A former member of the midget ‘AA’ Barrhead Orioles will no longer be wearing the black and orange. Koby Adams was picked up by the St. Albert Cardinals at the conclusion of the midget league Western Nationals, a provincial tournament in Strathmore July 30-31, as their primary selection following a season-long scouting process, says Cardinals coach Jason Enright.
Western Nationals are the highest level midget baseball teams in the area can get into and the season is currently over.
“When we knew Barrhead wouldn’t qualify for the finals, I approached Orioles coach Steve Hunter to get his permission,” Enright said, adding Adams attended a few practices and indicated he was interested in the opportunity.
“He actually pitched for us in the last game of the tournament itself, earning himself game MVP and helped us beat Manitoba for the gold,” he said.
Enright said the experience was good for Adams and added their new acquisition was a great fit.
“The first few practices he was a little quiet, but that’s normal considering we were all former rivals, but once he put on the Cardinals hat and got on the mound at game time, it was like he had been playing with us for years instead of just a few weeks,” he said.
Enright said the team he coaches has a lot of camaraderie and welcomed Adams right off the bat.
Most players picked up in the manner Adams was acquired are usually put on the practice or injury-replacement rosters, but Enright said Adams was important to the Cardinals overall success in the tournament.
“I’m super proud of Koby,” Enright said. “He was nervous but he shook that off and came in and did an unbelievable job in helping us get that final win. I’m really happy he was honoured with the game MVP and for us, winning a gold after our silver medal last year, it’s a huge accomplishment for our club.”
