SASKATOON - The Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) has announced its award winners for 2024, and Saskatoon Berries' outfielder Carter Beck, originally from Carnduff, has been named the WCBL Rookie of the Year and the Most Outstanding Canadian.
The awards add to Beck’s impressive freshman campaign in the WCBL. At the 2024 WCBL All-Star Game, he won the MVP award after posting three runs batted in (RBIs). He was also the runner-up in the home run derby.
Beck was also selected to the league's first all-star team.
He led the Berries with 11 home runs, 53 runs, 38 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 51 games played.
"It is an absolute honour to be awarded the WCBL Rookie of the Year, but to be awarded the Most Outstanding Canadian is a dream come true. I remember seeing the WCBL announce these awards when I was in high school and mentioning to my dad that it would be a very cool award to win," said Beck.
"To now be receiving this award is just so cool. I also hope that it goes to show all the small-town kids of Saskatchewan that it is possible to make dreams come true just by setting your goals high and continuing to work, even if, at times, it feels like you are not getting the progress you want."
In the playoffs, the star outfielder hit for the cycle against Moose Jaw in Game 1 of the East Division Championship. He led all batters in the postseason with a .607 average and tied for second in home runs with two.
Before joining the WCBL, Beck caught attention after his freshman season at the University of Mary in NCAA Division 2, earning Conference Freshman of the Year honours and being selected as a second-team all-conference all-star.
He will transfer to the Division 1 Indiana State Sycamores next year.
"I truly believe that this summer with the Saskatoon Berries was among the most fun I have ever had playing baseball," said Beck. "There is something about being blessed with the opportunity of playing baseball in front of 1,500-plus people that just can’t be beaten.
"It gives you, as a player, another reason to up your game you no longer feel as if you are just playing another baseball game you are playing for the fans as much as you are for your team and for yourself. You are playing for the little kids who look up to you and push you to be not only a better baseball player but also a better person.
"Not only was the atmosphere of Saskatoon great, but we also, as players, got treated first-class. The Berries organization made sure things were always run at a professional level. Whether it was trainers, social media, travel, or even food, they always had things organized and in place for us.”
Beck played his minor baseball in southeast Saskatchewan. While competing for the South East U18 AAA Twins, he was named the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League's top player in 2022 and 2023.
