Team Spotlight: Rupert Rockies Set to Revive Ball Legacy in GVA Men’s Ball League

RUPERT, QUEBEC – April 24, 2025 – The GVA Men’s Ball League is heating up as opening day approaches, and the Rupert Rockies are ready to bring their youthful energy, a touch of veteran savvy, and a revived legacy to Redhawk Field. With a new generation of players and a nod to the area’s ball history, this squad is poised to make an impact in the league’s inaugural season.

Leadership on the Diamond

Leading the charge for the Rupert Rockies is team rep Thomas Leggett, a familiar face in the Gatineau Valley. Thomas has been increasingly present in the Low community in recent years, notably bringing a massive Bellai Alliance pump truck to the GVA’s Touch-a-Truck fundraiser last year. He even suited up for the Paugan Falls Rapids in their inaugural season home opener—though a concussion sidelined him early. Now, as he settles into Rupert, Thomas is channeling his passion for community and sport into revitalizing ball in the area, making him the perfect leader for the Rockies’ 2025 campaign.

Roster and Key Players

The Rupert Rockies boast a roster packed with young athletes:

• Alastair Mitchell
• Cal Gray
• Chase Cheslock
• Chris Chartrand
• Cory Cheslock
• Devon Tremblay
• Kade Leggett
• Matt Meunier
• Matt Turner
• Matt Walsh
• Thomas Leggett
• Wade Clemenhagen

This lineup blends youthful speed with experienced pickups, setting the stage for a competitive season.

Players to Watch

Fans should keep an eye on these Rockies standouts:

• Alastair Mitchell: A former collegiate pitcher at McGill, Mitchell brings pedigree to the diamond. While half-whip pitching differs from his baseball days, expect dominant batting and possibly some relief pitching from this versatile player.
• Cory Cheslock: A veteran pitcher who played for Poltimore in the last Low ball league back in 2017, Cheslock is known for his orthodox pitching style. His experience gives the young Rockies a crucial edge on the mound.
• Thomas Leggett: Known for his raw power in 3-pitch tournaments, Thomas will look to adjust to half-whip pitching and unleash home runs that could light up Redhawk Field.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Rockies’ biggest strength lies in their youth and speed, paired with at least one seasoned pitcher in Cory Cheslock. “We’re thrilled to have Cory pitching,” Thomas says, noting the team’s potential to get off to a hot start on May 9. Their aggressive play style should lead to aggressive base running and hard hits. However, the transition to half-whip pitching could be a challenge. Many Rockies players are veterans of the GVA’s 3-pitch tournaments, and adapting to the league’s more difficult pitching style will be key. “We’ll need to adjust to be successful at the plate,” Thomas admits.

Team History and Legacy

Ball has deep roots in Rupert, though the area hasn’t had its own team in many years. Decades ago, a ball diamond sat where the parking lot at the outdoor rink is, serving as a practice ground for local teams who would then travel to Low for league games. Now, Thomas Leggett is reigniting that tradition by forming the first Rupert-based team in a generation, aiming to bring ball back to the community. The Rockies are ready to carry forward this legacy with pride in the GVA Men’s Ball League.

Uniforms, Logo, and Colors

The Rupert Rockies will take the field in striking purple jerseys, modeled after the Colorado Rockies, embracing a bold and modern look. The team has chosen the name “Rupert Rockies” to reflect both their local roots and their mountain-like resilience. Paired with their purple kits, they’ll bring a fresh vibe to Redhawk Field, standing out under the Friday night lights.

Why They Matter

The Rupert Rockies are more than just a new team—they’re a revival of Rupert’s ball tradition, blending a storied past with a bright future. Local business Ray Thompson Trucking has stepped up to sponsor the team, showing the community’s support for this exciting return to the diamond. With young speedsters, a veteran pitcher, and a leader like Thomas Leggett at the helm, they’re ready to make their mark in the GVA Men’s Ball League. The question remains: can they adapt to half-whip pitching and turn their potential into wins? One thing’s for sure—when the Rockies step onto the field on May 9, they’ll bring a fresh energy and a proud legacy to the Gatineau Valley.

Fans can follow the Rockies’ journey on the GVA Men’s Ball League’s Facebook and Instagram pages. First pitch is just weeks away—get ready for a summer of ball!