Lethbridge: Baseball's Home

Every sport has places that feel like home. For baseball, Lethbridge is one of them. Not because we’re the biggest. Not because we’re the loudest. But because the game just fits here.

When other communities pack up their bats and gloves for the season, Lethbridge is still playing ball. Our season stretches on, shaped by a deep baseball history, mild weather, exceptional facilities, and most importantly, the people who bring the game to life.

Players, fans, volunteers, visitors and event organizers keep coming back because Lethbridge is baseball’s home.

Baseball belongs here

From community leagues to elite play, baseball has long been part of our identity. It’s a deep history, dating all the way back to 1885. The very first mention of baseball in Lethbridge was of a Christmas Day game being played on “The Square”, now Galt Gardens.

In 1906, we hosted an epic game to promote our mild winters. A group of Calgary locals were invited down in January to play the Lethbridge team. An excited crowd of 800 spectators took in the game with many fans enjoying the balmy chinook temperatures in short sleeves.

Over the years, that momentum has continued to grow. Lethbridge joined the Western Canadian Baseball League in 1907, and professional baseball started in 1975, with the Lethbridge Expos, an affiliate of the Montreal Expos. In 1977, the Lethbridge Dodgers formed, affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks introduced their Pioneer League team, the Lethbridge Black Diamonds, in the early ‘90s.

In 1999, a new era of baseball began with the Lethbridge Bulls Baseball Club of the Western Major Baseball League. The Bulls are still the hometown team today.

Community shows up

In addition to a long-standing level of elite baseball, Lethbridge is also a go-to host city. This is due, in large part, to the amazing support the game receives from the community.

This spring, the love of the game will be front and centre when we host the Canadian Grand Slam of Baseball Showcase & Festival from May 21-31. This 10-day celebration will bring the community together to see elite youth, academy, collegiate and summer league competition in one unforgettable event. We’ll also welcome Blue Jays great, Kevin Pillar, as the guest speaker at the Canadian Baseball Legends Gala on May 27.

Did you know Lethbridge has hosted the Canadian Junior Little League Championships 17 times? This event showcases the nation’s best 13–14 year-old ball players with Lethbridge designated the permanent host of the tournament from 2010-2025.

Over the next two years, the focus will shift to hosting the Canadian Little League Championship (11-12 year-olds) from July 30-August 10, 2027, brining even more great baseball to Lethbridge.

Built for the game

Lethbridge’s premier ballparks and well-loved facilities support play at every level.

Originally called Henderson Stadium when it opened in 1977, the City’s main baseball venue is home to the Lethbridge Bulls and many high level provincial, national and international tournaments.

Through a corporate naming sponsorship, the facility was rebranded Spitz Stadium in 2008, a partnership that was renewed in 2024 seeing the facility name continue until at least 2029. A significant renovation was completed to the facility in 2018, creating a more modern and accessible space for players, staff and spectators. With a capacity of 2,200 people, Spitz Stadium is a hub of top-level baseball action.

Dave Elton Park is home to several little league baseball diamonds, such as the George Yoshinaka Field, the Canola Harvest Field and Lloyd Nolan Yard, the home of the Prairie Baseball Academy. These fenced ball parks are extremely well maintained and have all the amenities associated with them.

From major events to community leagues, Lethbridge has more than 40 baseball diamonds in parks and school grounds. This includes fenced little league diamonds at:

• Atso Towaawa Park
• Lakeview Park

There are 35 baseball fields available for online booking through the City’s website.

In addition to baseball, Lethbridge’s Softball Valley also offers a premier facility for both softball and slow-pitch, hosting many provincial and national events.

Still playing ball

The mild weather in southern Alberta means we hit the field earlier in the spring and keep playing deep into the fall.

That long season is what helps grow some amazing local baseball talent. Lethbridge Little League and Prairie Baseball Academy have developed many elite players who often return home to coach, mentor and continue building the game.

Baseball has deep roots in Lethbridge, and it continues to grow here because the city is built for it and the community believes in it. We play earlier. We play longer. We host proudly and show up fully. From community diamonds to national championships, the game fits here. That’s why Lethbridge is still playing ball. And always will be.

Read this article on the CofL website.