OTTAWA – Some of the best female baseball players from across the country are about to descend on to Sydney, Nova Scotia for the 2008 Women’s Senior Baseball Championship set to begin on Thursday, July 10 until Sunday, July 13.
This five team tournament (two from Québec, Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia) will also serve as a selection camp for the Baseball Canada Women’s National Team, which will make its way to Matsuyama, Japan for the 2008 Women’s Baseball World Cup.
“People are always surprised at the calibre of baseball that these girls can play,” says Women’s National Team Manager André Lachance.
“The girls play a lot of strategically good baseball,” add Baseball Nova Scotia Executive Director Brad Lawlor, “a lot of small-ball and a lot of smart-ball.”
Sydney, Nova Scotia is considered the birthplace of women’s baseball in the province which, according to Lawlor, should bring out some interest in the community for the tournament.
“Sydney has traditionally been a great host for baseball tournaments in the past and we expect that once people start spreading the word around town that it will bring some pretty big crowds.”
As for Lachance, he says he is looking for players that will help his team improve on their two third place showings in the previous two World Cups.
“We need to sure things up defensively and add some depth on the mound,” says Lachance. “Those are some things that cost us last time and we’re looking to improve on here.”
The girls game keeps getting stronger in Canada and for the doubters of the high calibre of women’s baseball, Lachance always has this to say.
“I always tell those who knock the women’s game to come out and see a game before they dismiss it. After the game, they usually change their mind.”
The girls selected for the Women’s National Team will be announced following the tournament.
