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“Rock of their umpiring program”: WCBL mourns the loss of Mitch Ball

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) lost a treasured umpire this past weekend.

It was announced on Saturday (May 1) that Mitch Ball passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital due to complications from COVID-19, just one day before his 48th birthday.

He served the WCBL for twenty years, and also umpired countless championships and many other world class tournaments.

Ball is remembered very fondly among his colleagues. Kevin Kvame, WCBL President, said, “The Lethbridge baseball community lost the rock of their umpiring program.” Jon Oko, the league’s Umpire in Chief, added, “Our umpiring crew in Lethbridge and southern Alberta has become better and better over the years, and a lot of this had to do with Mitch and his ability to teach.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been setup for Ball’s wife, Jana, and their six children.

The date and time of the private family service have not been released. Details about a livestream of the service will be made available when they’re confirmed.

Sam Borsato
Sam Borsato
I started my radio career in 2015, shortly after graduating from Lethbridge College. I have a very strong passion for local news. Proudly born in 1994, I grew up most of my life in Sylvan Lake, AB and I've lived in the Lethbridge since 2012. I'm a below average golfer on a good day, I take as many hiking trips to Waterton as possible in the summer and I love my two cats, Outlaw and Jynx, and my dog, Maverick, more than most people I know. I look forward to providing accurate, timely news coverage in southern Alberta for plenty of years to come!
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