Submitted by Scott Comfort

The Richardson Pioneer Men’s Fastball League welcomed the Rhein Rockets, and Gordon’s to the league at their annual scheduling meeting.

The two teams join the Wadena Bantam’s, Fishing Lake Cubs, Foam Lake Merchants, Wynyard Blues, Rosebud Royals, and last years Champions the Stoney Creek Braves.

Carter Kolybaba, Richardson Pioneer Director of Operations, Wadena Business Unit, says they are pleased to see the league grow.

"Richardson Pioneer is happy to be returning as the title sponsor in the Richardson Pioneer Men's Fastball League. As the league has grown to eight teams, with the addition of the Rhein Rockets and Gordon's First Nations, we are pleased by the impact the league has made in communities in East Central Saskatchewan by offering a competitive fastball league for rural community members.”

This will be the third season for the league that prides itself on high participation.

In an effort to encourage more players to join the league, the rules allow all players to bat every game (until playoffs), and rules are in place to avoid (non-weather) cancellations.

Jason Bitternose of Gordon’s says the league's rules were enticing.

“We chose to join the league due to its reputation of no cancelations, close proximity, and 'all-players bat’ rule which all offer our young players a chance to play and develop their skills".

The league has been seen as an additional opportunity for the Wadena Bantam team, says Darin Faubert.

"The Bantams play in the men's league as it helps them better prepare for Canada-wide competition. The benefit of having more balls in play and more hits to the outfield is a huge benefit to our fielders. In addition to this, seeing faster pitching and more movement of pitches helps develop our hitting.”

The league schedule is being finalized with intentions to start the first week in May, and wrapping up with an eight team double knockout tournament June 29-30 in Foam Lake.