Despite missing 10 days with a knee infection caused by a mosquito bite, MacDonald captured the 2010 Triple Crown with record-setting numbers.
Through 36 regular season games, the Regina product clubbed eight home runs, 48 RBI's, and compiled an incredible .476 batting average, tops in each category.
Regularly batting fifth in the Red Sox lineup behind fellow sluggers David Fox and Eric McKinney, MacDonald also comes in as one of the league-leaders in another unquantifiable statistic.
Humility.
"Your main goal as a player is to help your team win, whether that be stealing bases, driving in runs, or just getting on base," said MacDonald. "I knew what my role was going to be on the team and I just tried to do my best in that role."
MacDonald was part of a Regina offence that led the league in runs scored (294), home runs (26), and slugging percentage (.421). Batting behind the likes of Fox and McKinney certainly helped MacDonald capture the first Triple Crown in league history.
"Having great hitters around you only helps you play well and takes away some of the stress of hitting," said MacDonald. "You can just worry about yourself hitting, and what you can do in your at-bat."
Now, despite a year full of statistical success, 2010 ultimately ended on a sour note for MacDonald and the Red Sox, who were swept 2-0 in the WMBL Final by the Swift Current Indians.
But taking it in stride, they hope to use the defeat as a learning experience.
"Anytime you get that close to your ultimate team goal and come up a little short, it's tough," said MacDonald. "But as an organization you have to get past some hurdles. This was the first time Regina had been to a WMBL final, so as hard as it was to get that far and come up short, it was also a big step."
The 2010 Red Sox dubbed themselves the "Loyal Men", a group that bonded quickly in the Queen City. From Bon Jovi Concerts to XBox marathons, the team went far beyond what happened between the white lines.
MacDonald plans on returning in 2011 should the coaching staff call on his services, which shouldn't be an issue. As far as the rest of the lineup is concerned, the Triple Crown winner would love a returning cast.
"It's not exactly realistic, but if I could have the same roster next June in our clubhouse I'd take it in a second," said MacDonald.
"We had a lot of guys serious about baseball and their careers, and that made the season a lot of fun."
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