“When Braidy Birdsall puts her mind to something, nothing is getting in her way.

Even when facing injuries, she’s the first to pick herself back up and get motivated to overcome the obstacle.

It’s a mindset that has served her well as an athlete, first in martial arts karate before moving onto baseball, a sport which she is all-in on as a player, coach and umpire.

Now, Birdsall is on the cusp of playing on the biggest stage after being selected by Boston in the fifth round of the new Women’s Pro Baseball League draft.”

“It was a record-setting year for Baseball Alberta and the organization is expecting even bigger things in 2026.

The number of players registered this past year not only rose above pre-pandemic levels for the first time, but president Jon Oko says it has hit a milestone of 18,868 – the most ever.

The provincial body also saw the most teams take part ever (332), as well as increases in the number of coaches (547) and certified umpires (1,403) from the previous year.

It was cause for celebration as Baseball Alberta hosted its annual general meeting and awards in Edmonton on Nov. 22, where some of the best performances from around the province were recognized.”