The Swift Current 57's are excited about the opportunity for five of their players to represent the East Division at next weekend's WCBL All-Star game.
"I'm pretty excited to see those guys playing the big stage," said 57's Head Coach Ruddy Estrella. "When it comes to playing in Okotoks in front of the fans and just displaying the talent and the knowledge they have about the game in front of those people. I think it's pretty exciting."
Infielder Wilmer Henriquez will be bringing his power to the home run derby.
"He's been showcasing what he has," Estrella said. "He's the guy that I can't wait to see showcase his power on that Home Run Derby."
Henriquez is tied for 2nd in the WCBL with 8 home runs on the season.
57's catcher Luis Ayala is getting an opportunity to start the game behind the plate.
"He brings the knowledge," Estrella said. "As a catcher, you want to be a smart guy, and then leadership as a senior guy that's looking for a D1 right now. See if he could get a chance. It's exciting to see him on that stage and with his knowledge."
Ayala has a team-leading .345 average with 2 home runs, 17 runs scored, and 11 RBI.
Outfielder Sials Hilton also made the squad with his .306 average.
"He brings speeds and also a lot of coverage on the outfield," Estrella said. "He's a good bunter too. When it comes to speed and stealing bases, he'll be a great addition if they need him for pitch running or even the big hit, because he's kind of been showing a little bit of power lately too."
Two 57's pitchers made the roster as well. Adam Korte has been their top pitcher for most of the summer.
"He's a great guy (and) he knows how to pitch," Estrella said. "I think he'll be a great guy to have out of the pen for the East All Stars this year, and he'll give us a shot at least to go out there and compete."
Korte is tied for 2nd in the WCBL in innings pitched and is 11th in the league in strikeouts with 29.
Reliever Brody Bornstein also made the team. He has struck out 21 batters in 12 appearances this season.
"Tough to hit a pitcher when he throws on an angle," Estrella said. "Just the way he comes out and competes and shoves it right down the middle. Has a nasty slider."
The game is set for July 19th in Okotoks.
Swift Current has had a bit of a light schedule this week, with days off on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, and a cancelled game on Thursday.
The 57's have a tough schedule this weekend with a game in Medicine Hat tonight before they head to Saskatoon on Saturday and Sunday.
They enter these games with top teams after a big win a week ago against the West Division-leading Okotoks Dawgs.
"It was a pretty good win against Okotoks," Estrella said. "Kind of build momentum, especially when you can beat the top number one team on the West. This weekend just got to keep our minds right. Control what we can control, right? We have to kind of go out and hunt it. Got to be dogs out there. I know the talent is there. It's just a matter of us putting it all together and executing the plays and making the plays behind our starting pitcher."
The 57's are finally back home to host Lethbridge on Monday night at Mitchell Field.