MOOSE JAW — The beanbags have landed and the scores are in: Atria Mulberry Estates' beanbag baseball team, the Mulberry Giants, wrapped up their 2025 season with a spirited match in Regina to determine who holds the cup over the winter.
The Giants played their final game of the season on Aug. 27, against their longtime opponents from Queen Victoria Estates in Regina. While Moose Jaw’s team brought plenty of positive energy, it was the Regina squad that walked away victorious with a 15-9 win.
“We lost our trophy,” said Tricia Oblander, community sales director at Atria Mulberry Estates.
Despite the loss, Oblander said the mood remains upbeat among players and fans at the residence.
“They’re good — it’s really more for fun than anything. If you can get the trophy, that’s even better. But it was really a fun time,” she said.
The seasonal rivalry between the two Atria-affiliated retirement communities has become a highlight for residents on both sides of the provincial capital corridor. This summer, the Mulberry Giants had held the trophy for a few months after finally reclaiming it earlier in the season with a 22-8 win — proudly displaying it on the dining room mantel.
That earlier win was a big one for the Giants, who had struggled to reclaim the title in previous years.
“We actually haven’t won the trophy for a few (seasons) now, so we finally got that trophy back,” said engage life co-ordinator Sydney Azure in an earlier interview.
The finale was hosted in Regina this year — a fact not lost on Mulberry staff.
“They (Queen Victoria Estates) had home turf (advantage) — maybe that’s it,” Oblander said with a smile.
The friendly season typically includes two or three matches each year, alternating between the two locations to keep the game balanced. While the 2026 schedule has not been confirmed yet, teams expect to return to the beanbag diamond next spring or early summer.
In the meantime, residents aren’t hanging up their beanbags just yet.
“They do a lot of practicing; I’ll tell you that. They play throughout the year, and we have our own separate competitions here. The staff … plays against the residents as well,” Oblander said. “We actually have a game coming up in September.”
Win or lose, the team’s spirit lives on.
“It’s not about the score; it’s really about going out, having fun, and getting to be social with other people,” she added.
Atria Mulberry Estates resident Mel Bradford summed it up best during a televised interview on Aug. 27. “It’s not all about winning. It’s all about hanging out with the gang … We’re having fun, we’re just like kids — we’re just old kids,” he said.
Next season, when the beanbags hit the board again, don’t count the Giants out — they’ll be aiming for a comeback.
Atria Mulberry Estates is located at 220 Mulberry Lane and can be reached at 306-694-5020.
