Cards Squeeze Out Late Night Tie Versus A's

On a sunny Wednesday evening the bats came alive on Mavericks Field again as the Legends Cardinals took on the Sopranos Athletics in a make-up game from back in June. In the first of two consecutive games between these teams the umpires were on the hotseat as many calls were questioned and argued in this heated affair. In the end, the night sky was a factor and the teams ended deadlocked at 5-5.

Starting off an astonishing run of four games in five days, the Cards went with ptiching ace Luke Lampard to face equally difficult A's ace Adam Kerr. Looking to take care of business early on, the Cards' jumped on a slow start from Kerr and the A's to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Back-to-back lead off singles from Matt Smith and Josh Byers would get some help from a pair of infield errors to put the home side out front.

After a scoreless second inning, the Athletics would answer back as an RBI double to the fence from Joe Leghorn would score Adam Splawski to knot the game 1-1. From there the Athletics would take the lead in the top of the fourth inning as Scott Vickers would score after reaching on an error to put the A's up 2-1.

A single from Sean Pollitt in the bottom of the fourth would serve as the tying run for the Cardinals, scoring on a single from Matt Smith, who finished the night 3-for-3, with 3 RBI. Controversial calls on close plays in both fifth and sixth innings would add even more peculiarity to the evening as Russell Taylor and pitcher Luke Lampard would eventually score to put the Cardinals up 4-2. However, the Athletics would tally three times on three hits in the top of the sixth to step into the driver's seat with a 5-4 lead. With the sun well out of the evening sky, and darkness approaching quickly at Lambrick Park, Shane Roberts' double to the wall in the seventh inning gave the Cards some final hope. He would later provide the tying run as a bloop single fell between the infielders and outfielders. The final out was barely caught due to darkness is left field and Victoria Mavericks Baseball has learned from this incident, changing all future evening games to a start-time of 6:15 p.m.

The Cards play host to the A's again on Friday night, and continue onto Saturday facing the Astros and then the Dodgers on Sunday. Come out and enjoy some August baseball as the Mavericks 2007 season rounds down.

Cards Drop Fourth Straight Despite Great Pitching

Russell Taylor started or the Cardinals the Thursday night against the Fisgard Astros and despite pitching a great complete game with no earned runs and 10 strikeouts, came away with the loss.

With just 2 runs scored in their last 4 games, the Legends Cardinals are having a hard time getting players across the plate. Facing veteran pitcher Marty Hall, the Cards were not short on baserunners but were unable to cash them in. Three untimely running errors cost the Cards the chance to even up a 1-0 nothing game. What's worse is that the run scored for the Astros was the result of an error in the first inning of play. Russell Taylor shut the Astro batters down but the wasn't good enough.

The Cards get some extra swings in as they face a team from North Vancouver on Saturday for a double header. Game times are 12:00 noon and 3:00 PM. They will again be at it for league play in 10 days, facing the Sopranos Athletics on Wednesday, August 8.

Birds Battle but Jays Come Out on Top

On a rainy Friday night, the Legends Nightclub Cardinals faced the league-leading Monkey Tree Pub Jays but could not find their 6th straight win. Despite great pitching from starter Reese Jones, the Jays walked away with the 6-1 victory.

After beating the Jays in their last meeting, and coming in with a 5-game winnning streak, the Cards came in confident but lacking a little energy. The Jays were able to take advantage of that and score 2 runs in the top of the second inning. After that, starter Reese Jones pitched perfectly but the Cards were unable to add any more than just 1 run to the scoreboard.

In the top of the seventh, with star-pitcher Russell Taylor (who recently beat the Jays for their only loss of the season) on the mound, the floodgates were cracked opened, as two hits to the fence and a homerun by Jays catcher, John Margaritas, pushed the score to it's final resting place at 6-1.

The Cards are back on the field this Sunday against the last-place Athletics, with game-time scheduled for 12:00 PM.

Cardinals Cling to 5th Straight

The Cardinals were facing the bottom dwelling Shark Club Dodgers on Friday night and they barely walked away with a 4-3 victory to claim their 5th win in a row.

Starting pitcher and eventual player of the game Luke Lampard started off great, coming off a complete game shutout for the all-star team at a tournament two weeks ago in Kelowna. Although allowing at least one runner in each inning, Lampard was able to keep the Dodgers off the board through the first 4 innings while racking up 8 strikeouts.

The Cardinals offence however started off well as Matt Smith, Shane Roberts, and Kasey Wickens connected for three startight singles to put the Cards up 1-0 in the top of the first. Leaving runners on second and third proved costly later on as the Cards would need every run they scored on this night.

