The Winnipeg Goldeyes will have their season opener on Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
In 2016, for the second time in five years, they won the American Association championship. It was an exciting season that saw the Goldeyes clinch a playoff spot on the last day of the season. In each the round, they’d have to come from behind to advance.
This year’s season kicks off against Winnipeg long time rival the Fargo RedHawks for a two game homestand. Many old favourites on the team are returning with several new faces as well.
Teams in the north and central divisions remain stable this year in terms of city and owners but the south division remains a bit of a gong show. The Laredo Lemurs didn’t return this year and a new team, Salina Stockade, will play a few games in Kansas and travel the rest of the time as a visiting home team.
Independent league baseball is colourful and entertaining and the Goldeyes play in one of the most beautiful small stadiums in North America. It’s the quality of the entertainment and food and love of sport that bring people back year after year. Some sports have been called the No Fun League and that can’t be said for baseball in Winnipeg.
For those who can’t come to to a game, the radio broadcast on CJNU is one of the most professional you’ll find with Steve Schuster. The coaching, management and staffing are worthy of a big league franchise.
Spring training wraps up and the team takes to the field Wednesday and it seems like the return of an old friend. And indeed since 1994, the Goldeyes have become part of the Winnipeg mosaic.
This has been a editorial by John Dobbin.
To read more from John, visit his blog Observations, Reservations, Conversations
