Bright lights: Bulls representatives shine at WCBL All-Star Game

By Lethbridge Herald on July 21, 2025.

Herald Photo by Nathan Reiter Levi Abbott of the Lethbridge Bulls delivers a pitch during the first inning of the WCBL All-Star game at Seaman Stadium on Saturday night. Abbott allowed one unearned run in his lone inning of work.

By Nathan Reiter 

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter- Lethbridge Herald 

A little bit of rain didn’t hamper the atmosphere of the 2025 WCBL All-Star festivities in Okotoks.

The biggest stars from across the league converged on Seaman Stadium for both the annual home derby and All-Star Game. 

Lethbridge sent seven representatives to the All-Star game. Pitchers Levi Abbott, Maxim Mrakovcic and Brett Getz along with first baseman Carter Claerhout, utilityman Brennan McTavish and outfielder Bernie Soccaras all received all-star nods.

Slugger Jack Kalisky was named as Lethbridge’s participant in the home run derby, but did not participate in the game. 

During the derby, Kalisky hit the second most home runs, knocking 12 out of Seaman Stadium behind only Fort McMurray’s Matt Rhoades who clubbed 13. 

Kalisky says his swing was feeling excellent throughout the derby.

“It felt really good, me and Coach Mac (Ryan MacDonald) were working it and that second round, we really got going. He was feeding me my pitch and I was just hammering it. It does get tiring but I was feeling real good going throughout that second round there after my first timeout.”

Kalisky hit for Lethbridge in the home run derby last season, but only managed to hit seven home runs.

The San Antonio, TX product says he knew what to expect heading into the derby this season, which allowed him to have a better mindset.

“I just try to be more loose and have fun. I was a little nervous last year, the first time doing it and then this year, I got to do it. I knew what I was expecting and just let it flow and let the swing fly.” 

Due to the format of the Derby, Kalisky did not qualify for the final. The top West Division slugger Rhoades took down the top East Division hitter Ian Heck of Weyburn to win the title.

Despite the disappointment in not making the final, Kalisky says he enjoyed the atmosphere and getting the chance to participate. 

“It’s really fun just to be here and meet all the guys from the other team and get to really know them rather than just to compete against them, so that’s one of the big things. Being in front of all these fans was really cool to do that for the Derby.”

During the All-Star game, Levi Abbott received the starting nod for the West Division. 

So far this season, Abbott leads the WCBL in wins (5), earned run average (1.50) and is fourth in strikeouts (49).

This summer is a swan song for Abbott’s college baseball career as the Lethbridge product has completed his degree and will not be returning to play for the Canisius College Golden Griffins in the fall. 

Abbott says he enjoyed the atmosphere and getting the chance to start in what will be his final WCBL All-Star game. 

“It was pretty cool when you look around and everyone’s wearing a different jersey. I thought that was pretty funny and honestly, I felt comfortable. I felt it was just fun being out there and representing Lethbridge.”

Pitchers Brett Getz and Maxim Mrakovcic did not pitch in the All-Star game after starting for the Bulls against the Saskatoon Berries at Spitz Stadium on Thursday and Friday night.

On the hitting side, Carter Claerhout and Brennan McTavish each recorded a hit. Outfielder Bernie Soccaras made a pinch-running appearance but did not get an at-bat.

The East Division won the game 10-2. The game was called in the top half of the seventh inning due to rain.