This one certainly came out of left field.
Still fighting a never-ending battle with a cold/flu bug that’s going around, I was working from home when my phone started buzzing out of control.
Never in a million years would I have believed what it was all about: Baseball Canada had recognized me as the Bob Elliott Media Recognition Award winner.
This is something I never thought I’d be on a ballot for, let alone win because, as cliché as it sounds, Ian and I didn’t start Dugout Stories for awards and accolades.
We did it to shine a light on the sport in Alberta (and eventually Saskatchewan) in a time where the media landscape has dramatically shifted with fewer resources allocated towards local sports in general.
It’s THE definition of a passion project, as we write stories and put podcasts together in our spare time to showcase the athletes, coaches, teams, volunteers and communities that pour their hearts into baseball.
The hope is two-fold: recognize the here-and-now while also providing future generations with the belief that “if you can see it, you can be it.”
That’s why it feels like this is an award to share with every single one of you, who have spent time with us over the years.
None of this is possible without so many people, so let me do my best to recognize you.
We’ll start with Baseball Canada and Bob Elliott of the Canadian Baseball Network for the recognition. You did a bang-up job of keeping the news under your hats, but Ian and I are truly grateful for you buying into what we’re doing and supporting us every step of the way. To be singled out for your efforts by a legendary baseball writer like Bob Elliott, I’m left speechless.
“Joe is a workaholic, a two-way man. Prolific,” the Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer wrote. “Joe and Ian Wilson cover the west like a nailed-down tarp, from the rich diamond history of the prairies to the Junior National Team players, young college men and minor leaguers who continue the tradition. If you are from Alberta, Saskatchewan or flew over either province — they will tell you all about the prairie connections.”
Next up is Ian Wilson. From texts and calls at all hours of the day to the stories and interviews he does to “feed the beast” consistently, I couldn’t have asked for a better “partner-in-baseball crime.”
To my wife, Erin, and two kids, thank you for coming on baseball adventures and always supporting me as I make my way around these two provinces every year. Word of warning: there will probably be a few more roadtrips coming in 2026.
A tip of the cap to all of the athletes, coaches, officials, umpires and anyone else involved in the game who has agreed to hop on the podcast or answer a few questions over email or social media message. It’s because of you that we can tell any of these stories. Thank you for trusting us to tell your stories over the years and we look forward to even more in 2026 and beyond.
Thank you to the Western Canadian Baseball League and its broadcast partners over the years for continuing to ask me to be part of the coverage for weekly reports, All-Star Games, the Rural Roots Classic, Baseball Day in Canada, Canada Day broadcasts in Lethbridge and WCBL Championship Series. I’m not sure I’m the prettiest face you’ve ever seen on a broadcast, but it means a lot getting to share some knowledge with your audiences.
To all of our official supporters and sponsors over the years who have believed in Dugout Stories enough to spend your hard-earned money with us. It’s helped us in such massive ways to cover all kinds of costs. A special nod to John Ircandia and the Okotoks Dawgs for being the first to jump on board, and for always being in our corner to head up broadcasts and other special coverage.
And last but certainly not least, to all of YOU who have taken the time to read a story, listen to our shows, or check out our social media channels. Your support and spreading the word about us is the reason we are able to do what we do.
I was recently asked to provide a brief update on how Dugout Stories is doing from a traffic and support perspective. My answer was simple: “it’s still growing.” We’re eight years into doing this in Alberta and entering our third full year in Saskatchewan, and I’m proud to say our audience remains on an upward trajectory.
It is an honour and a privilege to serve the baseball community in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and across Canada. Thank YOU so much for all your support, and we can’t wait to bring you even more stories in 2026 and beyond!
Tales of Baseball 