McFarland: Merk making his mark in Moose Jaw and at Doane University

“When Ethan Merk stepped foot on a Western Canadian Baseball League mound for the first time, it was a full-circle moment.

The Regina product had essentially grown up at Currie Field watching the Red Sox, including the two championship years of 2011 and 2012.

Merk admits he followed the team religiously, idolizing them, and only ever dreaming of playing for the Red Sox.

However, on July 11th, 2022, he looked down to see he was wearing the black and yellow of the rival Moose Jaw Miller Express.

This was business, and he gave up just one hit in his scoreless seventh inning of action in what turned out to be a 4-0 victory for the Red Sox.”

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Glew: California Winter League stint helps Barker land with Titans

“If you’re a Canadian baseball prospect in search of your first professional contract, there are far worse ways to spend a month of the winter than showcasing your skills in Palm Springs, Calif.

Carson Barker (Alliston, Ont.) can attest to this.

From mid-January to mid-February, the 22-year-old catcher competed in the California Winter League, an eight-team circuit that recently concluded its 15th season.

“Palm Springs was absolutely gorgeous,” said Barker. “I loved Palm Springs. It was a really, really great experience.”

On top of the beautiful weather, Barker’s tenure in the California Winter League helped him land a contract with the independent Frontier League’s Ottawa Titans in early February.”

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