The City of Mount Pearl’s Team Gushue Baseball Field was officially reopened Friday as the U-18 National Baseball Championships kicked off this week.
At the last minute Mayor Dave Aker let two members of Team NL—also members of the Mount Pearl Blazers—take part in the first pitch. Sean Duffy threw the pitch and Spencer Tipple, was the catcher.
Aker says the facility was transformed from a field to a fully-fledged baseball park with all the necessary infrastructure in preparation for next year’s Canada Summer Games.
He notes it includes a new score clock, accessible bleachers, and replacement of the turf with clay to meet Canada Games standards.
Co-chair for the U-18 National Baseball Championships committee, Greg Williams, says hosting an important event like the nationals at the newly re-opened facility is very exciting.
“It’s fantastic,” says Williams, adding “the opportunity to host a test event for the Canada Games is huge.”
Games are being played this weekend at the Gushue field and St. Pat’s in St. John’s.
Quarterfinal games are set for for this evening, followed by semifinals, medal games, and closing ceremonies on Sunday.