Linden giving back in a grand way in Grand Prairie

Carl Linden running the show in Grand Prairie, Alta.

The Alberta Amateur Baseball Council is recognizing those individuals who have contributed significantly at the grassroots level. This week’s nominee, regarding “Passion for Baseball”, is Carl Linden of the Grande Prairie Minor Baseball program.

By Dale Tillman

Alberta Amateur Baseball Council

Carl Linden started playing ball in the small town of Dimsdale, in the Peace River region. He was coached by Louie Hawks until age 14; after reaching 15, he had to switch to men’s fastball to keep playing some form of ball.

Carl missed the game and promised himself, if capable, he was going to develop a program for kids aged past 14, in the Peace River region. He credits Bob Neufeld, a former Grande Prairie high school physical education teacher, as a role model when it came to the treatment of youth. Bob instilled a philosophy regarding the importance of adults to look after society’s youth.

Carl adopted Bob’s ideas when it came towards his philanthropy towards youth, and his love of baseball. His proudest moments come when players from the Peace River region advanced beyond their local programs, and were able to pursue their dreams and interests elsewhere.

As well, Carl takes great satisfaction in the growth and development of the Northern Lights Academy. He is especially pleased that three former Peace River area players, Cashtyn de Leuw (Grimshaw, Alta.), Tyler Mathier (Grand Prairie, Alta.) and Dane Friedland (Grand Prairie, Alta.) form the backbone of the Northern Lights coaching staff. He is also happy regarding the improvement of Grande Prairie facilities, especially those located at Evergreen Park.

Carl takes great pride in the number of friendships he has built, through his association with the sport. Recently he put his “coaching hat” back on; he is actively involved as part of the Northern Lights coaching staff. His passion and excitement for the game resonates with the Northern Lights players and throughout the entire organization.

Carl’s greatest interest, regarding the skills, is teaching the art of hitting. He is extremely proud of the impact his coaching had on a 15 triple-A team, during their inaugural year, in 2021. He enjoys being an information source to others, especially when the topic is hitting, regarding the young players of Grande Prairie and the Peace River region. It is easily apparent that Coach Carl enjoys seeing his players be successful on the ball field, and later in life.

Carl’s love for talking about baseball, especially to young people, is only surpassed by his care for his players. Regarding the future of Alberta baseball, He would like more choices for athletes to pursue. He would also like to see Alberta teams compete at a higher level outside of our provincial boundaries. He hopes that Alberta baseball executives will continue to make the game affordable so that all interested kids will be able to enjoy playing baseball.

Carl also hopes that Alberta baseball boards will emphasize attracting more kids to the great sport.