Front-Row Favourite

His sense of humour was just a bit outside for some, but Bob Uecker was a one-of-a-kind baseball comedy legend.

From the ballpark to the broadcast booth to beer commercials, the former Major League Baseball (MLB) catcher connected with countless people through the game he loved.

Comedians across several generations, including Johnny Carson and Norm Macdonald, could attest to Uecker’s ability to put smiles on faces.

Candy Crush

The Candyman can.

He proved that in San Francisco and in Cleveland and in Toronto, too.

But before Candido Maldonado brought his can-do attitude to those Major League Baseball (MLB) markets, he established a name for himself in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Lethbridge Bulls 2024 Season Preview

The Lethbridge Bulls have plenty to celebrate this year.

With 2024 marking the 25th anniversary of the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) franchise, the team has a lot planned to promote the ball club and recognize its proud history.

Part of that history includes opening up Alberta to the circuit and setting the league on a path from the Saskatchewan Major Baseball League (SMBL) to the Western Major Baseball League (WMBL), the predecessor of the WCBL.

The Bulls will look to convert that trailblazing history into modern-day success in 2024.

1 Thru 9: Owen Lucas

It’s hard to believe that Owen Lucas is just a year removed from thinking his collegiate baseball career was over.

Having returned home to Ontario after trying to make it onto the Prairie Baseball Academy roster, he fully expected to start his non-sports life.

However, some summer baseball reignited his passion for the game and he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity in 2024.

Always a Jet

Jim Kotkas knows the difference a good coach can make.

And after witnessing such people first-hand as a player, he became one.

Twins Ink Bloor

It’s been a whirlwind few months for Kyle Bloor.

The Lethbridge product went from pitching at Tennessee Wesleyan University to signing with the Sioux City Explorers to pitching in a pro tour in Arizona.

As Canadian Baseball Network’s Bob Elliott tells us, the trek ended with the 24-year-old signing a contract with the Minnesota Twins.

Willie “Curly” Williams – Mr. Baseball of Western Canada

Willie “Curly” Williams left an indelible mark on Alberta and Saskatchewan.

An African-American and former seasoned Negro League player from the US, he found solace and acceptance in the warm embrace of Western Canadian baseball fans.

So much so that Williams earned the title of “Mr. Baseball” in the border city of Lloydminster.

Golden Eye

Landen Bourassa had himself a year to remember in 2023.

Not only was he among the American Association leaders in wins and complete games, the Lethbridge product was healthy and represented Canada for the first time at the Pan Am Games Qualifiers in Argentina.

OPINION: Five Famed Names for the Canadian Baseball Hall

“You have to know the past to understand the present.”

As we continue to beam about the state of baseball in Alberta, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate our past.

It’s time for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to consider some of the builders who helped bring the Pioneer League and Pacific Coast League to Alberta.

Rubbing Elbows with Brooks Robinson

In the prime of his Hall-of-Fame career and fresh off a World Series championship, Brooks Robinson was serving up baseball stories in southern Alberta.

The mainstay of the Baltimore Orioles was a guest speaker in Lethbridge at a Kinsmen dinner banquet on Feb. 4th, 1967, along with teammate Dave McNally.

The third baseman was a few years removed from his American League (AL) Most Valuable Player campaign and in a few more seasons he would claim World Series MVP honours.