Thunderbirds open season this weekend looking to bring Hamilton its first IC title in three decades

It's been 30 years since a Hamilton squad last won an Intercounty Baseball League championship and the Hamilton Thunderbirds feel they're way overdue.

When the T-Birds open the 2008 IBL season in Guelph tomorrow (May 3), they hope it will be the first step toward a league championship.

"We're hoping to do a repeat of 30 years ago," said Adeo Calcagni, the T-Birds field manager, GM and director of player development.

While Calcagni would be happy with a top three finish, he said the feeling among the players is that an IC championship is within their grasp this season.

Judging by all of the moves the Thunderbirds made in the off season, the club has set its sights on a league title. There will be 14 new faces and 12 returning players on the roster this season.

"The team has improved in all aspects," Calcagni said. "We've strengthened defensively and offensively."

The Thunderbirds have signed 14 pitchers heading into this weekend and Calcagni figures it will take a couple of weeks for him to determine which of them will make up his four-starter rotation.

At press time he had not picked the starter for tomorrow's game in Guelph. It will be either returnees Kyle Nicoletta or Doug Chrysler or newcomers Chase Gaff, Jarrod Wehri or Dariel Saucedo.

Gaff and Wehri are Americans who attend University of St. Francis in Indiana, while Saucedo is from Hillsburgh (north of Guelph) and has minor pro experience in the Tampa Bay and St. Louis organizations.

Calcagni said returnee and left-handed pitcher Kevin Whyte will get the start at Sunday's home opener, also against Guelph that is slated for 2 p.m. at Bernie Arbour Stadium.

Other pitchers on the T-Birds roster this season include veterans Andrew Schwalm, William Lawrence, Scott Wells, Robby Foscarin and Brian Speck, along with newcomers Jesse Reinstein, Daniel Baird and Anthony Carlo. Schwalm will also serve as the team's bullpen coach.

Returnee Henry Duke and newcomer Jamaal Thelwell are expected to look after most of the team's catching duties. The rest of the infield will consist of veterans Tom Robertson and Geoff Allen along with new faces Adam Doyle, Dan Marshall, Jesse Robertson and John Saporsantos. Marshall spent some time in the Independent professional league.

Returnee Jon McGinn is expected to anchor the outfield along with newcomers Richard Wright, Matt Bekar and Richard Rausch. Wright has Independent pro league experience.

The T-Birds, who have been working out indoors for most of the off-season, were expected to begin their outdoor workouts April 24. They began practicing at Bernie Arbour on May 1.

Fans attending Thunderbirds games this season can expect to enjoy a variety of special events and promotions including a reunion of the IC champion Hamilton Cardinals.

On June 14 the former Cardinals players will face former players from the London squad they beat for the league title 30 years ago in a four inning exhibition game prior to the T-Birds' game with the Majors.

Notes

The Hamilton Thunderbirds Intercounty Baseball Club will be holding a baseball camp for players aged 8-18 years.

No matter what the skill level, players may attend this five-day camp to learn the finer points of the game; everything from pitching, fielding, base-running to hitting and catching.

The camp will be held at Bernie Arbour Stadium and will be staffed by several qualified instructors including university coaches and several former professional players.

For bookings or more information, phone Mr. Adeo Calcagni at 416-676-8426. The deadline for applications is Friday, June 20.