ABC OF/LHP Alexis Gravel (Repentigny, Que.) further established himself as a solid two-way player with the Junior National Team this spring. Centennial Sports Journalism student Michael Mazzei recently caught up with Gravel in St. Petersburg, Fla., to discuss the young Quebec native’s baseball aspirations.

Toronto Mets right-hander Drew Howard (Whitby, Ont.) is a bit of a throwback player, according to Junior National Team head coach Greg Hamilton. The 5-foot-11, 17-year-old’s competitiveness has been a key to his success. Centennial Sports Journalism student Rachael Bishop recently caught up with Howard in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Swift Current, Saskatchewan has only produced one major league ball player -- Brody Alexandre is looking to change that.Standing at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Alexandre has made his mark at the youth levels of baseball in Saskatchewan and impressed at Tournament 12 last September. This spring he suited up for the Junior National Team in Florida. Centennial Sports Journalism student Robert Nicholas McVicar recently caught up with Alexandre in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Fieldhouse Pirates infielder Mason Dobie (Meaford, Ont.) played in Tournament 12 at the Rogers Centre last September. That helped the 17-year-old land a spot on the Junior National Team roster this spring. Centennial Sports Journalism student Marco Leal recently caught up with Dobie in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Former Kansas City Royals catcher Andy Stewart (Oshawa, Ont.) is a new member of the Canadian Junior National Team’s coaching staff. He shared his wisdom from his more than 10 years as a catcher in the professional ranks with the young players this spring.