Hyers Learning

In order to claim a World Series championship, you have to make the right hires.

For the Texas Rangers – who coaxed manager Bruce Bochy out of retirement with impressive results – that included luring Tim Hyers to the Major League Baseball (MLB) organization.

Wing Men

The fingerprints of the Edmonton Trappers were all over the 2002 World Series champion Anaheim Angels.

Learn more about the impact of the Pacific Coast League graduates on the title-winning club …

California Dreamin’

It was a dream ride for Medicine Hat trainer Mike Frostad in Atlanta.

But the Los Angeles Angels made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, and now he’s taking that dream to California.

Soaking It All In

We take a look at the World Series celebrations of Albertans Mike Frostad and Mike Soroka.

Both men helped the Atlanta Braves achieve baseball’s ultimate goal.

The Battered Bouton of Baseball

More than a few baseball players can say they were the author of their own demise.

But in Jim Bouton’s case, it was literally true.

Fortunately, the knuckleball pitcher was also capable of penning a great redemption story … and Calgary played a big role in that comeback.

Bengal Brothers

Ayden Makarus knew he was going to a powerhouse when he joined LSU-Eunice in 2020.

Little did he know, the Bengals’ quest to win their seventh NJCAA Division II championship since 2006 would face hurdles along the way.

With fellow Dawgs Academy grad Jackson Fraser, Makarus finally got to taste a title this spring.

Last Of The Baby Jays

Erik Kratz represents the end of an Alberta era. He is the last active player in Major League Baseball who spent time with the Medicine Hat Blue Jays.

He was part of the last Pioneer League team to come through Athletic Park in 2002.

We caught up with his old manager Rolando Pino to talk about Kratz and his improbable journey to baseball folk hero.

Once Upon A Time

It was a fairytale ending.

After a plucky cast of characters was assembled, they set out on an epic journey. At several points during this obstacle-laden trek, it seemed like all hope was lost and the battle was done.

But every fairytale needs a happy ending. A starry-eyed hero must emerge at just the right time to strike an unexpected and lethal blow to the enemy. A valiant and trusted companion must struggle through adversity to ensure his lovable mates win the fight.

And in the end, a prince and princess must bring new hope to the land.

The Thrill of the Grass

If Major League Baseball ever wanted the ultimate advertisement for its product it could be found in this year’s edition of the postseason.

For those of us lucky enough to be watching it was truly a thrill.

Fans also may have noticed that the game has changed … and changed for the better.

Old school has given way to the new school and the unwritten rules are being rewritten.

World Series ring fit for former Trappers catcher

20 years after A.J. Hinch played a major part in the Edmonton Trappers’ second-straight PCL title, he helped bring a World Series championship to Houston.