MACKLIN — The community of Macklin has brought it big once again as they play host to 13U and 18U Sask. Baseball provincial championships July 22 to 24.
The ball diamonds are situated near Macklin Lake that features campgrounds, the lake, swim area and golf course.
Macklin, previously played host in 2022 to Twilite 35+ Baseball Championships July 9 and 10, and upcoming senior baseball provincial championships Aug. 5 to 7, means organizers and volunteers are expecting 32 teams to be present over the three weekends of hosting duties.
This is impressive considering the community of just under 1,500 and also recruits a large volunteer pool for their annual World Championship Bunnock Tournament August long weekend.
Macklin minor and the senior ball programs rely on volunteers in their successful bids each year to host provincial championships. Hosting at home is also a big boost to the local economy.
A Macklin Minor Ball spokesperson said, “Our volunteers are a key in making events like this a success. Our facilities are second to none.
“With all the donations and fundraisers, Macklin Minor Ball is able to constantly keep upgrading and working on capital projects … we are very grateful for the community and surrounding areas for their support.”
MMBA has built a third batting cage and has two more electronic scoreboards on order. All volunteers put in numerous hours and take immense pride in top- notch facilities. Weekend hosting duties always include a booth open for teams and fans throughout the weekend.
The 13U AA provincial event will be an eight-team event that includes Regina White Sox, Rouleau Ramblers, SaskFive Giants, Unity Cardinals, Battleford Beavers No. 1, Nipawin Giants and La Ronge Hooks.
2022 Macklin Lakers 13U roster includes: Cruz Loehndorf, Drayden Armstrong, Dario Valero, Kort Partington, Anderson Reschny, Cooper Degenstein, Kaleb Veller, Darian Lowe, Emeri Cowie, Jack Thiessen and Nate Stang. Head coach is Curtis Loehndorf assisted by Tim Veller and Stephen Lowe, with Leanne Partington serving as the team’s manager. The U13 Lakers will open their provincial weekend playing at 5 p.m. on Strathcona diamond versus the Nipawin Giants.
2022 Macklin Lakers U18 roster includes: Kaden Veller, Jarret Fleck, Ty Partington, Riley Kohlman, Leighton Partington, Brock Scherger, Dayton Reschny, Sawyer Knox, Logan Friedrich, Logan Dean, Rylan Ollenberger and Jess Gartner. Coaches for the U18 team are Colin Fleck, Wade Dean, Zak Dean and Carter Fleck with Candy Fleck serving as the team’s manager.
The 18U event will include Dinsmore Dynamos, Kindersley Royals, Lashburn Cardinals, Saskatoon Braves, Meadow Lake Sox, Prince Albert Royals and Sask Five Giants. The U18 Lakers will play their opening game at 5 p.m. on Repsol Field.
