The Deloraine Royals are back for another season in the South West Baseball League and the group couldn't be happier to be back competing on the diamond.
"It's always exciting when this time of year rolls around," player/manager Mitch Olsen says with a smile. "The town really supports us a great deal and this year specifically, we have a lot of commitment and buy in from guys. We have 19 guys on the roster and everyone is ready to go. We've already played a handful of games and we're happy with how things are going. It's great when the weather turns and we can play ball."
As a baseball lifer, Olsen says his favourite times are getting back out, running through drills and talking ball, even if it takes a little longer to get the engines running. "As far as getting the body prepared, it doesn't get any easier when you're getting up there in age," he says with a laugh. "I mean, things start to come back slowly after a few practices. We talk strategy and things like that. During a game, as things move forward, we get sharper and little bit better. We have some ideas on how we can be successful and I think the first few games of the season we did those things well. We had one tough game but overall, we're happy and happy to be back."
This Royals team has been together for a while and the bonds are strong, something Olsen says he really appreciates. "Mainly, we're a group that has been together for a while. I would say we're on the older side now and it's crazy to think of because it doesn't feel like that long ago we were on the younger side of things, playing ball all together. We try to sprinkle in and bring along some local guys. There are a number of guys that can't do the sport forever, whether it's the body won't allow it or other things take precident. Very excited to bring in new guys and build in the 'Royals way", how we do things. We're excited to pass that on. Not passing the buck yet but slowly going through things with guys."
Olsen has always cherished the community support and this year is no different. "I've noticed in the past five years or so, there are more and more younger kids coming to games. It's awesome. We had our first home game and as soon as we shook hands and the game was over, there were 10-15 kids filter into the dugout or rip onto the field playing catch or taking batting practice. That's not something that happened back in the day. It's great these kids are coming to the game. As far as the overall community connection, we've worked hard to upgrade things, we improved the field, we put in a new fence, we just completed new dugouts, all these things that we can pass along as an appreciation for the organization. We want to leave it better than how we left it. We'll be here a bit yet, we're not passing it along yet. We're happy with the upgrades and the support from the community to do that. We had a great turnout of fans for our first game and we expect it to continue."
Growing up in baseball and as a member of the Royals, Olsen has taken time to step back and appreciate how far the guys have come together, from teens to grownups. "There are a certain number of us that have been together for maybe 20 years or even just this past decade. You see how things change, there are kids around now wanting to be a part of the team and it's so positive. To go through life with some of your best buddies, it's more than baseball. We're very grateful to the sport for providing us a chance to build friendships and memories. We love that we can share it with the community, too."
Deloraine's next game is Friday in Brandon.