Bulls set to open season

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on May 26, 2022.

Herald photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Bulls Kyle Turner hits some balls during batting practice at Spitz Stadium on Wednesday.

The Lethbridge Bulls took to the field for practice on Wednesday in preparation for the first pitch of the 2022 Western Canadian Baseball League season tonight at Spitz Stadium against the Sylvan Lake Gulls.
Pitcher Max Benton is a returning player from the team’s championship season in 2021.
“Really excited, good group of guys, got to meet them yesterday and looking forward to getting going here — should be a good season,” said Benton.
Benton hopes to carry over the same expectations from 2021 into this season.
“We won it last year and should be no other thought than this year to defend the title and gold standard,” said Benton.
When asked about getting off to good start this weekend, Benton said, “It’s probably the biggest series in my opinion É one of the top teams coming into this year with the high expectations.”
“So to start it off right with a series win would be huge .”
Catcher Roger Riley is playing on the team for the first time since 2019 and is excited to be back in town after quarantine and COVID prevented him from being with the club last season.
“Now I’m finally able to come back and I’m looking forward to a great season with a great team and a great environment,” said the Henderson, Nev. native.
Riley is eager to contribute in way he can help defend the Bulls championship title.
“I think it’s the most important part — especially here in Lethbridge — is having the fans out here to support us ,” said Riley.
“They give us the energy; they give us the confidence. So I’m really stoked to get back out in front of this crowd.”
Chance Wheatley is returning as Bulls head coach and the feeling around the team is excitement for the 2022 season.
“You know getting all the guys together, we’re here tomorrow, so it’s exciting,” said Wheatley.
Wheatley thinks it’s about going out and playing hard every day when it comes to a strategy for this season.
“And keeping guys healthy is the big thing (and) trying to get guys days off when they need,” he said.
Wheatley said a lot of guys had a really good years at college.
“I think we’ll be a pretty deep team offensively and hopefully we can pitch it enough to stay in games,” said Wheatley.
First pitch goes tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Spitz Stadium.
Games 2 and 3 in the series go on Friday and Saturday respectively at 7:05 p.m. also at Spitz.