08/31/2026
The stage is set for the 2026 post season in the SJABA Senior League. The final playoff seeding is as follows:
1. McNiven’s Pub Shamrocks
2. Holy Cross Crusaders
3. Attain Physiotherapy Feildians
4. Metro Property Mgmt Knights
The SJABA playoff format features two best-of-five Semi Final series, with 1st seed playing 4th, and 2nd playing 3rd. The winner of each Semi Final series advances to the final which is also a best-of-five. The Shamrocks will take on the Knights for the second year in a row, while Holy Cross will take on Feildians. While Shamrocks and Holy Cross occupied the top two spots during the regular season, Feildians and Knights fought with Storm for the 3rd and 4th seeds down the stretch. Feildians and Knights played some of their best baseball to close out the year, making for what should be a very competitive playoff picture.
Feildians Vs Holy Cross
After a red-hot start, Holy Cross has cooled off slightly but maintains their strong core of talent that has lead them to multiple championships over the year. For a roster built like this, it’s not the seed they finish at that matters. This Cross team can turn it on when it matters most, lead by the Reid brothers (Evan and Jacob), Nick Evans, Sean Janes and John Cribb, Holy Cross has been a perennial contender for the Senior Championship.
During the regular season, they scored the third most runs (118) and gave up the second fewest (80). Evan Reid leads the way for last year’s runner up, with .407 average with younger brother Jacob on his heels, hitting .397. On the mound, the oldest Crusader has turned back the hands of time. Long-time arm Sean Janes completed the 2026 regular season posting a 1.96 ERA and a 5-0 record for a Crusaders team that was missing important innings from Nick Evans during the regular season. Darcy Cribb, Owen Barrington and Ethan Power have all grown tremendously as Junior-aged players that are depended on by this team.
As per Head Coach Justin Kelly
Any missing any pieces?
- Most of our core remains in place. We hope to have Riley (King) for a couple of games, but we will have some strong Junior players ready to help.
Was there a big defining moment during the season?
- No really defining moments – just consistent play. We got out to a hot start but have dipped during the longer part of the season. Our guys have a ton of playoff experience and will rise to the occasion.
What is your greatest strength?
- Greatest strength would be our flexibility and depth through the lineup. Guys who play multiple positions which makes it easy to adjust.
Outlook against Feildians
- Feildians have had a good season. They gave us competitive games all season. We’re not taking them lightly.
Feildians return to the playoffs after missing them last season. The irony is that the biggest reason that they missed them last year, is the biggest reason why they’re playing their best baseball entering them this year. Alex McGrath suited up for the Terra Novas last year as part of preparing for the Canada Games. Dressing for the Terra Novas, McGrath had some big moments against the double blues, including a walkoff grandslam that helped them edge out the Feildians for a playoff spot. This year, McGrath has been doing damage for Feildians. Punching 15.2 innings on the mound and hitting .375,
McGrath has provided stability to a team that always had talent. Feidlians isn’t a one-man-band though. Kevin Cashin finished the regular season with a .388 average and 19 hits. Dylan Perego threw 19.2 innings and batted .387 with 12 hits. Allstar Tyler Walchuck hit .394 with 29.2 innings on the mound and a 1.88 ERA. Feildians have been doing their thing all year and have rode the waves that come with a long season. All of this with the help of all the long-time Feildians, including Aaron Flood and Alex Walsh. The double blues have hit their stride. They’re here and they are ready to compete.
As per Head Coach/Captain Aaron Flood:
Any missing any pieces?
- We have our full roster and our Junior team will completement our bench and solid pitching depth
Was there a big defining moment during the season?
- I think a big defining moment for this season was the arrival of Alex McGrath. He missed the first few games of the season because he was competing on the mainland. Since then, he’s really shown he’s a top player on both sides of the ball and a key part of our success. He is an elite arm, bat and defender. It’s been fun to watch and play along side him. He also has a great attitude, knows the game beyond his years and is very laid back but knows when to turn it on too. His simple approach to the game has rubbed off on us and we are really having fun. Alex has really gelled well with he guys on and off the field.
Another defining moment was a late season 4 game win streat that got us locked into 3rd place!
What is your greatest strength?
- Our greatest strength is our veteran at bats where we grind down the opposing pitcher and make them work hard against us. Everyone takes selfless at bats and doesn’t mind passing the torch to the next guy. There are no egos in our lineup and we really play hard for each other. Another strength has been our defense and ability of our pitching staff to leave runners on base and get out of jams. We have improved our runs against this year compared to others and that’s a big reason why… pitching and defense.
Outlook against Holy Cross
- Cross has a great lineup and they all hit the ball very well. Obviously, they have one of the best two-way guy in the league in Jacob Reid. We will try our best too keep him off the bases, and keep the guys behind him in the lineup from having any big moments.
We went 1-1-1 against them during the regular season. We know in the playoffs they are going to bring their “A” game against us, and we are ready and really looking forward to facing every challenge head on. Our pitching staff and bullpen all bring something different to the mound and we feel we can go toe to toe with anyone on any night.
