By Gordie
Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex
 |
| The East All-Star Team celebrates a Carter Roth home run. |
On July 18
and 19, the circuit hosted its first ever WCBL All-Star Weekend. In past years,
the WCBL hosted an All-Star Game with a Home Run Derby on the same day. When
the Saskatoon Berries were named as hosts for this year’s All-Star Game, they
elected to extend the festivities to a two-day event to create the WCBL
All-Star Weekend.
For Saturday, July 18, a Bunt Competition and a Home Run Derby for WCBL players was held along with a Junior Home Run Derby featuring minor baseball players from Saskatoon and area.
The day’s fun concluded with a concert put on by country
singer Jordyn Pollard. The All-Star Game itself followed on Sunday, July 19.
 |
| Lucas Holowachuk competes in the Junior Home Run Derby. |
The second
shot comes from the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18. It shows
Lucas Holowachuk watching one of his hits go yard during the Junior Home Run
Derby. Holowachuk, who plays for the Saskatoon Sturgeon 13U AAA squad, won the
Junior Home Run Derby with eight homers.
The third photo came from a between innings break during the All-Star Game on July 19.
 |
| The ZOOperstars! were a hit with fans at Cairns Field. |
Along with the pictures from the WCBL All-Star Weekend, this photo roundup is loaded with images from the continuing summer season that season baseball and softball hitting post-season play.
The photo roundup is
loaded with pictures from the Complex’s original staple sports in baseball,
football and softball.
The
pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on
our grounds. In this photo roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our
Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.
Without further ado, here is a selection of 24 shots we hope you enjoy.
Homebound
A base runner for the Watrous Royals U13B Teams heads for home during a game at Joe Gallagher Field on July 12 that was part of Softball Saskatchewan’s U13B and U15B Girls North Provincial Championship Tournaments. Royals ultimately won the U13B title, while the Maidstone Lakers claimed the U15B crown.
Beck returns to “Berry Patch”
Saskatoon Berries alumnus Carter Beck returned to Cairns Field to see his old WCBL team play on July 15. Before the game, Beck threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Beck officially became a Berries alum when he was selected in the first round and 26th overall by the Atlanta Braves on July 11 in the MLB Draft. On August 4, Beck officially signed his MLB contract with the Braves.
Corralling a high one
A Saskatoon Cubs catcher Jake Hofmann prevents a high pitch from going to the backstop during a doubleheader against the Swift Current Argue Law 57’s in 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League action on July 14 at Leakos Field. The Cubs took both contests by identical 8-7 scores.
Picture perfect bunt
Saskatoon Berries second baseman Gael Salinas executes a bunt perfectly during the Bunt Competition on the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18 at Cairns Field. Salinas, who is a fan favourite, would claim victory in the event.
Frozen rope is out of here
Energy City Cactus Rats hitter David Simmons drives a line shot out of the park during the Home Run Derby on the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18 at Cairns Field. Simmons prevailed as the winner of this event. The Cactus Rats are located in Spruce Grove, Alta.
Showtime for Pollard
Country singer title Jordyn Pollard concludes the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18 at Cairns Field putting on a concert. Pollard, who is from the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster, ensured the fans went home in an upbeat mood.
Memories that live forever
The Traveling Mobile Exhibit for the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame is at the WCBL All-Star Weekend at Cairns Field. This photo taken from inside the traveling exhibit on July 18 shows pictures of some of Hall of Fame inductees including Saskatoon product Catriona Le May Doan.
Focus at the plate
Saskatoon Berries right-fielder Ethan Murdoch sets for an incoming pitch during action at the WCBL All-Star Game on July 19 at Cairns Field. Murdoch would finish the 2026 regular season leading the Berries with 14 home runs.
Giraffey Jr. on the loose
Ken Giraffey Jr. from the ZOOperstars! touring inflatable act gives a youngster a ride in a stroller during the WCBL All-Star Game on July 19 at Cairns Field. The ZOOperstars! brought out a tonne of laughs with their antics from those in attendance.
Super Sunday for Merchants
The Saskatoon Merchants pose for the customary team picture after winning the Softball Saskatchewan Men’s A Provincial Championship Tournament at Bob Van Impe Stadium on July 19. That day turned into a magical Sunday for the Merchants. First, they blanked the Earl Grey Rockets 4-0 in a semifinal earlier in the day. In the gold medal final, the Merchants scored three runs in the top of the eighth to down the Saskatoon Jacks 5-2 to capture the provincial title.
Pitching debut for Colborn
Best known for working behind the plate, catcher Braeden Colborn made his pitching debut at the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League 18U AAA level with the Saskatoon Giants on July 20 at Cairns Field. Playing his final career regular season game with the Giants, Colborn threw one inning in relief picking up a strikeout and inducing a double-play ball. With that effort, Colborn ensured he would give up no runs and have a 0.00 ERA for his SPBL 18U AAA career in regular season play. Colborn, who trains with the Going Yard Baseball Academy, will join the Williston State College Tetons Baseball Team in the fall in Williston, North Dakota.
Senior Eclipse capture Women’s
Open title
The Saskatoon Senior Eclipse pose for the customary team photo after winning the Softball Saskatchewan Women’s Open Provincial Championship tournament on July 26 at Joe Gallagher Field. The Eclipse downed the Ceylon Devils in 15-2 in the championship game and posted a 5-0 record at the tourney.
Hitting the brakes
An Esterhazy Cyclones base runner makes a power stop after rounding third base during the title game of Baseball Saskatchewan’s 18U AA Tier 4 Provincial Championship Tournament on July 26 at Cairns Field. In a contest that was a slugfest, the Cyclones prevailed over the Tisdale Rangers 15-11.
Incoming
Saskatoon Berries pitcher Zachary Landreville unloads a toss during a WCBL regular season contest on July 28 at Cairns Field. Landreville struck out six batters and exited the contest after five innings with his squad holding a 5-3 lead against the visiting Medicine Hat Mavericks. The Mavericks prevailed 9-7 after 10 innings.
Slick side step
BGees receiver Marci Halseth slips past a Blitz defender to score a touchdown during a Saskatoon Touch Football League regular season contest on July 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Blitz ultimately prevailed in this contest 26-17.
Rolling out of pressure
Blitz quarterback Nicole Braun rolls away from pressure during a Saskatoon Touch Football League regular season contest on July 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Braun threw three touchdown passes and ran for another major in a 26-17 win over the BGees.
Grand entrance
A flag bearer and a piper lead a parade of athletes, coaches, umpires and officials on to Cairns Field during the opening ceremonies for Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on July 30. The ceremonies created a lifelong memory for all who took part in them.
Tracking the ball in
Team Saskatchewan catcher Andie Marshall follows the ball into her glove during a preliminary round game against Newfoundland at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 1 at Cairns Field. Saskatchewan would claim an 11-2 victory in that encounter.
The celebration is on for Quebec
Players from Team Quebec celebrate winning Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field after receiving the championship banner. Quebec completed the tournament having outscored their foes 76-18 going undefeated in six games.
Bronze for Saskatchewan
Team Saskatchewan poses for a team photo after receiving their bronze medals at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field. Saskatchewan finished the tourney with a 4-1 overall record.
Silver for Ontario
Team Ontario poses for a team photo after receiving their silver medals at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field. Ontario finished the tourney with a 3-3 overall record, and all three of Ontario’s losses came against tournament champion Team Quebec.
Gold for Quebec
Team Quebec poses for a team photo after winning gold at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field. Quebec finished the tourney posting a 6-0 overall record.
Off to the races
Receiver Ricki Obed returns a punt for Team Saskatchewan during a semifinal of Football Canada’s Canadian Women’s Tackle National Championship against Team Atlantic on August 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Team Saskatchewan would win this game 56-0 and would later win the championship final over Team Quebec 24-3 on August 8 at SMF Field.
Textbook block to open a seam
All-time great linebacker Emmarae Dale makes key block to create a lane for a Team Saskatchewan punt returner Ricki Obed (not in the photo) to run through during a semifinal of Football Canada’s Canadian Women’s Tackle National Championship against Team Atlantic on August 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Team Saskatchewan would win this game 56-0 and would later win the championship final over Team Quebec 24-3 on August 8 at SMF Field. Dale was named the defensive player of the tournament and returned two interceptions for touchdowns from 70 and 114 yards out in the championship game win.
