Wilson: Winnipeg native Johnson pitches for Czechia at WBC
Wilson: Winnipeg native Johnson pitches for Czechia at WBC

“It is a country typically associated more with hockey than baseball.

But Czechia’s ascension to the World Baseball Classic – this year marked the second WBC appearance for the European nation – has put a spotlight on the sport in the country known for its historic castles and as the birthplace of Pilsner lager.

Winnipeg product Ryan Johnson was in the middle of the action with Czechia, who shared a pool with Australia, Japan, Korea and Chinese Taipei and played their opening round games in Tokyo.”

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Sandlots, Canadians in the MinorsIan WilsonComment
Fitzpatrick: Etobicoke Rangers aiming to qualify for Road to Okotoks
Fitzpatrick: Etobicoke Rangers aiming to qualify for Road to Okotoks

“Before the Road to Okotoks tournament was announced in September of last year, Baseball Canada’s director of national teams Greg Hamilton (Peterborough, Ont.) reached out to teams across BC, Alberta and Ontario to determine interest for the tournament.

Among those teams was the Etobicoke Rangers, who jumped on the opportunity to play in the qualifiers taking place from May 28-31.

“I don’t think there was any hesitation from us,” recalled 18U head coach and former Canadian national team player Geoff McCallum (London, Ont.). “We’re looking for good games … from day one, we’ve been committed to make it work as best we can.”

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SandlotsTrevor FitzpatrickComment
Glew: Soroka preparing for Canada's WBC opener against Colombia
Glew: Soroka preparing for Canada's WBC opener against Colombia

“Canada captain Josh Naylor has nothing but praise for Michael Soroka, who will start the first game of the World Baseball Classic for Canada in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Saturday.

“He’s phenomenal. He’s relentless on the mound. He has a never-give-up attitude. He doesn’t ever cave into his plan,” said Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) at Canada’s introductory WBC press conference on Thursday morning. “He has a specific plan for each hitter he’s going to face, and he attacks that game plan through and through.”

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Baseball CanadaKevin GlewComment
Betts: BMOC - Ricketts uses redshirt season to fuel Year 2 success
Betts: BMOC - Ricketts uses redshirt season to fuel Year 2 success

“Every college freshman arrives on campus seeking the opportunity to make an immediate impact.

But that’s not always the best development path.

Indiana University catcher Brayden Ricketts (Brampton, Ont.) understands that well.

Hoosiers head coach Jeff Mercer made the decision to redshirt his Canadian backstop in 2025, opting to bank on the player’s ability to use the time to further develop.

And it’s worked out so far. “

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BMOCMatt BettsComment