Baseball is back, and the Canora Supers are expecting a season filled with success.
The 2019 version of the Supers looks to be in the mix for a Southeast Senior Baseball League title, said Greg Andreychuk, player/manager, who has been playing for the Supers since 1999 and added managing duties in 2011.
Andreychuk said a big acquisition for the upcoming season will be Kody Rock of Canora, the 2016 WMBL (Western Major Baseball League) Top Pitcher, who played in the Milwaukee Brewers farm system and spent some time in another professional baseball league in the USA.
“Rock will not only bring his repertoire of pitches to the table, but a lethal bat and great defensive ability on the left side of the infield,” said Andreychuk. “He will bat in the heart of the order where he is expected to deliver the goods as a run producer.”
Kholton Shewchuk of Rama returns as an important cog in the lineup.
“He will also be counted on to log some innings on the mound and drive runs in from the middle of the order. He will also solidify the infield defense,” said Andreychuk.
Derek Palagian of Sturgis will be back for his 16th season with the Supers.
“He will be a regular in the pitching rotation and patrol left field,” said Andreychuk. “He has swung the bat well for several years and will be looked upon for more production.”
Other members of the pitching staff will be: Dylan Toffan of Canora and Colby Parachoniak, Logan Parachoniak, Adam Korb, Darcy Blommaert and Terry Cumming of Yorkton.
Andreychuk said one of his biggest challenges as manager will be finding enough innings for all the pitchers to pitch regularly during the 14 game regular season.
“If everyone can pitch to their capabilities than this should be the deepest staff in the league,” he predicted. “Blommaert and Cumming will also log some innings with the Parkland Padres, while Palagian will see extra appearances with the Yorkton Orioles.”
Andreychuk expects the Supers to send out one of the most dangerous batting orders in the league when all team members are available.
“Travis Mentanko of Canora has been the Supers most dangerous hitter for the past five seasons. Although he will make limited appearances, he should still be one of the most respected hitters in the league,” said Andreychuk. “Phil Sobkow of Calder will be another big bat in the middle of the order. He is also a respected hitter throughout the league but will not be available much until seeding is complete.”
Returning for his second year with the Supers is Ian Quewezance of Kamsack.
“His rookie season was nothing short of stellar, as he hit very well and played excellent defence at shortstop. He will be counted on for much of the same this season,” said Andreychuk.
Sean Kolodziejski of Canora will be back to hit in the leadoff spot.
“He gets on base often and is a threat to steal a bag or two. He stepped up as the catcher last year and looks to spend some more time behind the dish in the coming season,” said Andreychuk.
Logan Parachoniak is expected to spend most of his time at second base when he is not pitching. “His bat has been very potent for the past few seasons and there are no signs of any letup,” said Andreychuk.
In the outfield, Andreychuk expects to vie for playing time with Derek Palagian, Evan Rostotski of Norquay, Jorden Cherewyk of Yorkton via Norquay and Brogan Legebokoff of Yorkton.
Andreychuk said Jordan Evans and Tanner Melnychuk of Yorkton are new members of the Supers this season.
“Evans will be able to play almost anywhere and appears to have a solid left handed bat. He spent a couple seasons playing for the Parkland Expos Midget AAA team,” reported Andreychuk. “Melnychuk will play some corner infield while adding some much needed youth and commitment to the team.”
The 14 game regular season began for the Supers on May 10 in Yorkton vs the Orioles.
The home opener will be Thursday, May 16 vs the Willowbrook Royals.
Playoffs will begin approximately July 8 and end by late July or early August depending on how far the team goes. Andreychuk said the Supers look forward to “seeing everyone at the park for what promises to be an exciting season.”
