Determined, confident, and skilled, the Trail Little League All Stars held their final practices on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for the B.C. Little League Major championship in Greater Vancouver July 11-20.
Coaches D.J. Ashman, Benny Spencer and Scott Rhynold put the 11-and 12-year-old ballplayers through fielding, pitching and hitting practice, to work out the lingering kinks, work on the fine details, and be game-ready when they play against the best in B.C.
"We were right in the mix last year, and with the five returning players it gives us a great opportunity to do something, and at least make it to the semis, and then go from there," said Ashman.
The team's five players saw a lot of action in the 2024 provincials, and will help calm the nerves of the first-year players as they get set for the provincial stage.
"I let them know what the competition will be like," said 12-year-old All Star catcher Kyle White from Montrose. "You got to be ready.
"The kids there have been practicing year round, they don't have a second sport, they play baseball all year round."
Ashman says pitching is one of Trail's strengths, with veteran throwers like Logan Rhynold, James Nock and Freddie Spencer leading the way.
Trail's Logan Rhynold boasts a powerful bat at the plate and speed on the base paths, but his greatest asset may be his go-to pitch - the curve ball. He says he has learned a lot from his experience at the provincials last year, and expects better results this year.
His advice for his teammates?
"Sometimes you just mess around, but you just have to tell them to focus, because they are going to see some fast pitchers for sure," said Rhynold. "We are a good team, sometimes we can be a little bit kooky, but I think we just need to focus and we can do some damage.
"We are going there to win."
Right-handed pitcher Nock has also processed the experience from the previous year, and is better prepared because of it.
"I feel like this year there is not as much stress, because you're not competing for a spot as much, but you also have to do your best and put in more work than you did last year."
The Times asked Knock what he was looking forward to most at this year's championship?
"Just having fun, and hanging out with the team, and doing good. Hopefully, we make Canadians."
The winner of the tournament will advance to the Canadian Little League championship in Victoria next month, and ultimately the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Penn.
So while the stakes are high and nerves can get frayed, the tournament is also a place to forge new friendships, enjoy the experience and have fun, win or lose.
Nelson product Freddie Spencer is another veteran who is looking forward to another chance.
The All Star shortstop and pitcher says the team's preparation has been robust, and is confident the team will make the most of its opportunity.
"We practice three times a week, we practice really hard, and I think we have a really good chance."
Ashman has coached Little League for 26 years and the All Star team since 2008, sharing his time and knowledge, and his competitive, fair and fun spirit with countless young players along the way.
The All Star's coach says the team has put in the work, and they are ready and excited to compete for the B.C. Little League title.
"I think we'll do pretty good," added White. "After last year, we are there for redemption."
The All Stars open the tournament against Beacon Hill at 3:30 p.m. on July 12, play Little Mountain at 3 p.m. July 13, Langley at noon July 15, Mount Seymour at noon July 16, Hastings at 3 p.m. July 17, and Trout Lake on July 18 at 6 p.m.
Trail Little League has won 10 B.C. titles and five Canadian Little League championships, the latest in 1990.
