As we near Opening Day of the 2026 WCBL season, I find myself curious about what to expect. I understand that the snow is all gone, so it’s safe for me to come home from Arizona.
We know that things are going to be different. We have a new Bench Boss, as we will see Matt Hape take on his new role. We will have a new coach on staff, as Andrew Parks joins the team. We will have some returning players, as well as many new players coming to Sylvan. I’m sure these new kids have heard about what it’s like to play in the WCBL and to spend a summer in Sylvan Lake. It’ll be fun to see how they react to the atmosphere at Pogadl Park and who becomes the new fan favourites. It’s going to be quite different for a lot of these kids, as most of them play at community colleges where they attract a few hundred fans to their games. It’ll be interesting to see how they react to playing in front of a stadium full of enthusiastic fans.
That brings us to the next thing I’m excited about. The off-field experience is going to be quite different this year. The other day it was announced that the Gulls will look a bit different this season. A new logo is being introduced, and that should be interesting. A trip to the Gulls store will definitely be one of my first priorities. There have been announcements about a new-look patio area and new items available at the concessions. That all sounds great, and I’ll be interested to see what that looks and tastes like.
And then there are the changes to the game-day experience. At the Gulls’ 4th Annual Hot Stove Night it was announced that play-by-play man Jim Claggett would be stepping away from the mic to fully enjoy retirement. Best of luck, Jim, with whatever and wherever that might take you. Hopefully we will still see you at the ballpark.
We also heard recently that our Game Day Host has become a Grandpa. Congratulations, Joe. That’s very exciting! That also means that a big part of the promo crew is looking at big changes. Morgan Whitbread became a momma on Mother’s Day. Congratulations, Morgan! She has filled that Gulls role since Day #1 of the team’s history.
So, we’re going to see changes on the bench, with Jason gone, Matt taking on a new role, and Andrew coming in. We’ll also see many new players, and they’ll all be sporting a new look. The stadium is going to look a bit different, as will the Game Day Staff. It’ll be a bit of a new look, but still very exciting.
I’m looking forward to getting back to the park to spend another summer cheering on the Gulls, seeing friends we’ve made at the games, and hopefully meeting new ones. It’ll be interesting to see my grandson, Noah, at the games, and who he picks as his new favourite Gulls players, now that Matty Fung and Ty Boudreau have graduated from this level of ball and pursue life at the next level.
For me, and I’m sure many, many loyal Gulls fans, May 28th can’t come soon enough. And if you’re really excited to get a sneak preview, the Gulls will be taking on the Red Deer Riggers on May 26th.
For five years now the Gulls have provided fun summer entertainment. Last year they were one pitch away from capturing the league championship. Is this the year they go all the way?
The journey begins soon.
Go, Gulls, Go!!!
