Kamloops RiverDogs

Congratulations to the Newton Tigers for winning the 2008 Midget AAA Provincials.

ANOTHER DOGS SEASON COMES TO AN END

After finishing 2-2 in round robin play, the defending Provincial champions were still able to find a way into the semi-finals making it through on the tie breaker -- only to face Victoria in a re-match of last year's semi-final. This time it wasn't meant to be as Victoria was able to come out on top with a 14-6 victory thus ending the 2008 season for the Dogs.

Even though the Dogs fell short in Provincials this group has nothing to hang their heads about as they exceeded all expectations. With only 12 bodies--4 Grade 12's and 6 players who were new to Midget AAA baseball this club was able to come together to win the division pennant for the first time in Dogs history and finish with the program's highest winning percentage which, based on some of the extremely talented teams the Dogs have put on the field in the past, is an accomplishment that cannot be understated.

This year's Dogs may not have been the oldest or most talented squad but they had what only can be described as an "intangible gift" to find a way to win. In my 9 years as a coach for this program this was honestly the first year in which I was at a loss for words on how a club was able to accomplish all that it did against all odds and I want to personally thank this group for taking me along for the ride. To the graduating players on this year's team you played a huge part in providing the leadership and guidance and in the case of Peacock the "comical relief" that was a major factor in our success. Therefore, I believe I speak on behalf of all the players in wishing the following grads nothing but success in all your future endeavors:

Robert (hip boy) Peacock
Thomas Dunkley
Brian Nelson
Jordan Lane

To the returning players now that you have experienced what it takes to play at this level you now know first hand what it takes to be successful at the plate, on the hill or in the field--commit yourself to improving your game in the off season so that next year you will be ready to continue the winning tradition that is RiverDogs Baseball.

Finally I want to give my sincere thanks to all the parents and volunteers who have committed their time to the RiverDogs program. Without your continued support we would never be able to achieve the success that we do each year.