One final chance to shine.
A time to show the coaching staff they deserve a spot on the team.
That’s what’s on the line this weekend for prospects for the Newfoundland and Labrador U17 male baseball team who are gathering in Corner Brook for one final training camp.
The process started with 36 players, but was eventually cut down to 24 players, all of whom will be vying for a spot on the team this weekend at Jubilee Field.
The roster will be whittled down to 18 after the weekend camp so this will be an exciting time for eight young baseball players from the west coast to show what they got.
The team will represent the province at two showcase baseball tournaments this summer — The Toronto 12 in Toronto and the Baseball Canada Cup.
The Star talked to the hopefuls from Corner Brook before heading into the final weekend of training.
Question: What do you have to do on the final weekend of tryouts to crack the 18-man roster for the provincial U17 male baseball team?
Ryan Park
Hometown: Irishtown-Summerside
Age: 16
Parents: Kelly and Rodney Park
Position: right-handed pitcher/third baseman
Career highlight: Winning a silver medal against the St. John’s Capitals at the 2017 provincial midget A baseball tournament
Answer: I just have to work 150 per cent every time I step onto the field. I have to listen what the coaches have to say and keep my attitude at a positive level.
Aaron Purcell-Pilgrim
Hometown: Corner Brook
Age: 18 (overager, two allowed for team)
Parents: Colin and Dana Pilgrim
Position: Left-handed pitcher/first baseman
Career Highlight: Throwing a no-hitter against the St. John’s Capitals during a midget qualifier tournament in 2017
Answer: I need to pitch a really good game whenever they need me to pitch and hopefully have a few good hits, too.
Andrew Flood
Hometown: Corner Brook
Age: 16
Parents: Ed and Leanna Flood
Position: shortstop/pitcher/outfielder
Career Highlight: Playing for Team NL male baseball team at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg
Answer: I have to play my hardest and try not to mess up when I’m playing. I just have to focus on playing baseball and don’t let anything distract me.
Kyle Brown
Hometown: Corner Brook
Age: 16
Parents: Terry and Kelly Brown
Position: catcher
Career Highlight: Playing for Team NL at 2016 national U15 male baseball championships
Answer: Consistency is key for me. I just need to hit the ball consistently hard. I need to be accurate with my throw into second base and just make sure I’m trying to keep everything in front of me.
Cole Porter
Hometown: Mount Moriah
Age: 17
Parents: Brad and Tina Porter
Position: Outfielder
Career Highlight: Representing the province at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg as a member of the provincial male baseball team
Answer: I got to be able to play fair, have a good attitude and just have fun. I need to play my normal game. Just don’t get down on myself and go out and show the coaches I’m capable of being on this team.
Braden Lockyer
Hometown: Corner Brook
Age:16
Parents: Cory and Holly Lockyer
Position: outfielder/pitcher
Career Highlight: Earning a spot on the provincial U15 male baseball team in 2016
Answer: For me to improve my chances this weekend I really think I just have to give my best effort. I have to make sure I make contact with the ball, make sure I’m making all my throws perfectly and making sure I try my hardest and show what I can do to all the coaches.
Brogan Walsh
Hometown: Corner Brook
Age:15
Parents: Geordie and Jacqui Walsh
Position: Second baseman/pitcher
Career Highlight: Going away to prep school at Newbridge Academy in Nova Scotia to pursue his passion for baseball
Answer: I think I need to have good quality innings when I’m pitching and I definitely need to have some strong at-bats.
Nick Park
Hometown: Gillams
Age: 17
Parents: Julie Park and Mark Brake
Position: Outfield
Career Highlight: In 2015 was named top hitter in the bantam provincials.
Answer: It’s going to be tough (to make the team), but I’m going to have to solid at the plate and just play a good defensive game. I’m not quite as nervous this time around.
