By Dan Marshall

Mid Island Pirates preseason ends with a tournament in Kelowna

Mar 30, 2017 | 6:34 PM

NANAIMO — A wet March has made it hard to find practice time and play exhibition games for the Mid Island Pirates.
 
They’ll be in Kelowna for a three day, eight team pre-season tournament Friday through Sunday. 
 
Coach Doug Rogers is looking forward to a full slate of games and a weather forecast that includes two full days of sunshine in the Okanagan.
 
“They’re significant games with the fact that all the teams there are of premier quality. Getting games in now is the most important thing especially with the weather that we’ve been having. Four or five games does a lot at this point to hone guy’s skills and get them ready for the season,” Rogers said.
 
The Pirates have just returned from a trip to Arizona where they got into five exhibition games and went 4-1.
 
Rogers admits they are behind schedule with their on-field preparations for the BCPBL season, but almost every B.C. team will be in the same boat.
 
During the off-season the Pirates rebranded and made a concerted effort to focus on their entire catchment area and not just Nanaimo, something Rogers feels has been a huge positive.
 
“It’s been terrific, getting to know a whole new group of kids and their families. It’s recharged me for sure and the energy out there is second to none,” Rogers said.
 
After the Kelowna tournament ends the Pirates will get into a routine of practicing every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and then playing four games most weekends.
 
Rogers says it’s a major commitment, especially for first year players.
 
“That’s why this transisition between BC Minor AAA kind of baseball and the PBL is such a major step.”
 
The season opener is slated for Wednesday April 5 at 6 p.m. versus the Victoria Mariners at Serauxmen Stadium.
 
Then Mid Island will have a full ten days off before double headers in Whalley and Parksville on April 15 and 16.

dan.marshall@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @danmarshall77