From blistering bats to boisterous crowds to blazing temperatures, the 2024 Western Canadian Baseball League All-Star Game was a smashing success.
A record crowd of 6,064 baseball fans showed up to Seaman Stadium in Okotoks on Saturday, July 20th to take in the festivities, which included the SR Bats Home Run Derby, mascot races, the All-Star Game itself and a post-game fireworks show.
Here's a look at some of the scenes from a special day for the WCBL:
The grounds crew prepare Seaman Stadium for the July 20th All-Star Game & Home Run DerbyA West Division player takes batting practice.Former MLB star Matt Stairs finds a spot to watch batting practice.Zander Bretza of the Brooks Bombers takes BP as West Division teammates look on.The East Division SR Bats Home Run Derby participants are announced.Hometown fave Nash Crowell of the Okotoks Dawgs is announced at the SR Bats Home Run Derby.West Division Home Run Derby contestants are announced at Seaman Stadium.Moose Jaw Miller Austin Gurney gets the Home Run Derby started. Gurney advanced to the final.Jordan Phillips is pampered by his Mavericks teammates during the derby. Phillips was the only player to launch a home run for either team in the All-Star Game.Kids track down balls that don't leave Seaman Stadium during the derby. Ian Heck, pictured on the big screen, participated in the derby and was the starting pitcher for the East Division in the All-Star Game.East Division All-Stars watch baseball leave the yard during the derby.Peyton McDowall of the Fort McMurray Giants was the SR Bats Home Run Derby champion.The league honoured WCBL pioneers Doug Jones, Bill McAlpine and Bernie Eiswirth before the game.East Division coaches are introduced at Seaman Stadium.The umpiring crew prepares for a night of action.East Division coaches and players stand along the third-base line ahead of the national anthem.Coaches with the Okotoks Dawgs and Sylvan Lake Gulls share a pre-game hug.Brettyn Rose sings the national anthem before the game starts.Diggity checks out the broadcast booth before taking on the other WCBL mascots in a race ... spoiler: Diggity won the race!Okotoks Dawgs shortstop Brendan Luther (left) makes way for Swift Current 57's base runner Demetrio Archuleta as he heads for third base.West Division pitchers and coach Joe Sergent (middle) watch game action from the bullpen.Regina Red Sox catcher Diego Aragon watches a ball go past him.The East Division dugout was constantly busy with player substitutions and bullpen activity.Jouseph Gelpi of the Brooks Bombers prepares for an at bat.With temperatures above 30 degress Celsius, staying hydrated was key during the game.Press box staff, players and fans tried to stay cool during the evening.A record crowd of 6,064 fans took in the 2024 WCBL All-Star Game festivities at Seaman Stadium.East Division players high five their West Division opponents after the game.Carter Beck (left) earned WCBL All-Star Game MVP honours after going 3-for-3 with 3 RBI. He was presented with a commemorative glove from Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Matt Stairs. Beck was also the runner up in the SR Bats Home Run Derby.East Division All-Stars pose for a team photo following a 13-6 victory over the West Division.The Seaman Stadium scoreboard shows the 13-6 result, along with a combined 32 hits for both teams.Players and fans enjoy post-game fireworks.
