While playing several positions, McAuley’s Darbi Poole helped Team Manitoba claim the silver medals at the Western Canada 14U Girls Baseball Championship.
The daughter of Dana and Robin Poole was on the mound for the championship game against B.C. in Spruce Grove. She also played catcher, shortstop, and third base for Team Manitoba.
It was Poole’s second straight year representing her province at the championships. She said the best part this time around was, “Making the finals and receiving the silver medal after going 0-4 last year. After all the time and effort teammates and coaches put into it this year, it makes it more rewarding.”
Poole was named Team Manitoba’s player of the game for her performance in the finals. Head coach Dean Sproule said, “She kept our team in the game, pitching a great game with a lot on the line.”
He praised Poole for her strong defensive play, which allowed the team to utilize her at multiple positions.
Assistant coach Chad Foster said Poole was one of the team’s main catchers even though she had not played there often until this year.
“One of Darbi’s best strengths is her ability to make things look easy,” he said. “No matter what position she played, she made it look easy.”
As well as her play on the field, Poole also showed character. Foster said she was dedicated.
“Her calmness on and off the field made her one of the leaders of the team,” he said. “She was a true pleasure to coach!”
Poole has played fastball in past years, but she continues to play baseball because, “I enjoy the competition and the opportunity to become better.”
This past season she helped her Elkhorn boys team win the league after being runners-up in the past. Poole enjoyed going to provincials with the same teammates, great coaches and the Chinese fire drills on the way home. She appreciates the support her family provides.
“My family will do anything to help me improve and succeed,” Poole said.
Braeden Lewis
Virden’s Braeden Lewis said that being picked up by South Central to play at the 2018 15U Boys Ray Carter Cup Baseball Championships was the chance of a lifetime and something he will never forget.
“Competition was very high,” said the son of Dale and Tracy Lewis, whose team went 1-5. “No teams had weak players. Not many mistakes are made at that level so you have to be on top of your game.”
Lewis greatly enjoyed his time in Oshawa, Ont.
“Nationals were great as I got to see the skill level of players from across the country my age. The group of teammates I had also made it very enjoyable.”
