Former WWE superstar Bret 'The Hitman' Hart comes to Okotoks

Okotoks was treated to a special guest appearance from an international superstar.

Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Calgary's very own WWE Hall of Famer, was at the July 19 Okotoks Dawgs game, signing autographs and taking photos with eager fans.

Through his five-decade professional wrestling career, the former World Heavyweight Champion has been an influential figure in Calgary sports — including being a founder, and the namesake of, the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League — and he made his admiration for the neighbouring Okotoks Dawgs clear.

"I've been to a few games in the past," said Hart, who threw the game's first pitch. "I just always loved it. Nothing more beautiful than coming out here and going to a baseball game."

Hart's appearance at Seaman Stadium may very well have given the team a boost: the Dawgs defeated the visiting Moose Jaw Miller Express with a resounding 16-3 victory, bringing their record to 30-11 ahead of the WCBL All-Star Game on July 20. 

"They've always been a great team here," Hart said. "They've really brought baseball back to life here, in my opinion."

Hart regularly travels the world, but he's always eager to come back home.

"It's a beautiful thing to be here right now after the Stampede," said the Calgary icon. "It's a perfect day for a baseball game. Just excited to see the fans come out tonight and have a great experience."

The Hitman was a hit with fans of all ages.

"I never thought I'd meet him in-person," said lifelong WWE fan Serge Marcoux, who brought his family along to meet the wrestling legend.

Hart serves as brand ambassador for the Romero Distilling Company, 2024 partner of the Western Canadian Baseball League, and promoted the brand during his Dawgs appearance. 

"They're just great people, and they make a hell of a rum," said Hart, who joined the Calgary-based distillery in 2020.