Cloverdale Rangers Capture National Championship in Thrilling Finale

BREAKING NEWS: The Cloverdale Rangers have just clinched the national championship in a dramatic showdown, defeating Team Ontario 2-1 in extra innings on August 17, 2023, in Fort McMurray, Alberta. This victory marks a monumental achievement for the 18U Cloverdale Rangers baseball team, capping off an incredible season that has captured the hearts of the community.

The excitement was palpable as parents and fans celebrated the team’s hard-fought victory. “We won the whole thing!” exclaimed Brien Gemmell, a team parent and athletic director at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School in Cloverdale. The Rangers showcased their resilience and skill throughout the tournament, culminating in this thrilling finale.

Earlier in the month, the team dominated the provincial championships in Trail, boasting an impressive regular season record of 30-6. Their only setback came during a round-robin match against Trail, but they rebounded to secure their spot in the national finals, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and determination.

The Cloverdale Rangers elite baseball program, founded by Bob Foerster, GM of the Cloverdale Rangers high-performance program, is still in its third year but has already made significant waves in youth baseball. Mike Gray, 2nd Vice President of the Cloverdale Minor Baseball Association, praised the program’s success. “It’s been a really great expansion to what Cloverdale Minor Baseball has been able to offer,” he said. “It’s given us a really good high-performance program to keep kids in community baseball—B.C. Minor Baseball.”

This national championship victory not only highlights the talent within the Cloverdale community but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes across the region. As the team celebrates their hard-earned title, the impact of their success is sure to resonate throughout the community for years to come.

Looking ahead, the Cloverdale Rangers will aim to build on this success as they prepare for future tournaments. The achievements of this talented squad underscore the importance of youth sports in fostering teamwork, dedication, and community pride.

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the journey of the Cloverdale Rangers and their continued impact in the world of youth baseball.