AFTER close to three months stuck in the dugout, the Shoalhaven Mariners will finally step foot onto the diamond this weekend when the Illawarra Baseball League gets underway.
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Making the season even more special is it marks the first time the Mariners have ever fielded four teams - with one in every division except major league one.
"It's amazing we are able to field four teams this season," Mariners major league two coach Gabe Tate said.
"It's a credit to all the hard work done by our players and the committee who continually help grow the club.
"We all can't wait to get back out into the diamond and play."
With their major league two having the bye in round one, the first Mariners outfit to step up to the mound will be their minor league three side, coached by Brian Cremin - with them facing the Dapto Chiefs from 9am at Berkeley.
Shoalhaven juniors Cameron Goulden, Riley Mason and Mackenzie Mannix will all make their senior debuts in this match - highlighting the club's growth.
Then on Sunday, two of the Mariners' minor league sides will play home matches at South Nowra's Ison Park.
The double-header will start at 10am when the Mariners' minor league two side, coached by Ben Quiney, host the Northern Pirates.
During this encounter, Samantha Harbinson will play her first game for the club.
This will be followed by the Shoalhaven minor league one side's fixture with the Pirates from 12.30pm - which will see recruits Jess Bennett and Bianca Cotter make their club debuts for the Stuart Raymond-coached Mariners.
Tate's major league two side, featuring Canberra-based imports Edan Kelly, Brenton McMahon, Marcus Atkinson, Kai Meuronen, Bailey Biden, James Lee and Anton Lee, will open their season against the Wollongong Cardinals at Cringila on July 11.