The Lethbridge Bulls are gearing up for the start of the 2025 regular season on Friday, May 30. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Bulls opening season on the road Friday

May 28, 2025 | 9:16 AM

High-level amateur baseball is set to make its return this summer.

The Lethbridge Bulls held their first practice this week at Spitz Stadium ahead of their season opener on Friday, May 30, in Brooks as they take on the Bombers.

Bulls Head Coach Ryan MacDonald says the team has shown a lot of promise so far, and he is excited for the first game of the year.

“It’s just nice to get on the road and get their feet wet and see some other programs around the league and then shake off some cobwebs for the first couple – you know, a lot of these guys haven’t played baseball since the first of May or end of April with conference tournaments,” says MacDonald. “Hopefully, we’ll be in prime ready condition for our home opener when we return.”

He tells LNN that the Bulls are fielding a much younger team this year.

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MacDonald believes that this presents an opportunity for their newer members to get a good amount of experience and fight for their spots.

“Having some fresh talent in, you know, those guys are going to try to prove something to, right, and earn a roster spot and be in the lineup every day. I like the competition level where guys are trying to pencil themselves in every day. It’s going to be a breath of fresh air, having some new guys in there,” says MacDonald.

One such new player is catcher Drew Bufford. The Little Elm, Texas, native looks to make a name for himself while also having some fun this summer.

“I’m really pumped [for my] first year,” says Bufford. “I had a couple buddies back at my college invite me out here, so I’m just really excited to get to play with them and have a good time.”

Bufford adds that he is enjoying his first week in Lethbridge and is looking forward to experiencing all of the Lethbridge Bulls’ themed game nights.

Although the Bulls are sporting several younger players this year, Bufford will get to learn from third-year veteran Jack Kalisky.

The utility player was named the team’s MVP in 2024, and he says he wants to take on more of a leadership role this season.

Kalisky says the Bulls had one of their best seasons ever last year, and he will push the rest of his squad to do even better.

“We just gotta play the same as we did last year,” says Kalisky. “Keep the same energy, keep the same focus, make sure – I think our arms are going to be what is going to help us a lot this year because we kinda fell off with that at the end. I think if we stick with that, we’ll be good.”

The Bulls will first play five games on the road between May 30 and June 4, travelling to Brooks, Medicine Hat, Okotoks and Swift Current.

They will return to Lethbridge for their home opener on Thursday, June 5, welcoming the Edmonton Prospects. The Bulls’ full 2025 regular season schedule can be found here.