Three Richmond men's fastpitch teams will be heading to Softball City at the end of the month to compete in the provincial tournament.
Richmond Athletics, Richmond Ray, and Steveston Canadians are part of 18 teams across the province to participate in the upcoming tournament.
Key players to look out for include Richmond Athletics' Bryan Abrey, who is currently on the Senior Men's National Team set to compete in the upcoming World Cup in New Zealand. Abrey's teammate, 18-year-old pitcher Nate Thiessen, is also one to keep an eye on, as he is contending for a spot on the U19 National Team.
Richmond Rays will be the youngest team in the tournament, with an average age of 22 years old. The athletes highlight their teamwork as the majority of their members have played together for over eight years in the Richmond Boys Fastpitch Program.
Richmond Athletics is coached by Marshall Shields and Norm Pipke coaches the Richmond Rays. Both coaches are Richmondites who have been critical to "keeping fastpitch alive in Richmond," said Matt Van Eeuwen, spokesperson for Softball City.
Meanwhile, the Steveston Canadians has deep roots in the local fastpitch community, having played in the local men's league for over 15 years. Many of their players were also from the Richmond Boys Fastpitch Program.
The Men's Fastpitch Provincials will be held at Softball City in Surrey from Aug. 26 to 28, 2022. Tickets and details of the event are available online.
