5 players from province heading to World Softball Championships
Five players from Newfoundland and Labrador have been chosen for the Canadian men's senior softball team.
They'll be representing the country at the World Softball Championships in Saskatoon, from June 26 to July 5.
The team's catcher, Ryan Boland from St. John's, was a member of the Canadian team that came fifth at the world championships in New Zealand in 2013.
He said the team hopes to finish higher in the standings this year.
"Canada was at the top of the world in 1992 and that's where we want to be again," he said.
"A fifth-place finish is respectable, but we are really looking to get a little bit better this time — and hopefully get on top again."
A reputation for outstanding softball players
Two of the national team's assistant coaches — John Hill and Les Howey — are also from this province.
Hill said it should come as no surprise that so many players from this province made the team.
"This senior league in St. John's is recognized as the best fast-pitch league in Canada," he said.
"All the players know that, and coaches across Canada — and even internationally, when their teams are looking to pick up players and they hear that someone is from Newfoundland, it automatically opens an eye."
The other four Newfoundland and Labrador players on the team are Sean Cleary and Brad Ezekiel, both from Harbour Main, Jason Hill, from St. John's, and Steve Mullaley, from Freshwater.
