City team hosts little league tourney

They answer to many names. Some catchy. Others less so. So. … Best teens south of the river. District 8 Hosts. Cardinals. But the most preferable name, by far?

Team bound for the World Series in Easley, S. C.

But to earn that lofty title, to wear that honour, the Calgarians need to prevail in this week’s Canadian Big League Baseball Championship.

Helping matters? The Cardinals enjoy home- field advantage, with the seven- team event being staged at Foothills Stadium.

“Certainly, fan support always helps,” Cards manager Kim Beloglowka said. “And the fact we don’t have to travel, so we’re sleeping and eating at home. Maybe there’s some perceived advantages there.

“But we also know that there’s some pretty strong teams coming to this tournament. We’re going to have our work cut out for us.”

Their mission begins Friday night — after the opening ceremonies, featuring Chris Reitsma throwing out the opening pitch — against the Regina- based representatives from the Prairies.

The Cards haven’t decided upon a starting pitcher yet.

“Our guys are really excited to host the Canadian championship … and because the level of baseball is that much higher than the regular season,” Beloglowka said. “Then, on top of that, to be able to compete for the opportunity to play in

Certainly, fan support always helps, And the fact we don’t have to travel, so we’re sleeping and eating at home.

the World Series — that prospect is pretty exciting.”

Operating under the Little League umbrella, the Big League consists of players aged 15 to 18.

As a result of last weekend’s divisionals, Lethbridge will represent Alberta. Other entries include Ontario, Quebec, B. C. and the Atlantic.

The Cards, as hosts, got the free pass.

Also working in their favour is experience.

A year ago, the Cards prevailed in the provincial playoffs in Lethbridge, punching their tickets for the nationals in Thunder Bay, Ont.

“Having that under our belt, we know what to expect,” Beloglowka said. “Obviously, there were some big leanings that came out of that. We were able to compete against most of the teams. Coming out of it, what we discovered was that each of the teams had built their rosters … MLB style. Really, it came down to the pitching. We didn’t have the depth that we needed. In Little League, you’re dealing with maximum pitch counts … so you need to be able to go a little deeper on your pitching roster. And we just didn’t have that last year.

“We’re hoping that the roster we have this year has a little more of that pitching depth you need.”

According to Beloglowka, eight of his 15 players gained that understanding.

Now, through this weeklong event, they’ll become even wiser.

“But you can’t take anything for granted based on how many returning players a team has. ( The teams are) all going to be strong in their own right.

“Last year, we didn’t have what it takes. I’d like to believe our team is stronger this year. We do know that it’s going to be very stiff competition.”

The championship game is set for July 25.