September 20, 2024

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

Growing up in Canada, you will likely find many baseball players trading in their bats and gloves during the winter months and devoting themselves to the ice rink for one of the nation’s most popular pastimes.

For Easton Kitura (Spruce Grove, Alta.), not only did he play hockey during the winter, he did so at a high level – playing goalie at the double-A and triple-A level up until two winters ago before becoming a full-time baseball player when he took his talents to the Vauxhall Jets program in southern Alberta.

After an impressive year with the Jets, Kitura is now suiting up for Team Royal at the Canadian Futures Showcase for the first time in his early career.

“The Showcase was an unbelievable experience,” said Kitura, speaking to the Canadian Baseball Network. “It’s something you can’t describe until you step into the batter’s box or the outfield and get a feel for how big the stadium is. I loved every minute of it.”

The 16-year-old found himself playing in each game for Team Royal, starting three of four games and coming in as a pinch hitter for the other. He worked as an extra hitter in the first contest and then moved to the outfield for the remaining three, spending time at each position.

In the batter’s box, Kitura was hit by a pitch twice (scoring once) and collected one hit, a double to the right field corner that left the bat at 97.8 mph. Kitura arguably should have another tally in the hit column from his game against Team Navy on a bang-bang play at first base. Unfortunately, there was no reviewing of plays or any calls made to New York for video review, otherwise a late strike call also would have netted him a walk as well.

Regardless of the tough calls, the Alberta product took advantage of every opportunity, stealing second in the top of the third inning against Team Navy, diving in well ahead of the throw.

“When I am at the plate, I just try and clear my head of any of the outside thoughts and focus on my game,” said Kitura. “I stick to my game plan and just wait for my pitch and capitalize on every chance I can get to put runs on the board.”

When Kitura steps into the left side of the batter’s box, he puts his 6-foot-1 frame to work with a repeatable swing and easy shift in his weight to drive the ball to all fields - something his Jets head coach Les McTavish is used to seeing back out west.

“Easton is someone who had a huge spring for us and has been playing and getting recognition everywhere he goes,” said McTavish, who was in Toronto as part of the coaching staff for Team Navy. “Sky is the limit for this dude and he has really grown into a leadership role within our program. I am excited to see what lies ahead for him because he really is a special player.”

Producing a 6.97-second 60-yard dash during the scouting portion of the Showcase, he impressed with his arm in the outfield and his ability to throw for both power and accuracy. While he only suited up in the outfield during the Showcase, his athletic versatility and arm have seen him play at third base for the Jets as well.

“I love playing in the outfield and at third base, but the hot corner is probably my favourite,” said Kitura. “There’s a ton of action there and I love being involved in every play, as much as I can.”

With another season in Vauxhall on the horizon, the 2026 grad is quickly rocketing up the prospect charts and separating himself as a player to watch within the Canadian baseball scene. He performed well at the Prep Baseball Future Games in Georgia in late July and earned MVP honours at last month’s NW Scout Games as part of the Pacific Northwest Scout Association.

As for resuming his career on the ice? It’s safe to say it’s officially ‘on ice’ moving forward.

“I think that ship has sailed,” laughed Kitura. “I love baseball because you get to contribute both offensively and defensively. Hockey is such a great sport but baseball is where it is at.”