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Opening It Up

The last time we saw Calgarian Mike Soroka take the mound for the Atlanta Braves, he was breaking new ground.

It was Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the St. Louis Cardinals – an exciting 3-1 victory for Atlanta – and Soroka struck out seven batters through seven innings while surrendering no walks, just two hits and one earned run.

It’s been a long time since that game at Busch Stadium on Oct. 6, 2019, and it feels even longer with the COVID-19 pandemic that has cancelled and postponed baseball games at all levels this year.

Tooning Up For the Big Leagues

From Saskatchewan to Seattle, Marco Gonzales always managed to take his game to the next level.

The 28-year-old is one of the more notable alumni of the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL), and after signing a four-year, $30-million contract extension with the Mariners in 2020, the reliable left-handed pitcher should be memorable to those who follow the summer collegiate circuit.

Potent Pitching

Luring one of the most mild-mannered players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to charge the mound is an unusual achievement, but it’s one that Lou Pote can celebrate.

The 6-foot-3 right-handed pitcher was with the Anaheim Angels in 2001 when he did the nearly impossible: he made Hall-of-Fame designated hitter (DH) Edgar Martinez mad … like, really mad.

It was the sixth inning of an early October game in Anaheim between the Angels and the Seattle Mariners, who finished that season with an American League (AL) record 116 wins.

Fielder’s Choice

The lights will stay on at RE/MAX Field in Edmonton. It just remains to be seen who will play under them.

After a couple of years of speculation, rumours and proposals, Baseball Edmonton Inc. has announced it has been granted a 10-year lease to operate the ballpark.

After that announcement, the Edmonton Prospects announced they would be moving to Spruce Grove for the 2022 season.

But what does this all mean for the Western Canadian Baseball League in the capital?

Tetonic Shift

Derek Palmiere stands out for more ways than one.

Not only has he been extremely adaptable on the baseball field for Dawgs Academy in Okotoks, but the lanky 6-foot-3 product is almost always smiling.

We caught up with him for a quick chat about recently signing his Letter of Intent with Williston State College.