The Cambrian Mazda Midget Black Sox will step up their spring training efforts with a trio of games against the Thunder Bay Slam at Sinclair Yards.
The Black Sox, the Soo Minor Baseball Association's rep team for players 19 years and under, are preparing for a busy summer of baseball that includes play in two leagues and the provincial championships.
Game times in the exhibition series against the Slam, a talented team with a pair of major league prospects, are Saturday at 6 p.m. and a double header Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. at Sinclair Yards, on Black Road.
The Black Sox are entering their second year of play in the Great Lakes Baseball League, operating out of Michigan, and continue their play in the Northern Elite League, made up of Northern Ontario teams.
Head coach Mike Lebel feels that his club, which is 1-3 in exhibition play this year, will improve on their 18-26 record from a year ago.
"So far we've been coming along fine," said Lebel. " We have a lot of pitching candidates, we feel our outfield is strong and our infield is the final area we're looking to tidy up. The early signs are that this will be a stronger club than last year."
Returning players include catcher Andre Robidoux, offensive leader Dan O'Connor, an infielder who hit .344 last season with four homeruns and 30 runs batted in, outfielders Adam Carricato and Rick Mills, infielders Todd Matejka, Tyler Rooley, Josh Sloan and Vince Scornaienchi along with pitcher Kai Tuomi.
The Sox will also rely on incomers David Dadalt, a graduate from the bantam selects, and a trio of pitchers making the jump from house league in Ryan Cote, Steve Ayotte and Steve Christian.
The Black Sox season will cumulate with the Ontario Baseball Association Junior B championships at Sinclair Yards Aug. 15-17.
*** SENIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE: The SMBA is holding a meeting concerning the formation a new baseball league for adults ages 22 and over tonight at 7 p.m. at Sinclair Yards. Interested players are urged to attend in order to continue plans to begin play this season.