Saskatoon Berries’ Joe Carnahan claims 2025 WCBL Coach of the Year honours

The Saskatoon Berries had a phenomenal season in 2025, and the team’s head coach is being recognized for his leadership.

Joe Carnahan was named 2025 Coach of the Year by the Western Canadian Baseball League. Carnahan joined the Berries in the team’s inaugural season in 2024, leading the team to the league’s east division final where their run was ended by the Regina Red Sox.

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This year, the team won 46 regular-season games, and in addition to the .836 winning percentage, the Berries set new league records for runs in a single season (495), runs batted in (415) and total bases (967).

Carnahan was selected for the award by a panel of 22 voters, including fellow coaches, team executives, broadcasters and sports reporters.

“I view this as more of an organizational award than an individual award,” Carnahan said in a statement.

“The players had energy every day and loved competing. Very fortunate to have a great coaching staff that not only did a good job with the players day-to-day, but also made it a lot of fun.”

The head coach was quick to give credit to the Berries’ organization, the team’s loyal fans and his players.

“The organization and front office holds a high standard in how we operate on and off the field. They provide our coaching staff and players with resources to be successful, and everything they do is first class. Mix all that in with the support we receive from the fans and the city, it makes Saskatoon a special place for players and coaches,” Carnahan said.

“It was a group of guys that enjoyed coming to the park every day, having fun, and competing with one another. Very rewarding group to have had the opportunity to work with.”

While this is Carnahan’s first coach of the year award with the Saskatoon Berries, he’s no stranger to receiving the accolade. He was named coach of the year four times during his stint with the Swift Current 57s in what was then known as the Western Major Baseball League.