Eagles at North American fastpitch world ch’ship

First game was scheduled for Wednesday night

The Summerside Chrysler Dodge Eagles have made it to Fargo, N.D., for the North American fastpitch world championship.

The Eagles will be playing in both the AA Major Division from Wednesday to Friday, and then the A Major Division from Thursday to Monday.

The team began preparing with tryouts at the Stratford Soccer Complex in February. After the tryouts attracted big crowds, a couple of cuts were made and the team was picked. The Eagles trained in the gym over the winter, and played in Maritime tournaments and doubleheaders throughout the summer to prepare for this tournament.

After fundraising, and a big help from major sponsor Summerside Chrysler Dodge, it’s finally time for the Eagles to compete on the world stage. “We’d never be here if it wasn’t for Warren and Brodie Ellis (of Summerside Chrysler Dodge),” said Murphy. “I honestly could never thank them enough to help me make this happen.”

This is the first time in six years the Eagles have attended this tournament. They finished fourth in Chicago in 2011. “The fellas are pumped, but focused on getting it done,” said Eagles pitcher Shawn Arsenault.

“We have nine guys that are willing to put it all on the line from P.E.I., and the pick-ups have bought into that as well,” said Murphy.

The Eagles picked up former junior men’s national team player Brett Young and Taymouth Tiger slugger David Brewer from New Brunswick, along with Kelly Freed from Colorado to help throw. “(It’s) gonna be a fun week with this crew, and can’t wait to get started,” said Murphy.

The Eagles were scheduled to open play Wednesday night.