Hartley Named WCBL Umpire of the Year

The Western Canadian Baseball League has named Kris Hartley as the top umpire on the summer collegiate circuit.

“Officiating has played, and still does play, a major role in my life with my involvement in various roles,” said Hartley, who volunteers much of his time to help educate aspiring officials.

Making the List

Bob Elliott has released his list of the most influential Canadians in baseball, and the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) makes a number of appearances on the esteemed roll call.

The Hall-of-Fame journalist produced a list of 135 top names in the sport, with Alex Anthopoulos, general manager of the Atlanta Braves, at first overall; followed by Phillies skipper Rob Thomson in second; and Josh Naylor – slugger with the Cleveland Guardians – in the third spot.

Here’s a look at where WCBL personalities landed on the Canadian Baseball Network list …

WCBL Opening Weekend Photo Gallery

A look around the Western Canadian Baseball League’s Opening Week in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Behind the Plate

An age-old question in the world of officiating is facing a new twist: how do you recruit and retain talented people coming out of a global pandemic?

While it’s not unique to baseball, Baseball Alberta is trying to find ways of getting enough officials on the field in 2023 and beyond.

Alberta Ties to the Top 100

We examine the Alberta connections to Bob Elliott’s Top 100 influential Canadians in baseball list that was published by the Canadian Baseball Network.

State of Alberta’s Game

The success stories of baseball in Alberta have been well-documented.

From Mike Soroka and Erik Sabrowski to Nicole Luchanski and Madison Willan, baseball has been top of mind for many.

But as Baseball Alberta’s Darren Dekinder tells us, you can trace a lot of the success back to the grassroots.

2018 WMBL Picture Gallery

We may not have the best pinch hitters at the plate for this assignment – a radio guy and a print journalist – but we shot so many pictures at Western Major Baseball League (WMBL) ballparks this summer that it seemed like a waste to not share some of them.

So, without further ado, here’s a look at the 2018 WMBL season through our lens

1 Thru 9: Mike Ozga

Think of it as a “Getting To Know..” feature, baseball-style.

“1 Thru 9” is a look at some rapid-fire questions and answers with Alberta products playing in the Western Major Baseball League.

We start with Edmonton Prospects infielder Mike Ozga.

Getting the Call

They call it a “dream come true.” Four Alberta umpires have received letters to represent Canada at major Little League tournaments in the United States, including the Little League World Series.

Little League, Big Stage

The Little League World Series, which brings together the world’s best 11- to 13-year-old baseball players, took place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania from Aug. 17-27.

Calgarian Brad Johnston had the honour of being selected as one of the umpires for the event.

Alberta Dugout Stories caught up with Johnston mid-tournament to learn more about his experience at the LLWS.