August 3, 2024

By Trevor Fitzpatrick

Canadian Baseball Network

Ontario and Quebec’s finest prospects continued to showcase their skills on Saturday during day two of the CPBL Prospect Games.

Batting practice saw some impressive power from the youngsters, a few of them even leaving the big yard at Royal Field in Dorchester, Ont.

With so many top talents in one spot, it can be hard to narrow down who to keep an eye on no matter if you’re a coach, scout, or fan. We talked to some of the top players in the loaded class so you can get to know them better:

SS/3B Robert Omidi

Hometown: Mississauga, Ont.

Current team: Fieldhouse Pirates

Who’s the most influential person in your life and why?

“My father. Ever since I was little, he’s been at my side through the whole journey.”

Aside from your dad, who’s the most influential person in your life and why?

“Coach Jimmy Richardson at Fieldhouse. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now, so I’m really grateful for him.”

What has been your greatest day on a baseball field to this point?

“That’s a tough one. Probably this year’s opening day weekend against GLC, I think I hit two bombs that weekend, so it was great.”

Who’s your favourite player of all time and why?

“Definitely Mike Trout because he’s a superstar, a leader, and he puts in 110 per cent all the time.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job you’d want growing up and why?

“A coach. I love being around baseball, so I want to stay around it anyway I can.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned playing baseball?

“Stay humble, but also have confidence while playing the game.

If the scouts here today could only take away one thing about you back to their program, what would you hope it is?

“I hit barrels.”

OF/1B Kenyon Sikkema

Hometown: Hamilton, Ont.

Current team: Fieldhouse Pirates

Who’s the most influential person in your life and why?

“My parents because they always push me and give me these opportunities to be out here playing ball. Seeing all the things they do and trying to be like them is really cool.”

Aside from your parents, who’s the most influential person in your life and why?

“That’s a tricky one, maybe Nate Ochoa (Burlington, Ont.). I like when he comes back in the offseasons, he comes back and helps me train. Just being around him and trying to follow in his footsteps is really cool.”

What has been your greatest day on a baseball field to this point?

“I think this year’s playoffs. It was pretty fun being out here in Dorchester playing games and competing. We didn’t end up with the win, but it was a great experience.”

Who’s your favourite player of all time and why?

“Probably Mookie Betts because he’s one of the best players in baseball. I just like his play.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job you’d want growing up and why?

“I don’t ever really give that much thought. I just want to play baseball because that’s what I love doing. So maybe just somewhere else in baseball, just being around the game.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned playing baseball?

“Keep a level head and don’t compare yourself to others. Stay on your path because it’s different from everyone else, stay on your own grind.”

If the scouts here today could only take away one thing about you back to their program, what would you hope it is?

“I’m a really good kid and they’d be getting a great player who gives them 100 per cent everyday.”

C Dylan Zaretsky

Hometown: King City, Ont.

Current team: Ontario Astros

Who’s the most influential person in your life and why?

“Probably my dad. He’s a big role model in my life. He pushes me to be a better version of myself every day.”

Aside from your dad, who’s the most influential person in your life and why?

“I’d say my teammates, just being around the atmosphere they bring. Training with them, playing with them, and traveling with them is such a big part of my life.”

What has been your greatest day on a baseball field to this point?

“Every day. Just being out here, especially on the turf field here, I try to enjoy it as much as I can. I love playing against GLC as well, they have great competition.”

Who’s your favourite player of all time and why?

“Probably [Yaider] Molina. I’m a catcher, my dad’s favourite player is Molina, we just love his confidence and style that he plays with.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job you’d want growing up and why?

“Maybe a firefighter, I had a lot of firefighter toys I’d play with when I was a kid.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned playing baseball?

“The mental game plays such a huge part in it. You’ll always go through ups and downs, but you always try to come back harder. This year I had a bit of a down season, but the year before that was one of my best. Trying to compete no matter what is important.”

If the scouts here today could only take away one thing about you back to their program, what would you hope it is?

“That I have a great attitude.”

OF/3B Raine Kreklewetz

Hometown: Toronto, Ont.

Current team: Ontario Blue Jays

Who’s the most influential person in your life and why?

“I couldn’t just pick one, I’d have to pick both of my parents. My father taught me the discipline I need to play baseball, and my mother taught me how important it is to be a great person off the field as well.”

Aside from your dad, who’s the most influential person in your life and why?

“My hitting coach Pat Visca works me really hard day in and day out. He teaches me, like my father, what it’s like to put in hard work and discipline. Even if you can never achieve perfection, you can still reach for the stars and land on the moon.”

What has been your greatest day on a baseball field to this point?

“That would’ve been with IMG Academy. A year ago I went 3-for-4 with two triples and a double, then I got called up to the 18U team for a game and went 1-for-1 later in the game when they needed players.”

Who’s your favourite player of all time and why?

“It has to be Josh Donaldson because I grew up watching him. He was one of the first players to make the big leg kick famous. His nickname was the ‘Bringer of Rain’ and my name is Raine so I always connected with that.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job you’d want growing up and why?

“I’d want to work in finance like my brother William. Or maybe an engineer like my brother Richard, but I’ve always liked finance through the business courses I’ve taken in high school.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned playing baseball?

“Probably that you need resilience. You’re a Hall of Famer if you hit three out of 10, and that’s failing seven times. You have to never give up and keep pushing.”

If the scouts here today could only take away one thing about you back to their program, what would you hope it is?

“My work ethic. I’m one of those guys that keeps my head down and grinds. I just try to get better every day.”