The Nanaimo Pirates are deciding on a starting lineup. So exhibition games against an Island rival should help determine guys’ compete level, at least.
The Hub City Paving Pirates take on the Victoria Mariners on Friday (March 29) in B.C. Premier Baseball League pre-season action. The premier Pirates have already gotten in six spring training games, winning four of them.
“We’re taking a good look at a lot of new guys at different spots so we need these games to evaluate,” said Doug Rogers, Pirates manager.
It’s a different experience for the skipper, as he’s mostly worked with the same group of youths over the last decade, but now some others are starting to age up to the premier level.
“Now I’ve got a bunch of new kids coming in that I’ve never coached before, which is quite a bit of fun,” he said. “We get to see a new perspective, learn different personalities and teach Pirate baseball.”
One attribute of Pirate baseball is strong games against the Victoria Mariners, contenders every year in the BCPBL.
“We want to send a message right away that we’re here to play and we’re not going to be knocked off in our own ballpark,” Rogers said.
GAME ON … Friday’s games are at noon and 2:30 p.m. at Serauxmen Stadium. Admission is free.
