NDBA POWER RANKINGS: Recapping May
6/2/2023by Corey LeBlanc
It's the May edition of Power Rankings!
It's the May edition of Power Rankings!

How else would we want to wrap up the first month in the NDBA (Niagara District Baseball Association) than with an official recap of where we stand after the wee hours of play in the regular season.

In this edition of the NDBA Power Rankings, we take a look back at the month of May and rank the teams based on their performance. The competition has been fierce, with each team striving to establish their dominance on the diamond.

For grading purposes, we’re using the 2022 regular season standings as a base and letting teams move up or down from there. If you think your team deserved a better fate, let me know @ThatOneNewsGuy on Twitter!

 

SPONSOR

 

This episode of the NDBA Power Rankings is brought to you by Chris Heckley, PFP, Mortgage Agent. 

 

 

The league would like to thank all of its sponsors for the 2023 season. On with the show!

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  1. Welland Pioneers (-3): The Pioneers find themselves at the bottom of the power rankings this time with a 2-4 record in May. While they have shown flashes of brilliance (like a 17-3 win over the Beamsville Yellow Jackets on opening day), inconsistency has plagued their performance. The Pioneers will need to regroup and find ways to improve if they hope to climb up the standings in the coming months.

 

  1. Merritton Alliance (-3): Alliance had a tough month, posting a 1-4 record. They have struggled to find their rhythm on the field and have been troubled by both offensive and defensive inconsistencies. It’s only the beginning, but this is a far cry the powerhouse offense we saw in 2022. Merritton has the lowest runs per seven innings (3.2) of any other team in the NDBA through the first five games.

 

  1. Niagara Falls Expos (E): With a .500 record in May, it’s simple to say the Niagara Falls Expos have had an up-and-down start to the season. They left much to be desired off the field in their back-to-back in their first two games but have steadied the ship and are 3-1 in their last four games. If the Expos can find some stability and maintain their winning momentum, they have the potential to make a move up the rankings in the future.
  1. St. Catharines Cobras (+3): The St. Catharines Cobras had a solid month, posting a 3-2 record. With back-to-back wins over the Welland Pioneers last week, they’ve been able to push into the fray and stay relevant in the early going (a refreshing change for the club). The key to their success thus far has been a reliable pitching staff able to keep them in the game long enough to strike when the iron is hot. The Cobras are knocking on the door of the top spot and will be a team to watch as the season progresses.

 

  1. Beamsville Yellow Jackets (-2): The newly dubbed Yellow Jackets had a relatively decent month, finishing with a 2-3 record. They have displayed solid fundamentals and a strong pitching staff as per usual, but their offense needs a boost to push them further up the rankings. With some the hits will come and the Yellow Jackets should become a force to be reckoned with in the league once again.
  1. Thorold Anchors (+4): The Anchors also boasted a .500 record in May all while showcasing their ability to compete with the best in the league. Their balanced performance on both sides of the ball and their tenacious spirit has kept them in the mix. The organization is rallying behind their young, budding stars and it’s making a difference in the attitude around the locker room. Look out, as the Anchors have the potential to challenge the top teams in the upcoming months.

 

  1. Fort Erie Cannons (+1): Sitting at the top of the power rankings, the Fort Erie Cannons have been the standout team in the NDBA in May. Their performance has been nothing short of exceptional, and their undefeated record is a testament to their talent and consistency. The Cannons have once again built a well-rounded roster with solid pitching, strong defense, and an explosive offense in a park that dares the hitter to go deep. They have set the bar high for their competitors and will be the team to beat in the upcoming games.

As we head into the summer months, the NDBA teams will have their eyes set on climbing up the power rankings and securing their spot in the playoffs. It will be intriguing to see if the lower-ranked teams can make a push and challenge the top contenders. With plenty of baseball left to be played, the race for the championship is far from over.