‘Fulfillment of a dream’: Regina Red Sox sold to Pats ownership group

The Regina Red Sox are entering a new chapter after being sold to Queen City Sports and Entertainment, the same group that owns the WHL’s Regina Pats.

The move ends the team’s two-decade run as a non-profit organization and ushers in a professional ownership model that club’s vice-president Al Simpson says is crucial to staying competitive.

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“For the Red Sox to thrive long term, things had to change,” Simpson said on Friday.

“A transition had to happen. A new ownership model wasn’t inevitable, it was absolutely essential to secure the future of the Red Sox.”

Queen City owner Sean Semple called the acquisition “the fulfillment of a dream,” and said bringing Regina’s two historic sports franchises under one banner will allow both to grow.

“This is more than a transaction,” Semple said. “Its the unification of two great sports teams and storied franchises here in Regina with over 230 years of combined history. Not many cities in North America can say that.”

Red Sox president and founder Gary Brotzel. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

Red Sox president Gary Brotzel, who helped relaunch the franchise in 2004, reflected on the early days, when he and nine board members each contributed $500 to pay the league’s $5,000 franchise fee.

“It’s been 20 years of grinding it out and trying to balance the books every year,” he said.

“It’s time for me to push sales and some of that stuff to the professionals. I still love doing the baseball side.”

Semple and Simpson said they were prepared to invest in a new baseball stadium, and a feasibility study for a downtown Railyards location has already been completed.

“We’ve gone through the study. In fact, it should be released in the next few days,” Simpson said.

“There are other sites, but personally I think the Railyards is a location that has been underutilized asset in the city for at least a decade.”

Both men emphasized that the goal is to support not just the Red Sox, but minor league youth and baseball in Regina as well.

“It’s not just about brick and bleachers,” Semple added. “It’s about revitalizing baseball in our city, investing in our youth, creating jobs, and providing gathering places for out families, fans and future stars.”

The Rex Sox will finish the current season under the existing board, with the deal set to officially close on Oct. 1, pending league approval.

Despite the change, Brtozel says the club’s proud legacy will continue.

“I’m hopeful that we’re able to preserve the proud tradition of this club,” he said. “More than anything, I hope we’re good stewards to this storied franchise in Regina, and for the City of Regina.”

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