In the third, the Cards were back at it scoring two more runs and finding a 3-0 lead. In the fifth, they earned another, going into the bottom of the fifth with a strong 4-0 lead. That all went away fairly quickly as the Dodgers were able to scratch out 3 runs, two on a powerful single down the third baseline by clean-up hitter Bobby Scott.

Pitching changes were made to start the sixth and both teams pushed to take more with the score at 4-3. Closer extraordinaire Russell Taylor came in and got the job accomplished, but it wasn't without fanfair. To lead off the seventh inning, Kris Feeny snuck a ball under the diving glove of rightfielder Rob Walker to allow him a triple and a very real threat for the tie game. But thanks to a groundout, a foulball pop-up, and a game ending strikeout to previous Card-killer Scott, the Legends Nightclub Cardinals walked away hurt, but happy with the win.

Sunday's game against the Astros has been postponed to August and so you'll have to wait till next Friday to see the Cards take on the previously unbeaten Monkey Tree Pub Jays who fell to the Cards just a week ago.

Battle of the Birds Results in Jays Going Home Defeated

In a much anticpated matchup Friday night, the undefeated Monkey Tree Pub Jays faced the revamped Cardinals who were on a 3-game winning streak of their own. After opening the first 15 games of the season without a loss, the Jays couldn't find the answer against a complete game performance by Card pitcher Russell Taylor and have to take their first hit to the loss column.

Taylor, pitching his first complete game of the season, kept the offensively powerful Jays to just 3 runs, matching Kasey Wickens RBI total for the game as the Cardinals won 4-3. The game brings Legends up to a .400 average despite sitting deadlast at 2-9 after the first 11 games of the season. They now have a strong hold of third place in the league and have the opportunity to put more distance as they face the 4th place team in the Shark Club Dodgers next Friday.

2007 Cardinals Baseball Club Philosophy

I. Have fun
Enjoy being at the park. Enjoy your players around you; they’re our teammates for the year.

II. Respect the game
Respect the umpires; this is what they do after work and they’re not perfect. Respect the fans of all ages, players have grandparents, parents, children and girlfriends coming to the games and don’t appreciate negative actions (Ex. swearing, tossing equipment). Strength is swallowing the emotion of an upsetting call and moving past it mentally and letting it go. Respect your teammates, everybody is out there trying and if they make a mistake don’t compound that mistake by questioning them. Pick’em up versus put them down. Respect your coaches, they are taking in many variables into their decisions and are always trying to adjust to situations that arise before and during the game. Be patient we are all learning. Finally, we need to be aware the impact our actions have toward the team sponsors.

III. Competitive
Come ready to play a competitive game of baseball to the best of your ability. Compete for your teammates, compete for your pitcher and have fun doing it.

IV. Play with pride
We play in a competitive men’s baseball league with increasing players and talent. It takes a high level of play to be successful in our league.

V. Be positive
There is no point to come out and not have fun. There is guaranteed to be peaks and valleys in the course of the season, so be sure to enjoy the high points and understand there is going to be valleys. Do the things you can to contribute in the swing back up.

VI. Commitment
Players attend as many games as possible. Life comes first. Practices are important for improving skills, so your attendance is key for the team to grow. Team chemistry is essential for our team to be successful; therefore, commitment to our sponsors and our team events will build team comradery.

Cardinals Win Third in a Row!

The Legends Nightclub Cardinals are excited to have claimed their thrid victory in a row against the Fisgard Astros Tuesday night (June 25). A big 4-run sixth inning helped put the Cards ahead for good as they beat the Astros for the first time this season.

Getting the starting nod was rookie Reese Jones, who attained only 1 earned run in 5 innings pitched. Player of the Game Jeff Foley was able to cash in the first Cardinal run of the game with his double in the second inning, though the Cards found themselves down by a score of 3-1 at the end of that frame. In the sixth, with the score 3-2 for the Astros, the Cards started their small-ball game, chipping out four runs from a usually sound Astros defence that made 4 errors in the inning.

Closer Russell Taylor came in to seal the deal once again as he allowed just 1 run in 2 innings pitched to get his second consecutive save.

The next Cards game against the Sopranos Athletics set for Friday, June 29, has been postponed, meaning the boys in red will not be taking the field again until next Friday, June 6. Come on ou and cheer the boys along as they try to end the 13 game winning streak of the Monkey Tree Pub Jays.

Night Out With the Boys

The Cardinal players are heading out to their team sponsor's Legend Nightclub for a night on the town. Come out and enjoy a round with the guys as we hit the club at 10:00 PM.

