From the Whitehorse Daily Star
June 19, 2008
Photo by Vince Fedoroff
TAKING A CUT – An Argentinean batter takes a cut during Wednesday’s exhibition game against the Czech Republic while some of the U.S. team watch on from the bleachers. (top) PREPARATIONS – Head coach Eduardo Sabat of Argentina’s Jr. men’s fastpitch team, left, discusses preparations during a practice Wednesday at Takhini diamond number one. His son, pitching coach Francisco Sabate, listens on while coach Arturo Anea, right, looks over the roster.
On one field, Takhini diamond number four, the South Africans.
Across the way on three, the Czech Republic and Argentina.
And tucked in the corner on five, Venezuela.
Under the sunshine of Wednesday afternoon, youth from around the world continued to shake off their jet lag while preparing for an international fastpitch championship that will come only once in their life.
The eighth ISF Junior Men’s World Fast Pitch Championship begins at noon Friday with Australia defending its three consecutive titles against Botswana, a newcomer to the event held every four years. The 12-team round robin tournament runs for 10 days, with the finals scheduled for June 29.
Canada, a consistently top contender with a gold in 1993, and bronze in ‘97, ‘01 and in ‘05, opens the championship against the Czechs Friday evening at 7 p.m. after the opening ceremonies.
