The Winfield Minor Baseball Association received the Small Association of the Year award on Saturday in Edmonton at the Baseball Alberta Awards Banquet.
Founded in 2021, Winfield Minor Baseball — also known as West of the Fifth Baseball — sees around 90 kids and three teams competing in Baseball Alberta’s community league.
Athletes from West of the Fifth come from Winfield, Breton, Alder Flats, Buck Lake and Pigeon Lake to play.
Last year the association saw three teams in the 11U, 13U and 15U categories. The teams are made up of both male and female players. 2023 was the first official year the association has entered into the community league. Prior to 2023 the teams participated in weekly practices with the occasional game.
“Everyone really enjoyed the first official season and is looking forward to next year already,” said Karen Holmans, President of the Winfield Minor Baseball Association. “Our 11U and 13U groups did really well - 11U won second in the league and 13U placed in the top five as well.”
The three teams use a variety of diamonds over the course of their season in Buck Lake, Winfield and Breton. Prior to the creation of the association, athletes travelled to Rimbey or Drayton Valley to play.
“When we first moved here there was only soccer in the area, so it’s nice to have choices,” said Holmans. “The more people in the area that can get involved the more opportunities these kids will have to play locally.”
Holmans stated she believes the award was a result of the hard work displayed by both the athletes and members of the association’s board. She explained Baseball Alberta has been extremely supportive of the association, particularly in helping to organize yearly clinics for the players to hone their skills preseason. Baseball Alberta sent out a technical director to Winfield, which saw athletes undergo a three-day indoor clinic at the arena where they worked on their hitting, throwing, pitching and fielding.
“I was both shocked and extremely grateful when I heard we would be receiving the award,” said Holmans. “We want to get the kids learning and playing as much as possible.”
“It’s great as a community to be recognized for all the work we’ve been doing with baseball in the area and we want to see it keep going years down the road.”
For more information on the West of the Fifth Baseball Association see their page on Facebook or call 403 318 6739.
