The first pitch of the season for the Swift Current 57's is just around the corner.

However, before the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) action kicks off in Swift Current, the team needs the public's help to ensure they can field a squad.

The team had secured only nine billet beds for incoming players as of earlier this week, leaving them 17 spots short with player arrival dates beginning on May 24.

57's President Brad Woods called the billet situation a critical one with the regular season just over three weeks away.

"Real big need for the community to step up," he said. "We cannot operate if we have to put these kids in hotels. That's not the experience we want either, we want the kids to be ingrained in the community with a family and just to enjoy what Swift Current has to offer."

Billets will receive $400 monthly (paid biweekly) as well as family season tickets.

"The cultural effect," is an added bonus Woods said. "You might have someone from Florida, Georgia, or there are some international students from the Dominican [Republic] that have been playing ball in the U.S. Having someone like that come into your house and bringing that cultural experience."

Another thing the club is hoping residents of the southwest can assist with is volunteering for a variety of game day tasks including selling merchandise, programs, 50/50s, tickets, and running the concession stand. 

"We're a volunteer-driven organization," he said. "Community-supported, volunteer-driven, and if we don't have those things then we can't exist. If we want to keep ball here in Swift Current then we have to support the club and sometimes that means giving volunteer hours." 

Anyone interested in becoming a billet is encouraged by the team to reach out to Jodie Hyswick at 306-741-0109 and for volunteering Brad Woods at 306-772-0471.