Could a new BB junior baseball league see the light of day in Bas-Saint-Laurent? This is the wish of the president of the Puribec Baseball League, Denis Bérubé, who sees it as an exceptional opportunity to keep senior teams healthy and thus ensure the sustainability of baseball in the region.
The project was part of the discussions during the general assembly of the Puribec League. According to Mr. Bérubé, it remains embryonic, but “serious”.
“It’s not an idea launched like that. There is definitely interest and steps will be taken. We cannot say that we are advanced, but we want to do it, that is clear,” confirms the president who does not hide his enthusiasm at the idea of embarking on the development of a new league.
For the record, it was the organization of Frontière FM in Edmundston which would have indicated a “great interest” in developing a league where its young pool of players could develop. This objective, shared by several teams on the circuit, was quickly encouraged by the other managers present.
“It’s the first time people opened their book and said they had a clear, strong interest. From that moment on, it was certain that I was ready to get on board,” stressed Denis Bérubé.
“We also have to be consistent. [Dans le senior]we want local players, so we have to work to keep them and develop them in a regional framework,” he added.
The challenge of succession remains one of the most important for the Puribec Senior Baseball League, there is no hiding place. Currently, according to Denis Bérubé, some players who finish their midget training stop playing if they do not make the jump to junior elite. Others join a senior team directly, but they quickly realize that the step is high.
“Not all young people play regularly and get discouraged. If there were [automatiquement] a transition to junior for interested players, we are confident that we could keep these guys. It would be a win-win for everyone.”
In the region, the example of Trois-Pistoles is also important. The senior team has been competitive for several years (even having won championships) and this is particularly due to the progress of several young people who have developed with the affiliated team. In recent years, it also stood out from the crowd by not using imported players.
“The senior teams that have the most depth and perform year after year are often those that have a junior club. The proof is in place,” he argued.
For the moment, Denis Bérubé does not hide the fact that there are many elements to attach with different partners, including Baseball Quebec, in order to set up a new regional circuit. However, he says he is confident, not seeing any insurmountable pitfalls on the path. “I see several positive sides, that’s what keeps me working,” he replied.
As for the timetable, the enthusiast does not hide that it is currently “one minute to midnight” for a launch in the summer of 2025. He nevertheless believes that it is still possible to achieve something interesting within the time frame. time allowed. “If we lack time or we are not ready, we will postpone it because we do not want to do something that will limp from the first year,” he concluded.
