The Bulls host the Okotoks Dawgs' Black squad at Spitz Stadium in Lethbridge Friday, June 18 (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Play ball: Lethbridge Bulls open 2021 season Friday night

Jun 17, 2021 | 12:17 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – After a summer with no baseball, the Lethbridge Bulls get back on the field Friday night.

The Western Canadian Baseball League team missed out on a season last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but fortunately for the Bulls and their fans, this season marks a return to the diamond.

Head coach Chance Wheatley said he’s very excited about the return to play.

“You really miss it, not being around it so much and just, with everything right now getting back into the swing of things here, it’s just really exciting honestly.”

Wheatley is entering his first season as Lethbridge’s head coach, after previously serving as an assistant. He’s been involved with the organization in various capacities over the last few years.

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On becoming the head coach, he said “it’s something I’ve wanted for a while and it’s exciting.”

For the Bulls, more than a year off has resulted in some roster changes, with Wheatley saying there are only three players returning to the team for this season.

“Most of our team hasn’t played in two years because they’re all in the Canadian college conferences, which obviously didn’t play and UBC [University of British Columbia], they weren’t able to play, so just getting a bunch of guys together that haven’t played in a long time – they’re ready to go here.”

Lethbridge Bulls head coach Chance Wheatley (Lethbridge News Now)

Returnees for this year include infielders Ty Penner and Torrin Vaselenak as well as right-handed pitcher Kyle Poapst. Wheatley said the trio has taken on a strong leadership role for the team’s new players.

“We’re counting on them to be a really big part of this team.”

Over the last week, the Bulls have held a mini training camp to go over their strategies headed into the season. They’ve also played some exhibition games against Vauxhall.

Wheatley said this week’s training, as well as the season opening games will be good indicators on what roles every athlete will play on the team.

The Bulls start their regular season Friday night, June 18 at 7:05 p.m. against the Okotoks Dawgs Black squad at Spitz Stadium in Lethbridge.

Fans will be back in the stands; however, face masks will have to be worn and attendees will have to stay in their assigned socially distanced seats. More details on the health measures in place for Friday’s opener are available here.

Lethbridge’s full 2021 schedule can be seen here.

READ MORE: Full WCBL schedule released, Lethbridge Bulls start June 18 at home

The Bulls will play 39 regular season games, including 20 at home. The regular season will wrap up August 15 with semi-finals set for August 16 to 18 and the WCBL championship slated for August 20 to 22.