Alberta Amateur Baseball Council is recognizing those individuals who have contributed significantly to Alberta baseball, at the grassroots level. This week’s nominee, regarding “Passion for Baseball”, is Carl Linden of the Grande Prairie Minor Baseball program and the Northern Lights Academy.
Carl started playing baseball in a small town, called Dimsdale, in the Peace River region. He was coached by Louie Hawks until age 14; after reaching 15, he had to switch to men’s fastball to keep playing some form of baseball. Carl missed baseball and promised himself, if capable, he was going to develop a baseball program for kids aged past 14, in the Peace River region. Carl cites Bob Neufeld, a former Grande Prairie high school P.E. teacher, as a role model when it came to the treatment of youth. Bob instilled a philosophy regarding the importance of adults to look after society’s youth. Carl adopted the ideas of Bob when it came towards his philanthropy towards youth, and his love of baseball.
Carl’s proudest moments come when kids from the Peace River region go beyond their local programs, and pursue their baseball dreams/interests elsewhere. As well, Carl takes great satisfaction in the growth and development of the Northern Lights Academy. He is especially pleased that three former Peace River area players, Cashtyn de Leuw, Tyler Mathier, and Dane Friedland form the backbone of the Northern Lights coaching staff. He is also happy regarding the improvement of Grande Prairie baseball facilities, especially those located at Evergreen Park. Carl takes great pride in the number of friendships he has built, through his association with the sport of baseball.
Carl has recently put his “coaching hat” back on; he is actively involved as part of the Northern Lights coaching staff. His passion and excitement for the game resonates with the Northern Lights players and throughout the entire organization. Carl’s greatest interest, regarding the skills of baseball, is hitting. Carl is extremely proud of the impact his coaching had on a !5 AAA team, during their inaugural year, in 2021. Carl enjoys being an information source, especially when the topic is hitting, regarding the young players of Grande Prairie and the Peace River region. It is easily apparent that Coach Carl enjoys seeing his players be successful on the baseball field, and later in life. Carl’s love for talking about baseball, especially to young people, is only surpassed by his care for his players.
Regarding the future of Alberta baseball, Carl would like more choices for baseball athletes to pursue. He would also like to see Alberta baseball teams compete at a higher level outside of our provincial boundaries. He hopes that Alberta baseball executives will continue to make baseball affordable so that all interested kids will be able to enjoy playing baseball. Carl also hopes that Alberta baseball boards will emphasize attracting more kids to the great sport of baseball.
Alberta Amateur Baseball Council, and the Alberta baseball community, want to thank Carl for his generosity and volunteerism towards Alberta’s baseball youth.
