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*Roster and game recording posted at bottom of article
Victoria, BC — On Tuesday July 16th, the South Island Baseball League (SIBL) All-Stars took to the field on a sun-soaked evening at Wilson Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park for a thrilling exhibition game against the Victoria HarbourCats of the West Coast League (WCL). The game was a celebration of baseball, camaraderie, and community, drawing a crowd of approximately 2,500 fans eager to witness a showdown between local talent and some of the top university level players across North America. Though the SIBL All-Stars fell to the HarbourCats 7-1, the night was filled with memorable moments that left the crowd cheering and the players beaming with pride.
From the first pitch, it was clear that the SIBL All-Stars, a squad made up of former college and university athletes, were ready to embrace the challenge. Despite being seen as the underdogs against a team with professional aspirations, and many players who were drafted in this year's MLB Draft days ago, the SIBL All-Stars showcased their skill, determination, and the true spirit of the game. SIBL's manager, Scott Thompson was left in awe of their opponent upon sharing the field.
"At the field level, the HarbourCats are elite athletes. The speed of the pitch [and defense] is humbling. They are definitely prospects for professional baseball." -- Scott Thompson, SIBL Manager (Red Sox)
The HarbourCats quickly asserted themselves, taking an early lead on a throwing error on a stolen base attempt. By the end of the game, the scoreboard read 7-1 in favor of the HarbourCats. However, the massive scoreboard in left-centre field did not tell the full story of a game that was full of intense moments and dazzling plays.
One of the standout performances came from Dylan Anderson of the White Sox, whose two diving catches in left field were nothing short of spectacular. Anderson's acrobatic grabs not only prevented extra bases but also pumped up the crowd, demonstrating that the SIBL All-Stars were not to be underestimated.
"The game was an amazing experience to play in front of 2500 people. The roar of the crowd when making a play was something I'll never forget. Without [the HarbourCats and the SIBL], none of this would be possible. I'm glad I was able to make some plays and show the talent the SIBL has to offer." -- Dylan Anderson, Outfielder (White Sox)
Zack Senay, from the Royals, provided another highlight for the All-Stars with his bat. Senay went 2-for-2 at the plate with 2 hard hit singles and a run scored, showing that the SIBL could hold their own against the HarbourCats.
"I am so grateful to have had my friends and family come watch the game. It's always a little extra motivation to play your best, so to have some good at-bats against the HarbourCats was amazing! ... I think we were able to show that there's some really talented ball players in the SIBL!" -- Zack Senay, Outfielder (Royals)
On the defensive front, RJ Forbes of the Pirates displayed his skill at third base with a defensive gem that left spectators applauding. Forbes made a stunning play by diving to snare a line drive while Jamie Roberts was able to complete the play at first base to keep the HarbourCats’ offense in check for a crucial inning.
Meanwhile, Shane McQuade of the Reds showcased his pitching talents with a gritty inning that included two strikeouts, including one of Manny Ramirez Junior, son of former MLB superstar Manny Ramirez.
The ninth inning brought a moment of triumph for the SIBL All-Stars. With the game nearing its end and the HarbourCats on the verge of a shutout, Jalen Seto of the White Sox shattered his bat into 3 pieces on a groundball up the middle that was mishandled by the HarbourCats, allowing a run to cross the plate. The crowd erupted into cheers as the SIBL All-Stars broke through and avoided the shutout.
Though the SIBL All-Stars walked away with a loss, the night was a resounding success in terms of showcasing local baseball talent and fostering community spirit. The players were all smiles as they took the field, representing their league and demonstrating that baseball continues to be a beloved sport in Victoria.
For many of the players, this game was not just a chance to compete but an opportunity to prove themselves to a crowd they've never been in front of and see pitchers that throw harder than they have seen in the last 10 years. As the final out was recorded and the teams shook hands, the SIBL All-Stars were met with cheers and applause from the fans, affirming that their efforts had been appreciated.
"We've established ourselves as a league now more than ever, as players look for ways to continue playing the game we love. This [league] has brought in players that had long left the sport after they had thought all other options were gone after college or highschool." -- Keygan Hankins, Coach (Brewers)
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that this exhibition game was more than just a matchup between two teams; it was a celebration of baseball’s enduring appeal and the community that supports it.
The HarbourCats and the SIBL All-Stars have set the stage for an annual tradition, one that promises to grow in excitement and intensity in the years to come. With the success of this year’s game, fans and players alike are eager to see what the future holds for this unique partnership and what new heights the SIBL can reach in 2025.
The SIBL would like to thank the Victoria HarbourCats Baseball Club for the opportunity to play them at Wilson Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park.
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