The Maples Monarchs Hardball Program was started with the goal of providing a fun experience, as well as teaching hardball skills and good sportsmanship.  We are a member of the North Winnipeg Minor Baseball Association which is under the Manitoba Baseball Association.

Hardball is not only a growing sport in the Maples, it is on the upswing in North Winnipeg and the City of Winnipeg as a whole.  Last year Maples had 8 teams playing out of our club. We continue our tradition of fielding strong teams.  The Midget AA team (16, 17 and 18 year-olds) won the City Championship in 2009.

The Hardball program starts at 5 years old, with the Rally Cap Program. After experiencing this program, the players aged 7 to 9 bat against the ever-popular pitching machine. A live pitcher is introduced at 10 years-old and continues all the way to our Senior Men’s Hardball program. Maples fields teams at the recreational A level and the more advanced AA regional level.

It would be nice if we could again have 8 teams playing out of our area.  It all depends on getting your registration in before March 17th.  The more players registered with the Maples by that date, the more teams we can have playing out of our area.  A second factor that determines who will host a team  is coaches.  The more coaches in place at Maples by March 17th, the better chance I have of having a team play out of the Maples.  Please give me a call if you are interested.  (Deric Balagus 880-6444)

Players that are interested in AAA baseball must attend tryouts, which start in early March. Those interested in playing AA must attend tryouts at the end of March.  Details for both will be available at registration which is in early March. If anyone is interested in Coaching at the AA level please submit your application to the North Winnipeg Minor Baseball Association.

See you on the diamond,

Deric Balagus
Maples Hardball Convenor