The first action of the summer for the Lakeland Baseball League fired up on Thursday when the season opener took place at the Jaycee ballpark in St. Paul. The hometown Cubs faced off against the Cold Lake Cardinals in a closely matched battle but came out on top 6-5, showing fans what they have to look forward to all season long.
During the first five innings the Cardinals seemed to have complete control of the game, keeping the Cubs off of the scoreboard and gaining five runs on seven hits and seven walks.
Luckily for Cubs fans, things started to look up at the bottom of the sixth, when the Cubs scored six runs on one hit and five walks to come from behind and secure the win.
Player of the game was awarded to Chris Looy of the St. Paul Cubs and to Matt Brown of the Cold Lake Cardinals.
A pastime enjoyed by young and old alike helps to make baseball a favorite summer outing for many families in the Lakeland area. This was the inspiration behind the Lakeland Baseball League, when they created a competitive men’s senior baseball division to help bring back popularity to the sport in the Lakeland area.
“Baseball has been on the down low in St. Paul, and when I was a kid it was huge in this town,” said Corey deMoissac, president of the Lakeland Baseball League. “I thought I should start a senior league to show kids they have something to look forward to.”
The league, which has now been in operation for three years, consists of four teams from the local area: the St. Paul Cubs, Cold Lake Cardinals, Goodfish Braves, and Lac La Biche Dodgers. The teams are set to play an eight game schedule, followed by a best-of-three playoff format, which will be taking place in August.
“Senior ball is not a slow game,” said deMoissac. “The pitchers throw strikes and the guys can hit the ball.” The Lakeland Baseball League is a men’s league for players over the age of 20 and most having some previous baseball experience.
It’s a great way to get out and get physically active and a great way to inspire the youth of the communities to do the same, said deMoissac, who has been involved with the sport of baseball for the majority of his life as a player and as a coach.
As well as being an inspiration to younger generations and showing them a great way to stay active throughout their lives the Lakeland Baseball League hopes to increase the general popularity of the sport.
“Baseball was really big here in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s,” said deMoissac. “So we have a lot of older people who like to come out and watch.”
The league has been hosting a tournament in St. Paul for the past three years and are very pleased with the fan turnout they have had so far.
“The stands at the Jaycee ballpark were full each year,” said deMoissac. “I think it is a really good outing for families as well.” The tournament will take place August 19-21 this year.
“It’s a pretty athletic sport and it’s good for the whole family to come out and watch,” said Clarence Anderson, a fan and supporter of the St. Paul Cubs. “It’s nice to see more people coming out to support the team.”
Anderson has been following the Cubs since the Lakeland Baseball League started up and has two sons playing for the team. Seeing his sons hit home runs, Anderson said, is the highlight of watching the team play and has been out supporting his sons in many sports since he can remember.
“It’s good for youth to be out in the community, to be active and involved in things,” said Anderson. “Baseball is just a good night out with the family, it’s great to see all the young kids out in the community interacting with each other.”
The Lakeland Baseball League hopes to see the continued support from all ages of the surrounding communities as they embark on their third competitive season.
The next game of the season will take place on June 7th with the Goodfish Braves defending their home turf against the Lac La Biche Dodgers.
