By Tara Murray
North Western Titans are setting the bar higher this season in Baseball Victoria Summer League division 3.
Titans men’s coach Danny Haymes said the club was ready to build on last season.
He said last year, their first in division 3, was a bit of an unknown, but now they were prepared for the challenges that they would face.
“This year there’s only six teams, so it will be a tough competition,” he said.
“We’ve got an import for the first time, while we’ve picked up a handful of players who have played in the past.
“We struggled for depth last year and wanted to pick up more players. We are looking stronger than last season.”
The big signing for the Titans is that of Canadian Ben Trudel, who comes to the club after playing in China the past three years.
Haymes said getting in someone like Trudel would not only help on the field, but also off it.
Several others teams in the division already have imports.
“He’s a left-handed pitcher who can also play outfield,” Haymes said.
“We’re slowly bringing some experience into the program. He’ll help out with our pitching program and the conditioning of players.
“He brings interest to the club and someone for the kids to look up to.”
Haymes said with more depth this season, and a better run with injuries, they were hoping to play finals.
“Last year we would lose one innings and it would kill us,” he said. “We should be able to cut that one poor innings out. We should be challenging to play finals.
“Overall, the club is thriving.”
The Titans have gone from two senior teams to four, including a women’s side and from one junior team to two.
Haymes said anyone who wanted to play was welcome to come down to the club. He said they were still keen to get a few more players for the women’s team.
“The club is growing rapidly and has been encouraged by the league and the council.
“We’re looking forward to the season starting.”
The Titans season got under way on Sunday against Chelsea Dolphins.
Anyone interested in playing can contact Danny on 0413 092 732.
