MOOSE JAW — It was an exciting display of sportsmanship at Atria Mulberry Estates earlier this month, as the Mulberry Giants reclaimed their coveted beanbag baseball crown with a decisive victory over their Regina rivals from Queen Victoria Estates — and now there’s one final match to determine who holds the trophy until 2026.
After several close matches and near misses, the Giants finally hoisted the travelling trophy back into Moose Jaw, transforming the dining room fireplace back into a miniature Hall of Fame.
Their opponents, Queen Victoria Estates, have had the upper hand in recent matches, but this summer’s showdown flipped the script. In a good-natured rivalry that has become an annual highlight, the Giants left no doubt that they were back on top.
“We actually haven’t won the trophy for a few (seasons) now, so we finally got that trophy back …,” said Sydney Azure, engage life co-ordinator at Atria Mulberry Estates. “We’re going to (Regina) on the 27th to play them again, so hopefully we can keep it this time.”
This isn’t your average ball game. Beanbag baseball swaps out bats, gloves, and dirt diamonds for a wooden board marked with bases, outs, and foul zones. Players take turns tossing beanbags at the board, aiming for the sweet spots that send runners around the bases, with a perfect toss meaning a home run.
The long-running rivalry between the two retirement communities has grown into a highlight of the summer calendar. At Atria Mulberry Estates, the game has become a full-blown sensation. Teams form lineups, cheerleaders rally from the sidelines, and every inning brings shouts, laughter, and a little friendly ribbing — just like the big leagues, only with beanbags instead of fastballs.
“It’s always a lot of fun, because (everyone in the home) can come (down to watch the games). They usually come before lunch, and then residents can visit and chat over lunch with the other residents from Regina,” Azure said. “Then we have our big game afterwards.”
Make no mistake — this year’s win was decisive, and the Giants left little doubt about their dominant return.
“We crushed them this time … it was something like 22-8,” Azure said, expressing her excitement for the team’s hard-earned comeback.
The silverware itself might not be the Stanley Cup or Commissioner’s Trophy, but it’s starting to take on a similar aura in the world of senior beanbag baseball.
“We actually have (the trophy) sitting on our fireplace in the dining room right now,” she said.
The friendly rivalry has grown into a tradition. Each summer, residents from the two Atria-affiliated homes trade home-and-away contests, with the winner claiming well-deserved bragging rights and holding the travelling trophy until the next match.
Beyond the scoreboard, Azure noted that the game is about more than just winning. Weekly practices keep players sharp and residents active, while the community rallies around the growing atmosphere of camaraderie.
“It’s a really good game, and it’s good exercise for our residents,” she said. “It lets other residents get involved by cheering the team on … and it’s really fun. It’s a big community event.”
The Giants will travel to Regina on Aug. 27 for the season finale. Win or lose, the team has already secured bragging rights — and plenty of memories — in a summer of sport and camaraderie.
Atria Mulberry Estates is located at 220 Mulberry Lane and can be reached at 306-694-5020 for more information.
