(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
BY TRUMAN BARTMAN. THEMAVERICKS.CA
Over the course of a baseball season each individual moment helps to construct the arc of a team’s story. Those individual pieces can often get lost in between the ups and downs that teams experience over the intensity of a summer. Wins and losses are not the only measure of whether the season’s story is successful or even memorable. Statistics or standings allow for championship trophies and personal awards to be handed out, but they aren’t always indicative of the entire story.
The 2025 Medicine Hat Mavericks are a group that, despite many impressive numbers and plenty of statistical milestones, can only be defined by the people in the team clubhouse who helped craft a special summer.
Simply put, this year’s Mavericks were an exceptional bunch. This was evident from as early as mini camp back in late May. A strong balance of returners and new faces allowed for the Mavericks to build a unique and healthy culture.
From day 1 the Mavericks took on the identity of a group of misfit toys who had been overlooked throughout their baseball careers and by the WCBL. Not a single member played NCAA Division 1 baseball coming into the summer; many players came from small programs that many would struggle to find on a map.
Regardless of how they arrived with the Mavs or what their careers looked like prior to arriving in the Gas City, all 30+ members bought into the idea of embracing and believing in a collective mission to enjoy the game and each other.
At the forefront of it all was the Mavericks coaching staff led by 1st-year head coach Jonathon Thornhill, Assistant Coach Ryan Reed and Assistant Coach Cesar Rodriguez. Under their guidance the Mavericks reached 34 wins on the season, topping last year’s win total by 1. But rather than focusing solely on wins, Thornhill’s crew based their season around the enjoyment and opportunity that comes with playing summer baseball with others who love the game as much as they do.
In the case of the Vulcano brothers (Aaron, Adam, and Johnny), their gratification hit a high point on May 29, during the second game of the season, when the brothers reunited on the diamond against the Moose Jaw Miller Express. Better yet, all three brothers crossed the plate in a winning effort for the group.
This wasn’t the only time when family came together for a magical moment on the diamond. On June 19th, Carter Roth had an opportunity to play in front of his parents who had made the trip from Stratford, Ontario. A dream-like opportunity presented itself for Roth in the bottom of the 9th with a runner on third, a chance to beat the Saskatoon Berries. In a moment that Carter and his teammates will remember forever, he delivered a walk-off hit in front of his folks. Blake Dale did the same, hitting his first home run of the season with his parents and brother in attendance. Zack Hlinsky, Danny Retzlaff and Xander Roberts all had their parents in the stands to witness them pitch in person. It became a recurring theme of families making their way up to Athletic Park to watch their loved ones play.
Away from home, the Mavericks’ collective remained invested in each other’s lives, even going out of their way to make a few surprise stops on road trips. On their way through Saskatchewan, it was the Vanneste’s in Warman who hosted the boys for an afternoon, while the Babiuk residence in St.Albert welcomed the boys during the Mavs’ trip up north. It’s small moments like these that not only create an everlasting bond between players but also with one another’s support systems.
Being invested in the success of those around you became a constant as the season moved along. Whether it was Mavericks pitcher and resident graphic designer, Max Hudlow, building graphics to help his teammates celebrate their university commitments or the infectious excitement exemplified throughout the Mavericks dugout, the Mavs became each other’s cheerleaders, win or lose.
Until their final game against the Regina Red Sox in game 2 of the playoffs, there was never a doubt that this summer’s Mavericks played as one and, unfortunately, in the end, fell as one.
There are many ways to share the story of the 2025 Mavericks. Beyond the statistics, what should not be overlooked is the mark that this summer’s players left on the community, the organization, and most importantly, each other.