A Fight for Fire

a few holes to fill

The 2005 season ended unceremoniously with coach Dan Coates (pictured) raking the field at Moody park after being eliminated by Van City in the Premier league semi-finals.

"I just don't know" said Coates, "when we needed them most, they just bailed - no phone call, nothing."

Coates is facing a familiar dilemna at the Sr "B" level. Teams are having increasing difficulty keeping their "star players" happy.

According to shortstop Kim Dirks, the Firefighters problems started when they were quickly eliminated from the provincial "B" tournament last season. "Guys just seemed to lose interest" said Dirks.

The Firefighter's experience in the 2005 season was one of the reasons why the Premier league decided to wrap up the season earlier this year, finishing the playoffs prior to the provincial "B" tournament.

Although they're losing pitcher Jon Nimmo, third baseman Derrick Milley, and outfielder Jason Wright - they're picking up three young guys, one of whom is Craig Park.

"We're back in the thick of things" said Coates.

Park has recently moved from the Island to Poco. "He's a heck of a ballplayer, and he can also pitch" noted Coates.

With pitchers Craig Pidcock and Mike Egerdeen both returning, the club looks to have as good a staff as anyone in the league. The big hole to fill will behind the plate, Bernie Neufeld will return but his work committments take him out of town frequently.

So goes the battle - the fight for fire is a long one for coach Dan Coates.