Posts in Sandlots
Verge: Ontario champs Etobicoke Rangers with heartbeat off to nationals on The Rock

“The 17-year-old heartbeat of the Etobicoke Rangers is taking flight to his favourite destination Wednesday:

A ball field.

Although Nolan Walsh has never played on one in St. John’s Nfld. before, or at the 18U National Championships, he’s been around the game long enough to know.

Over every other place, he’d choose a ball field every time.

“There’s just nowhere else I’d rather be [and] no better group to be with,” Walsh said, who alternates between playing centre field and as a left-handed starter on the mound for Etobicoke.

Walsh and the Rangers solidified their spot representing Ontario at 18U Nationals in St. John’s earlier this month, when they won the Ontario Baseball Association eliminations tournament. The Rangers dominated, going 6-0.”

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SandlotsBob Elliott
Elliott: Cheong excels at Area Code Games - Updated

“The ink is barely dry on contracts signed by 2024 draft selections.

The hunt to find the best draft-eligible high schoolers began first at the East Coast Pro Showcase in Hoover, Ala. and then 240 of the best high school players in North America were invited to the Area Code Games at Blair Field in Long Beach, Calif.

Over the years Canuck hitters, all three Naylor brothers – Josh, Bo and Myles (Mississauga, Ont.), 1B Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) and Gareth Morgan (North York, Ont.) have put on some memorable displays of power.

It wasn't so much of a power display when scouts gathered, but rather a complete game on display by Philip Cheong of the Ontario Blue Jays.”

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Fitzpatrick: Hard-throwing Sabourin’s 2026 draft stock rising

“At just seven years old, a young Julian Sabourin was walking to a playground with his dad.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted someone playing baseball.

He observed for a bit, before turning back to his dad and said, “I have to play this.”

The rest has been history.

Sabourin (Ancaster, Ont.) has been making a lot of noise playing for the Fieldhouse Pirates this season.

He’s earned himself a 9.5 score from Perfect Game, where a nine represents a potential top 10 round pick and/or a highest level college prospect.”

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