THE 2020/21 Riverland Baseball League (RBL) season officially gets under way this Friday night.
The competition will have a new look this year due to less teams, however RBL officials are confident for a big season of action.
RBL life member Peter Perry will throw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the opening round of matches at Glassey Park this Friday night.
RBL president Brendan Markwick said he is looking forward to getting a new season under way.
“The 2020/2021 season has presented many challenges in the off season due to COVID, but the season itself is shaping up as one of the most evenly matched and competitive seasons in a long time,” he said.
“Both Berri and Renmark have two teams competing in the A grade.
“Unfortunately, Waikerie aren’t submitting a senior team this season but hopefully it won’t be long before we see the Black Sox playing baseball again.
“The biggest question this year will be is Renmark able to go back-to-back or will Berri bounce back after last year’s A grade grand final loss?”
Markwick said he is excited by the growth of junior baseball in the Riverland.
“The junior competition continues to grow in leaps and bounds as well with strong numbers,” he said.
“We have a T-ball and coach pitch competition on Saturday mornings, which run until Christmas.
“We’ve continued to see huge development in the skills of the kids over the last couple of years, which makes the future of the Riverland Baseball League look bright.
“I encourage anyone with kids who might be interested in playing to get in touch with their local club through Facebook.”
Berri A grade coach Roland Beviss is hoping his side can avenge last season’s disappointment after losing the grand final series to Renmark.
“We are looking forward to the challenges of the upcoming season and will try going one step further than last season,” he said.
“We’ve been working hard and have teams that are really well balanced with experience, up and coming players as well as some new players.
“Lookout for strong seasons from both Jamie and Jesse Frazer. A player to watch is Cole Hawker, who has put in a lot of hard work in the off season.
“One of our major focuses this year is the development of the T-ball and coach pitch kids as they are the future of baseball and the future of our club and the league.”
President of the Renmark Angels Softball and Baseball Club Jill Lawton believes her club’s two teams will be pushing for another premiership this season.
“Although we have lost a few experienced players from last season, we still have a couple of very competitive teams,” she said.
“There is a core group of players who continue to improve and will hopefully be able to push towards a second premiership in as many seasons.
“We know that Berri will be trying their best to stop that but we are looking forward to the challenge out on the diamond.
“Rahmen Martinez and Colby Lawton are two young players to keep an eye on after big efforts last season. It’s also very pleasing to see our junior competition grow.”