Mule Riders Bring Southern Charm to Lethbridge Bulls: Meet two of the New Faces to The Lethbridge Bulls

The crack of the bat, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the excitement of summer baseball are just around the corner for Lethbridge Bulls fans. As we gear up for another thrilling season in the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL), we had the pleasure of chatting with two of our newest additions from Southern Arkansas University: Dalen Blanchard and Lee Matsuzaki.

These Mule Riders are trading in their Southern Arkansas Mule Rider uniforms for a taste of Canadian baseball, and they're bringing a whole lot of talent and personality with them. Let's dive into what makes these players tick and what Bulls fans can expect this summer at Spitz Stadium.

A Tale of Two Mule Riders

Dalen Blanchard: Born to be a Mule Rider, Hunting for a Moose

When I first connected with Dalen, I was surprised to see him sporting a Wayne Gretzky jersey. It turns out our Arkansas native is embracing Canadian culture before he even steps foot on our soil. But don't let the hockey attire fool you – Blanchard is all about baseball.

"I like to consider myself a hitter," Dalen shared confidently. "So no matter where I'm playing, I like to think I can hit a little bit."

Lee Matsuzaki: From Hawaii to the Heart of Alberta

While Dalen's making the trek from Arkansas, Lee Matsuzaki's journey to Lethbridge is even more impressive. Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, Lee's bringing his own brand of island flair to the Bulls lineup.

"I'm pretty simple guy and I was really just excited for ketchup chips and the casino," Lee joked when asked about his Canadian bucket list.

But don't let his laid-back attitude fool you. Matsuzaki's coming off a stellar season that earned him second-team all-conference honors. His approach to the game? "You never know what's gonna be your last, so just go out there and have fun."

Why Lethbridge? The Appeal of Summer Ball

For both Blanchard and Matsuzaki, the decision to spend their summer in Lethbridge came down to one thing: opportunity. The chance to play competitive baseball, experience a new culture, and continue developing their skills was too good to pass up.

"Experiences like this, I'll never get it again in my life," Lee explained. "And you know, you only live once. I want to do everything while I can."

Dalen echoed this sentiment, adding, "We come out here to win, so that's what we're here to do."

What Bulls Fans Can Expect

1. Competitive Spirit: Both players emphasized their desire to win and compete at the highest level.

2. Fan Interaction: Look for these guys to engage with the crowd and bring energy to Spitz Stadium.

3. Solid Hitting: With their track records, expect to see some fireworks at the plate.

4. Fun Atmosphere: Both Blanchard and Matsuzaki stressed the importance of enjoying the game and creating a positive environment.

The Countdown Begins

As we inch closer to opening day, the excitement is building. The Bulls' home opener is set for June 5th against the Energy City Cactus Rats (formerly known as the Edmonton Prospects). Tickets are on sale now, and you won't want to miss the start of what promises to be an unforgettable season.

It's about young players chasing their dreams, experiencing new cultures, and bringing joy to fans night after night.

As Dalen put it, "We're gonna have fun. We're gonna compete at the highest level and we're gonna win. That's what we're gonna do."

So, Bulls fans, are you ready for some baseball? Grab your tickets, practice your "Horns Up," and get ready to welcome these talented Mule Riders to Spitz Stadium. The boys of summer are almost here, and it's going to be one heck of a ride.

Don't forget to follow the Bulls on social media for the latest updates:

- X: @lethbridgebulls

- Facebook: lethbridgebulls

- YouTube: lethbridgebullsbaseball

See you at the Spitz Stadium