The Soo Minor Baseball Association (SMBA) is pleased to host the 9U and 13U Provincial Baseball Championship this weekend in Sault Ste. Marie. This follows the successful partnership in 2022 that saw the return of the Ontario Baseball Association to Sault Ste. Marie for the first time in over 30 years. Twenty-eight teams including 830 youth athletes coaches, officials, and spectators from across Ontario will take part in the championship, including two local Soo Minor teams.
“The championship games provide youth athletes with the opportunity to play the sport they love in Northern Ontario,” said Josh Ingram, Area Coordinator for Sports Tourism and Special Events with the City of Sault Ste. Marie. “Locally, the event will generate over $1 million economic impact to our local community. With our hosting experience and the strong support from the local club, we’re pleased to be hosting Provincial baseball tournaments in our community once again.”
The success of the event hinges on the collaborative partnerships between the local sports club, Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, and Provincial authorities. Tourism Sault Ste. Marie works closely with Select Baseball to coordinate local volunteers and officials and provides financial assistance to offset hosting costs through the Tourism Development Fund.
“On behalf of the Soo Minor Baseball Association and Algoma Baseball, we are excited to host the Provincial Baseball Championships in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Chris Walls, Treasurer for SMBA. “Our volunteers are looking forward to welcoming 28 youth teams and their families from across the province as they compete this weekend. We extend our thanks to both the City of Sault Ste. Marie and Baseball Ontario for their continued support.”
Games begin September 2 at 8 a.m. Baseball enthusiasts and supporters are welcome to join in the excitement at Sinclair Yards and Strathclair Sports Complex.
