The Bantam AAA North Island Royals baseball team, formerly the Blizzard, is off to a very good start to the 2013 season.
The team, made up of players from Campbell River, Powell River and the Comox Valley, are 14 games into their 39 game season.
With a record of six wins and eight losses, the team is well ahead of their 0-12 start from the 2012 season.
The Royals have had to overcome their share of adversity with nine of the 14 games being played on the road, and many of the games being threatened and delayed by rain.
Returning players Liam Janzen, William Drewry, Adam McKillican, Jacob Ingersoll and Braxten Barnes have brought some experience to the mix while new additions, Wyatt Strachan, Bryce Stromquist, Ethan Brunton, Nolan Baker and Corey Bukauskas have added some hard work and energy to the club.
The team also welcomes Jayden Saban and Austin Brown who, twice a week, make the crossing from Powell River to complete the 12 man roster.
The boys are very excited to play their first Campbell River home games this weekend, when the rival Victoria Red Eagles come in for a double header on Saturday at Nunns Creek park.
The Royals take to the field again on Sunday with a double header against the Victoria Black Eagles.
All games get under way at 12 noon, with the second games going at about 3 p.m.
The Royals will play their final games of the month in the Comox Valley at Bill Moore ball field.
On Saturday, May 25 they take on Abbotsford in a double-header, games times are 12 noon and 3 p.m. and on Sunday, May 26 the Royals go head-to-head with White Rock, game time at 12 noon.
The Royals team would like to thank their sponsors: Hamilton Logging, Drewry Electric, The Best Western Hotel, Halls West, Fox Disposal, Comox Valley Subway, Superior Propane and the Campbell River and Comox Valley Baseball Associations.