(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
BY TRUMAN BARTMAN. THEMAVERICKS.CA
Six wins is what it takes to claim a WCBL title; it seems like a fairly easy task for a team that has strung together plenty of win streaks so far this season. But this is playoff time, and for any of the 8 teams that qualify for the postseason, the road to claiming the championship will be anything but easy.
For the Medicine Hat Mavericks, who occupy the East Division’s 2nd seed for the 3rd consecutive season, their quest for their 4th WCBL championship begins tonight on home turf at Athletic Park. After a 34-win regular season, which marked the most wins by any Mavs group since 2018, Medicine Hat looks to keep its magical run rolling through August.
Their road begins with a series against a familiar foe in the 3-seeded Regina Red Sox. The Sox had an up-and-down 2025, going 29-27 during the regular season, enough to clinch a playoff berth. For a team that almost reached 30 wins, the back half of the season for the Red Sox has been headlined by several key departures from the team. Only two of Regina’s seven 2025 All-Stars are still on the team, leaving plenty of opportunities for others to step up.
With Regina being a much different team than the one that Medicine Hat faced earlier on this season, it’s easy for many to overlook the Sox. But as many of the Mavericks know all too well, overlooking an opponent in the playoffs can often come back to haunt you.
In 2024, several of the Mavs’ current members watched lower-seeded Saskatoon crush their championship dreams, with the Mavericks dropping their opening series against the underdog Berries.
Luckily for the Mavericks, many of their troops have yet to experience playoff heartbreak, including the likes of All-Star pitcher Luis Diaz. In his first year with the Mavs, Diaz has been sensational and says he is ready for the chance to help the Mavericks become WCBL Champions.
“I’m so excited to come and try to help the team win the first game and get things started the right way in the postseason.”
“I think that the team has been playing really well. I think we are all together, I think we’re going in the right direction to win a championship, and I believe in this team.”
It’s easier said than done, but there is a high level of belief that continues to ruminate around the Mavericks clubhouse.
Coach Jonathon Thornhill has continually pushed the idea of enjoying every moment at the diamond, and the team has responded with that exact attitude.
“We’ve relished the opportunity and have taken advantage of the opportunity when playing at home. The guys just love it. We love it. The fans are great. Community is great. It’s exciting for sure, and a chance to open up to a second season at home, and it should be a fun time.”
Keeping a positive outlook has served the Mavericks well in 2025, and Coach Thornhill hopes that remaining in the same headspace and focusing on the fundamentals will be important for his group as they embark on a new expedition.
“You’re going to get excited when a big play is made. You’re going to get excited when a big hit happens, a big strikeout, or a big out because of where the playoffs are attached to things. So being able to understand that it is just another game and the only thing that changed is the title is important.”
“Our guys need to remember that, you know, what? We still have to execute our pitches. We still have to chase our pitches that we want to drive and play sound defence, fundamental baseball, and stay cool, calm, and collected; that’s the big thing.”
The atmosphere that comes with being in the postseason can often seem larger than life. It’s a special chance for one team to prove that they can outlast the rest.
It takes 6 wins during the month of August to claim a WCBL title. But beyond being a winning story in the league’s history, the Mavs are hoping to give their fans an everlasting moment that will be etched in the community’s rich baseball history. The Medicine Hat Mavericks are poised to make the Gas City proud as they begin their chase for a fourth Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy.