Saskatoon Berries ready for playoffs after setting new record for wins
The team, which is only in its second season, edged past the Sylvan Lake Gulls' 44 wins in 2024, and now holds the record with 45 wins.
Tyson Dale, who usually plays under 18 AAA baseball with the Saskatoon Cubs, got his chance to play in the Western Canadian Baseball League with the Saskatoon Berries. He said he was very nervous, but excited to play in the league.
"It feels like it was great. I had a really good time," he said of his experience.
"It's a lot more competitive. Guys hit the ball so much harder."
Dale said in this league there is no room for mistakes, and even a small error could cost you the game. But the guys in this league know how to get things done.
"This is a special group of players, and to have the record that they have this year, it's really special," he said. "I want to take that drive to win into my baseball career."
Dale said it would be amazing to be able to play for the Saskatoon Berries next year.
"It's always a privilege to play and it's not guaranteed tomorrow," said Cooper Westland, who plays second base, shortstop and third base for the team.
"You just want to go out there every day with your best effort and do it for the fans and your teammates as well."
Westland said the reason for the success this season is because of the amount of love and support from the coaches, staff and other team members.
"We just all just bond together and we just enjoy hanging out with each other," he said.
"I think we do a really good job of just showing up each day with a smile on our face, and that's what keeps the whole team going."
Jalen Freeman, who plays outfield, said they don't play to lose, they play to win.
"That's just how we go about every day, every rep, every practice," he said.
In two weeks he will be heading back to his hometown of Houston, Texas, but he says he loved playing for the Saskatoon Berries.
"It did me great, this place was great. People were great, the fans were great," he said about his experience. "I mean it's kind of sad, but you know, life goes on and those people will always be in my heart. So it's cool."
Freeman said the team is ready for the playoffs.
"We are ready to go. We train all season. We worked all season."
The first postseason matchup is Thursday, with a home game against the Moose Jaw Miller Express.
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