December 11, 2024

By Ian Wilson

Western Canadian Baseball League

New pace-of-play rule changes have been approved by the Western Canadian Baseball League for the 2025 season.

The rules were enacted at the WCBL Board of Governors annual meetings, which were held in Saskatoon on Dec. 6 and 7.

The gathering also resulted in the handing out of a number of awards, including the 2024 Executive of the Year, which was claimed by Tyler Hollick, the general manager of the Okotoks Dawgs.

“The business meetings and AGM were very productive and resulted in excellent discussions of solving challenges while looking at the exciting future we have in the Western Canadian Baseball League. We celebrated successes, debated rules, took care of governance, and learned from staff, presenters, and each other on how to get better,” said WCBL president Kevin Kvame.

Representatives from teams around the league chose to adopt several rule changes, with a cap on mound visits among them.

The 12 clubs in the WCBL are now limited to six mound visits per game over the course of nine innings, with an additional visit provided to each team for every extra inning played. An active pitcher meeting with a manager, coach or a player who vacates his position on the field counts as a mound visit. If a manager or coach crosses the foul line on their way to the mound after the team has used up its mound visits, that team must make a pitching change.

The league has also adopted a three-batter minimum rule. A pitcher must face at least three batters or end a half-inning before the team can make another pitching change. If the half-inning ends and the pitcher returns, he must fulfill the three-batter requirement when he takes the mound the following inning.

The average WCBL game during the regular season in 2024 lasted two hours and 45 minutes, with a few contests stretching over four hours in length.

In addition to the pace-of-play adjustments, WCBL governors also chose to increase each team's active roster from 30 to 32 players. Factoring in the eight affiliated players that clubs are allowed to carry, this boosts the total roster to 40 players eligible for use in regular season and postseason games.

WCBL rosters must be submitted by May 24 and final changes must be handed in by July 25 each season. Previously, the final roster had to be set by July 20. Meanwhile, starting lineup cards are to be handed over to the scorekeeper at least one hour before game time.

LEAGUE AWARDS

A number of new and previously announced awards were handed out at the annual meetings.

Kris Hartley was at the AGM to accept the Mitch Ball Memorial Award, which he won for being the WCBL Umpire of the Year.

Hartley provided valuable insights in several sessions - including input on the new pace-of-play rules - and the league has embraced umpires as its "13th team," with the Board of Governors expressing satisfaction with the officiating in 2024.

The league will be putting forth a budget for evaluating umpires during the season and it will market the WCBL to up-and-coming umpires when strategic opportunities arise. In addition, the WCBL will be conducting special umpire showcase events to mentor and evaluate new potential officials.

“We do not have games without that team of passionate officials that take time to travel and work the 350-plus games each year. We want to do what we can to make that 'team' excited about doing this level of ball every bit as much as our franchises want to see their players excited about playing for their clubs,” Kvame said.

Hollick was declared the WCBL Executive of the Year for his work in helping steer the Okotoks Dawgs to a third-straight league championship, his efforts in hosting the 2024 WCBL All-Star Game festivities, as well as overseeing another summer of record-breaking attendance.

“2024 was a historic year for the Dawgs,” said John Ircandia, Dawgs’ managing director in a press release.

“Tyler and his entire operations crew did a phenomenal job. A well-deserved award.”

Social media awards, as well as broadcasting and livestreaming honours, were also announced.

The Saskatoon Berries were selected as the top social media team, followed by the Okotoks Dawgs and the Medicine Hat Mavericks. The Regina Red Sox and Sylvan Lake Gulls received honourable mentions.

The best livestream video production was awarded to the Sylvan Lake Gulls, with the Berries named as the runner-up in that category and the Red Sox taking third place. Honourable mentions went to the Mavericks and the Lethbridge Bulls.

In the category of top broadcasters - including play-by-play announcing and colour commentary - the Moose Jaw Miller Express finished first, while the Swift Current 57's and the Berries were next in line. All other WCBL teams were acknowledged for making improvements to their broadcasts this summer.

Awards that were previously announced were also given to the winners. Each team collected certificates and plaques for individual players that were named as All-Stars and the top hitters and pitchers following the season.

FRESH FACES

Some new people have assumed leadership roles with a pair of WCBL teams.

Brad Woods - who has served on the board of directors of the Swift Current 57's for 17 years - recently stepped down from his position as president of the ball club.

"I've always felt that having a ball club in Swift Current makes us a better community, and that has been the driving force behind my involvement for as long as I've been involved," said Woods in a recent interview.

"It's been a big part of what I've done for years, and I will definitely feel that moving forward."

Woods also served as Vice President - Admin of the WCBL for several years.

“Brad has been a loyal and valuable member of the WCBL executive, as well as a friend to me and the league as a whole. His leadership and dedication will be greatly missed,” Kvame commented during the AGM.

Jamie LeBlanc, who attended the league's annual meetings, is the new president of the 57's.

"I've been around the club for a fair number of years," said LeBlanc, who owns a sporting goods store in Swift Current.

"I'm just looking forward to jumping on board and be another mind, another set of eyes or ears or some different ideas, a little bit of boots on the ground to try to come up with some different things to try to help the club."

In Fort McMurray, Josh Iannetti has been named the general manager of the Giants. He played for the league's northernmost outpost in 2016 and again in 2019 before transitioning to a front-office role.

Josh takes over from Andrew Swagers, who was the GM and the president of baseball operations. Team owner Dutche Iannetti - Josh's father - will handle presidential duties.

"As a former Giant and someone that was born and raised in Fort McMurray, it's truly an honour to be a part of this organization. I've been with the Giants front office since 2022 as the director of sponsorships, being alongside my family this whole time, doing our best to bring the game we love to our community. Moving into the GM role is very exciting to see all aspects of the business and carry out our organizational goals to my best ability," said Josh.

"In 2025, the Giants look to bring the noise on and off the field. Event planning has gone great so far this off-season and we look to bring a fun and electric experience to our fans all summer long. The Giants look to get back in playoff contention next summer with some high-flying action, putting our players in the best situation to be successful and truly enjoy their time up here in Fort McMurray."

Added Josh: "I've always been a strong believer in that you need to enjoy and have fun in whatever you do in life to truly bring out your maximum potential. That's exactly the same energy I look to bring to the Giants. Let's have some fun and enjoy the game we have all loved since we were kids."

LEAGUE BUSINESS

Team owners, leaders and administrators participated in two days of discussions during the annual meetings.

In addition to presentations on sponsorships, social media trends and the business of sports, governors listened to team reports, umpiring plans and financial updates.

The meetings were hosted by the Saskatoon Berries, who invited team representatives to a Western Hockey League (WHL) game between the Saskatoon Blades and the Calgary Hitmen on Dec. 7.

The 2025 AGM and annual meetings are set to be hosted by the Sylvan Lake Gulls.