McFarland: New dad Albers teaching resilience at Futures Showcase
Former big league pitcher Andrew Albers (North Battleford, Sask.), third from the left leaning against the fence, is serving as a coach for Team Royal at this year’s Canadian Futures Showcase in Vancouver. Photo: Joe McFarland
*This story was originally published on Saskatchewan Dugout Stories. You can read it here.
September 19, 2026
By Joe McFarland
Saskatchewan Dugout Stories
Andrew Albers is embracing the new roles he has in his life.
After a decorated 14-year professional playing career, including five big league seasons, he is now coaching at Going Yard Academy in Saskatoon and teaching online courses.
But nothing lights up his eyes quite like talking about his favourite roster spot: dad.
He and his wife, Michelle, welcomed their daughter 16 months ago and it is “so far so good” for the young family.
“She’s a pretty good sleeper, so that hasn’t been too bad,” Albers laughed. “Life changes a little bit once you have a little one, so it’s been a little bit of an adjustment, but it’s been pretty exciting and a really neat chapter.”
Taking a break from teaching the little one about walking and talking, the North Battleford native finds himself returning as a mentor and coach at the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase in Vancouver.
QUESTIONS FROM THE CLASS
Having been at the annual event a few times already, Albers says he’s able to come in relaxed with no major expectations of himself.
It’s mostly just a “go with the flow” situation as he and his co-coaches with Team Royal – Aaron Myette, Chris Robinson and Cav Whitely – draw up lineups and handle the game-to-game operations.
More importantly, they are there to answer questions and provide feedback when called upon.
“I really try to make sure I meet everybody and try to let them all know that I’m open to having a chat or a talk if there’s anything I can help them with,” Albers said. “At some point, the onus is on them as they have to take advantage of that as well.”
He says most take advantage of the opportunity to be sponges and ask really good questions to help move their game forward.
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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories podcast episode devoted to Day 2 of the Canadian Futures Showcase here.
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TEACHING RESILIENCE
Albers says his job isn’t to change any player physically or mechanically as he only gets to work with them for a few days.
For the most part, it’s about reassuring the players that they belong there and, if they have a rough game or showing in front of scouts, it won’t define who they are or their careers.
“You have to go out and control what you can control,” Albers said. “If you put too much pressure on yourself or you’re really trying to make the big pitch or take the big swing, that’s when things can sometimes get out of hand a little bit.”
It’s especially difficult for pitchers as they may only get one outing and, if things go sideways, it can be tough to bounce back from.
But it is a moment in time, and Albers says it’s a matter of getting them to relax and understand what they need to do to bounce back and ultimately get better.
RAISING THE BAR
As he takes a look around at the talent around him at the Canadian Futures Showcase, Albers says it’s amazing to see how the talent level has evolved.
It’s the physicality and strength that really stands out to him.
“Your best players are still your best players, and the needle hasn’t moved much with that, but I think the floor has gotten so much higher,” said the former Baseball Canada hurler. “The 150th best player here is so much more advanced than he was probably five or 10 years ago.”
It’s something he’s also seeing in Saskatchewan, as players have way more access to facilities and coaches than he did growing up.
And they’re starting to see that there is a path to a good college career or even higher now with the recent success of players like Garrett Hawkins, Thomas Ireland and Carter Beck.
“It’s exciting for the kids coming up,” Albers said. “Then obviously seeing the Blue Jays making the run to the World Series, it gets people excited about baseball and seeing those Saskatchewan guys doing good things in pro baseball, I think that’s a big part of knowing that dream can become a reality.”
Speaking from his own experience, the former Twin, Blue Jay and Mariner says it is a grind and the players at the showcase need to put in the work.
Just like being a parent of a 16-month-old.
“It’s really neat to see the wheels start working,” Albers said. “They’re starting to understand things a bit and getting to see it at that age, it’s really cute seeing the little personalities come out . . . there’s nothing better.”