In three games, the Moncton Fisher Cats (2-3) slipped from first to fourth and second to last in the NB/PEI senior baseball circuit. “Don’t panic,” assures the veteran of the formation, Serge Vautour of Moncton. They are now only ahead of the Chatham Ironmen (0-1), who have only played one game so far. The Fishers Cats begin a three-game series Thursday night in less than four days.
Like his colleague Justin Cormier, Vautour is part of the furniture at the Fishers Cats, a member of the team since it bears this name. He joined the Moncton Mets senior club at age 22 – in 2010 – after graduating from his junior training.
With four games under the belt and 16 at bats, including 6 hits and 4 RBIs, Vautour maintains a .375 batting average. He is second in the team behind pitcher Sam Lund (.455 in 14 plate appearances).
“The season is young, explains Vautour from the outset, about the fourth place of the Elbow team. The season is a marathon, not a sprint. We want to win, but the real season starts at the end of August at the beginning of September. So we don’t panic. We lost our last game, but it was close (5 to 4 loss against the Alpines of Saint-Jean). The league is strong, but we have a really good team,” says the first baseman.
“We have a lot of talent and a lot of leadership on the team. We also have a good coach (Greg Hickox) who we trust. We only have a few games played, it’s not a lot, ”he relativizes.
Newcomers need to find their bearings. This is the case of infielder Declan Buckle, a recent graduate of Minot State University where he has just concluded his NCAA career, and pinch hitter Jérémie Arseneau, who went through the University of Albany (NY).
“They are good players. They are young, but they adapt well. There are good pitchers in this league, so it’s a big transition for them from junior baseball,” explained Vautour.
Busy schedule
While three games in four days can be daunting for a senior team that doesn’t have the bullpen of a major league team, Vulture is confident the Cats gunners will fill the order.
“It’s hard on the arms, three games in so few evenings. We have the right people to do it. We also have Ben Higgins continuing to practice and approaching a return to the mound. A decade ago, he was probably the best pitcher in the league.
“He’s going to take his time, there’s no rush. We don’t want to push him too much, but he’s part of the team’s plans on the mound.”
If asked for his predictions for upcoming matches, Serge Vautour wisely chooses the diplomatic route.
“The league is strong. All teams can beat all teams. I think we have a really good training, but sometimes it takes time for everything to fall into place.
“We have to find our confidence. This is also true for young people who arrive. Sometimes it takes longer to find the right chemistry. I’m not worried,” he repeated.
After their two road games Thursday and Friday against the Chatham Ironmen and the Fredericton Royals (2-3), the Fishers Cats will be at home Sunday afternoon to host the Saint John Alpines (3-3). A meeting that promises to be exciting.
“The Alpines have a good team, explains Vautour. They have a lot of veterans. They have some good pitchers, including Jay Johnson (no earned runs allowed in 10 innings this season) and the Nasons (Matt 1.75 and Ryan 2.33 average).
“They also have good veteran hitters, like Mark Phillips.” The Fisher Cats will be right to be wary of it. Phillips already has 5 home runs in 6 games (21 at bats), for an average of .429.
“We will have to be ready for them”, summarizes Serge Vautour.
