Regina, Sask. — The Regina Red Sox announced today that longtime General Manager and founding member Gary Brotzel is retiring from his leadership role with the organization after more than two decades of service, dating back to the rebirth of the Red Sox in 2005.
Taking over as General Manager for the 2027 season will be Mitch MacDonald, who transitions from Assistant General Manager into the role. MacDonald enters his 13th season with the Red Sox as either a player, coach or member of management and is one of the most accomplished alumni in WCBL history.
Brotzel played a pivotal role in bringing baseball back to Regina at the Western Canadian Baseball League level, raising the necessary finances and building a community-owned, not-for-profit organization that took the field in 2005.
Since the organization’s return in 2005, Brotzel has served as President or GM, and has been instrumental in building the Red Sox both on and off the field. Under his leadership, the Red Sox captured WCBL championships in 2011, 2012 and 2025.
Brotzel’s contributions to baseball and the community have been recognized throughout Saskatchewan. He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019 as a Builder and the Regina Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. He was also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 for his volunteerism and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 for his community service. Prior to founding the Red Sox, Brotzel coached the Regina White Sox AAA program from 1995 through 2003.
“It is difficult to put into words what the Red Sox and the baseball community in Regina have meant to me over the past 20-plus years,” said Brotzel. “When we brought the Red Sox back in 2005, we wanted to build something that belonged to the community, and I am incredibly proud of what this organization has become. The championships, the players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and, most importantly, the people who supported us along the way have made this journey incredibly special.
“I was thrilled to see the Red Sox transition to private ownership with Queen City Sports and Entertainment in 2025. It was important to me that the organization had a strong future, and I know the Sox are in very good hands with Mitch MacDonald, Gordon Pritchard and Brandt Sports & Entertainment. The Red Sox will continue to be leaders in the community, and I am excited to watch the organization continue to grow.”
“First and foremost, we want to thank Gary for everything he has done to build the Red Sox into the organization it is today. His vision, commitment and passion for baseball in Regina have left an incredible legacy,” said Red Sox CEO Gordon Pritchard. “More than 20 years ago, Gary was one of the people who had the vision and determination to bring the Red Sox back to Regina, and then dedicated an incredible amount of his time and energy to building the organization into what it is today.
“Gary’s impact goes well beyond wins, championships or what happened on the field. He helped create an organization that has provided opportunities and lasting memories for generations of players, coaches, volunteers and fans, while becoming an important part of Regina’s baseball community. Just as importantly, he has always understood that the Red Sox are a community organization and that we have a responsibility to contribute to the city and the people who support us.
“On behalf of our ownership group and everyone associated with the Red Sox, I want to sincerely thank Gary for his leadership, his commitment and everything he has given to this organization and to baseball in Regina. We are incredibly fortunate to inherit what Gary and so many others built over the past two decades, and we look forward to carrying that legacy forward.”
MacDonald first joined the Red Sox as an 18-year-old player in 2006. Following a stint in professional baseball with the Miami Marlins organization, he returned to Regina in 2009 and played with the Red Sox through 2012. He remains the only player in WCBL history to win the Triple Crown. He was also a three-time WCBL champion with Regina in 2011, 2012 and 2025.
MacDonald later transitioned into coaching and management, serving as an assistant coach in 2014, 2015, 2019 and 2022 before becoming the Red Sox manager from 2016 through 2018. He most recently served as Assistant General Manager, continuing to play an integral role in the organization’s baseball operations.
“Mitch has been a part of the Red Sox family for nearly two decades, and there are very few people who understand this organization and the game of baseball at the level he does,” said Red Sox CEO Gordon Pritchard.
“Mitch is one of the smartest baseball minds in our community. He understands the game from every angle, from being a player and coach to now working in management, and he also brings an analytical approach to our baseball operations. He is the perfect person to lead our baseball department going forward, and we are excited to see what he can accomplish as General Manager.”
MacDonald will oversee baseball operations as the Red Sox prepare for the 2027 WCBL season, continuing the organization’s commitment to developing players, competing for championships and maintaining a strong presence in the Regina community.
The Red Sox organization extends its deepest gratitude to Gary Brotzel for more than 20 years of leadership, service and dedication to baseball in Regina and looks forward to celebrating his legacy as the organization enters its next chapter.
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