Vegreville Blue Jays Season Opener a Smashing Success

Vegreville Blue Jays Season Opener a Smashing Success

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee was all smiles as he threw out the first pitch at the inaugural Vegreville Blue Jays season opener at the Riverview Ball Diamonds on June 15.

MacPhee, who played fastball growing up and slopitch later on in life, was thrilled to be able to welcome the team which has relocated from Holden to Vegreville.

home moving forward. This is a chance for us to showcase our community to opposing players throughout the season, players who otherwise may have never considered paying Vegreville a visit. We’re also looking forward to the Blue Jays acting as representatives for our town when they’re playing in other communities throughout the season,” stated MacPhee.

Vegreville Blue Jays Season Opener a Smashing Success 8. Kyle Brisebois just misses connecting with the ball.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

The season opener between the Blue Jays and the Armena Royals was a rematch of the 2019 Powerline Baseball League’s Championship Final that was won by the Blue Jays. The final score of 2021 inaugural game saw the Blue Jays defeat the Royals by a score of 12-2.

Zak Lang is all smiles while waiting to go on the field.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Initially, the team was going to play its first season in Vegreville, but had to cancel the 2020 season due to COVID-19 health restrictions.

Team manager and player Stephen Hrabec was very happy with the new digs and said it will be nice not to have to maintain the ball diamond as was the case when they played in Holden. He added that 80 percent of players on the team reside in Vegreville and surrounding area that makes travel more convenient.

Mike Henry intends a fist pump, but this young admirer is perhaps looking for a hug.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Hrabec said, “The team is extremely happy to have sports back to normal and we played as though we were in midseason form so that was a bonus.

The Vegreville Blue Jays are one of six teams in the Powerline Baseball League. They will be playing an abbreviated season this year. The next home game is slated for June 24 at 7 pm.