by PAUL RAYNER

Some key veteran additions should balance out a younger squad, and a significant rule change, to help the Boissevain Centennials have a strong, competitive season in 2007.

According to Centennials manager Jason Billaney, they have already had a few practices and are getting ready first for an exhibition match or two before league play starts on May 23 with a home game against Wawanesa. On the cusp of the season, one significant fact about the team makes the manager quite happy.

“We are strictly local this year,” Billaney stated. “There is only one player who has not played at least part of their minor ball in Boissevain. I think this is great.”

The one player who did not play his formative diamond years in town is Bob Birch, who does live and teach in the community.

Billaney is also pleased with a few new additions this year. Three local competitive baseball veterans are coming back to town to play this season. One is Billaney’s brother Corey, who will also help with the coaching, Ryan Albrecht and Junior Brake. He feels they will make strong contributions.

“We’ve got a bit of a learning curve, with young guys. But these guys will look good in the batting order, and I think they make us balanced enough between the younger players and more experienced players to be competitive.”

They have also added a couple of young arms in Adam Pugh and Tyler Wood. They did appear last year, both pitching complete games in a tournament. They are added to a pitching staff that includes Curtis Gordon, Dustin Pugh, Carson Dyck and Brake.

“Dustin logged a lot of innings last year,” Billaney explained. “With Adam and Tyler to help out, it will help stabilize the pitching staff.”

As usual with senior teams, pitchers will also help in other positions on the field when not on the mound. The rest of the squad includes AJ Armstrong, Derek Kempthorne, Matt Pugh, Brad Reimer, Kent Campbell, Travis Dales, Josh Dueck and Landon White.

Billaney himself will be stepping off of the field this year, concentrating on managerial duties.

“I felt with the young kids and the three veterans we added, I could be strictly manager. I have a lot of games under my belt and we want to try to keep the younger kids involved, and help keep them around longer. I also think if you have the younger guys playing now, it will give the kids in minor ball something to strive for.”

The need for some veterans shows up in one of the league rule changes. Due to the rules for provincials in the province, this year when the Cents swing the lumber, they will literally swing the lumber. The move to wood bats as opposed to the aluminum has many implications. The first is cost. Wood bats break and have to be replaced. This could become a significant expense.

Also, as Billaney stated, it changes the game.

“You will not see the long doubles,” he explained, “the home runs. Corey and Ryan are familiar with this; they played in a wood bat league. They are all trained to play small ball, more bunting and hit and running. My brother wants more running with the wood bats. You have to manufacture runs a little more.”

As most of the players have grown up with the aluminum, it will be a bit of an adjustment. However, it will be the same with all of the teams – Hamiota, Hartney, Souris, Deloraine, Lyleton and Wawanesa. The Centennials were never a major sluggers' team, so perhaps it will help even the score somewhat. As well, what one takes away from the hitters, one simply gives to the pitching staff.

“For sure it will be a learning curve with all of the young guys, who used aluminum bats all their lives. But the guys who are familiar will help, they know how to hit with wood and they will help the middle of the lineup because of it.”

Two teams, Reston and Virden have dropped out of the league, leaving it a seven-squad loop. It is a 12 game season, with a home and home game between each team. The season ends in the middle of July, with the top six teams making the playoffs and each round a best of five.

The Cents missed the playoffs last year, but Billaney feels the addition of veterans and more pitching depth will give them the little extra this season.

“A couple of more arms to give the others a rest, and some experience to keep the younger players grounded will help. I think we are confident about what we can do.”

As well, they are raring to go.

“Yeah, we can’t wait,” Billaney stated. “Everybody is excited and ready to go.”