_0.jpg)
A revitalized Saskatoon Senior Baseball League (SSBL) is wrapping up one of its most dynamic seasons in recent memory, with a renewed focus on youth engagement, digital modernization, and long-term sustainability. Leading the charge behind the scenes is newly appointed treasurer Thomas Lessmeister, who is helping usher in a new era of growth and community involvement.
"It's good having some young guys kind of stepping into a few leadership roles in the league," Lessmeister said. "We’re making small changes that are already starting to have a big impact."
Digital Upgrades and League Awards
One of the biggest updates this season was the implementation of GameChanger, a digital platform used to track stats and scores in real time.
"It allowed us to keep everyone in the loop, and it also let us bring back something we haven’t had in a while — league awards," Lessmeister explained. “It was cool to see that recognition come back. We posted them on social media and got some good engagement.”
League awards, which had been discontinued in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, returned this year after nearly a decade. The initiative is part of a broader push to modernize the league and reconnect with players and fans alike.
Focusing on Player Retention Post-Minor Baseball
A key focus for the SSBL is keeping players active after they age out of the minor system. Lessmeister and others believe the league can offer a competitive and rewarding option for those no longer eligible for 18U AAA.
"Overall, we're just trying to grow interest in the league and make kids want to keep playing after they graduate from minor sports," he said.
One sign of success in that effort is the formation of the Saskatoon River Pirates, a new team composed almost entirely of recent high school graduates and college ballplayers home for the summer.
“They were a strong team, and hopefully they stick together and keep it going,” Lessmeister noted. “Right now the league’s at five teams — it’d be nice to get a couple more.”
Rural Roots: Marysburg’s Unique Role
The Marysburg Royals remain a key piece of the SSBL puzzle as the league’s only rural team. Despite the logistical challenges of travel, Marysburg continues to punch above its weight — both in attendance and on the field.
“Yeah, we are the only rural team in the league, but guys are willing to come out here,” said Lessmeister, who plays for the Royals. “A lot of our players live in Saskatoon now, but still have ties to the Marysburg area — it kind of works out.”
Weekend doubleheaders in Marysburg continue to draw strong community support, and there’s growing interest in hosting a league or invitational tournament there.
“When we have our doubleheaders on Saturdays and Sundays, there’s lots of people that come and watch,” Lessmeister said. “We kind of just want to take it to the next level now and host a tournament out there.”
National-Level Talent
This summer also saw several SSBL players compete at the national level, highlighting the quality of talent the league continues to foster.
“We had eight players in total that played on Team Saskatchewan and the host Regina Choppers,” said Lessmeister. “Both those teams played in the bronze medal game, so it kind of shows that the Marysburg area has good talent — not just for the province, but on the national stage too.”
Facing off against teammates-turned-opponents was “weird,” Lessmeister admitted. “I prefer playing with them versus against them.”
Looking Ahead
With young blood stepping into leadership roles, digital tools improving visibility, and the return of league traditions, the SSBL is positioning itself for a bright future.
“The biggest hope is that players realize there’s still good, competitive baseball to be played after minor,” Lessmeister said. “It’s fun, and it’s worth sticking with.”
From Saskatoon’s diamonds to Marysburg’s ballpark weekends, the SSBL is proving that community-driven, grassroots baseball can thrive — and evolve — in Saskatchewan.