Rumour has it that drinks are on Spills.

Cardinals Suffer Another Loss

It was another rough night for the Cardinal bats as they failed to put a run on the board against the Shark Club Dodgers and lost 1-0.

The bright spot again was the pitching as Reese Jones went 5 innings, giving up 5 hits and just 1 run, but suffered the loss. He could not be helped by a Cardinal offence that spread 6 hits over 7 innings but could not get a runner to cross home. The closest they got was in the top of the first inning when a runner on third was stranded as Warren Medwid hit into an inning ending double play.

The Dodgers took the momentum of saving that run into the bottom of the first and scored the lone run of the game. Pitcher and league president Brad Franklin was able to keep the scoreboard empty for the expansion Dodgers.

Rookie Russell Taylor kept the bases clean in his only inning of relief.

The Cardinals next face the Fisgard Astros on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM as they try to find their 3rd win of the season.

Jays Win 7th Straight as Cards Drop Another

In their first match of the season, the game was decided in the 7th inning by the only run scored in the game. Once again, the Jays and Cardinals would clash in a defensive battle just over two weeks later, with a little more than pride on the line.

After a scoreless first inning of play, during which both teams had little offense to speak of, the Cards' would jump out to an early lead in the top of the second frame. A lead-off walk to Luke Lampard would cost the Jays, as the lone hit on the night for the Cardinals, a double from Brandon Lymer, would drive home the 1-0 lead. Moments later, a sacrifice fly from Jeff Foley appeared to have cashed in Rob Walker for the 2-0 score, but upon further review, Walker left third base ahead of the catch in right field, and was called out with a touch of the base from Jays' third basemen Barry Talbot.

After going down in order in the bottom of the second, the Jays would bounce back and take the lead in the bottom of the third inning. A lead-off single from Keith Wedgewood would get things started, allowing Sean Murphy and Lanny Burrows to load the bases with a walk and a single, respectively. A sacrifice fly ball from John Margaritis would tie the game, as Wedgewood came in to score ahead of the tag at home plate. Jason Strandlund would pick up the eventual game-winning RBI in the next at-bat, driving a single to left-centre field to score Murphy to give the Jays a 2-1 lead.

From there both teams shut things down, with a simply stellar pitching performance from Jays' sophomore Brad Bowman serving as the highlight. Through a complete seven innings of work, Bowman allowed just one hit against the Cardinals, proving to be one of the most impressive pitching performances of this young 2007 Victoria Mavericks Baseball season.

The Cards got a great evening from pitching legend Trevor Strandlund once again. In 5 innings, the offensively explosive Jays got only 5 hits and 2 runs (1 earned). Reese Jones pitched the sixth inning and shut down the Jays in order including one strikeout.

Come out and see your Legends Cardinals play next Thursday against the expansion Shark Club Dodgers at 6:30 PM.

10 Hits Help Cards Find 2nd Win

On a sunny but windy Sunday afternoon, the Legends Cardinals were able to score two runs on a 7th inning passed ball to take the game against the Sopranos Athletics.

Starting for the Cardinals was Brandon Lymer, who rushed into action by strking out the first four batters he faced using only 14 pitches. The team used that energy to find two runs in first inning for the second game in a row. Dan Harlow led off with a triple and the team added a couple more hits to go up 2-0. But the Athletics were not to be run over and came up with 3 runs in the top of the second to take the lead.

In a game that would prove to be close the whole way, the Cards quickly tied it back up in the bottom of the second and the game went into the third inning at three runs apiece. It stayed that way until the 5th when Reese Jones took over for Lymer and though hitting two batters, struck out the other three he faced to have his second inning of the season with striking out the side (and the second inning of the game for the Cards doing such). Legends, wearing their alternate black jerseys for the first time, took the momentum from that inning and were able to cash in a runner to take the 4-3 lead and give Reese Jones his first win opportunity. Unfortunately, the Athletics once again struck back with a 2 run 6th inning and took the lead 5-4.

After Luke Lampard shut down the Athletics in the top of the 7th, the Cards had their last opportunity to take the game and get their second win. Things started looking positive as Josh Byers got on base with his first hit of the season. Shane Roberts followed up but J.B. was forced out at second with the fielders choice. A couple of bloop plays got the Cards the bases loaded with only 1 out and things looked good for at least a tie game.

As a huge gust of wind hit the field, a pitch got past the Athletics catcher and Shane Roberts stormed home. Charging around the bases was 1st baseman Kasey Wickens and he couldn't be stopped as he realized the Athletics had not been able to locate the ball on the backstop. He raced home with the Cards 6th run of the game and 2nd win of the season.

