Richardson Pioneer Men's Fastball League adds couple teams ahead of 2018 season

The Richardson Pioneer Men’s Fastball League welcomed the Rhein Rockets, and Gordon’s to the league at their annual scheduling meeting Tuesday night.

 The two teams join the Wadena Bantam’s, Fishing Lake Cubs, Foam Lake Merchants, Wynyard Blues, Rosebud Royals, and last years Champions the Stoney Creek Braves.

Carter Kolybaba, Richardson Pioneer Director of Operations, Wadena Business Unit, said "Richardson Pioneer is happy to be returning as the title sponsor in the Richardson Pioneer Men's Fastball League. As the league has grown to eight teams, with the addition of the Rhein Rockets and Gordon's First Nations, we are pleased by the impact the league has made in communities in East Central Saskatchewan by offering a competitive fastball league for rural community members.” 

This will be the 3rd season for the league that prides itself on high participation.  In an effort to encourage more players to join the league, the rules allows all players to bat every game (until playoffs), and rules are in place to avoid (non-weather) cancellations.  Jason Bitternose of Gordon’s, said “We chose to join the league due to its reputation of no cancellations, close proximity, and 'all-players bat’ rule which all offer our young players a chance to play and develop their skills".  Darin Faubert, coach of the Wadena Bantam Boy’s team added "The Bantams play in the men's league as it helps them better prepare for Canada-wide competition.  The benefit of having more balls in play and more hits to the outfield is a huge benefit to our fielders. In addition to this, seeing faster pitching and more movement of pitches helps develop our hitting.”  

The league schedule is being finalized with intentions to start the first week in May, and wrapping up with a 8-team double knockout tournament June 29th, and 30th in Foam Lake (Weather Permitting).