Page A1 - The Battlefords, Thursday, May 30, 2024
Regional News-Optimist
sasktoday.ca
T H E B AT T L E F O R D S
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Andrew Albers
Kindness and Care
From the majors to coach with Saskatoon Berries By Sherri Solomko
Growing up and playing minor ball in North Battleford was the start of Andrew Albers’ storied baseball career. Albers has returned to Saskatchewan and will serve as pitching coach for the Saskatoon Berries, the newest baseball team in the Western Canadian Baseball League Albers was drafted by theMilwaukeeBrewersout of high school but chose toattendtheUniversityof Kentucky instead of signingaprofessionalcontract. Heplayedfouryearsatthe universityinthesoutheasternconference.Alberswas drafted again in his senior season, this time by the San Diego Padres. His career took him throughindependentbaseballinQuebectotheMinnesota Twins in 2011. He made his major league debut for theTwinsinAugustof2013. His inaugural appearance showcasedeightandathird scorelessinningsinthebig-
league debut. Albersproceededtohave MLB stints with the Blue Jays in 2015, the Mariners in 2017 and multiple years with theTwins.The former NorthBattlefordresident also played in the Korean andJapanesemajorleagues. The Saskatoon Berries pitchingcoachrepresented Canadaonthenationalteam three times at the World BaseballClassic,andseven othertimesintournaments such as the Pan Am Games and Premier 12. In an interview with AlbersfortheBattlefords News Optimist and SASKTODAY.ca, he says, “I’m gettingusedtothecityand it is nice to finally settle downsomewhereaftermany years on the road and I am enjoying Saskatoon.” The Saskatoon Berries willstarttheirseasonMay 24weekend,withtheirhome opener May 28. Albersaffirmstheweather has hampered some outdoorpracticeshoweverthey have seen most guys in thelastcoupledays,while othersarejustwrappingup
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Plumbing
their college seasons. The pitchingcoachsaystheyare a good group of guys who are eager to be here. Saskatoon,andSaskatchewan,fansappearravenous fortheBerriesseasonwith the home opener sold out, except for standing room only tickets. “Themarketingteamhas done an amazing job and people are really excited about the season and that will add to a great atmosphere at the park,” says Albers. Albers adds he is excited aboutwhatthenewseason brings and looks forward to getting that underway andhelpingplayersontheir baseball journey. “It’s a short season for baseball, so it’s all about navigating information to give guys, getting to know players and giving them to thebestopportunitytogrow. Can’toverloadwithinfoto startoutwith,sojusttrying tofigureoutwhatinformationisuseful,”notesAlbers. From his past pro experience,Albers’approachto the game and his role is to
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helpplayersunderstandtherewillbegood days and bad days. In the bad days, it’s about finding a way to adjust and compete, giving one’s team the best chance to win. “Mytakeawaymessageforpitchers:finda waytocompeteandattackhitters.Goabouta routineandgetinaroutineandmakeadjustments along the way, as needed.” BeingpartoftheSaskatoonBerriesteam intheWCBLresultsinafullcircleforAlbers asheonceplayedfortheSaskatoonYellow Jackets back when the WCBL was know as the Western Major Baseball League. AntheBerriesorganizationappearsexcited to see what Albers can do in the bull pen. “Congratulationstoourpitchingcoach, AndrewAlbers, on his berry much deserved inductionintothe2024SaskatchewanBaseballHallofFameandMuseumClassof2024,” is their comment on Facebook.
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