The Cardinals don't play again until next Thursday, when they take on the 9-time defending champions Monkey Tree Pub Jays.

Tough Loss to Astros

On a hot May night in front of about 40 fans, the Legends Cardinals had just one bad inning in the field and still paid the price as they lost 5-3 to the defending regular season champs Fisgard Astros on Thursday night.

Starting pitcher Luke Lampard did his job in the first inning and got the cards into the top of the second tied at no score. Thanks to hits by Shane Roberts and Rob Walker, and Sean Pollitt taking his second plunk of the year, Legends was able to climb out to a 2-0 lead against Astros pitcher Marty Hall.

But in the bottom of the second the big Astors bats came back with 5 runs, including 3 scored with 2 outs, as the Cards just could not get off the field. In the top of the third, the team in red was able to scrounge another run back to bring the score to 5-3, but that was as close as they would get. Trevor Strandlund came in to relieve Lampard in the fifth inning and did a great job of shutting down the Astors lineup to maintain his 0.00 ERA for the season, but the Cards bats would just not light up again and the Astros were able to climb to .500 at 2W, 2L.

Come out to catch the Cards as they face the Sopranos Athletics (a guaranteed win by their team sponsor, Sopranos Karoake and Sports Bar) this Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM.

A Message from Coach Spiller

Cards,

I would like to thank everyone that played and helped out this weekend with the Doug Conn Tournament. We played well, especially Friday and Sunday under tough weather conditions. I hope everyone that participated got something out of the experience (maybe just some extra ABs and an opportunity to hang with some different players). Considering the team was formed two days prior, we had a respectable showing (won our pool). I know the semi-final loss was difficult, but we can learn from the game and make improvements for the regular season. Remember we took on the league #1 Allstar team with three pickups and lost 4 - 1. Our regular season continues Thursday, if you can't make it please remind Josh and/or me. I will be late (6pm) and we're visitors, so could someone prep the field (bags,line,hose). I know everyone works, but do you best to bring some competitve energy to the park and have fun.

Huddy Huddy,

Spills

P.S. Outstanding money needs to come in.

Cardinals Claim First Victory Against Dodgers

The Legends Cardinals took to the field Thursday night still seeking their first win of 2007, and the expansion Shark Club Dodgers were in their sights. The Cards scored their first two batters and never looked back as they won 4-1.

Starting pitcher Luke Lampard had a scare in the first inning as the Dodgers loaded up the bases, but they were unable to take advantage. The Cards were not going to face the same fate as both Graeme Mann and Matt Smith reached base and were moved around to score. The Cards managed to match their season total for runs scored (2) in just the first inning of play.

Luke Lampard settled down and managed to keep the Dodgers off the board until the fourth inning when they got three straight hits and cashed in their only run of the game, though it was not an earned run so Lampard keeps his 0.000 ERA. Unfortuately for the Dodgers, the Cards had already scored a third run in inning three as Graeme Mann reached on a bunt and made his way around to homeplate.

Lampard was replaced in the 5th by rookie pitcher Reese Jones, who eventually allowed only 1 hit over three innings of action. A highlight was the sixth inning where the pitcher struck out the side. Two defensive plays helped keep the Dodgers at only 1 run as Andy Renton made a great diving catch in left field in the fifth inning and Sean Pollitt started a game-ending double play with the Dodgers threatening with 2 on and only 1 out.

The Cardinals got their last run as rookie pitcher Brandon Lymer started off the sixth inning with a double off the right field wall and Sean Pollitt scored him on a single through the gap between third and short.

This weekend Mavericks Field is home to the Doug Conn Tournament so come on out and enjoy some great baseball.

Some 2006 Team Photos

Check out this page to view some pictures from the 2006 season. Most courtesy of Glenn Ivens Photography.

Coach's Corner Revealed!

Every once in a while, Coach Spiller likes to send us a little message. These will now be posted in the right sidebar under the title 'Coach's Corner.' Make sure to read up and be aware of what our Coach wants us to know.

Another Tough Loss in the Seventh Inning

After a tough loss against the defneding champs on Friday night, the Legends Cardinals were eager to hook their first win of the 2007 season. On Tuesday night against the Sopranos Athletics, they came oh so close again but walked off the field with a disappointing 2-1 loss.

The game again saw tremendous pitching from both squads, including a 1-run 5-innning stint from Cardinal Luke Webb. Brandon Lymer came in during the sixth inning and was fantastic until the very end, when an unfortunate two walks in a row let the Athletics steal the game in the bottom of the seventh.

