home while the other four will be on the road.
Overall, Ryden believes that the team has the talent to be successful this season.
Other teams within the Sask Five Baseball Association have also began their respective league seasons.