Posts in Alberta Dugout Stories
McFarland: Logan came up "Aces" in the D-Backs' system in 2025

“A baseball player’s mind can ask a million different questions when they are summoned to the manager’s office.

Is this just a standard check-in? Am I performing well enough? Do I need to make some changes? Am I getting promoted? Am I getting let go?

When Gavin Logan was called in for a chat with Hillsboro Hops skipper Mark Reed in mid-June, he wasn’t entirely sure what to think.”

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McFarland: Kilshaw set to rep Saskatchewan on Junior National Team

“The baseball season just keeps getting longer for Aiden Kilshaw – not that he minds at all.

Originally from Swift Current and now living in Saskatoon, he has seen opportunity after opportunity come his way over the last few months.

The young prospect has been determined to make the most of every one of them.

Little did he know, Kilshaw was setting himself up for one of the biggest announcements of the season: the Baseball Canada Junior National Team Fall Instructional League roster.”

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McFarland: Rauckman is ready to roll at Canadian Futures Showcase

“Like many Canadian kids who loved baseball, Mitchell Rauckman grew up as a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Even though he is primarily a pitcher himself, the Saskatoon native always enjoyed watching slugger Josh Donaldson.

He’s been to Rogers Centre to watch his favourite team play, always hoping to one day play on the same turf.

Rauckman is one of three Saskatchewan products, along with Matthew Tran and Aiden Kilshaw, who will get the chance to do that in the Canadian Futures Showcase.”

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McFarland: Dawgs Academy 18U Black team nearing top of Perfect Game rankings

“They are onto the scent of being the top high school program in North America.

After capturing an incredible record of 60 wins, five losses and one tie during the season, the Dawgs Academy 18U Black team in Okotoks has risen to new heights in the eyes of Perfect Game.

The U.S.-based organization has touted the Dawgs as the number two high school program on the continent in its annual end-of-season rankings.”

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McFarland: Fort McMurray Oil Giants win 18U bronze on home soil

“Ethan Pittman’s final inning in a Fort McMurray Oil Giants uniform will be one he’ll remember for the rest of his life.

Holding onto a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning at the Baseball Canada 18U Nationals in his hometown, the graduating senior had to face the top of the Manitoba batting order.

He struck out Josh Randle and got Jackson Thiessen to fly out to centre field.

Up against infielder Tyler Mollons, Pittman got a first-pitch strike and two foul balls before twirling his second punch-out of the inning to help the Oil Giants capture the bronze medal.

The hometown crowd at Legacy Dodge Field in Fort McMurray erupted in celebration.”

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McFarland: Saskatchewan captures bronze at Canada Summer Games

“Some were calling it “the pool of death.”

Pool ‘A’ for men’s baseball at the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador featured a few juggernauts including B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.

Then there was Saskatchewan.

Despite winning gold in 2017 and bronze in 2022, the province is still thought of, by some, as an underdog of sorts.”

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Montgomery: St. Albert Cardinals win 18U Baseball Alberta Elite League title in dramatic fashion

“There’s nothing like winning a provincial championship unless of course it comes on your home field.

And to add a bit of drama to that, when you come from behind and take the title in an extra inning of play. That was exactly the case for the St. Albert Cardinals as they captured the Baseball Alberta Elite League U18 Championship by edging the Calgary Cubs 5-4 in eight innings.”

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McFarland: Wilde ride with Purple Eagles sees Albertan transition from pitcher to first baseman

“The caption on Evan Wilde’s Instagram post thanking Niagara University after his final season said it all.

“Started as a pitcher, finished as … not a pitcher.”

In what felt like the blink of an eye, the 6-foot-7, 225-pound hurler-turned-infielder was on his way back home reflecting on a memorable end to his collegiate career.”

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