Although pitching seems to be well under control this year, the Cardinal bats still need to come alive, as they stranded runners in multiple innings, including a few times in scoring position. We'll see if they can improve as they take on league president Brad Franklyn's expansion Shark Club Dodgers Thursday night. Come out and don't miss the action.

Cardinals Clipped by Jays

On Friday evening, the fans at Mavericks Field in Gordon Head were witness to an amazingly tough defensive battle. The Legends Nightclub Cardinals and Monkey Tree Pub Jays played 6 innings of scoreless ball en route to a 1-0 Jays victory.

Both starting pitchers, Scott Thompson for the Jays and Trevor Strandlund for the Cards were on top of their game and spread a few hits each through 4 and 5 innings (respectively) of shutout baseball. It was the Jays who finally touched homeplate as an overthrow at first allowed a run to come in on reliever Reese Jones in the top of the seventh.

However, in the bottom of the seventh, the Cardinals took the momentum back as the first two batters got singles, leaving them with runners at second and first with no out. But a crafty move got Shane Roberts picked off at second and the threat was minimized. It all ended at homeplate as John Margaritis tagged out Dan Harlow for the final out of the night, saving what would have been the tying run. An exciting end to a deadlocked game.

The Cardinals play their next game against the Sopranos Athletics Tuesday night at 6:15 PM as both teams try to find their first win of the season.

Cardinals Marooned by Mariner Pitching

In their first game of the season the Legends Nightclub Cardinals could not handle the young pitching of the Victoria Mariners and lost 3-1 on a beautiful Wednesday night.

In front of 40+ fans, the Mariners worked a never-ending rotation, as Adam Wilson (starter and game winner), Max Valle, Shea Young, Thomas Trask and Geoff Ford all took turns on the mound. The Cardinals could only muster 2 hits all game against the five pitchers and didn't get on the scoreboard until a double to the fence by Luke Webb brought home Sean Pollitt.

Although it was only game 2 for the Victoria Mavericks season, the Victoria Mariners have actually already played 13 games this year in the BC Premier Baseball League. They are 9-4 this year, a big improvement over last year when they played .500 ball. Their game experience this year seemed too hot for the first-game Cardinals to handle.

The Cardinals didn't do too bad themselves from the mound as game starter and rookie Brandon Lymer settled down after a shaky first inning to only allow 1 hit and 1 run in the last 3 innings he pitched. Luke Lampard took the mound in the 5th, and other than allowing the first batter he faced (his brother in-law Thomas Clark) a single, no other Mariner was able to get a hit. This is a positive step up as the Cardinals did have some pitching woes in last year's .500 season. Unfortunately, the red bats are going to have to come alive as 2 hits will not equal wins in this league.

Also of note were the new uniforms and logo the Legends Cardinals were sporting as they have moved to red and black this year. Hopefully they'll be able to put their new digs to better use in their next game Friday against the defending champion Monkey Tree Pub Jays (formerly the Maude Hunters Rockies - nine-time consecutive winners of the RP Righet Cup).

Come on out Friday night at 6:15 PM and cheer on your Legends Cardinals.

First Regular Season Game! - Wed., May 9th

Game 1 - Cardinals vs. Mariners
Wednesday, May 9th, 6:15 PM

The Legends Nightclub Cardinals will be playing their first regular season game this upcoming Wednesday against the Victoria Mariners. Game time is 6:15 PM (players take field for warm-ups at 5:30 PM) so come out and enjoy Victoria's own mens premier baseball league.

There will be new faces for both teams including potential rookie standout Brandon Lymer for the Legends Cardinals who may see some time on the mound.

A Message From Our Coach

Coach Sean Spiller has sent out a little pep talk and attitude check reminder before we hit the field for tonight's home opener:


Gentlemem,

I hope everyone is jacked for tomorrow night's game and comes to the park with a positive attitude. I know there is alot of arguing in the game, but lets show some character and not sound or look bush league. Loud swearing, trashing umpires, throwing equipment will equal team fines and possible league fines/suspensions. It just doesn't help our league/team image. Our league is trying to expand, gain community support and increase sponsorship. The Mavericks' goal is to have complete control over the field all year round. When people, including kids, see unacceptable behaviour it reflects on us all. For the past six years, our team has ALWAYS had a good reputation and our expectations will remain the same.

Again, I will remind everyone if a mistake is made during the game we will discuss it calmly as a group after the game and learn from it. Please be careful with sarcasm as it can be taken the wrong way during the heat of the battle. I hope everyone takes a mature, respectful approach to OUR season and that we have fun successful summer.

