Team Alberta, T12 experiences helped Kirwer land in Jays' organization

Sherwood Park Dukes alum Tanner Kirwer (Sherwood Park, Alta.) practices his bunting skills in Toronto Blue Jays camp. Photo: Luke Simard

By Luke Simard

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Outfielder Tanner Kirwer got his shot, and the Canadian hasn’t looked back.

For Kirwer, it all started at the 2013 Canada Games in Quebec where he represented Alberta and brought home a bronze medal.

“(It) was an amazing time, probably one of the best experiences I have ever had,” explained the Sherwood Park, Alta., native. “Just being able to represent my province was a dream come true.”

It paid off for Kirwer, who joined Division 1 Niagara University in 2015.

Kirwer had a terrific career with Niagara. In 134 games, he batted .329 with 66 stolen bases.

“I know that once they (Niagara) got a few Canadians and they saw what they could do and now they travel to Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia to scout more players so I definitely think that Canada is making improvements in baseball,” he said, at the Toronto Blue Jays spring training camp.

A Jays fan since idolizing the team as a little boy, Kirwer was drafted by Toronto in the 20th round of the 2017 draft.

“It was a dream come true, just getting drafted period,” Kirwer said. “It was amazing but getting drafted by my team was surreal.”

Known for his speed, the 22-year-old centre fielder had a successful season in 2018 with Toronto Blue Jays affiliate Vancouver Canadians of the Northwest League as he batted .280 and swiped 28 bases in 61 games.

Kirwer credits the Tournament 12 event, a competition hosted by the Toronto Blue Jays Academy, for his development. It gives talented players like Kirwer a chance to play in front of college scouts.

“I got to go to Tournament 12 which is where I was seen by my college (Niagara University), so without that I actually have no idea where I would be right now,” explained Kirwer.

When asked what advice he would give to young Canadians dreaming of making big leagues, Kirwer emphasized the importance of making your shot count.

“Keep working I mean for me growing up between the ages of 14-16 I never really got a shot to go and prove what I can do until I went to go play for Team Alberta,” said Kirwer. “So keep working (to) try and make as many travel teams as possible because it pays off in the end.”