The Yorkton 13U AAA Cardinals are headed west.
After a dramatic and inspiring run at the provincial championships in Saskatoon, the Cardinals have secured a berth at the Western Canadian 13U AAA Baseball Championships, taking place August 15–17 in Chilliwack, BC.
“It was just the most incredible weekend,” said head coach Mark Schendel, “We were down 9–3 in our first game against the Saskatoon Pelicans and came back with a nine-run sixth inning. That comeback set the tone for the rest of the tournament.”
The Cardinals followed up with a dominant win over the Sask Five Giants, setting up a high-stakes matchup against the Saskatoon Sturgeon. Down 6–5 in the fifth, Yorkton’s heart-of-the-order delivered three consecutive home runs to take the lead. Pitcher Chance Weinbender then closed the door, securing the victory and a spot in the semifinals.
Sunday morning’s win over Swift Current not only advanced Yorkton to the provincial final but also clinched their place at Westerns. Though they fell 11–10 to Moose Jaw in a nail-biting championship game, the Cardinals had already earned their ticket to Chilliwack.
“We’ve had our peaks and valleys this season,” Schendel reflected. “But the kids showed incredible composure. They’ve been playing fantastic baseball at the right time.”
The team began training in February and has spent seven months building up to this moment. “It’s like a marriage,” Schendel joked. “You go through everything together. And to see them come together like this—it’s remarkable.”
As they prepare to face top teams from BC, Alberta, Manitoba, and fellow Saskatchewan representatives Moose Jaw, the Cardinals are rallying around a simple motto: “Why not us?”
“They’re 12 and 13-year-olds just like us,” said Schendel “They put their cleats on the same way. We’re going to play Cardinal baseball and take our best shot.”
The team is also seeking sponsorship to help offset travel costs. Supporters can reach out via the Cardinals’ social media pages or contact team manager Riley Rice directly at 1-639-540-0410.
“Any little bit helps,” Schendel said. “We’re grateful for our families and community. Now we’re ready to represent Yorkton on the Western stage.”
The Cardinals will kick off their Western Canadian Championship campaign on Friday, August 15, with a matchup against the Parkland Twins from Alberta.
Saturday’s pool play will see the Cardinals face off against the Winnipeg South Wolves from Manitoba and the Kelowna-based COMBA Sun Devils.
