The 2023 Canadian Championships are fast approaching, with nine different cities playing host to the crowning of this year’s Canadian Champions. Throughout the next six months, we will be highlighting these host cities and all they have to offer when August comes around.

The fifth event on the list is the 2023 U17 Boy’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championships from August 2-6, at Prospect Street Park in Fredericton, N.B. The tournament is being hosted by Softball New Brunswick, only the second time a Canadian Championship has been held by the Provincial Sport Organization. Most recently, they hosted the 2022 U19 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championships at Prospect Park, which had 17 teams from across the country participate in six days of fast pitch action. The host committee dawns a core group of experienced members, who have been integral in the execution of many Canadian Championships over the years.

The host team this year will be The New Brunswick Selects U17 Boys. This team is part of the Softball New Brunswick Provincial Team Program, which is taking the field for its second-year operating. The team competed at the 2022 U17 Boy’s Canadian Championships in Saskatoon.

Prospect Street opened in 1984 in preparation for the 1984 Senior Men’s Canadian Championships. It features two fully lighted diamonds, named Upper and Lower field. Since its opening, Prospect Park has held six (6) Canadian Championships and countless Eastern Canadian Championships. In preparation for this year’s Canadian Championships, the field is undergoing a series of upgrades, including new dugouts and fencing.

"It is with great pleasure that we bring another major male fast pitch championship to New Brunswick after having hosted a successful U19 Women's Canadian Championship in 2022. We are confident as a host committee that this will be a first-class event, and we will see high participation rates and spectator turnout throughout the week, all while working to grow the male fast pitch game in our province", said Executive Director, Hillary Pineau.

With a population of approximately 66,879, the city of Fredericton boasts a lively city centre. With a blend of cultural, heritage, and nature experiences within reach, there is something for everyone to do and see. For specific things to experience while you’re away from the ball field, click here.

“We look forward to bringing together the nation to watch some of the top male fast pitch in the age group. New Brunswick will be cheering on the host team NB Selects in their quest for gold. The Championship will open on Tuesday, August 1st with a homerun derby, sponsored by MacTavish’s Source for Sports, followed by games starting on Wednesday, August 2,” said Pineau.