News

“Get to know your PSO (Provincial Sport Office)” is a new feature on baseball.ca that will provide an informative look at each of the ten Provincial Baseball Organizations throughout Canada. The 2014 baseball season has already begun for some provinces, while others are still counting down the days until they can get on the field. Either way, baseball season is upon us so let’s take a closer look at the organizations that help bring baseball to communities across our country!

Alberta

The facts…

Name of PSO: Baseball Alberta
President: Don Paulencu
Office Manager/Registrar: Darren Dekinder
Headquarters: Edmonton
Phone #: 780-427-8943
Website: www.baseballalberta.com
Twitter: @BaseballAlberta
Established: 1967
Number of staff members: 4
Number of Board members: 19                   
National Championship highlight: 2004 Midget National Championships, hosted in St. Albert, Alberta.  The Gold Medal Game featured Team Alberta, from Sherwood Park, versus host St. Albert.  These two local rivals battled to a thrilling 3-0 finish for Team Alberta.  This was the first gold medal for an Alberta team at the Midget National Championships and to be able to produce both a champion and runner up in the same event is something that happens even more rarely.  Both the hosting of the event and the winning the championship continue to be sources of pride for both the St. Albert and Sherwood Park organizations, as well as Baseball Alberta.
Major Awards: Province of the Year (2004 & 2012)
Membership: 95 Associations supporting baseball in communities across the province, providing playing opportunities for over 11,000 registered players in all levels from Rally Cap through to Senior
Annual Provincial championship events: Baseball Alberta held 32 Provincial Championships in 2013
Most notable baseball player(s) to come out of province: Mike Johnson (MLB-Orioles, Expos/Olympics/World Baseball Classic); Chris Reitsma (MLB-Reds, Braves, Mariners/Olympics/World Baseball Classic)
Famous non-baseball alumni: Jarome Iginla

Three things to watch for in 2014:

Continuing to promote the Rally Cap program to member Associations including growing player involvement at the Rally Cap age groups 

“The Rally Cap program has been established in Alberta as best practice program in introducing baseball skills to the youngest players,” explained Baseball Alberta Office Manager/Registrar, Darren Dekinder. “Baseball Alberta has over 4800 players registered at the Rally Cap / Rookie level of play and want to see registration grow as more coaches and community volunteers see the benefits of the program in developing young athletes. 

“We also are continuing to encourage member Associations that have already implemented the Rally Cap program to pursue RBI (Reaching Baseball Ideals) Certification where they ensure an enduring program in the their community designed to grow both athletes and coaches as long term participants in baseball.”

Attracting and retaining umpires

“The Provincial Umpire Committee has implemented some changes this year designed to make it easier for umpires to join and be successful in officiating baseball,” said Dekinder. “First, Baseball Alberta has changed the NUCP clinic format ahead of planned changes at the National level so that Level 1 and Level 2 umpires are only required to attend a one day clinic.  Previously, all clinics were two-day events held on weekends in March and April. Second, a mentorship program has been created where all senior Level 3, 4, and 5 umpires are required to attend games officiated by first year umpires and provide support and feedback to help them develop as umpires and hopefully continue on as an official. 

“Umpiring can be very challenging even at the lower levels for young officials and they need to know that there are other umpires out there who understand how tough it can be sometimes.  We want young umpires to stick with the sport and, in some cases, be willing to come back for their second game.”

MLB Field & Ballpark Maintenance Clinic

Baseball Alberta, in partnership with Major League Baseball and Baseball Canada will be organizing a Field Maintenance Clinic on May 14, 2014 in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

“Brickman Sports Turf will provide professionals within the industry to discuss proper baseball field maintenance,” explained Dekinder. “We expect to have 40 people from across the province including member Associations’ volunteers and municipal Parks and Recreation professionals attend and learn techniques from the best to care for the many diamonds scheduled for league play each season.”