With a young and somewhat inexperienced roster this year, the St. Albert U15 AAA Cardinals are focusing on developing their game, according to their head coach, Brad Wolansky.
"Our team is composed of 15 players, 10 of which are first-year players to the 15U category. We only have four returning players from last year. So we are very young and inexperienced at this level of play this year," said Wolansky, underscoring the importance of patience and resilience in this period of growth.
The Cardinals are faced with an uphill battle, and their win-loss record reflects the growing pains they are undergoing. Currently sitting at 5-17, the team has displayed some inconsistency from game to game, which is to be expected from a group predominantly new to this level of play.
"We can be solid in one game and then struggle the next," said Wolansky, "so it has been a steep learning curve for a lot of players."
Despite these challenges, the team's chemistry remains a beacon of positivity. Wolansky describes the bonds between the boys as strong, noting that, "most of the kids train together all winter so they're familiar with each other — all of them are working hard together to help make themselves and others better."
Addressing physical challenges, the team has incorporated a specialized training program with Acumen training. The objective is to increase the players' strength, speed, and agility — aspects that have been somewhat lacking due to the increased size of the field for the new players.
"One of the biggest challenges faced by so many first-year players is the increased size of the field, which has made an impact as we are not as physically strong as the top teams," Wolansky acknowledges.
Looking forward, the team's ambitions for the rest of the season centre around continued development and learning.
"Our goal for this season is to continue to develop through practices and games and hope to be playing our best baseball towards the end of July at provincials," Wolansky said.
“We have a lot to learn over the next month and a half, and things won't be easy.”
While the young team is aware that they are going up against a very talented group of teams throughout Alberta, their commitment remains unwavering. "The kids are committed to learning and improving — and if we can be better at the end of the year than we are now, that's all we can ask for," Wolansky said.
As the summer comes into full swing, the Cardinals will travel south next weekend for back-to-back doubleheaders against the Red Deer Braves.
A comprehensive schedule and league standings can be found online.
