University of Ottawa Baseball: A player's journey

Progressing through my high school career, my goal was to get a good education and have the chance to keep playing competitive baseball. I always found myself to be a good baseball player, but I realized that I didn’t have the skill it takes to play at the division 1 level in the US. I figured that a division 2 or 3 school might have been a possible route, but the schools in that division never really offered the education that I was searching for. I ended up doing research to find out what other options I had in Canada. It turns out most universities in Ontario actually had baseball teams. I had no idea how good they were or even what kind of time commitment it would be. I decided to email some coaches at some of the schools I applied to. Receiving numerous replies I figured it was time to select a school and go to try out for the baseball team. Eventually, I landed upon the University of Ottawa at the Telfer School of Management. 

                                   First Impressions

The first day of tryouts hit and I was impressed with the type of talent that a lot of these ball players had on the team. Fast forward a week of long tryouts; I made the team as a pitcher. The first game came around, and I really got the full university baseball experience I always dreamed of. The rivalry of that first game against Carleton playing in a 10,000 person capacity stadium was something I will never forget. Even if there weren’t many fans out at the ballpark, I was just so happy to know that I have 4 more years of great baseball playing in one of the best stadiums in Canada. The baseball team plays 16 regular season games with the potential of an extended season for playoffs and nationals. The league is composed of 10 teams divided over 2 divisions. (League website: http://pointstreaksites.com/view/ccba-abcc/home).

                                Student Athlete Life

Being a student athlete is not an easy task, especially since the baseball season is so jam packed in 1 ½ months. As a freshman I was worried I wouldn’t be able to balance out playing ball and keeping up with my studies. I soon realized that the veterans on the team were always helpful and approachable for situations where I needed some help. Fast forward where I am today, I am in my fourth and final year of studies, and I have just completed my final baseball season of my career. I had the pleasure of being a veteran to the young first year players. Being able to help out the young players with baseball and with their studies made this year very different for me. Looking back at it, this year was my favorite season I have ever been a part of. Overall, playing baseball for the university has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I had the chance to play with and against some great ball players, and made some of my best friends through the process. 

To learn more about the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and what it takes to be a part of the program please look at the team website where all the information is available. https://teams.geegees.ca/competitive-clubs/baseball