Monday, May 5, 2014
This offseason saw more shake-ups to the Selects' roster than any year in recent memory, and the 2014 team promises to be one of the youngest Selects squads in years.
After a solid comeback season in 2013, founding Select Glen Hall has decided to hang his cleats up and hone his golf game. His veteran presence will be sorely missed. The Selects are also sad to say goodbye to third baseman Jamie Ridley, who led the team in virtually every major offensive category in 2013, but moved to Alberta over the winter. Meanwhile, infielder Brent Furtney is taking a year off for family reasons and both Dan Clark and Mike Boshart are anticipating significantly reduced availability due to career changes.
To fill the void, the Selects recruited four promising youngsters, all of whom will make their league debuts this season. To provide backstop support for Kevin Ryrie, the team has added part-time catchers Brett Pfeifer and Darren Strickland. Pfeifer also plays for the Mitchell Mets (South Perth) and Sebringville Sting (Huron County), and should infuse some added offensive pop. Strickland plays for the New Dundee Jrs. and, at just 18, becomes the youngest Select.
In addition, the boys in green picked up Tom Allan, a versatile defender previously from the Ottawa area, and Aaron McCaw, who concluded a decorated junior career with the Wiarton Nationals in 2013. Lastly, Mike Tyler enters his first full season with the squad, having hit a sparkling 0.444 after joining the team midway through 2013.
Along with a returning core that includes pitchers Scott Clark, Chad Fink, and Shayne Riepert, the newcomers will look to help the Selects earn their ninth consecutive playoff berth. It won't be an easy road. The Kitchener Fastball League's Black Division boasts the defending champs (Diamond Jaxx), 2013 regular season champs (Jays), and 2013 'B' Champs (Razorbacks), as well as the Moonshiners, Thunder, and 37s, a hungry young team in their first KFL season.
All in all, the Selects' 16th season in the KFL is shaping up to be a good one. Check out the team's upcoming schedule or catch them in Woodstock May 17-19. The Selects have also indicated their intent to participate in the 43rd Annual Men's Invitational in Brussels, ON, from July 25 to 27. For all the latest news and updates, follow @selectsfastball on Twitter and check back regularly.