The boys of summer are back with some familiar faces on the field and a new one managing from the bench.
After 10 successful seasons at the helm of the Howe Sound Cannons, manager David Jones has decided to take a leave of absence for the year from his managing duties to focus on playing a mean left field.
Jones and the rest of the Cannons return to Laroy Watt Field for another season of North Shore Men’s Baseball Association (NSMBA) action starting on May 3.
To attempt to replace Jones, the Cannons announced the hiring of utilityman Alex Wishy as interim manager.
“It’s a dream come true,” Wishy said, admitting that there will be some nerves on opening day. “My dome will be rattled leading up to the first pitch at Laroy Watt Stadium.”
The Cannons offence will again be led by 10-time first team NSMBA all-stars Troy Morphy and Justin “Big Daddy” Kraz. On the mound, the pitching staff has lost two-thirds of its starting rotation and will rely heavily on veteran workhorse Jeremy Galley.
It was a busy off-season for the rookie manager trying to fill the holes in pitching staff through Squamish free agency. The team has signed lefty specialist Dougy Gardner and closer big Blue Smilo to shore up the bullpen.
For the first time in club history, the Cannons will open the season with a doubleheader on May 3 against the expansion Cardinals. Games at noon and 2:30 p.m.
Other home dates this year are: June 7 and 14 and July 19 and 26. The July 26 game will be the Cannons’ second annual fan appreciation day, when they welcome the reigning NSMBA champion Reds to Squamish.
All home dates for 2014 are doubleheaders starting at noon. For more information on the team, visit www.ballcharts.com/hscannons.
