Edmonton’s connection to the defection of Baltimore Orioles’ superstar Jose Iglesias

Here’s the simplest possible message for all and any who are bothered by the realization that the real world has interfered with the world of sport, so often described with great accuracy as “the world’s playpen” — it has happened before and surely will happen again.

For many, the most dismal example of politics destroying a major sports event is the 1936 Olympics, when Adolf Hitler’s prejudices were on open display. Memory of the brilliant sprinting by Black American Jesse Owens during those Games stands as civilized society’s best-known antidote to such critics of what now is identified as “social justice.”

In some ways Alberta is central to this debate: strong statements were made in support of Black Lives Master by players in the anti-Covid bubble designed to keep them healthy enough in Edmonton to complete the NHL’s first-ever late summer Stanley Cup playoffs at Rexall Place.

The international response, pro and con, will continue for some time, close observers predict.

“…. (Castro) was really angry. He was loud.”

It surprised me during the weekend to recall that a hubbub, but smaller, touched international baseball in 2008, when 18-year-old Cuban infielder Jose Iglesias defected from his national team during the world junior baseball championships in Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley. The memory was triggered by coincidence: Iglesias showed on television as a member of the Baltimore Orioles in a series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

That world championship was one of several conducted in Edmonton by a group of volunteers headed by the late alderman, Ron Hayter. There was immediate evidence that the shortstop with excellent defensive skills was important in his nation: Premier Fidel Castro called personally to object..

Longtime Edmonton resident Don Clark of Edmonton has spoken often of the experience. He wound up taking a long-distance call initially intended for Hayter.

“I only got on the phone because Ron wasn’t around,” Clark said. “At first, I didn’t know who I was talking to, but soon it got pretty clear. There was nothing any of us could do. They were gone.”

Smiling at the discomfort of that distant moment, Clark recalled the sound of Premier Castro’s voice.

“There’s no doubt he was really angry. He was loud.”

Years later, in an interview with a Detroit newspaper, Iglesias explained the departure from team headquarters on the University of Alberta campus. During a stretch of about two hours when the team was not under direct supervision, “We just got up and walked out.”

At the time, Iglesias spoke no English.

“It was tough. Really tough. I had no family. No friends. I just wanted to do what I loved: play baseball.”

He signed a big-league deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2009 and made the all-rookie team before signing his current $3-million one-year deal with Baltimore. He also played with the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers. With Detroit, he signed long-term contract for about $6 million a year.

Major League Baseball lists 32 active players as defectors from Cuba, including promising Toronto outfielder Lourdes Gurriel, New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman and other stars.

John Short

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Alberta / 5 years ago

Edmonton’s connection to the defection of Baltimore Orioles’ superstar Jose Iglesias

Alberta

Emissions Reduction Alberta offering financial boost for the next transformative drilling idea

Published on December 1, 2025

Todayville

From the Canadian Energy Centre

$35-million Alberta challenge targets next-gen drilling opportunities

‘All transformative ideas are really eligible’

Forget the old image of a straight vertical oil and gas well.

In Western Canada, engineers now steer wells for kilometres underground with remarkable precision, tapping vast energy resources from a single spot on the surface.

The sector is continually evolving as operators pursue next-generation drilling technologies that lower costs while opening new opportunities and reducing environmental impacts.

But many promising innovations never reach the market because of high development costs and limited opportunities for real-world testing, according to Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA).

That’s why ERA is launching the Drilling Technology Challenge, which will invest up to $35 million to advance new drilling and subsurface technologies.

“The focus isn’t just on drilling, it’s about building our future economy, helping reduce emissions, creating new industries and making sure we remain a responsible leader in energy development for decades to come,” said ERA CEO Justin Riemer.

And it’s not just about oil and gas. ERA says emerging technologies can unlock new resource opportunities such as geothermal energy, deep geological CO₂ storage and critical minerals extraction.

“Alberta’s wealth comes from our natural resources, most of which are extracted through drilling and other subsurface technologies,” said Gurpreet Lail, CEO of Enserva, which represents energy service companies.

ERA funding for the challenge will range from $250,000 to $8 million per project.

