Posted by Kate Jackman-Atkinson/The Neepawa Banner
On July 25, the Clear Lake Yankees, a team which plans to joins the Senior B baseball league next year, will play an exhibition game against the Oak River Dodgers.
Kelly Gruber is confirmed and will play July 25 and 26 in Clear Lake and Madge Lake. He'll also play August 1, 2 and 3 in Clear Lake, Madge Lake and Kenosee. He's also trying to get another Blue Jays player.
Jessie Barrfield will play July 25 and 26 at Clear Lake and Madge Lake. He'll be attending Ricky Henderson's number retirement and will miss the August 1, 2 and 3 games.
Tony Fernandez will play August 1, 2 and 3 but isn't yet confirmed for July 25 and 26.
Pitching will be handled by Gord Paddock, Gerry Falk, Andy Boehm, Herb, Danny and Clark Andres (San Clara) and possibly Don Smith. Paddock will be starting at Clear Lake and will go for three of four innings. He may also be starting in Madge Lake. Manitoba baseball hall of famer Falk will pitch two or three innings. Boehm's pitching will depend on his recovery from an injury. Bodnarchuk is looking for another pitcher and is hoping that former relief pitcher for the Goldeyes and Birtle Blue Jays, Don Smith, will be available.
Manitoba hall of famer Barry Wowk will catch. If his knees don't hold up, former Oak River Dodger Trevor Smith will finish.
The Yankees field will include: Bob Paradine of Binscarth in left field, Manitoba hall of famer Mike Levandoski of Neepawa in centre or right field, one of the Anders boys in right field, Kelly Gruber at third base, Tony Fernandez at short stop, Jessie Barrfield at first base and Shane Moffatt at either second base or on the pitcher's mound. Kerry Lowe has been invited to play infield, but hasn't yet been confirmed.
Bodnarchuk said he is trying to get John Olerud to play first base on August 1, 2 and 3, and former Blue Jay Devon White to play outfield in all five games.
Kelly Gruber is planning to put on baseball clinics in Altona, Brandon and maybe Neepawa during the week he is playing with the Yankees.
