MSBL holds semi-annual meeting; regular season to begin May 30

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MSBL holds semi-annual meeting; regular season to begin May 30

Details: Published on Thursday, April 17, 2014

By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

The Manitoba Senior Baseball League has decided to begin its regular season a little later than in years past.

After a semi-annual meeting held on Monday, April 14, league executives opted to begin this year's regular season on May 30, which is approximately 6-10 days later than normal. MSBL president Neil Franklin says weather played a big part in the decision for the schedule change.

The regular season will once again consist of a 20-game schedule for each of the five member clubs. Meanwhile, the league will be hosting an all-star game, which is expected to take place in July. This will be the third time an MSBL all-star squad will take on the best the Winnipeg Senior Baseball League has to offer.

Franklin also noted that the league now has a two-year agreement in place with Baseball Manitoba's umpire committee. This means all league games will be officiated by Manitoba Baseball Association umpires.

"It benefits us because we think we're getting the best umpiring that we can for that league," he said. "We're excited about it."

Franklin says all five teams – the Neepawa Farmers, Oak River Dodgers, Reston Rockets, Brandon Cloverleafs and Brandon Marlins – let it be known at the meeting that they were all in decent shape and are looking forward to the season to begin.

"Every team looks to have some imports and Oak River looks to be young, which is great. That's what keeps things going in this league," he said.

Other news and notes from the league meeting . . .

- The league is looking to have a few more doubleheader games this year (two games in one location on one day).

- It doesn't look like the MSBL clubs will have any exhibition contests with the Manitoba Youth Team this season.

- The league has agreed to pursue a bid to host the 2016 Baseball Canada senior national baseball championship. The MSBL bid on the 2015 event, however the championship ended up being awarded to Chatham, N.B.