This past week the Moncton Fisher Cats informed fans that they will be back in action this season.
Despite being the reigning league champions (the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19) there was concern over the status of the organization after their executive board stepped down earlier this year.
“A couple of months ago, I’ll be honest it wasn’t looking good,” says Fisher Cats Manager Patrick Tardif.
The team was without the majority of an operations staff and still dealing with the loss of eight players that are no longer with the organization.
However, Tardif’s luck began to change around a month ago when some key cogs were put in motion.
“Once I reached out to some key people that showed interest in being involved in the program, I saw there was some hope,” says Tardif.
Now the Fisher Cats boast a formidable staff that includes general manager Justin Delaney, partnership coordinators Jimmy Doucet and Ian Gray, as well as various other coordinators and a former banker who will act as treasurer.
While Tardif managed to complete a front office overhaul, there is still work to be done for his roster.
The team that takes the field this year will possess several new faces as the result of six retirements and the departure of two import players.
The manager is confident that with what he defines as the “core” still intact and a plethora of options for new players available the Fisher Cats will be competitive.
Due to the Fredericton Royals being held off the field this year, there will be a draft to determine where their players end up.
In addition, the Fisher Cats will receive three players that have graduated from their youth system. Open tryouts will also be held for anyone interested in earning a spot in the lineup.
When the team does suit up for their first game on May 23, there is little expectation for the players to be polished. Due to COVID-19, the Fisher Cats could not train indoor, they will start their on-field training this week.
“It’s probably going to show on the field early on and it’s probably not going to be as pretty as it should,” says the team’s manager.
Tardif says he is prepared to alter his usual coaching strategies with the expectation that his pitchers are less prepared.
They do expect to have early-season struggles, however, because all teams will make the postseason, Tardif adds that he is just focused on securing another title.
