With the Pan American Games qualifier less than a month away and the 18-under team fresh off a fourth-place finish at the World Junior Championship, things are looking up for Baseball Canada. However, as with any successful program, the development from a grass roots level is imperative in building a winner.
The next generation of talent was on full display at the Mizuno Elite Development Camp in Toronto, Ont. last week, and the outlook is promising.
A number of those players could be key contributors at the national level in the coming years, including shortstop Kyle Hann (Oakville, Ont.), who was invited to the Junior National Team Fall Instructional League in Orlando, Florida from October 14-24.
Hann (Ontario Blue Jays) has smooth hands at short and hit the ball as hard as anyone during his time at the camp. In addition to a two-run, extra-base hit, the five-foot-eight, 165-pounder drove one of the furthest balls of the weekend off top pitching arm Logan Siefrit, despite flying out in the all-star intrasquad game.
Always determined to be better, Hann is focused on getting "faster, stronger and hitting the ball harder" in the off-season to further enhance his game. He was one of, if not, the most polished position players on both sides of the field at the top prospect camp.
"To be selected out of the whole country, it's pretty great," said Hann.
There were a number of talented outfielders as well, including Bryan Saucedo (Toronto, Ont.), Max Hollingsworth (Coquitlam, B.C.), and Jamar Burnette (Toronto, Ont.). After impressive workouts on Friday, the trio continued right where they left off on Saturday.
Saucedo (Ontario International Baseball Academy) has good mechanics, including a terrific swing to go along with a great attitude, which boasts well for his future.
"I'd like to work on my speed more," said the six-foot-two Saucedo after showing off his swing by roping an RBI double down the left field line. "More than anything, I'd like to work on my leadership."
"There is a lot I can take away from the players because I know I'm not the best."
Hollingsworth of the Coquitlam Reds, ripped an opposite field triple after what he described as a bad first at bat.
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