Warming up

The clocks have changed, nights are getting longer and the sun has begun to appear from behind the clou......nope, gone again.

Irish baseball is back.

Hopefully the Belfast Northstars will not be rocking too much of a hangover after last years' B league title but they are set to appear very different to last year's side thanks to the inclusion of a new team in the A league.

Formed as the brainchild of Cavan Comet Adrian Kelly, the Ulster baseball side was put together as a representative team for touring or to match up against the national side.

With members of the Ulster sides (Bucs, Comets and Stars) looking for some higher level competition, it was decided to enter the regional team into the A division.

The pitching staff will have a similar look to the Stars from last year with Melvin and Colin Woods providing punch from either side of the rubber as well as Randy Cornwell who has been named the club captain. With vice-captain Mark Smith, veteran rookie Casper Coffie, stalwart Gord Cuthbert and Jason Beck all willing to take the hill, there should be more than enough innings for everyone.

The Ulster side should also have a formidable batting order with a solid mix of power, veteran leadership and speed to burn that will include reigning Northstars rookie of the year Chris Shields and lightning quick outfielder Paul Coombes.

Staring them down on Sunday will be the Dublin Spartans who will no doubt be looking to spoil the party at Peace-Link Park.

And what of the champion Northstars? It will no doubt be a rebuilding campaign for the men in maroon but coach Sean Shackley remains positive about the teams chances thanks to a new-look pitching corps anchored by Shackley himself and with up-and-coming hurlers Josh Cuthbert and Sean McMahon ready to step up. Gord Cuthbert and Mark Smith will be waiting in the wings to provide more veteran support on the bump.

The Northstars were fortunate last year to be blessed with a deep bench which will be emptied this year with Gordon Lafferty, Jason Scott, Dave Gray and Mike McConville all expected to log serious innings this year. The Stars also welcome back Calvin Phillips to the squad who may well be an important part of the lineup before season's end.

Play ball.