Stand Up Double

Ellie Jespersen’s 2019 season can be summed up in one word: incredible.

After pacing Alberta at the national championships in Okotoks, the 16-year-old was named to Baseball Canada’s National Women’s Team, contributing in major ways.

She put the wraps on the year by being named to two major Baseball Alberta awards in November.

Shari of All Trades

Shari Reiniger has turned her love of baseball and travel into quite the career.

Over the last 15 years, she has served in a multitude of roles for Baseball Canada at international events.

The Californian-turned-Edmontonian has seen it all, and gave us a snapshot in a recent episode of Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast.

Case Closed

The announcement took more than a few people by surprise.

After three games with the New Hampshire Fishercats this spring, it was announced Andrew Case was retiring.

As we found out, the former Prospects Academy and Prairie Baseball Academy product made a lasting impression here in Alberta.

Framing Up in Florida

Ayden Makarus wanted to be a goalie in hockey.

But his father made him a deal that if he played baseball, he could be a catcher.

Now the Airdrie, Alberta native is taking his game to a whole new level with Baseball Canada’s Junior National Team at Spring Training in Florida.

Keyes to Success

After two swings at the MLB Draft in 2016 and 2017, Calgary’s Clayton Keyes is hoping a team will throw another pitch his way.

Ranked as the fifth-best draft-eligible Canuck by the Canadian Baseball Network, the Dawgs Academy product is off to a hot start with Central Arizona College.

During a recent rainout, we caught up with him for an Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast interview.

The Legend of Luch

She admits it’s been on her mind for a while.

But just days before her 29th birthday, Nicole Luchanski announced her retirement.

The Baseball Canada Women’s National Team star and Edmonton native is now ready for the next chapter of her life.

Act of Lalor

It’s hard to imagine calling Kelsey Lalor a “veteran.” She is only 20, after all.

Yet, her resume is an impressive one, including being named to the All World Team after this summer’s Women’s Baseball World Cup.

The Red Deer native finished off the year by being named the top women’s player in Alberta.

Unfinished Business

With one eye on the prize of the 2018 Women’s Baseball World Cup, Canada has another eye on the future and it may not be more prevalent than by looking at the Alberta contingent heading to Viera, Florida.

Five Albertans make up the roster, including three first-year national team players.

While there is plenty of new blood, the expectation remains the same: win.

Havana Ball

Alexis Galloway’s trip to Cuba for the 2017 Baseball Canada Girls Development Camp was cut short because of injury. The Okotoks native was able to get back onto the radar for 2018 and looked to make an impression with the Women’s World Cup in Florida coming this summer.

Soroka picks up win in MLB debut

Calgary pitching prospect Mike Soroka made his Major League Baseball debut last night, taking the mound for the Atlanta Braves during a start against Noah Syndergaard and the New York Mets at Citi Field.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound righty ended up picking up the win after putting in six innings of work. He gave up six hits and one earned run – a solo home run off the bat of Yoenis Cespedes – while issuing no walks and striking out five, en route to a 3-2 Braves victory.

Here’s a look at Soroka’s special day and the reactions to it …