Here's to winning the battle,
Spills

Player Fees

This year's registration fees are now overdue. Coach Spiller has issued the warning of "No Money = No Play" so make sure to bring those cheques in.

The cost for full-time players is $225. Please make cheques payable to 'Victoria Mavericks Cardinals'. The fees were due by May 1st, 2007.

Those coaching Little League camps will have their registrations discounted, so please check with Spiller before writing that cheque.

New Cardinals Logo Unveiled!

The Legends Nightclub Cardinals are excited to announce the unveiling of their new team logo to go along with new team colours. The main red jersey remains the same, but the trim goes black this year with the new logo displayed proudly on our hats.

The new logo has also replaced the old classic St. Louis Cardinal on the Victoria Mavericks Website. You can come and check out the new digs in action at the Cardinals first regular season game this upcoming Wednesday, May 9th at Mavericks Field in Lambrick Park.

Read up on the League Rules

We have been given direction by Coach Spiller to make sure we read up on the league rules. You can find them here. Make sure you understand the league guidelines so we aren't arguing with the umps for no good reason.

You can also find this link permanently on the Victoria Mavericks Homepage at the bottom under the button 'Legal'. Also on that page is the League Constitution for all those lawyer types.

Mavericks on the Radio - April 30

Victoria Mavericks Baseball and CFAX 1070 team up this Monday to provide a preview of the 2007 Victoria Mavericks regular season, beginning Tuesday, May 8th.

Mike Walker, Mavericks' Director of Media Relations, will join CFAX Newsline P.M. host Rebecca Scott at 5:15 on Monday, April 30th to break down and look ahead at this year's campaign. Just a week away from the start of the regular season, the Victoria Mavericks are preparing for one of the most exciting seasons in league history.

You can listen CFAX and Newsline P.M. with Rebecca Scott by tuning in to AM 1070 on your radio dial, or by logging on to www.cfax1070.com and selecting the 'Listen Live' link from the homepage (Windows Media Player required).

With all league games held at Lambrick Park, Victoria Mavericks Baseball offers the capital region's premier men's baseball entertainment, and every game is 100% free! We invite you to join us all season long as the chase for the R.P. Rithet Cup begins May 8th!

Spring Training Schedule

Although the season is yet to start, spring training is under way and we are currently running practices 4 times a week. All practices are at the Mavericks Field at Lambrick Park.

Bullpen Practices:

• Tuesdays, 7:00 PM

Regular Practices:

• Thursdays, 6:30 PM
• Saturdays, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
• Sundays, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Schedule Released

The 2007 Victoria Mavericks season schedule has been released and the Legends Cardinals start their regular season off with a battle against the Victoria Mariners on Wednesday, May 2. Game time is at 6:00 PM so all players should be in gear and ready to warm-up at 5:15 PM.

We are excited about the new season and how our new prospects are going to help lift us from the .500 ball we played last year. Fans are encouraged to come out and see our first game of the season and help give us that extra push toward our first win.

Exhibition Game - Sopranos Athletics

Sorry, the game was cancelled because Sopranos could not field a team.

The Legends Cardinals will be playing their first exhibition game this Saturday (April 28) at 4:00 PM at Mavericks Field. The opponents, the Sopranos Athletics coached by Dustin Oliver and Mike (Hollywood) Johnson. Make sure to be at the park by 3:00 PM for practice and warmups. It's about to get serious!

Fence Day

Well, today is the day we put up the fence. Get your butt about there and help make our ballpark into an actual ballpark. The fence work begins at 12:00 noon and it'll finish with our practice at 3:00 PM (which goes till 5:00 PM). If we all pitch in then we can make short work of it and get some outfield/infield practice in this weekend.

New Maverick Teams Added

The Victoria Mavericks are excited to announce 3 new teams to their 2007 league structure!

The Mavericks have been fielding just one all-star team for a number of years and they have decided to add a second team. This team will also compete in provincial tournaments and will have the option of travelling as well.

The Mavericks have also added one team to their regular season league, making five in total. We'd like to thank the Victoria Shark Club for coming forward as the new main sponsor for this team. Coached by league president Brad Franklin, the new Shark Club Dodgers will begin play during the 2007 season beginning in May. Also changing is the name and sponsor for 9-time champions Maude Hunters who will now be known as the Monkey Tree Pub Blue Jays

The Victoria Mavericks league has also added a Rec team for development of players over the age of 21. This team will play in the newly developed Over-18 Victoria Recreational Baseball League. This team is added to the BC Premier 19-21 team the Junior Mavericks.

