“Tigers on three,” a young boy’s voice yells out. “One, two, three, … “TIGERS,” the players scream.

The huddle of Ontarians plus one Albertan at Legacy Dodge Field in Fort McMurray exudes passion, and the Albertan, 10-year-old Xavier Maccagno, is an important contributor to it. He’s loud. He’s got a personality larger than the space from the backstop to the centre field wall.

And he’s there to help the Mississauga Tigers win it all at the Baseball Canada’s 2022 18U Nationals in Fort McMurray.”

“Excitement swirls around the infield of Shell Place in Fort McMurray, Alta. like the dirt on a windy day.

It’s supposed to be short sleeved, but the maroon jersey, with “BADGERS” across the front in white lettering, is so big on Xavier Maccagno it’s more like three quarter sleeved. Probably because it’s meant for someone triple his age. There’s no time to manufacture another one for the smiley six-year-old, a last minute addition to the London Badgers 18U dugout. It’s game time.”