The 2025 Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) All-Star Game took place Saturday, July 19, at Seaman Stadium in Okotoks, with the battle not only between East and West but also against the weather.
Twelve teams participated in the exhibition game, which showcased the league’s top players.
Representing the West were the Okotoks Dawgs, Lethbridge Bulls, Sylvan Lake Gulls, Energy City Cactus Rats, Fort McMurray Giants and Brooks Bombers.
Playing for the East were the Moose Jaw Miller Express, Regina Red Sox, Swift Current 57’s, Weyburn Beavers, Saskatoon Berries and Medicine Hat Mavericks.
The evening began dry with the Homerun Derby, where each team sent one player to the plate to see how many pitches they could knock out of the park.
Each batter was given two minutes, with a 30-second timeout available where teammates rushed out for pep talks, comedic brow wipes and supportive back pats.
With 22 total home runs, it was left-handed batter Matt Rhoades of the Fort McMurray Giants who claimed the Homerun Derby crown.
Sylvan Lake Gulls’ Ayden Makarus also made a strong showing, sending six homeruns over the fence and hitting quite possibly the furthest hit ball of the derby.
After the derby, coaches and players from both teams were introduced, national anthems were performed, and it was time to play but Mother Nature had other plans.
It began as an off and on drizzle but by the 6th inning the game was called, and the post-game fireworks were cancelled.
It was a 10-3 win for the East Division over the West and despite the rain it was a great sendoff for what may be the last WCBL All-Star game to be held in Okotoks for a while.
After hosting for the last four years straight, Menard’s Saskatoon Berries have been granted hosting privileges for 2026.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.