Three local Bulls players heading to WCBL’s all-star game

By Lethbridge Herald on July 5, 2023.

Herald File photo Lethbridge Bulls’ Kalem Haney quickly throws to the ball to first base in an attempt to complete the double play as the Fort McMurray Giants’ Michael Buckley slides into second base during Western Canadian Baseball League action in this June file photo. Haney is one of three local players going to the WCBL all-star game in Okotoks next weekend.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Bulls will have plenty of representation at the WCBL (Western Canadian Baseball League) all-star game  in Okotoks on July 15.

Lethbridge will have six players at the game including three locals of Josh Kabayama, Torrin Vaselenak and Kalem Haney.

Haney is fourth on the team in batting stats as he is hitting .306 in 29 games, having 108 at bats, he has scored 24 runs, has 33 hits, four doubles and 12 RBIs.

Haney found out he had got a spot on the all-star team after Monday’s home game.

“It’s going to be nice to put on the Bulls jersey in front probably 6 ,000 people and  in front of the best in the league ,” said Haney.

“I’m excited for myself, Josh and Torrin. We’ve all been on this team for a long time. So it’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m excited to be there with them as well.”

Haney had a feeling of excitement.

“I didn’t get to go last year, so I kind of wanted to try and make it this year and obviously achieved that goal,” said Haney.

“But yeah it’s nice just being able to be playing with a lot of the guys that I’ve played with for a long time now too and playing around them.”

As for his strong play as of late, he said it’s been good.

“I feel like I’ve been putting good swings on the ball and then I’ve been able to hit some guys in that have got on base before me, and I’ve been able to score runs from guys hitting me (in) and behind me,” said Haney.

Coaldale’s Vaselenak is one spot above Haney in the batting statistics, as he is hitting .307 with 23 hits and 23 runs in 24 games.

Vaselenak has also compiled four doubles, two triples, six home runs and 19 RBIs.

“It’s pretty cool feeling, you know, to be able to represent your team at the all-star game and also represent yourself at the all-star game,” said Vaselenak.

“It’s a rewarding feeling.”

Vaselenak thought it was cool for Lethbridge baseball to share this opportunity with Kabayama and Haney.

“It kind of makes a statement in that way that you know there’s some good ball players coming out of Lethbridge and it’s cool to go with a few guys that I have been playing ball with for a number of years,” said Vaselenak.

Vaselenak felt pretty good about his play leading up to the announcement.

“I’ve been trying to keep things as consistent as possible and just play to the best of my ability every day,” he said.

“So I felt pretty confident with how I was playing.  But I mean I was never really thinking about the all-Star game too much. You’re just kind of focused on the season and winning with your team.”

Kabayama is sixth in batting stats as he compiled a .280 average in 22 games with 17 runs, 21 hits, three double one triple, two home runs and 10 RBIs this far.

“It’s awesome,” said Kabayama, on playing with Vaselenak and Haney.

“I mean I’ve played with Kalem and ‘Vas’ for quite a few years and they’re great players and I’m glad I can enjoy the experience with them.”

Kabayama said it’ll be a new experience for all of us.

“I don’t think any of us had the opportunity to go in last year or the year before. So it’ll be a lot of fun,” said Kabayama.

“I think the biggest thing is they’ve all just  been consistent,” said Chance Wheatley, Bulls head coach.

“I mean that’s how you become an all-star. But, you know, they’ve got all the talent and they’ve shown it consistently all year. They’ve done really well and its awesome to see them get recognized.”

Other Bulls players going to the game are pitchers Cole Bormann, Max Benton and Mason Chien.

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