The 2017 Baseball Ontario Youth Team tryouts had a record attendance. Head coach Scott Robinson had the idea of having a two tryout dates instead of one, making tryouts more accessible. It really made an impact as a combined 262 players, from as far as, Ottawa, Muskoka, and Windsor took part. This year, the tournament is part of the Canada Summer Games and will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. For more info on the 2017 Canada Summer Games: http://www.2017canadagames.ca/en April 28-29 in Windsor displayed some amazing talent, but the Saturday session was cut short due to rain. As an alternate plan, players headed indoors to Central Park Athletics. CPA covers more than 250,000 square feet of space, with an indoor baseball training area. http://www.centralparkathletics.com/
May 20-22, 2017 in Vaughan, had an exceptional turnout. The players were divided into 10 teams and each played 4 games. There was plenty of opportunity for players to show off their skills, as the Saturday consisted of running 60's, taking infield/outfield and batting practice. It was set up in the style of a "Showcase Tournament".
The 40-man Ontario Youth Team tryouts were held on July 10-11, 2017 at Vaughan Grove Sports Complex. The players were divided into 3 teams and each played 4 games. With the talent that was displayed, it was difficult picking the team. Although, I wouldn't want it any other way, as baseball in Ontario is growing and the future is bright.
Special thanks you to Baseball Ontario's Dirk Drieberg, Mary Ann Smith, Don Mcknight and all the coaches who helped out, collecting data and coaching teams. Would not be possible without you all.
Congratulations:
- Nathan Schute (Oakville Royals)
- Spencer Todd (Windsor)
- Noah Richardson (Windsor)
- Ryan Magdic (Oakville Royals)
- Braden Halford (Ontario Yankees)
- George Tsifikiotis (Ontario Terriers)
- Dylan Whitaker (Oakville Royals)
- Sam Lebel (Brampton Royals)
- Noah London (Ontario Yankees)
- Angus Adams (Ottawa)
- Will Pollard (London Badgers)
- Jason Kauffeldt (Oshawa Legionaires)
- Zachery McQuaid (Ontario Yankees)
- Evan Elliot (Windsor)
- Jake Rogers (Ontario Yankees)
- Sebastien Santos (Ontario Terriers)
- Malcolm Barrett (Oakville Royals)
- Andrew Giorno (Ontario Terriers)
- Shane LaForest (Windsor)
- Curtis Zimmerman (Windsor)
