Baseball fans in Winkler have another reason to tune in this MLB season: hometown kid Tristan Peters has officially made the active roster for the Chicago White Sox. Longtime coach with Winkler Minor Baseball, current pastor at Winkler Mennonite Church, and Tristan’s father, Jake Peters, is a familiar face around town. “I’ve been involved in minor ball for about 1,001 years,” he jokes. Now, he gets to watch his son take the ultimate step in the sport he’s loved since childhood. The moment When Jake first heard the news that Tristan made the White Sox roster, he was stunned, saying he felt, “Surprise, just… really? What’s going on here? Just excited.” Tristan’s journey to the majors has been long and deliberate. After years in the minor leagues, including stints in Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, he debuted with the Tampa Bay Rays last year. This past December, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. Despite limited communication leading up to spring training, Jake said his son committed himself fully to the offseason grind. “He did some drive training… He put a significant investment of time and money into improving himself... He said he might start in AAA for the beginning of the year, ‘but at some point, I’m going to get my opportunity’.” But the call that changed everything came right after the last spring training game, and Tristan called his parents to share the news. Related stories: GVC Zodiacs Alumni Tournament invites former players and fans this weekend Parents often frontline volunteer corps Path to the majors For the Peters family, the path to the majors has been marked by sacrifice and determination. Tristan moved from Winkler to Okotoks, Alberta at age 16 to pursue his baseball development, living with an aunt while finishing high school. He then attended Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona, followed by Southern Illinois University, navigating the challenges of college baseball during COVID-19, before moving on to play with the Savannah Bananas, and entering the professional ranks via the Milwaukee Brewers organization.. “From the very beginning, Tristan was committed to something… When he does something, he’s made up his mind he’s going to do it… 110%, at all costs,” Jake shared. That focus, coupled with athleticism and defensive skill, helped him secure his spot with the White Sox. Community pride Jake also shared that Tristan’s journey is a full-circle story for the families who supported him along the way. A host family from his time in Wisconsin was in the stands for his first White Sox game, witnessing the culmination of years of dedication. For local fans, Tristan Peters is proof that talent, hard work, and commitment can take a small-town kid all the way to the majors. “If he can do it, why can’t I?” says Jake, hoping young players in Winkler will be inspired. As the Chicago White Sox head into their season, fans from the Pembina Valley will be watching closely. Tristan Peters may have made it to the big leagues, but for those who have followed his journey from backyard ballfields in Winkler, he’s still their hometown hero.