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 …

Field of Seams

They’re having a ball in the Western Canadian Baseball League.

Good thing, too, because baseballs are a vital piece of equipment for the WCBL. You literally cannot play the game without them.

The league, with a dozen teams in Alberta and Saskatchewan, welcomes a new official baseball supplier this year.

Making A Merk

Regina’s Ethan Merk has enjoyed success at every level of baseball.

From the Moose Jaw Miller Express to the Victoria Golden Tide to now with the Doane University Tigers, he’s taking it all in stride.

The Ax-Man Retires

John Axford officially announced his retirement in a social media post on Tuesday night.

The 11-year MLB hurler was happy to throw his final professional pitch for Canada in last year’s World Baseball Classic.

The Canadian Baseball Network’s Kevin Glew takes a look at the former Melville Millionaire’s announcement.

No Ordinary Zoe

Zoe Hicks is no stranger to travel.

Growing up, she lived in all three prairie provinces with her family, then started chasing her softball and baseball dreams across the country.

The Baseball Canada Women’s National Team MVP and Softball Canada star is looking for big things in 2024.

World Cup Dreams

Saskatoon’s Amy Johnson is entering her third season with Baseball Canada’s Women’s National Team.

After what feels like a long offseason, she’s hoping to realize a dream by representing Canada at the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay.

Bulls at the Gate

It was a bullish move that transformed the baseball scene in Western Canada.

The creation of a Saskatchewan Major Baseball League (SMBL) franchise in Lethbridge was initially intended to fill the void left by the departure of professional baseball.

Decades later, the legacy of that team can be seen at ballparks across Alberta and throughout the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL).

Sparks Flies in Saskatoon

Nolan Sparks was just 12 years old when his hometown team, the Saskatoon Yellow Jackets, folded following the 2014 Western Major Baseball League season.

Now 21, Sparks is hoping to help rebuild the summer collegiate scene in his hometown as the first signee of the expansion Saskatoon Berries.

Tooning Up For the Big Leagues

From Saskatchewan to St. Louis to Seattle, Marco Gonzales always managed to take his game to the next level.

He’s hoping to do that again as a member of the starting rotation with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024.

We take a look back at the reliable left-hander’s time with the Saskatoon Yellow Jackets.

Willie “Curly” Williams – Mr. Baseball of Western Canada

Willie “Curly” Williams left an indelible mark on Alberta and Saskatchewan.

An African-American and former seasoned Negro League player from the US, he found solace and acceptance in the warm embrace of Western Canadian baseball fans.

So much so that Williams earned the title of “Mr. Baseball” in the border city of Lloydminster.