Hubka enjoyed seeing growth while coaching the Bulls

By Lethbridge Herald on August 2, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward From left, former Bulls Todd Hubka, Craig Hern, Ryan Handley Mike Coe, Doug Jones, Bryce Coppieters, Denny Puszkar and Myles Fletcher were on hand for alumni weekend earlier this season

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Todd Hubka looks back at being the Lethbridge Bulls first head coach 25 years ago as a time of growth for him and the organization.

That 1999 season was a memorable moment for as it was his first head coaching job in baseball after the few season prior as an assistant coach with Prairie Baseball Academy.

“I was excited to do it and (with) that first year’s team, I think we did pretty good and showed really well and it was really exciting to bring back then the Saskatchewan Major Baseball League to Lethbridge,” said Hubka.

Hubka felt that first year helped with his development in the communication and growth part of the game.

“You were the voice of the team and I think that’s important with growth for any coach,” said Hubka.

Hubka saw his learning curves coming from being the voice and how the team reactions went back to him as a head coach.

From what Hubka  remembered, he had a mix of US players, locals such as Les McTavish Division I pitchers and many former Prairie Baseball Academy players.

“It’s been a long time but we had a really good team and it was different back then, like I can’t remember exactly, but I think the league was only like a 28-game schedule or something like that,” said Hubka.

 “So, you didn’t need the same depth in all positions. But I think it was a start of a good thing and it’s nice to see where the Bulls have taken it to where it is now and the community is really starting to support them more and it’s exciting.”

Hubka thinks the team has gotten to 25 years by having more community support, ballpark upgrades and the growth in the league.

“It’s exciting to watch them continue to grow,” said Hubka.

Hubka has noticed the impact the Bulls make on the community.

“All you got to do is walk around town and see how many Lethbridge Bulls hats are out there and the young Little Leaguers that go to the games that night,” said Hubka.

“I think it’s helping baseball grow in the community and the more success they have … the more

baseball will grow in the community. They do a great job in promoting the youth baseball and the camps that they’re doing in the summer time with not just Lethbridge but surrounding communities.”

The Lethbridge Bulls are celebrating 25 years this season in the Saskatchewan Major Baseball League/Western Canadian Baseball League.