St. Albert baseball tournament celebrates May long weekend, local love of game

The St. Albert Cardinals at the Larry Rindero memorial U18 AA baseball tourney on May 18, 2026. (Dave Mitchell/CTV News Edmonton)

The May long weekend in St. Albert was spent on the baseball diamond for some 34 teams across the province.

The Larry Rindero Memorial Tournament was named for the prominent father, coach and volunteer for the St. Albert Minor Baseball Association (SAMBA) who died of a heart attack during a youth practice 20 years ago.

“(Larry’s) son is coaching for us now, Matt. He’s also the tournament director. His grandson, Huck, is also playing,” SAMBA executive director Kurtus Millar said on Monday. “Mom still helps in the tournament, which is awesome.”

The tourney features Baseball Alberta league teams, including the St. Albert Cardinals, in the 11U, 13U, 15U and 18U AA divisions.

It’s considered an “icebreaker” tournament ahead of a busy season for most, Millar explained, but SAMBA itself is proud of the event for the talent that’s walked its diamonds.

Edmonton native Erik Sabrowski, for example, was a SAMBA regular before his professional career as a Cleveland Guardians pitcher.

Millar says the Canadian collegiate leagues are only getting stronger, meaning young local players are only getting more options. He hopes SAMBA is where love of the game continues to grow.

“(It’s a) central hub. We take a lot of pride in the tournament, in the facility,” Millar said. “We’ve got great families, great volunteers.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Dave Mitchell