He might not be the most outspoken person on the Fort McMurray Giants, but Riley Burns lets his arm do the talking.
The home-grown left-hander has become a staple on the Western Canadian Baseball League club’s pitching staff over the last three years, and for good reason.
Burns was a workhorse in his first two seasons (2023-2024), going 2-6 with a 7.82 earned-run average in 27 appearances, including six starts.
He’s already made five appearances in 2025, including four starts, posting an 0-1 record with a 5.40 ERA, also striking out 14 batters in 15 innings.
The 5-foot-8, 170-pound southpaw is also coming off two solid seasons with the University of Calgary Dinos, going 3-6 with a 4.24 ERA in 17 regular-season and playoff games.
Burns joined us for the WCBL Season Preview Extravaganzas on Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast, giving us a chance to get to know him for the latest 7th Inning Stretch.
1. How excited are you to get things rolling with your hometown Fort McMurray Giants?
I’m really excited. I’ve been excited for the last couple of weeks to come home and play some nice summer ball and have some good weather here.
2. You had a good season last year, falling just short of making it into the playoffs. How do you bounce back from that and get yourself into the dance again?
It was a little disappointing last year but we have a new squad this year so we’ll see how it goes. We have a new coach in Ray (Brown) who expects big things out of us. I think it will be a good year.
3. What does Ray bring to the table as a head coach in your eyes?
He definitely brings a lot of experience. He expects the game to be played a certain way and be a solid defensive team. Ray likes to keep it simple and make the routine plays to win more games that way.
4. As a veteran on the team, what’s your message to some of those guys who might be new to the area or new to the WCBL?
It’s a great place to play with great facilities. So just get comfortable and play baseball.
5. You grew up in Fort McMurray. What’s it like getting to be on the mound in front of friends and family?
It’s fun in front of the big crowd. I know when I’m walking out there, I can hear all the fans roaring. So it’s a really unique experience being the hometown kid and throwing in front of people you know.
6. How nice was it to head back home after the season at the University of Calgary?
It was certainly very nice. My mother is a good cook, so we’ve had steak so far. It was really nice not having to cook for myself again.
7. What would it mean to you to win a WCBL championship with your hometown Giants?
That would be the dream. That would be absolutely perfect. There’s nothing I would want more this summer.
