The New Guys

Another year, another heap of new Giants.  It's an exciting year ahead, and as always it's time to introduce the new crop of rookies. So here we go, in no particular order:

Kolbe Blackburn: Kolbe comes to us from Red Deer, in town for the summer for a Co-op program in engineering...hence we can make the safe assumption he's a sharp kid. Kolbe last played for the Calgary Redbirds and will help setady up the middle infield this summer. Nice kid, paid his fees and signed the waiver expeditiously, so moved WAY up the depth chart before anyone has even met him. 

Greg Doucette: Greg is a Calgary product who played some baseball out in Kamloops for Thompson Rivers University. Because Greg is willing to catch, he was immideately signed to a long-term deal.  Seems like a nice guy, when do we tell him he's catching both ends of the opening day double-dip? Glad to have you pal!

Connor Makarus: Ayden's younger brother (Ayden is also re-joining the fold this season) who is currently playing down at the University of Jamestown in ND. Connor doubles as an OF and a LHP, and if he's anything like the other Okotoks Dawgs Academy alumni we've played with over the years, it's a safe bet that the kid swings hard and leaves his older teammates with sore backs simply from watching.

Ben Swennumson: Ben is also currently down in Jamestown, returning in early May along with Connor.  Adding another infielder is a very good thing, and the virtually gaurenteed Dawgs academy ass-hacks are also a huge bonus. Frankly, another solid infielder is a blessing and we are super pumped to be adding Ben to the crew!

We also have a few Giants at College who may be making their way back this spring: Kale Seitz down at Campbellsville, Derek Palmiere at Mayville State in ND and Matt Dobberthien at Colorado School of Mines.  Hopefully we'll see them at some point after successful post-season runs for their respective squads down south.

Sadly, with all newcomers means there are some guys heading out the door (in some cases only for the season, but noteworthy nonetheless). Riki Enquist, who has established himself as one of the most unique and potent bats in the league will be taking the year off to persue...something, not sure what. Similarly, Riki's Airdrie compadre Jake Shuya will also be taking a hiatus for the season...this guy is another gem, we'll miss the bullshit in the dugout and the bizzare sense of humour, just a beauty guy who hits cage bombs with regularity. Finally, Brayden Pfeil, a super steady righty who has been pretty busy the past few seasons resulting in limited appearances, will be hanging them up for the season also.  Pfeil is a pitcher, straight up.  The guy knows how to get outs and of course is a beauty of a teammate also.  We truly hope to see all of these guys in the near future and in Giants colours again next season and beyond.

Welcome to all the new blood and all the best to those moving on!