After a shortened season last year due to COVID-19, the Windthorst Pirates are back in 2021.
The Pirates won their first away game 8-2 in Regina and then lost their home opener 12-3 on Sunday afternoon.
People in the community appreciated coming out to the games once again and it was nice to not have to go far to watch a ball game.
Rhett Larsen wears many hats when it comes to the Pirates, acts as a coach, manager, captain and president, although he does credit his brother and teammate Kirk for much of the help with the team.
The team lost a few veteran players but they were fortunate enough to find recruits to add to the roster this year. Landon Adelman from Balgonie, Alex Haus from Vibank, Bryant Gaetz from Montmartre, Carter Beattie of Kipling and hometown boy Rhett McCarthy joined the team this season.
"It's very rare to pick up both a pitcher and a catcher," says Larsen, who is one of the team's pitchers. "It couldn't have been better … I'm getting up there in the years and my arm can only handle so much."
Another newcomer is Grade 11 student Grady Hextall, the youngest player on the team. He's the son of veteran player Curtis Hextall, who happens to be the oldest member of the team.
Windthorst Pirates have 14 players on the team ranging in age from 17-45.
Returning Pirates also include Dave Jones, DJ Englot, Trevor Hextall, Mark Balogh, Matt Hunter and Corey Beresh. The grounds crew is Trevor Beresh.
"I think everyone is more excited now just to get out and just be socializing again," commented Larsen. "We had some guys reach out looking for a team to play with."
COVID restrictions are still in place but are limited. The traditional shaking of the hands with the opposing team following the game isn't back yet because there is still no interaction between the two teams.
"Knock on wood, but hope COVID will soon be over," says Larsen.
He added that the team has an overall positive attitude going into this year's season.
"It's always a positive attitude on the bench," says Larsen. "Being a smaller town, it's harder for us to recruit players but these guys just love playing baseball. And if we win the game it's even better."
Overall the team plays very well together but Larsen said that if there's anything the team could improve it would be "getting more hits" and "being a little more aggressive."
Larsen noted the team certainly appreciates the fans for coming out to the games and is grateful to everyone for all the support from both volunteers and fans.
"I've heard so many nice things from people, such as 'Thanks for having the team' and 'Thanks for getting those games in,'" said Larsen.
"It's going to be hard to quit the game one day," he added. "Some people have yoga, golfing or meditation ... I have baseball. It's my thing … I love baseball that much. I can't get enough of it.
"The one thing I look forward to is getting the next generation involved in the sport."
