The Cloverdale Rangers have etched their name into Canadian baseball history by winning the National Baseball Championship in Fort McMurray, Alberta, on August 17. In a nail-biting finish, the Rangers defeated Team Ontario 2-1 in extra innings, bringing home the coveted title and capping off a season fans will never forget.
A Season to Remember
The Rangers, competing in the 18U College Prep division, built their championship run on consistency and grit. They stormed through the regular season with a stellar 30-6 record, dropping just one game in provincials—a round-robin loss to Trail—before powering their way to the national crown. Their resilience and determination showcased why this squad stood apart all year.
The Sweet Taste of Victory
“We won the whole thing!” said a jubilant Brien Gemmell, a team parent and athletic director at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary in Cloverdale. His excitement mirrored the pride felt across the community, as the young athletes secured one of the program’s biggest achievements to date.
Building a Legacy in Cloverdale
Remarkably, the elite Rangers program is still in its infancy. Launched just three years ago under the guidance of Bob Foerster, general manager of Cloverdale Rangers’ high-performance initiative, the program has already exceeded expectations. The championship win now serves as a powerful symbol of what determination, vision, and opportunity can create for local athletes.
Beyond the Championship Banner
Mike Gray, 2nd Vice President of Cloverdale Minor Baseball Association, highlighted how the elite program has reshaped opportunities for young players. “It’s been a really great expansion to what Cloverdale Minor Baseball has been able to offer,” Gray explained. “It’s given us a strong high-performance pathway while keeping kids in community baseball within B.C. Minor Baseball.”
More Than Just a Title
For the Cloverdale Rangers, the victory goes beyond lifting a championship banner. It represents the power of grassroots programs in nurturing talent, fostering community pride, and inspiring the next generation of ballplayers. While this may be their greatest achievement so far, the foundation has been laid for even greater triumphs in the future.
