The Ladysmith Cannons will head to the Mosquito AA Baseball Championships in Surrey this week after placing first in the Island Zone Baseball Championships.
The team went undefeated against four other teams to earn the title during the tournament, which was held at High Street Ball Park July 22-24.
“It was just a really good, fun tournament, everybody enjoyed it,” said coach Darren Rasmussen.
During the weekend, the Cannons won 13-5 in their game against Oceanside, 16-7 against Salt Spring and 17-10 versus Port Alberni.
They earned their last victory against Comox Valley Sunday 4-3 after being down 2-0 mid-game.
The craziest game of the tournament was between Port Alberni and Oceanside, Rasmussen said. Port Alberni was down 19-7 before tying the game.
The journey to Surrey will be a fantastic experience for the team, no matter what the outcome.
“This is really what makes these kids want to play baseball next year and makes them love the game,” Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen said the support from the community has played an essential role for all of the local teams.
“Ladysmith is a real baseball town. We’re on the upswing, for sure. It’s getting better all the time.”