Having a bantam baseball team in Ponoka is something great to see, even if the club is struggling out of the gate.
The Ponoka Rough Necks have played just three games so far this season, with the weather forcing four games to be rescheduled in the first two weeks of play.
And even though the club has lost all three contests, there continues to be an excellent turnout among the roster of 16 players, according to coach Bruce Harbin.
“It is really nice to see a bantam team back in Ponoka,” he said at the club’s first home game on May 19, which ended up in a loss to a far more experienced Bashaw team.
“We have three or four on the team that this is their first-ever time playing along with many that haven’t played very long. And we have had a really good turnout so far, so I hope that continues.”
Harbin stated the players are a good bunch that are willing to learn.
“It’s really all about the kids having fun and getting a chance to play all of the positions,” he said.
“We are making due with what we have, but it’s simply just about getting out there and having some fun playing.”
Pinch hits — Ponoka Minor Ball’s biggest event of the season is coming up this weekend, as the association plays host to its annual minor softball tournament from May 26 to 28. From the youngest mites division to the bantam girls, games will be taking place (weather-permitting) at the diamonds off 50 Street and 59 Avenue as well as the two diamonds on the west side of the Culture and Recreation Complex.