McFarland: Red Deer Braves “scratched and clawed” their way to 18U provincial and national championships
McFarland: Red Deer Braves “scratched and clawed” their way to 18U provincial and national championships

"When the Red Deer CarStar Braves clinched the Baseball Alberta Elite League championship this summer, a massive weight came tumbling off their shoulders.

Feeling like they were a favourite heading into each of the last three seasons, the Braves had great regular seasons only to have the playoffs end in heartache.

Little did they know, bigger things were on the horizon as the team would run the table to capture the Baseball Canada 18U National Championship in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador."

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Alberta Dugout StoriesJoe McFarland
McFarland: Jesson's no-hitter at Ray Carter Cup highlight of successful year
McFarland: Jesson's no-hitter at Ray Carter Cup highlight of successful year

"It wasn’t until after the game that Tucker Jesson realized what had happened.

With the goal of getting Saskatchewan into the semi-finals at the Baseball Canada 15U Ray Carter Cup in Laval, Quebec, the Regina product was focused solely on getting the win.

As the innings rolled along in a tight baseball game, he was completely oblivious to an extra zero on the scoreboard, under the hits column for their opponents for Ontario.

When Jesson struck out Sam Thiessen in the bottom of the seventh to secure the 1-0 quarterfinal victory, his teammates and coaches swarmed the pumped-up Jesson, who had thrown a complete-game no-hitter."

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Alberta Dugout Stories, SandlotsJoe McFarland