Legends Cardinals Coaches

The Legends Cardinals rely on many guys to lead them through their season, and we are blessed to have the best and most fun coaches in the league (no offence of course to the other teams).


Our Head Coach is the great Sean (Spills) Spiller. Also a middle school teacher out at Spencer, this coach may be getting on in years but still puts his best foot forward to lead his team to victory. He is hoping to get his bat speed back up after a injuries last season slowed him down.






Also taking coaching duties but usually acting as the on-field quarterback is Josh (J.B.) Byers. Sporting a new stache this year it'll be exciting to see if he can retain his star (#1) status and continue to hit .300 from the plate. We know his glove and arm are up to the challenge.






Helming our pitching staff is the great Trevor Strandlund. Not only does his accuracy and even his speed allow our team to compete many nights, but his wisdom from the mound being passed on to us juniors is essential. Here's hoping he's got many more Cardinal year's ahead of him.






Rounding out the coaching duties is Luke (The Duke) Webb who also acts as a director on the Victoria Mavericks Board. Luke can play any position and will always have a positive encouragement to help you with your game.







Sorry about the bad pics guys.

Team Photos

Check out these photos of our team from the 2006 season:


Our 2006 Team Photo



Catcher Matt Smith



Star Pitcher Matt Turner



Luke Webb sliding into second



Our pitching legend Trevor Strandlund



Dan Harlow at second



Star catcher Matt Smith throwing to second



Luke Webb in the box



Warren Medwid taking a lead



Derek Hill laying down a bunt

Our Team Sponsors

To play premier baseball can sometimes cost a pretty penny. Not only are there league dues to be paid (which are a part of all professional sprting leagues), but equipment costs can add up, as well as tournament entry fees.

The Cardinals depend on their team sponsors to help provide the money to help make their season a success. We would like to thank our sponsors and wish them the very best in their businesses. Please visit their websites and utilize their services and products.

Namesake Sponsor:

Legends Nightclub

A pillar of the Victoria night life scene for over 35 years. With the help from a dedicated management and staff, owners Kirk, Craig and Grant Olson have sought to maintain the utmost level of customer service and comfort for all guests. The name "Legends" refers to the theme of arts, sports and entertainment memorabilia which is displayed throughout the club. Live music has been a major feature of Legends history. The list of artists to have performed on our stage is a long and impressive one. Included are such groups as the Tragically Hip, Nirvana, Jewel, Amanda Marshall and the Tea Party.

Website: www.legendsnightclub.com
Phone: 250.383.7137

Other Sponsors:

Don Mann Excavating Ltd.

Working in Victoria, B.C. for over 50 years, this family-run local business offers the following services.

Demolition
Pipe Laying
Land Clearing
Stone Slingers
Equipment Rentals
Contract Management
Complete Subdivision Development

Website: www.donmann.com
Phone: 250.479.8283



If you are interested in being a team sponsor, then please contact us and we would love to consider your involvement.

Mavericks Field at Lambrick Park

The Legends Cardinals have the privilege of playing on Mavericks Field at the gorgeous Lambrick Park facility in the Victoria subueb of Gordon Head. Lambrick Park is a safe and relaxing environment to enjoy numerous activities. Located in a residential neighbourhood, Mavericks Field is bordered by three Little League diamonds, a junior baseball diamond, a community recreation centre, public schools, tennis courts, a lacrosse box, lawn bowling club, skate park, community youth centre, playground, and a large public walkway. Needless to say, our baseball facility is frequently visited by hundreds of spectators. Lambrick Park is cared for by Saanich Parks, in conjunction with many community groups such as the Victoria Mavericks who help with Mavericks Field in particular.

Map to Lambrick Park


Lambrick Park Links:

Saanich Parks
Lambrick Park Baseball Association
Gordon Head Rec Centre
Backdoon Youth Centre
Lambrick Park Diamond for Excellence

Victoria Maverick Cardinals History

The Cardinals have been around for many years. They have had different sponsors, including Harbour City Kitchens and Legends Nightclub (current sponsor).

Through Maverick history we have had many award winners from out team, including:
Josh Byers - 2002 Most Sportsmanlike Player
Aaron Webb - 2002 Rookie of the Year
Jason Nazar - 2002 Pitcher of the Year
Luke Webb - 2003 Rookie of the Year
Matt Smith - 2004 Rookie of the Year
Chris Renton - 2004 Pitcher of the Year
Kasey Wickens - 2005 League Batting Title

In 2006, the Legends Nightclub Cardinals finished with a .500 record but was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by the eventual R.P Rithet Cup Champions Maude Hunters Rockies.

