January 18, 2023

By Jeff Duda

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs have re-signed Brendan Luther, Ryan McFarland and Connor Crowson for the 2023 season.

All three were key members of the Dawgs’ 2022 Western Canadian Baseball League championship-winning squad.

Brendan Luther (Mississauga, Ont.) – SS, Bellevue University

A sparkplug for the Dawgs in 2022, Luther set the tone for every game with his hard-nosed brand of baseball. During the regular season, he hit .357 with 66 hits, including 15 doubles and two triples, while registering 33 RBIs and scoring 49 runs. Luther would go on to be named the WCBL Playoffs MVP, hitting .448 with a home run, three RBIs and 11 runs during the postseason.

Ryan McFarland (Calgary, Alta.) – RHP, Campbellsville University

McFarland was one of the most valuable pitchers for the Dawgs during the 2022 championship season. The versatile right-hander pitched in almost every situation imaginable — from spot-starting to closing games and everything in-between. During the regular season, McFarland logged 30 1/3 innings and posted a 3.26 ERA in 20 appearances, including two starts.

Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.) – INF, Bossier Parish Community College

Crowson was a bit of a Swiss-army knife for the Dawgs last year. His offensive production, coupled with his consistent defensive play, proved to be incredibly valuable. In 32 games, Crowson hit .407 with 37 hits, including 10 doubles and one home run. He also had 14 RBIs.