Westlock Red Lions centre fielder Chris Brand will be riding the pine this summer after a knee surgery he suffered in last year’s North Central Alberta Baseball League semifinals.
The all-star fielder also took over the role of manager last year and will continue in that capacity throughout the upcoming season.
“It happened in Game 1 against Sherwood Park in the league semifinals,” Brand said as his team took to the diamond at Keller Field April 24 for their first practice of the year.
“It was actually a homerun play. I went back for a fly ball and went to play it off the wall, but it was over the fence and when I turned, she tweaked. I played the whole weekend still.
“The following week I learned that I needed ACL surgery and I got it in February so I’m recovering now.”
Despite the setback, Brand is still looking forward to guiding his team from the bench as they look to repeat the success of their 2017 NCABL championship run.
“We’re looking forward to another competitive season, we have a lot of returning players again this year, which is going to be quite helpful and we have some young guys, some new recruits coming in as well so hopefully between them and the old vets we can hopefully make a run for at least the league semifinals and go from there.”
Brand said he is also looking forward to hosting the John Golinowski Memorial Tournament May 25-26, after it was cancelled last year due to a lack of teams.
“I found enough teams, it’s just a matter of what the format is going to be.”
As per usual, the Red Lions will host the semifinal playoffs at Keller Field, regardless of whether they get to the playoffs or not, during Ag Fair weekend in August.
The Red Lions first game of the season is on the road in Morinville against the Twins May 10 before they return to their home turf May 21 against the St. Albert Cardinals.
