The 2024 season for the 18U AAA East Central Red Sox was filled with highs and lows, but head coach Marty Yeager believes the team made significant strides and laid the foundation for future success.
"Yeah, it was another eventful season," Yeager reflected. "We started early as we generally do, with winter workouts and the boys heading into Saskatoon to do some training at the Gordy Howe Center. We're always lucky to get time at one of the best facilities in Western Canada. Getting time on the turf there is always a huge benefit."
The Red Sox's season began in the winter, with strength training and regular practices to prepare for the upcoming challenges. As usual, the team faced a packed schedule with 32 games, finishing third in the regular season with a 20-12 record, which earned them a spot in the provincial tournament in Regina.
Yeager noted the team's drive to perform in key moments, particularly in their journey to the final weekend of the season.
"It’s always about working towards that final weekend—the provincial weekend," he said. "Our goal is to be playing on Sunday, and while we did make it to Sunday this year, we fell short in the semifinal against Saskatoon, which was disappointing. But getting to the tournament and making it to Sunday is still an achievement."
Individually, the team saw impressive performances. Seven of the 14 players were in their third year, and while a number of key players graduated, Yeager pointed out the potential of the returning squad.
"We had a big graduating group, but we’re lucky to have seven players returning next year," Yeager said. "There are a lot of good young guys coming up, and they’re ready to take on the challenge."
The Red Sox also earned league recognition for standout performances. "Marek Yeager won the MVP, and Cam Marshak was the top hitter of the league," Yeager shared. "It’s always great to see our players earn those awards."
Two Red Sox players, Yeager and pitcher Pryor Dyck from Watrous, represented Team Saskatchewan at the Canada Cup in Fort McMurray, with Yeager making his third appearance. Additionally, Marek, named Sask Player of the Year, spent the summer with Team Canada, a highlight that Marty Yeager described as "very cool to watch."
Several players also received college opportunities after the season.
"We had three players commit to Division One junior colleges in Kansas—Cam Marshak, Dallen Rude, and Merrick Yeager," Marty Yeager said. "It’s great to see them continue their baseball careers at the college level."
The team saw former Red Sox players continue their journeys in the sport as well, with debuts for the Saskatoon Berries and the Swift Current 50’s. Yeager added, "It's always good to see our former players continue to play at higher levels after their minor ball careers are over."
Looking ahead, Yeager is optimistic about the future, despite a major player turnover.
"It’ll be a bit of a rebuild, but I think there’s a good core of boys who are going to continue to put a strong product on the field," he said. "We’ve got some bright spots with players like Pryor and Kade Armstrong, a returning third-year player who’s going to lead offensively."
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Yeager is excited to see the new crop of players step up.
"There are a lot of good things on the way," he said. "It’s the highest level of amateur baseball you can find, and I think this group is going to put on a great show for the fans."
With winter workouts just around the corner, Yeager and the Red Sox are ready to kick off their preparation for the 2025 season.
"It’s always a challenge to get through the winter," Yeager laughed. "But the boys will be ready to go when the season starts."
With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, the East Central Red Sox are poised for another exciting season of baseball.