A Classic Final Series Returns to Close the 2026 Season

The current trend in the North Central Alberta Baseball League when describing the quality of play could be summed up with the word unpredictable.  Since the disruptions to the regular season witnessed in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, the League has witnessed  a fundamental change in the commitment level of players to the game in general.  Not only was the League forced to drop its package of sanctioned tournaments, sustained for over twenty-five years, due to a lack of interest in playing the game on successive week-ends, but player attitudes and commitment levels towards practice and spring training also contributed to the decline in quality of play.  The League gradually lost its commitment to developmental baseball as a basic level of competitive baseball replaced it.  This trend produced a brand of baseball which was often interspersed with inconsistent performances on the field which led to a greater number of error filled and high scoring games.  But insofar as the N.C.A.B.L. has been successful in keeping baseball alive over its 59 year history, this most recent challenge will undoubtedly be met head on and a new and revitalized League will emerge.  A return to the superlative performances once a standard in N.C.A.B.L. post-season play was witnessed by larger than average crowds during the 2026 LCFS.  Both the Twins and Red Lions brought their best onto the diamonds to close the season.  Fans witnessed low scoring competitive baseball with few errors committed, outstanding solo pitching performances, some amazing defensive execution by both clubs creating critical turning points in both games of the Series, and a show of offensive production which tested each club’s resolve to limit the runs scored to only a handful.  This series was a not to be missed classic in which both clubs excelled.  From the come from behind late inning exchanges which produced a two extra inning 3-2 victory for the home town Red Lions to the equally tense 4-3 Red Lion victory in the seventh and final inning of game two of this best of three championship.  There were many heroes in this series and more than a handful of players on both sides deserving of accolades and an MVP nod, however only one can emerge the winner.  In this year of ascending expectations, Derek Lofstrand of the Red Lions will proudly represent the quality of performance exhibited by many during a hard fought and “classic” LCFS.

The North Central Alberta Baseball League Senior AA has been running since 1968.

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