Remembering Legends: How Baseball Honors Its Fallen Heroes

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the smell of fresh-cut grass - these are the hallmarks of baseball season. But for the Lethbridge Bulls and their community, the start of this season carries a deeper meaning. It's a time to remember, to celebrate, and to honor two young men whose lives were tragically cut short.

It's Going to be a night full of memories at Spitz Stadium

As we gear up for the TCMM Memorial Game, we can't help but reflect on the impact Tanner Craswell and Mitch McLean had on our baseball community. Their story isn't just about loss; it's about legacy, laughter, and the enduring power of sport to bring people together.

A Game Unlike Any Other

This year's TCMM Memorial Game is taking a swing in a new direction. We're going bananas - literally. Inspired by the viral sensation of banana ball, we're infusing this tribute with a hefty dose of fun. But don't let the silly costumes and wacky rules fool you. At its core, this game is about remembering two young men who lived life with passion both on and off the field.

"They were bigger than life personalities," Seth Hood, a friend of Tanner and Mitch, shared during our recent podcast. "There's not a time where you weren't hanging out where you can't tell a story."

It's these stories - the pranks, the inside jokes, the moments of triumph and camaraderie - that we're celebrating. Because while Tanner and Mitch may no longer be with us physically, their spirit lives on in every crack of the bat and every cheer from the stands.

More Than Just a Game

The TCMM Memorial Game isn't just about remembering; it's about creating opportunities for the next generation of players. Through the TCMM scholarship fund, we're helping young athletes from Atlantic Canada pursue their baseball dreams at the Prairie Baseball Academy.

As Kevin Kvame, president of the Lethbridge Bulls, explained, "We target it mainly if there's a need for somebody from Atlantic Canada to go to one of the academies that maybe are struggling a little bit for financial support."

This scholarship is more than just money; it's a bridge between east and west, connecting young players to opportunities they might not otherwise have. It's a fitting tribute to two young men who found their baseball home far from their island roots.

Lessons from the Diamond

As I listened to Mitch's parents, Diane and Irwin McLean, share stories of their son, I was struck by the universal truths that baseball teaches us:

• Perseverance: "If I don't make the all-star team by Christmas, I'm coming home," Mitch once told his mom. But he stuck it out, put in the work, and made the team.

• Teamwork: Even in their shenanigans off the field, Tanner and Mitch were always part of a group, building bonds that transcended the game.

• Joy: The stories of their antics and their ever-present smiles remind us that at its heart, baseball should be fun.

These aren't just lessons for baseball; they're lessons for life. And they're the legacy that Tanner and Mitch left behind.

A Community United

What strikes me most about this annual event is how it brings people together. From the players to the fans, from the east coast to the west, this game unites us all in memory and celebration.

Todd Hubka, long-time coach of the Prairie Baseball Academy, summed it up beautifully: "It's weird how much you think about certain individuals and for sure, those two are always in my thoughts."

This game, this scholarship, this community - it's all a testament to the impact two young lives can have. It's a reminder that while our time on the field - and in life - may be short, the memories we create and the people we touch can last forever.

TICKETS

As we prepare for Wednesday's game, I invite you all to join us. Whether you're at Spitz Stadium or watching the live stream, come be part of this celebration of life, baseball, and community. Let's go bananas together, honoring Tanner and Mitch in a way that would surely make them smile.

Because in the end, that's what this is all about - keeping their memory alive, not just through somber reflection, but through joy, laughter, and the game they loved.

So grab your banana suit, practice your karaoke, and get ready for a night of baseball like no other. The TCMM Memorial Game is more than just a game - it's a celebration of life, love, and the enduring spirit of our baseball community.

See you at the ballpark. Horns up, everyone!