The Ladysmith Peewee 49ers finished the summer baseball season in style, winning a bronze medal at the provincial championships in Surrey.
To get to the provincials, the 49ers had to play the Peewee Zones in Victoria.
Ladysmith won the first game of the round robin by mercy against Oceanside. The second game was against Campbell River, and Ladysmith came from behind late in the game to win 12-8.
The next morning, Ladysmith earned a 10-3 win over Salt Spring to advance to the provincials. That afternoon was the Island Final, and win or lose, both teams were advancing to the provincials. Port Alberni came out on top 16-6.
The provincial championships took place at Lionel Courchene Park in Surrey.
“Ladysmith started out with a squeaker of a win against the Abbotsford Angels 18-16, and the MVP of the game was Thomas Durand with a very strong pitching performance,” said coach Darren Rasmussen.
The second game of the round robin was against the Vancouver Yankees, and the 49ers won 17-3. Clayton Perry was the game’s MVP for a strong outing on the mound and his first-ever home run, according to Rasmussen.
Game three of the round robin saw the 49ers beat the Vernon Canadians 9-2. Dylan Rasmussen was the MVP of the game for a big catch in left field to start off the game and for gunning out a runner on third base from the left field corner, noted Rasmussen.
In the fourth game of the round robin, Ladysmith beat the Surrey Cardinals 16-1, and Marcus Steen was named MVP.
“Throughout the tournament, Marcus was the leadoff hitter and just found a way on base consistently throughout the weekend,” said Rasmussen.
Ladysmith finished the round robin 4-0 and ended up first in its pool.
In the crossover semifinal, the 49ers ended up playing the eventual provincial champion Port Alberni Athletics — a team Rasmussen describes as “unstoppable” — and lost 13-1. Dustin Jeanson was named MVP for his great defensive play.
The final game for third and fourth place was against Burnaby, and Ladysmith came out on top 16-9 to finish third in the province.
“The MVP for the game was Cole Broadhurst for an amazing 87-pitch performance on the mound and for a three-run homer and a grand slam to finish with seven RBIs in the game,” said Rasmussen. “The Peewee 49ers had a great summer season, with contributions from all 11 players. One notable event in the tournament was Ryan DeClark hitting a monster bomb over the fence in the final game!”
Rasmussen says the team would like to thank many groups and sponsors for their support, including Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171 Ladies Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 2101, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 2101 Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 191, Ladysmith Kinsmen, Timberwest, Canada Bread, Sportsman Pub and Bouma Meats.
“A special thanks to all the families and community for their support,” he added.