Three St. Albert baseball players from two different Team Alberta squads took home hardware from the Western Canada Prospect Series this past weekend at the Legion Memorial Ball Park.
Team Alberta was composed of players who competed in the Rawlings Cup that took place from Aug. 22 to 25.
Dayne Liske and Tyler Diprose were selected to compete for the 16U team at the Western Canada Prospect Series after impressive performances in the Rawlings Cup, while Chael Quinn played on the Team Alberta 14U squad.
The Western Canada Prospect Series is a four-team tournament, with each Western Canadian province fielding a team of the best baseball players under 16 years old. This year the tournament was hosted right here in St. Albert, something that Diprose was excited for.
“Being able to play here (St. Albert) in front of all my friends, and family will significantly add to the experience,” said Diprose.
For Liske, who played both second base, and shortstop for Team Alberta at the Western Canada Prospect Series, this was the final tournament in a summer full of baseball representing Alberta.
“It’s always exciting getting to represent Alberta,” Liske said. “It’s nice to have the tournament so close to home, and be able to play in front of a hometown crowd.”
The tournament started off poorly for Team Alberta, which was unable to secure a single win before the playoff round. This set up a semi-final matchup with British Columbia, who finished first in round robin play. Unfortunately, Team Alberta was unable to keep up with the British Columbia Team, losing 6-3. Thankfully for Team Alberta, the momentum shifted in their favour during a pitchers' duel against Team Saskatchewan in the bronze medal game. It was a back-and-forth affair, which Alberta was able to win 3-2 to secure the bronze medal.
Quinn and his 14U team made a run all the way to the gold medal game, bringing home a silver medal after losing a tough game to British Columbia 8-1.