Our 2006 Team:

The R.P. Rithet Cup

The R.P. Rithet Cup is in honour of the late R.P. (Robert Paterson) Rithet. It is the second oldest trophy in Canadian amateur sports.

Living in the City of Victoria (and its surrounding municipalities) we pretty much take for granted the names of our streets, buildings, parks and in particular our sports' trophies and awards. We generally have little concern or knowledge as to where these names came from and to who these people were. The R.P. Rithet Cup (annually awarded to the Playoff Champions of the Victoria Mavericks Baseball League) was first awarded in 1922 and has a namesake that is probably unknown to most of us.
The fourth son of farmers John Rithet and Agnes Paterson, Robert was born in Applegarth, Dumfriesshire, Scotland on April 22nd, 1844. Before coming to Canada in 1862 the young Scotsman served for a time in a merchant's office in Liverpool, England. Soon after arriving in Victoria, B.C. (1862) he joined the Cariboo gold rush. R.P. Rithet later returned to Victoria in 1865 where he held various jobs. In 1869 he secured a job as a manager and bookkeeper for Sproat & Co. and later moved to San Francisco to manage the company from there. It was also in San Francisco where he had made numerous business contacts that in turn contributed to his later success. Eventually he moved back to Victoria and co-founded Welch Rithet and Company. The company was later re-named R.P. Rithet and Company after the death of Andrew Welch. R.P. Rithet and Company (established in 1871) were importers and commission merchants for liquor and groceries. He soon became a prominent figure in Victoria and was one of the city's foremost businessmen.

In 1875 he married Elizabeth Jane Hannah Munro who was the daughter of retired Hudson's Bay Company Manager Alexander Munro. The Rithets had three children in which he later built a house named 'Hollybank' (originally 952 Humboldt) as a wedding gift for his eldest daughter Gertrude. This large and elegant Italianette villa was set in formal gardens with tennis courts, stables and a croquet lawn for recreation. Renamed the 'Beaconsfield Inn' it is now an elegant 'Edwardian' Heritage building and is currently run as a 'Bed & Breakfast'. Mrs. R.P. Rithet owned Victoria's first electric car in 1910. She also had a reputation of being a lady who (on occasion) took little or no notice of traffic signs, horses or pedestrians and left in her wake a scene of frustrated policemen and total chaos.

R.P. Rithet's shipping and commercial interests resulted in him founding the Victoria Wharf and Warehouse Company for the purpose of constructing the 'Outer Docks' in James Bay in the 1890's. The outer wharves enabled 'deep-sea' vessels such as the 'CPR Empress' to dock in Victoria as the Inner Harbour was too small to accommodate these larger vessels.

In addition to the number of ships that were named in his honour, R.P. Rithet also has two parks that are currently named after him. 'Rithet Park' (that includes croquet lawns and several bocce courts) located in Crockett, California and 'Rithet's Bog' located in the Municipality of Saanich, British Columbia. The 'bog' was originally included in the 1200-acre purchase made by R.P. Rithet in 1893. Rithet’s Bog is now a 42-hectare Nature Sanctuary that is now being conserved and restored to optimize its biodiversity and recognize its heritage value for the benefit of present and future generations. He later named his new farming company 'Broadmede' farm (established in 1899) after one of his famous racehorses. The area (now spelled 'Broadmead') is currently a residential neighbourhood that is located in the Royal Oak area of the Municipality of Saanich. He also owned other large farms in the Delta area of B.C.'s Lower Mainland.

R.P. Rithet also served as Justice of the Peace (1873), Mayor of Victoria (1885 - 1886), an M.L.A. (Conservative Party) for Victoria (1894 - 1898), a principal promoter of the British Pacific Railway Company, an active President of the Victoria Board of Trade, President and shareholder of the Canadian Pacific Navigation Company, President of the Victoria Canning Company, Vice-President of the Albion Iron Works, President of the California and Hawaii Sugar Refining Company and Consul-General in Victoria for Hawaii.

R.P. Rithet died in his home on March 20th, 1919 at the age of seventy-four, his wife in 1952 at the age of ninety-nine.

Who Are We?

The Legends Nightclub Cardinals are one of five teams in the Victoria Mavericks mens baseball league. This league is the highest level of baseball available in Victoria, BC, Canada. The Victoria Mavericks also have two travelling all-star teams, a developmental Rec. team, and a travelling Junior team made up of 19-21 year-olds.