Haney named to All-Central Region team

By Lethbridge Herald on January 31, 2025.

Herald File photo Lethbridge Bulls’ Kalem Haney quickly throws 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 last season. Haney was named to the All-Central Region team this week while with his UMary Marauders team.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Local baseball player Kalem Haney began his third season with North Dakota-based University of Mary Marauders on Friday with  regional recognition under his belt due to his impactful season in 2024.

Haney was named to the  2025 National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Preseason All-Central Region team after leading  his UMary team with a .360 batting average , having an on-base percentage of 9.460, successfully stealing 14 bases on 15 attempts and hitting four triples in 2024.

The best players are chosen based off of the previous year’s stats and then splits them into those specific-type teams in the eight regions for recognition.

“It’s really cool to be acknowledged for my efforts last year and just to be recognized for my play,” said Haney.

Haney said really, it means a lot.

“Every day you kind of have to prove you’re worthy of that acknowledgement,” said Haney.

Haney gives a lot of the credit for last season’s success to his teammates, who he says pushes him to be the best he can be.

 “I’m really just happy that I’m able to share this kind of with them,” said Haney

Haney spoke about his experience at UMary so far.

“I think personally it’s just growth, like internal growth,” said Haney.

 “Just stay within myself and be the best player I can be and help in any way possible for us to win as many games as we can.”

Haney says it’s great, when it comes to the baseball experience at UMary.

“It’s been (a) blessing to me,” said Haney.

“It’s brought be so many relationships that I will never be able to replicate.”

Haney says it’s very close, when asked about how close the team is.

“Our coaching staff does a great job in building a culture that people buy into and people want to be a part of and it’s been truly amazing,” said Haney.

There is more to success than just winning that Haney thinks is important.

“Success isn’t always just about winning games, it’s about how you come together as a team and how you build a culture around each other and I’m really excited for that this year,” said Haney.

Haney is going into his junior season with NCAA Division II team.

“I had a good year last year, so I just kind of want to build off that,” said Haney

Haney has played for his hometown Lethbridge Bulls over the last few summers.