The Stonewall Senior Blue Jays are back for another season in the Winnipeg Senior Baseball League after reaching the semifinals in 2024.
Now two years removed from their 2022 championship, the Jays return with a younger, refreshed roster that will take the field across Manitoba this summer—especially at their home diamond in Stonewall’s Quarry Park.
Eric Swanson has stepped into the role of player/head coach, taking over from James Stolar. However, Swanson said Stolar is expected to remain involved with the team in some capacity.
“It’s definitely a bit of a committee. It’s not like it’s just me kind of saying what’s going,” said Swanson on Monday. “More so on my end it’s just making sure we’re organized—paying umpires, that sort of thing. As far as the actual game decisions, there’s a core group of three or four guys who all put in their two cents.”
On the field, the Jays have brought in new talent, shifting toward a younger roster aiming to gain experience at the senior level.
“This year we’ve got a lot more younger guys out, which is good in terms of replenishing players,” Swanson said. “In senior sports, as guys get older, they start quitting, which is fair. So getting a lot of young guys this year is good. We haven’t had that for a few years. It’s about getting everyone an out, and getting them used to playing senior baseball.”
Although the roster may lack experience, Swanson believes they’ll bring a new dimension to the game.
“With the younger roster, we should have a bit more speed in the run game,” he said.
Defence has also been a highlight early in the season, as the Jays are still getting into rhythm at the plate. Through their first two games, Stonewall started 0–2 after matchups against 2024 contenders Carillon and Elmwood.
“It’s kind of nice to see that right off the start—not easing into it,” Swanson said. “We’re seeing good arms right away, which is good. Early on, we don’t have much time before the season starts with the weather and all that, so the first couple games are about getting out there, getting some swings in, playing catch, and getting ready for the season.”
The Jays played their third game Monday night against the St. Boniface Brewers. Due to press deadlines, the score was unavailable at the time.
Stonewall is back in action Wednesday, May 28, when they visit the South Winnipeg Longhorns at 7:30 p.m. at CHW Park 1.
