September 27, 2024

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

And the final set of thumbnails from last week’s Canadian Futures Showcase where 161 of the best high schoolers in Canada gathered ...

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Futures Day 1 - Cheong, Ellis, George, Laird, Rompre

Futures Day II — Dessureault, Kiss, Kooy, Rudge

Futures Day III _ Hobbins, Hoechen, Lightfoot, Thierman, Ward

Futures Day IV: Jackson, Leblanc, McDowell, Roach

Futures Day V: Colella, Duncan, Kokotailo, Larocque, Tocheniuk

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Langley Blaze OF Logan Booth (Agassiz, BC)

Name: OF Logan Booth

Hometown: Agassiz, BC.

Current team: Team Grey.

Travel team: Langley Blaze/Brewers Scout Team.

Committed: Not yet.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My mom, who has been with me since Day 1. My mom helped me at my lowest in baseball and brought me right back to the top to keep striving for my dream to make it to the majors one of these days.”

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life -- besides your parents -- and why? “My grandpa, Dave, because he’s helped me every step of the way through my career, and he’s taught me things about life, that I’m very thankful for the things he’s done for me and helped my family financially with baseball.”

What was your greatest day on the ball field? “When we won a provincial title in bantam. That’s the best I’ve ever played in my life, the energy on the field was amazing to win in that moment. It was a stepping stone in my career to want to play at a higher level.”

Who is your favourite player and why? “Aaron Judge, New York Yankees. Judge is my favourite, because I think he’s the best player in the majors. He’s a pure hitter, that I’m hoping to be just like him when I get into the league.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job when you grow up? “My backup plan is to get into law enforcement.”

The most important life lesson you have learned from the game? “Failure is a learning lesson for success.”

What four people (living or passed away) would you invite to a mythical diner and why? “Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Ken Griffey, known for his graceful swing and incredible catches, is an icon. Bonds, despite controversy, holds numerous records and was a dominant force in the game. Judge, with his impressive power and skill, has become a standout in recent years. Soto, a young and talented player, has already made a significant impact in the majors with his hitting abilities and baseball IQ. These players would bring a mix of talent, records, and excitement to the mythical diner gathering. It would be a legendary baseball-themed dinner with such a lineup.”

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Okotoks Dawgs INF Quincy Jenkins (St. Albert, Alta.) was at the Futures Showcase.

Name: INF Quincy Jenkins

Hometown: St. Albert, Alta.

Current team: Team Grey.

Travel team: Okotoks Dawgs.

Committed: Not yet.

The most influential people in your baseball life: “My mom, Sophia Jenkins, who works in pharmaceutical sales and dad, Dad: Tommy Jenkins, a clinical massage therapist. They are the ones who signed me up for baseball. Both of them have pushed me to become the best player and student that I can become.”

The most influential person in my baseball life besides my parents: “My Little League coach, Charlie Prieto. He was always hard on me even as a young kid because he wanted me to excel.”

Your greatest day on the ball field? “When I hit my first home run in the 4th of July tournament off of a team from Wisconsin in the Chicago firecracker tournament.”

Favourite player and why? “Javy Baez, Detroit Tigers. I like him because he is always having fun with the game which is exactly how I think the game should be played.”

If you didn’t play pro ball, what would your choice of employment be? “I would like to be a chiropractor.”

The most important life lesson that you have learned from the game: “That if you let your emotions get to you, they will carry with you ... and stop you from performing your best.”

Four people (living or passed) you would invite for a mythical diner: “My mom and dad, Kobe Bryant and Jesus Christ. Mom and dad are my biggest supporters in and out of baseball. I’d invite Kobe Bryant because I would ask him how he was able to stay so level headed and focused during big pressure moments. Lastly, I would invite Jesus Christ as he is my lord and saviour. He has given me guidance throughout my whole life.”

Langley Blaze RHP Kyu Lunsdon (Langley, BC)

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Name: RHP Kyu Lumsdon

Hometown: Langley, BC.

Current team: Team Black.

