For the Virden Oilers, the South West Baseball League season was short and definitely sweet.
The local senior team posted a 7-1 record. That tied them for the league’s best record with the Boissevain Centennials, who the Oilers downed in their second last game of the campaign.
“This season was awesome. Not only did we go 7-1, but we did it against most of the best pitchers in the league,” said Virden first baseman Riley Hole. “(It) seemed like every game we were facing the opposition’s best.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SWBL is not holding playoffs this year. Each team’s season was shortened to eight games after playing 15 in 2019 and 11 in 2020. The Elkhorn Expos and Souris Cardinals opted not to participate this season.
“I was really proud of the guys this year. … It was a different year this year, especially with there being no playoffs. … I think the guys kept the intensity up the whole year, and really came to play every single game and were ready to play in every circumstance,” said Jeff Peel, an Oilers player/manager. “Nobody let their ego get in the way of how they were playing, where they were playing, or when they were playing. Everybody did their part. … They really did make it a fun year.”
Veterans such as Hole, Tanner Lewis, Peel, Dustin Asham, Toby Troughton, Brady Potter, Keifer Johnston, Mathew Strain, Curtis Plett, and Clark Whelpton all contributed to the team’s success. Virden also featured a talented young crew that proved they could compete at the senior level.
“To say we are excited about the future of Oilers baseball would be an understatement because we are really looking forward to see what these kids can do, to see new kids come in as well, as well as letting the old guys play here and there,” Peel said.
Regarding the young players, Hole said:
“Braeden Lewis has been here a couple years but is still young and one of our best players. Dreyson Potter played last year as well and gave us some solid innings this year from the left side. Then we have three newcomers - Leif Wilson, Ryan Lewis, and Jace Freeman - who all contributed in significant ways this season. Leif and Ryan play some tight defence and put up solid at bats against some much older competition. And Jace threw some important relief innings, blowing his fastball by some of the league’s best.”
The fans also played a role in the team’s success on and off the field. Peel explained that the Oilers’ well supported 50/50 draws each home contest help the club financially. He expressed appreciation for the fans.
“The fans have been very supportive in Virden,” Peel said. “It’s been pretty impressive since we came back (in 2015) how much the fans have supported us and how much Virden has accepted senior ball back. It kind of just shows we are a baseball town because we do get really great fan support. We do have fans who travel around and watch us in different parts of the South West League, which is really nice to see. It makes it fun seeing the same faces round the ballpark all the time.
“We had great support this year. It makes coming to the diamond way more fun when you’re playing in front of a bunch of people and a bunch of people that you know. It is just great having that fan support that we do.”
Last week the Oilers wrapped up their season with a 5-3 loss to Oak River. It was the lone black mark on their record in 2021.
“We ended up losing the game but played quite well,” Hole said. “Great defence from everyone. It was a well pitched game by Peel and Jace, but the Dodgers got some timely hits and got the win.”
The loss came a couple days after Virden knocked off previously unbeaten Boissevain, 4-2.
“Boissevain games are always fun,” Hole said. “We like to play those guys and they like to play us. We always know it's going to be a tight and hard-fought game. This year was no different.
“Seven innings from Clark Whelpton allowed us to win the game, plain and simple. When a guy goes out and gives up two runs in seven, we know we have a good shot to win the game. The offence has been clicking all season. One through 9 contributed and you need that to beat (Virden product) Zane Sawyer.”
