The boys of summer are back on the field in Abbotsford.
Abbotsford Angels Hardball Association returned to the diamond late last month with members of all ages, and regular season action is underway locally.
One of the biggest draws locally is the Bantam AAA 15U Angels, who had a season to remember last year.
The team is coming off an impressive 2015 campaign, in which the boys captured the BC Baseball Elimination Tournament, earning the privilege of representing the province in the Game Day USA 15U National Championships in Milwaukee. The team earned a silver medal at the event, going unbeaten until the final. The club was also named BC Baseball’s team of the year in 2015.
The core of this year’s Bantam AAA roster have played together since they were eight years old and have won three provincial championships, two in the Mosquito Division, and another provincial gold in 2014 in the 13U Peewee AAA division. That year, the team won silver at the Canadian National Championships in Ontario.
The Bantam AAA Angels play all their home games at Townline Park in west Abbotsford. The Bantam club also has a poker fundraiser on May 14 at the Abbotsford Rugby Club. The event is for new and experienced players, with proceeds going to help support the Angels during this season.
Another local who received provincial accolades last year was BC Baseball’s 2015 13U Player of the Year Carlin Dick, who had a strong year on the mound and at the plate, and was named a member of the Team BC Selects, and was picked to play in the Westerns and Nationals.
Also in May is the MLB Pitch Hit and Run event. All Abbotsford baseball players from age seven to 14 can participate, which sees competitors throw strikes at a designated target, hit from a batting tee for distance and accuracy, and sprint from second base to home plate for time.
The best combined scores from the event move on, with the best players advancing to the MLB all-star game later this summer to compete there. The Abbotsford event occurs on May 15 at Grant Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information on the AAHA, visit abbotsfordbaseball.com.
