By KIRSEN LEATHERDALE, of the Weyburn Review
It's a rainy Saturday morning, and the nine players who came out for the Weyburn Beavers spring training camp are anxious to get on the field.
As the players bat around plastic balls inside the empty Sports Arena waiting for the rain to let up, head coach Red Neuberger talks enthusiastically about the upcoming season.
"There are no holes in this boat," he says. "We're going to be strong everywhere, from the catcher to the right fielder."
Neuberger is in his first year as head coach of the Beavers after acting as assistant coach for Tyson Balog last year, and coaching the Weyburn Junior Indians for the three previous years. He's got some big plans for the upcoming season.
"There are about six guys still playing ball in the U.S. that will be coming to the team, and we have some promising imports coming this year," said Neuberger.
They include a shortstop from Alabama, a catcher from Puerto Rico, and an 18-year-old left-handed pitcher from Ohio who stands 6 ft. 5 and throws in the upper 80 miles-per-hour range.
"You don't often get a left-handed pitcher who can throw that hard," Neuberger said.
Locals on the team this year include Dustin Emberley, Trevor Schmidt, Scott Giroux, and Radville's Jason Cancade and Travis Schmidt. Other players are coming from Melville, Moose Jaw, Estevan and Regina.
"The big thing is to have a solid pitching staff, and with these imports we'll be a tough team to beat," said Emberley.
Although there will be a few newcomers to the team, Emberley is familiar with the majority of the players.
"I've coached most of these guys before - they know what I expect and I know what they can do, so it works out pretty well."
One aspect of the team that will be different this year is the level of involvement the players have in the community, says Neuberger. He hopes hosting clinics, visiting schools and being involved in other Weyburn events will help his players - especially the imports - get to know the fans better.
That won't be a problem for veteran player and Weyburn native Dustin Emberley, who spent the year in Louisiana going to school and playing ball at Northwestern State. He comes home every summer to see his friends, make a little money for school the next year, and of course, play some competitive ball.
"In college, it's more serious, but you can still have a good time here," said Emberley, whose action on the field will be limited to the batter's box this season. The pitcher hurt his arm while down south, and isn't supposed to be throwing over the summer.
"This is a good bunch of guys, and it should be a fun year," he said.
The Weyburn Beavers will play their first Saskatchewan Major Baseball League game in Moose Jaw on Sunday, May 30. Their home opener is scheduled for Monday, May 31 against Melville at 7:30 p.m.
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