The Lethbridge Bulls at their first practice of the 2023 season on May 25, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge Bulls host first practice ahead of 2023 home opener

May 25, 2023 | 2:43 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Bulls hosted their first practice of the season on Thursday, May 25, 2023, ahead of their season opener on Friday, May 26.

The Bulls missed the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) playoffs last season with a 26-30 record, finishing fourth in their division. It was a season that saw them deal with a lot of injuries, particularly to their pitching staff. Head coach Chance Wheatley said the team focused on pitching when recruiting players in the offseason.

He explained, “Our biggest focus was trying to bring in as much pitching as possible. We had a bunch of injuries last year and weren’t able to fill those holes on the mound. That was our focus this summer and I think we did a good job.”

Bulls pitcher Devin Benavides, who missed the end of last season with a muscle strain on his forearm, echoed his coach’s confidence in the pitching staff.

He said, “They’re electric. I like all the guys here and I can’t wait to start tomorrow.”

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Wheatley also highlighted the team’s depth as a strength heading into their season, adding that they wanted to ensure they had plenty of quality players that could fill in if injuries became a problem again.

The Bulls begin their season with a game against their rivals, the Medicine Hat Mavericks at Spitz Stadium in Lethbridge. They will hit the road after that for the second game of their two-game series in Medicine Hat.

BILLET FAMILIES

Off the field, the Bulls are looking for billet families for four of their players.

Lorien Johansen with guest services and administration said, “We are looking for billet families who have a spare room in their house that the player can sleep, shower and do his laundry.”

She added that the Bulls provide financial support and incentives for the billet families who host the players, and anyone interested can contact Bulls customer service via email at customer.service@underthelights.ca, or by phone at 403-320-2025.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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