Eligible technologies include advanced drilling systems, downhole tools and sensors; AI-enabled automation and optimization; low-impact rigs and fluids; geothermal and critical mineral drilling applications; and supporting infrastructure like mobile labs and simulation platforms.

“All transformative ideas are really eligible for this call,” Riemer said, noting that AI-based technologies are likely to play a growing role.

“I think what we’re seeing is that the wells of the future are going to be guided by smart sensors and real-time data. You’re going to have a lot of AI-driven controls that help operators make instant decisions and avoid problems.”

Applications for the Drilling Technology Challenge close January 29, 2026.

Alberta

New era of police accountability

Published on December 1, 2025

Government of Alberta

The Police Review Commission (PRC) is now fully operational, giving Albertans a single, independent process to file policing complaints and ensure accountability.

Alberta’s government is putting the province at the forefront of police oversight in Canada with the creation of the PRC. This new commission replaces the current patchwork of police investigating police with one independent body responsible for receiving complaints, conducting investigations and overseeing disciplinary hearings. By centralizing these functions within a single, independent agency, Alberta is ensuring complaints are handled fairly and consistently.

“The Police Review Commission represents a new era in how Alberta addresses policing complaints. These changes are part of a broader paradigm shift where police are no longer seen as an arm of the state, but rather an extension and a reflection of the community they serve. As an independent agency, it is committed to fairness, accountability and public trust, ensuring every complaint is investigated impartially and resolved openly.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

The Police Amendment Act, 2022 laid the groundwork for this new model, establishing a modern approach to oversight built on accountability, consistency and public confidence. The PRC will manage the full complaints process from receiving and assessing, to investigating and resolving complaints related to police conduct, including serious incidents and statutory offences.

“The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police welcomes the launch of the Police Review Commission as a meaningful step toward enhanced oversight and greater transparency in policing. By ensuring complaints are reviewed fairly and impartially, the Commission will help strengthen accountability and reinforce public trust in Alberta’s police agencies. Police leaders across the province are committed to working with the Commission and our communities to ensure every Albertan has confidence in the integrity of our police services.”

Al Murphy, president, Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police

A timely and transparent complaint resolution process is essential for both the public and police. That is why the PRC must complete investigations within 180 days, and if more time is needed, the chief executive officer must publicly report on delays and provide justification. This ensures clarity, predictability and accountability throughout the process. The commission will be arm’s length from government and police services, meaning people can have greater confidence that their complaints will be investigated and resolved impartially.

“Our goal is to build trust in policing by delivering timely resolutions and fair, consistent outcomes that put people first. Every complaint will be reviewed thoroughly and handled with the transparency and respect Albertans expect and deserve.”

Michael Ewenson, interim chief executive officer, Police Review Commission

The PRC can also initiate systemic reviews related to police conduct or emerging trends without the need for a public complaint, and these reviews must be made public. Together, these measures create a clear, accountable process that strengthens transparency, supports continuous improvement and enhances trust in how police oversight is carried out across Alberta.

“Public safety and the confidence the public has in our police services and service members are incumbent for effective and responsible service delivery. The PRC has been developed so that Albertans may have a responsible and impartial mechanism to voice concerns regarding delivery of policing services in Alberta. I am confident that the PRC will be an inclusive and diverse representation of the communities, so we may better understand the most appropriate and effective way to respond to concerns regarding police services. I look forward to the positive outcomes for the community.”

Teddy Manywounds, justice and public safety director, G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina First Nations

The commission’s design was informed by engagement with Indigenous communities, law enforcement partners, municipal officials and community organizations, ensuring its structure and training reflect Alberta’s diversity and values.

Quick facts

The PRC will handle complaints in three categories:
- Level 1: Death, serious injury and serious or sensitive allegations involving all police services in Alberta, as well as peace officer agencies.
- Level 2: Allegations of criminal and other statutory offences involving all police services in Alberta.
- Level 3: Complaints about non-criminal misconduct involving officers employed by municipal and First Nations police services.
Complaints that fall outside the three categories will be referred to the appropriate bodies or agencies for review.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) will now operate under the PRC.