WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup - “The world has come to us,” says Prince Albert fan Daren Dayton.
PRINCE ALBERT — Friendships are forming amongst WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup patrons in Prince Albert, Sask, says organizer Ian Litzenberger.
“This year, the fan experience has been unreal, watching people mingle around and enjoy their time,” said Litzenberger. “Sports bring that camaraderie, that unison. Sports always bring people together.”
Three Prince Albert fans traded their Saskatchewan Rough Rider apparel for New Zealand ball jerseys from three fans from New Zealand after striking up a conversation in the stands, whom they met early in the tournament.
Perry Jackson and his partner Jojo Macnamara commentate and live stream softball in New Zealand and came to watch their home country play in the World Championship.
“It’s amazing just to be here. We flew into Vancouver and have been travelling around in a rental car, just trying to see as much of the country as possible while we’re here. Canada's beautiful,” said New Zealand Black Sox fan Perry Jackson.
Prince Albert’s Daren Dayton, who is now the proud owner of a New Zealand jersey, says this is the third major softball event he has attended in Prince Albert. He also attended the WBSC Men’s World Juniors Softball in 2018 and the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Group B Stage in 2024.
“I’m learning a few things like what a kiwi is, it’s a flightless bird,” said Dayton. “You aren’t going to get to see any better softball than this. These are world-class guys. They are throwing the ball 100 miles and hour. It’s unbelievable. The world came to us,” he says.
Twenty-seven-year-old Jeremy Bradbury came to Canada for the first time to watch his 30-year-old brother Jarrod Bradbury, number 48, play in his Australian green and gold jersey in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup.
“The volunteers are kind; the ball players are kind. It’s just electric. It gives the feeling of being at a World Series,” said Bradbury.
He says everyone’s been very friendly, and people have been coming up to him at chat and wanting to take photos with him in his Australian jersey.
Bradbury’s father, Ralph, was raised in Manitoba, and says they’ve felt welcome in the community.
“I found the week here has been great so far. The people here are very friendly, the locals. Here at the event itself, there is a carnival atmosphere. There are always smiles. It’s just so pleasant and uplifting,” said Ralph Bradbury.
Litzenberger says the goal was to engage and care for the community. In 2018, the city and sponsors completed $1.8 million in field and facility upgrades to host the world-class events.
“When you bring a once-in-a-lifetime experience to Prince Albert, three times, it’s just something you give your community. When we close the event on Sunday, we will leave a legacy for the community, whether it’s friendship, the park, or just the love of softball.”
The series wraps up Sunday, July 13, at Prime Minister's Park with two games to the third and fourth place teams battling for the bronze, and the second and first place teams playing to win the silver and gold medals.
