September 20, 2024

By Ian Wilson

Western Canadian Baseball League

Cooper Ciesielski was a baseball-bashing beast this summer.

The outfielder with the Sylvan Lake Gulls tormented Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) pitchers during the season.

In 47 regular-season contests, Ciesielski had a .382 batting average with 53 runs batted in (RBIs) and 43 runs scored.

He finished tied for the league lead in home runs (13) and doubles (21) and stood alone in leading the WCBL in slugging percentage (.758), OPS (1.253), secondary average (.533) and isolated power (.376).

His lethal bat helped Ciesielski win the 2024 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, as selected by coaches from across the WCBL.

"It is an honour to be named the WCBL MVP," said Ciesielski.

"This league and its fans from all around were truly committed to the game of baseball. Playing for this league this past summer has grown me as an individual, not only on the field but also in my character."

Added Ciesielski: "None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, coaches, and teammates. I want to thank the WCBL and the fan base for making this summer an unforgettable experience."

Jason Chatwood, the head coach of the Gulls, called Ciesielski a "very deserving" winner of the MVP award.

"Cooper came into the summer very focused as he had to miss the majority of his spring season with a broken foot, so he was excited to get the opportunity to play. He was there for early work every day and it was very easy to tell how focused he was and he was always trying to find ways to get better," said Chatwood, who was named the 2024 WCBL Coach of the Year.

"His bat was a game changer in our lineup and it felt like he was going to do something special every time he stepped to the plate. His ability to hit for power, use all fields, and hit with two strikes was very impressive."

Ciesielski offered praise to Chatwood and the Gulls for helping him elevate his game.

"Huge shout out to coach Chatwood, coach (Matt) Hape and coach (Wyatt) McKnight for welcoming me as a new player and developing my performance to get to the next level. This coaching staff was great to play for as they were supportive and understanding," said Ciesielski.

"I was beyond grateful to be a part of an organization like the Sylvan Lake Gulls. They were very welcoming ... I connected with the coaches and players right away. I formed countless memories with this organization that I will never forget."

One of those memories was helping the Gulls set a new WCBL single-season record for wins by going 44-12 this year.

"This team characterized true love for the sport," he said.

"I want to thank everyone who worked at the stadium for making this summer one of a lifetime. I also want to thank the owners and the president for allowing me to come play for a team that strives to grow each player on and off the field."

Ciesielski thanked his billet family, as well, and those who showed up to Gulls Field to cheer for him and his teammates.

"I want to thank the fan base, as they made this experience feel professional. These were dedicated fans as they showed out to all games no matter the circumstances. Thank you Sylvan Lake Gulls," said Ciesielski.

"I enjoyed how this team was actively involved with the community."

Ciesielski finished ahead of WCBL Rookie of the Year and Most Outstanding Canadian award winner Carter Beck - an outfielder with the Saskatoon Berries - in the regular season MVP voting. He also beat out infielder Connor Crowson of the Okotoks Dawgs.

PLAYOFF MVP

Crowson earned the WCBL Playoff MVP title for his postseason heroics at Seaman Stadium this August.

The Okotoks product collected 11 hits over nine playoff games and helped the Dawgs defeat the Moose Jaw Miller Express in the championship final.

His final postseason hit was a decisive blow, a tie-breaking solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of a winner-take-all third game of the series that delivered a 6-5 victory over the Millers. The big swing secured a third straight WCBL championship for the Dawgs and their eighth title in franchise history.

"This is all pretty special," Crowson said after the Dawgs won the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy and he was named MVP of the postseason.

"I was one of these little kids getting autographs from the older guys on this team," Crowson added, as he looked at all of the children surrounding him for signatures during post-game interviews.

Shortstop Brendan "Mr. August" Luther - who had won the WCBL Playoff MVP award the previous two summers - was fine with relinquishing the honour to his teammate.

“I told him he’s Mr. August right now and if he doesn’t like it, then he’s Mr. Okotoks,” said Luther.

“The hometown kid doing it, I don’t know how you could write it – the script was amazing for that, clearly.”