Travel team: Langley Blaze/Brewers scout team

Committed: Not yet.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My parents, my mom, Mira Lumsdon, works at Walnut Road Elementary as an educational assistant and dad, Scott Lumsdon, who teaches at Johnston Heights Secondary. They have supported me throughout the ups and downs in my journey and I am extremely grateful for that.”

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life -- besides your parents -- and why? “Other than my parents, probably my coaches Jamie Bodaly and Doug Mathieson. They are the first coaches that allowed me to see my potential as a ball player, and experience competitive baseball at different levels including playing against minor leaguers.”

What was your greatest day on the ball field? “My greatest day in the ball field was probably when I first pitched with a Team Canada jersey on in Dunedin, Fla. I pitched three scoreless innings in an intra-squad game the first time and the second game was against the Toronto Blue Jays (minor leaguers). Although I didn’t go on any other trips with the junior national team, it was truly special to pitch with my country’s name on my jersey. It is an experience I will remember for a long time.”

Who is your favourite player and why? “Merrill Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks. I love how steady he is when he pitches and how he can get outs at the big league level without having to overpower guys with velocity or crazy movement.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job for you when you grow up? “I am pretty interested in the medical field, and I am hoping to become a doctor or physiotherapist if baseball doesn’t work out.”

The most important life lesson you have learned from the game? “I’ve learned many lessons playing the game. Though, the most important lessons are to not compare yourself to others, and that hard work pays off. People have different natural talents and natural strengths, and comparing yourself to others and having unrealistic standards for yourself will only make you feel down. Also, hard work will eventually pay off. I’ve seen many people, including myself take jumps in skill level by putting the work in, and others who have fell off due to their lack of work ethic.”

What four people (living or passed) would you invite to a mythical diner and why? “Josh Allen, Shohei Ohtani, my late grandmother, Chun-Im Park and Drake. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills, is my favourite football player who I’ve always wanted to meet. My dad grew up in Saskatchewan, and I’m think they showed almost every Bills game on TV when he was growing up. I’d want to ask Shohei Ohtani about all the hard work he has put in, becoming the greatest player alive. My grandmother is from Korea and recently passed away. I didn’t really have the chance to say goodbye to her. I would like a chance to do that. And Drake, as I love his music and would love the chance to meet him.”

Okotoks Dawgs RHP Max Poirier (Regina, Sask.) a member of the Junior National Team.

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Name: RHP Max Poirier

Born: Regina Sask.

Raised: Nanaimo BC

Current team: Team New Blue.

Travel team: Okotoks Dawgs and Junior National Team

Committed: Uncommitted

The most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My dad, I remember him introducing me to the game when he took me to a tournament he was playing in Yorkton, Sask. I was seven and thought it was cool to be the bat boy and hang out in the dugout. My dad helped me develop over the years and still debriefs with me after every game. He would say things like ‘just let if fly’ and play for the love of the game.”

The most influential person in your baseball life -- besides your parents -- and why? “Dustin Molleken has helped me to become a better pitcher and we are both from Regina. Dustin has inspired me to work hard and be humble.”

What was your greatest day on the ball field? “The day when I got to put on the Team Canada jersey and represent Canada in the Pan Am qualifier games. It means everything to me to play for Canada and it’s been my dream for as long as I can remember.”

Who is your favourite player and why? “Dustin Molleken, former Detroit Tiger. “He worked so hard and has been a great supporter. He reminds me that baseball is tough and not to be so hard on myself. Also, because we are both from Saskatchewan.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job for you when you grow up? “I can’t see myself doing anything other than baseball. I am really interested in criminology so maybe something to do with law.”

The most important life lesson you have learned from the game? “To keep working at getting better and working hard even if things aren’t going your way. Plus to never give up and not be so hard on myself.”

What four people (living or passed away) would you invite to a mythical diner and why? “My grandma, my great, great uncle, my grandpa, Guy McLean and my grandpa Rudy. My grandmother has always been my biggest supporter, My great, great uncle fought in the Great War. I love world history and would have liked to talk to him about his sacrifice. Grandpa, Guy McLean loved the game and loved the Detroit Tigers and besides baseball, he taught me to play chess and about strategy. And my grandpa Rudy, who passed before I had a chance to meet him. I hear that he was strong and liked to joke a lot.”