PORT ANGELES — Practice continues today and Friday for the Wilder Baseball 2012 select team for players who are 16 to 18 years old.
Wilder kicked off its 34th season with a team meeting, tryouts and its first practice Wednesday at Civic Field in Port Angeles.
Prospective players who missed Wednesday’s meeting should show up for practice today at Civic Field starting at 6 p.m.
Practice continues Friday at Civic.
Prospective players also can contact manager Rob Merritt at 360-457-5532.
High school players who are still competing in the state playoffs won’t be allowed to practice but should call Merritt.
Wilder Auto Center continues as the team’s lead sponsor, supported by several other local businesses, all that have been involved for many years.
The program, the top one on the North Olympic Peninsula, draws baseball players from all over the North Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas.
Merritt starts his sixth year as manager.
Wilder alum Mike Politika will return as a full-time coach, and former players Scott Napiontek, J.R. Flores and Zach Moore will be coaching their fourth season with the program.
Wilder will play a demanding nonleague schedule against top teams from around the Pacific Northwest.
Wilder Baseball is respected throughout the region, capturing the state championship nine times, including five of the past 11 titles.
This year’s schedule will include participation in the 16-team Portland Showcase Classic, and Wilder will host its 14th annual Dick Brown Memorial Wilder Firecracker Classic at Civic Field during the first weekend in July.
The Firecracker tournament will feature eight to 10 teams that will play over the course of the four-day weekend.
Wilder also will be playing at the state tournament in Ephrata on July 5-8 where the Peninsula team will be shooting for its 10th state championship.
The winner from the double-elimination state tourney advances to the regional tournament in Kent.
Wilder begins play Saturday in a doubleheader against the Hoquiam Hawks on the road. The game starts at 4 p.m.
The four-game series wraps up Sunday.
“We’re excited for the season to get underway,” Merritt said.
“In addition to the Port Angeles kids, we consistently have key contributions from players who will join us from other nearby high schools.
“In addition to helping the program compete, it is extremely rewarding to watch as new friendships and relationships are developed throughout the season.
“Provided we can develop some pitching depth, we believe that with hard work, we can continue our tradition of being a highly competitive ballclub.”
