When you’re among the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League leaders in almost every offensive category, it’s only a matter of time before people start to take notice.
Saskatoon Diamondbacks utilityman Casey Rauckman found himself in that position after posting a .429 batting average to go along with a .741 slugging percentage, 1.252 on-base percentage, five home runs and 28 runs batted in.
He was also a key contributor to Baseball Sask’s bronze medal at the Canada Summer Games and was getting plenty of buzz for his performances at showcase events.
In October, the 17-year-old Going Yard Academy product was finally able to sign on the dotted line with Southwestern Illinois College.
“Casey brings a relentless work ethic, sharp focus, and determined mindset to everything he does,” the Academy declared on its Instagram post when naming Rauckman their Player of the Week in late-January.
“He plays with a positive attitude, is highly coachable, and consistently puts the team first, making him an exceptional teammate and a player others naturally follow.”
The 6-foot, 195-pound shortstop/pitcher was generous with his time and thorough in his answers as we put him to the test in our latest “1 Thru 9.”
1. How excited are you to get things going at Southwestern Illinois?
I am extremely excited for the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing college baseball at Southwestern Illinois. I can’t wait for August to arrive so I can get down there and fully commit to my lifelong passion. Becoming a college baseball player is something I’ve worked toward for years, and I’m grateful for the chance to take this next step in my baseball career.
2. What made you want to go to that school?
Southwestern Illinois felt like the perfect fit for what I was looking for, a strong team, a positive environment, and a program that truly believes in me and my ability to grow as a player. The coaches are welcoming and committed to the program, and the team chemistry is great, which creates an environment where everyone can succeed. Coming off an impressive 44–14 season, it’s exciting to see how the program has progressed and what I will have the opportunity to be apart of come next year.
3. You had a fantastic 2025. What was working for you?
The main thing that helped me this past year was staying present in the moment and not getting too caught up in the highs or lows. I consistently relied on my routines at the plate and before every game, which helped keep me focused and prepared. Most importantly, I maintained strong confidence and belief in myself and had a “next play mindset,” no matter what happened, I trusted that I would make the next play or hit the next pitch.
4. Any favourite memories or moments from last season?
My favourite memory from last season was competing at the Canada Summer Games with Team Saskatchewan and winning a bronze medal. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and being able to share it with such a great group of players and coaches made it truly special. Another highlight was winning the SPBL Hitter of the Year award during the summer season.
5. Give us your baseball origin story. How did you get into the game in the first place?
Growing up, I was always at the diamond watching my dad play, so I was surrounded by the game from a young age. I was about four years old when he first put a bat in my hands, and since then, his love and appreciation for baseball have rubbed off on me and shaped my passion for the sport.
6. We’ve chatted with your brother, Mitchell, before. What’s the sibling rivalry like in the house?
The sibling rivalry can get very competitive at times, but at the end of the day, we both want each other to succeed. Since we play different positions, it allows us to work together and support one another rather than competing for the same spot.
7. What has Going Yard meant to you in your development as a ball player and as a human being?
Going Yard has been my home for the past eight years, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything the organization has done for me. Coach Marsh, Coach Draegs, and all the other coaches have taught me not only so much about the game, but also how to be a better person. Through their guidance, I’ve developed many skills that will help me in this next chapter of my life.
8. What’s been the biggest challenge or hurdle you’ve had to overcome that you’re super-proud of yourself for getting through?
Not making the 2024 Canada Cup team in my first year of 18U was definitely a disappointment. However, I used that setback as motivation every day during my offseason training. While I missed out on an incredible opportunity, it pushed me to prepare for my best season of baseball yet. Looking back, I’m proud of myself for turning that initial disappointment into a major success, winning a bronze medal with Team Saskatchewan, earning the SPBL Hitter of the Year award the following season and committing to an amazing college to pursue my post-secondary baseball dreams.
9. What does the game of baseball mean to you?
To me, the game of baseball represents growth and memories. Throughout my minor baseball career, I have grown significantly both as a player and as a person. The memories I’ve made through baseball are some of my most meaningful, and the game has given me so much to be grateful for. I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue creating those memories in the next chapter of my baseball journey.
Tales of Baseball 