ST. PAUL – The St. Paul 13U AA Storm have come home with a provincial banner after competing at the Tier 4 baseball provincial championship held in Edmonton from July 25 to 27.
Heading into provincials, the team was confident they could compete at the AA level, although they did not expect to win the championship.
Chad Kully, head coach of the team, said the team lost to Olds 22-9 in their first game, but was able to bounce back, winning 15-1 against the Parkland team.
The put them into the semi-finals against the Edmonton Padres, where the Storm won 11-4. The win secured them a spot in the championship game against Airdrie.
Halfway into the gold medal game, the game was paused due to heavy rain, but the Storm did not lose focus - even with the weather. The St. Paul team was up 10-0 when the delay occurred. After the rain delay, the Storm won 18-5 to claim the provincial championship.
It was great season, according to Kully.
He thanked the coaches, the team manager, sponsors, parents, and everyone involved for their commitment to ensuring the athletes had a fun and successful season.
"Hats off to everybody that supported us this year. Everybody had a part to play in the eventual gold medal," said Kully.
"It was great to see all the kids' hard work all year pay off."
The 2025 season was the first time in about five years that St. Paul Minor Ball has put together AA baseball teams, also fielding a 15U AA baseball team.
15U AA
While the 15U AA team ended up losing in the semi-finals at their provincial tournament, it was still a successful season for the young ball players.
"Stepping up to AA was a challenge. It's less room for mistakes," said Norm Noel, the team's head coach. It also takes a lot of commitment for all involved, with lots of the travelling and games.
But these challenges created a stronger team, fostered a deeper bond, and instilled discipline.
"Friendships were made even amongst parents . . . and the boys really rallied and stood up for each other," said Noel.
With the season over, both the 13U AA and 15U AA teams plan to practice during the off-season to prepare for the 2026 baseball season.
