From the Nest #009

Published June 24th, 2025

There is a lot to catch up on from around the Nest!

From game recaps and upcoming events to community appearances and more, we’ve been busy both on and off the field. While the boys hit the road for a week-long trip, here’s your chance to catch up on the action and get a look at what’s coming up next at the ballpark.

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The past couple of weeks have been kind of up and down for the Sylvan Lake Gulls. A couple of three game losing streaks dropped them from first place, and top-ranked team in the WCBL, but they now find themselves on a 3-game winning streak and just a half game out of first place in the West Division, after back-to-back wins over the Brooks Bombers. They now head to Saskatoon to begin a six day trip through Saskatchewan that sees them play  2 games each against Saskatoon, Regina and Weyburn.

This past two weeks started with a tough loss to Energy City which they lead 4-0, but saw that lead disappear as they gave up 8 runs to fall behind 8-4. They managed to get 3 runs back, but couldn’t find the tying run. 8-7 loss. Then came back-to-back losses to Okotoks. Those always hurt. But after those two losses to the Dawgs they went to Okotoks and pulled off a big 12-7 win to snap their losing streak. The next night was a wild and crazy game that saw the Gulls lead 6-0 after 2 innings, but saw that lead dwindle to 6-5 after 4. Things settled down a bit until the ninth inning. The Gulls added a run to make it 7-5, but Lethbridge managed 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th to tie it. Extra innings required. Neither team scored in the 10th, but the 11th saw the Gulls score 3 times. It turned out they needed all 3, as the Bulls came back with 2 of their own. Not quite enough and the Gulls win 10-9. The next night the Gulls and the Bulls played a game in Oyen, Ab that they called the “Rural Roots Classic”. It was a full weekend in Oyen that sounds like was a great time for all those involved. A golf tournament was part of the festivities, and the hi-lite of that had to be a hole-in-one by Gulls President and GM, Aqil Samuel. Well done, Aqil. The baseball game was a wild one that saw the Bulls score early, and often. Lethbridge jumped to a 10-0 lead after 2 innings. The Gulls battled, but it was too much to overcome. Final score was Lethbridge 19, Gulls 11. There was an unfortunate event that saw Gulls bench-boss, Jason Chatwood, hit by a line drive. It required a trip to the hospital and a surgery, but the fact that Jason was at the last Gulls game in Sylvan shows he’s on the way to recovery. Get well, Jason!

Next up for the Gulls was another trip to Okotoks. This was a much lower scoring game, but ultimately saw the Gulls drop a 5-2 decision to the Dawgs. The next night the Gulls we’re home to Lethbridge, and after being down 5-1 after 2 innings they battled back and forced extra innings again. This time in the 10th the Bulls scored once, to go up 9-8. The Gulls thought they tied the game in the bottom of the inning, but a close call at first base led to a third out, rather than the tying run. The next night was a road game at home for the Gulls. The Energy City Cactus Rats are waiting for their new stadium to be ready to use, and in the mean time are playing some home games in Sylvan. This game saw the Gulls score 3 runs in the first, and build a 7-0 lead, to win the game 8-1. We were supposed to play the next night against the Cactus Rats again, but Mother Nature wouldn’t co-operate. A crazy storm blew through Sylvan right around 5 o’clock, and dumped a large amount of rain and hail on the field. In spite of the best efforts of the grounds crew, the players, and even owner Graham Schetzsle, they couldn’t get the field to the point where it was safe to play. That game has been rescheduled to Tuesday, July 29th.

Next up was the Brooks Bombers. Another game where the Gulls we’re playing in Sylvan, but the visiting team. The Gulls built up a 7-0 lead and held on to win 9-3. Then off to Brooks for an actual road game. This game saw the Gulls pound out 5 home runs, two each by Junior Garcia and Jaden Flores, and one by Bryce Turner. It also included a dominating pitching performance by Gulls closer Mickey McClaskey. He came in to close out the 8th inning, which he did by striking out the 3rd out. He then struck out all 3 batters he faced in the 9th inning. Gulls win 9-7. So now the Gulls have earned a day off before their whirlwind tour of Saskatchewan.

Go, Gulls, Go!!!

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Since the 2021 WCBL season, the Sylvan Lake Gulls have introduced the fans to dozens of new faces and the community has embraced them every year. It takes time to learn who these young men are and while we might scratch the surface on personalities, their abilities are on display each night.

We have been treated to a litany of talented and respectful young men who may stay for a year or more, but while they are here they leave an impression to varying degrees.

In 2021, we all were getting used to the idea of baseball being played at Gulls Field to a high level and that trend has continued. The players have changed over the years and so has has the level of play, not only with the Gulls but the WCBL as a whole.

This years version of the Sylvan Lake Gulls is in a somewhat unique situation as we have a handful of returnees and a boatload of new arrivals. As the play by play broadcaster I do my best to learn who these men are but I’ll be honest- it’s a struggle for this old brain. As long as they are wearing their jersey and on the field, I can get the job done but seeing them with a jacket on, covering their number, well that’s a new ball game for me.

It’s a small issue, granted, but the bigger issue is for fans and broadcasters alike.

Comparing teams from one year to another is something we all do at some point and to some level. It’s part of our sports psyche and woven in our DNA. We can’t help ourselves when we see a new pitcher, catcher, infielder or outfielder and match the new guy up with the player who was there last year. It gets crazier when that player is wearing the same number.

This practice does have its downside which can lead to conclusions which are off the mark and don’t take into account team dynamic, competition and performance.

The Gulls franchise set a record in the 2024 season for wins and most of that team has moved on which creates a slight issue for the new kids in town-unfairly.

I am guilty of this and I’m sure I’m not alone. When a ball is hit to short we can all see Gavin Roy scoop and throw over to first. Double plays can still run through our minds with Gavin and Marques Abulhosn making the twin kill. A fly ball to centre field might be tracked down by Noah Konings this season but we can all recall Elijha Hamill making a spectacular catch and throw. The comparisons keep coming to mind and we as fans can’t help it. It provides some great debate but at the same time, it could put undue pressure on the players who have taken those spots on the roster for 2025. We got spoiled, that is a fact and a slow start by the Gulls ( in comparison of course to last year’s team-see what I mean) helps perpetuate those thoughts. Maybe not for everyone. I get that but it is human nature, especially for sports fans.

So far this year I have not seen a lack of support from Gulls fans and that’s a testament to how much they enjoy this brand of baseball. We will get used to the new edition as they give us their best effort each night. The chapter the team wrote last year is in the books and it was a good one.

Now the new Gulls will pick up the pen and write their own story and I look forward to reading it. Have at it boys!

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