Five Storylines We’re Watching in 2023

If one thing is for certain, 2023 will not be short on things for baseball fans in Alberta to talk about.

2022 certainly set the bar high with fantastic individual and team performances, great community-building opportunities and a return to “normal” of sorts after what was an unprecedented couple of years around the world.

Once again, we take a look at the top five storylines we will be watching heading into the new year.

Hill of Tara

“I really still feel that baseball is just such a huge part of my heart and my life.”

Fort Saskatchewan’s Tara Sliwkanich might not be playing baseball right now, but she still feels it has shaped who she is.

The former Baseball Alberta and Baseball Canada star pitcher joined us in a recent episode of Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast to talk about her days of playing and the lessons she has taken to her new career.

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.

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.

Madison and the Multi-Sport Dream

Madison Willan’s multi-sport star continues to rise.

At just 17, she has won the Esso Cup twice with the St. Albert Slash.

And in the summer, she’s turned her attention to baseball, where she’s been gaining national attention ahead of the Women’s World Cup in Florida.

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.