The South Okanagan Minor Baseball Association Tigers bantam AA team opened its season with a split.
In Vernon for a double-header April 16, the Tigers crushed the West Kelowna Diamondbacks 14-2, then lost 15-7 to Vernon. Tigers coach Aqil Samuel said the weekend went really well and it was a good way to kick things off as he saw positives.
“I was happy with the pitching and defence,” said Samuel. “We have a good core of seniors to be counted on. We showed well.”
Among the things to work on is the offence and Samuel is figuring out where players should go in the lineup. He believes the Tigers have a strong group, led by second-year players that bring more growth and maturity.
The season for bantam AA is different this year with the spring and summer seasons combined. The winner of the league playoffs will represent the Interior in provincials.
“Our goal is going to be to get to provincials,” said Samuel, who intends to have his team play a run-and-gun style.
Bantam A Tigers
Coach Allen Wilson likes the group he has. He described them as a team that will work hard and have fun. Wilson wants to see his team play aggressive and “leave it all on the field.
“Make sure you did everything you could to win,” he continued. “If they work hard, it will pay off.”
Wilson’s goal this season is to see what the players’ growth is like compared to the start.
“I’m looking forward to a great season,” he said.
Samuel, who is also the SOMBA president, said the association has 260 kids registered from tadpole to midget. He is very happy with the numbers, especially in the older age group.