Saskatoon Berries 2024 Season Preview

It’s been a hectic year for the Saskatoon Berries.

Since their arrival in the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) was publicly revealed in March of 2023, Saskatoon has selected a team name, picked club colours, crafted a logo, cultivated a social media following, ordered merchandise, undertaken ballpark renos, sold tickets, added sponsors and generally announced their presence to Saskatchewan’s largest city.

That’s just a hint of the off-the-field activities …

Pride of Regina

His family spent years billeting young Regina Red Sox players.

Now, Zander Oudie-Senger is the one signing autographs for young fans at Currie Field.

The 21-year-old Okanagan College hurler will return for his third season with the Red Sox this summer.

Houston Has No Problem

Melville’s Nathan Houston has made a name for himself in his freshman season with Arizona Western College.

The 18-year-old infielder has been named Second-Team All-Region and Second-Team All-Conference.

It’s an experience he will bring to the Moose Jaw Miller Express this summer.

Regina Red Sox 2024 Season Preview

The Regina Red Sox are looking to put together a bounce-back season this summer.

After claiming top spot in the East Division of the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) in 2022, the Red Sox suffered a first-round playoff loss to the Medicine Hat Mavericks. That postseason exit was followed by a 23-33 record in the 2023 regular season and another opening-round playoff loss to the Mavs.

Regina will set their sights on top spot in the division yet again in 2024, before the club looks to embark on a deep postseason run.

Moose Jaw Miller Express 2024 Season Preview

The Moose Jaw Miller Express are coming off back-to-back summers that have seen the team emerge as a force to be reckoned with.

In that time, the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) East Division champs have won 71 regular-season games and lost only 41 contests.

Despite that success, the Miller Express have not been able to claim a WCBL title. The Millers and their fans hope this year will be different and the club will be able to convert regular-season prowess into the ultimate WCBL playoff reward – a nameplate on the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy.

The Title Trifecta

Regina’s Gavin Wuschke is looking to accomplish something few others have done before him.

The Balfour Collegiate High School product already has a Canadian College Baseball Conference and Western Canadian Baseball League title.

He would love nothing more than to win another championship with the Bellevue University Bruins of the NAIA.

There’s Something About UMary

Baseball is in Carter Beck’s blood.

From shagging foul balls for freezie money at his father’s senior ball games in Carnduff to suiting up for his province, he has enjoyed success at every level.

That includes an excellent start to his collegiate career with the University of Mary Marauders.

No Doubt About Whitt

The 2026 World Baseball Classic can’t come fast enough for Ernie Whitt.

The Baseball Canada manager believes his team is on the cusp of getting into the championship bracket of the tournament if all the stars align – literally.

Whitt will be the guest speaker at the Regina Red Sox annual banquet April 20.

Road to the Record Books

Payton McHarg is enjoying a season to remember with Washburn University.

The Saskatoon product has already clubbed 17 home runs and still has 16 games remaining in the season.

He’s also hoping to be a big piece of the offence for the expansion Saskatoon Berries.

Making the List

Bob Elliott has released his full list of the most influential Canadians in baseball, and the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) makes a number of appearances on the esteemed roll call.

The Hall-of-Fame journalist produced a list of 140 top names in the sport, with Alex Anthopoulos, general manager of the Atlanta Braves, at first overall; followed by Phillies’ skipper Rob Thomson in second; and Josh Naylor – slugger with the Cleveland Guardians – in the third spot.

Here’s a look at where WCBL personalities landed on the Canadian Baseball Network list …