By: Chris Kemlo
PBR Ontario Scouting Director

2016 prospect Andy Yerzy is a standout catcher on the 18U Toronto Mets as well as the Canadian Junior National Team. He began his stint with Team Canada as a 15 year old and his game has continued to develop as he matures both physically and mentally.

Sporting an impressive 6-foot-3 frame, Yerzy shows promise with his bat producing hard contact to all fields and the ability to backspin the ball and put together quality at bats. He displays power potential and will be a middle of the order type player. Defensively the arm works well and shows good athleticism given his size behind the plate. Yerzy understands the game and situations, sporting a high baseball IQ. 

PBR: Being the youngest player on Team Canada, how has the experience been and what are the toughest adjustments you’ve had to make?

Yerzy – The experience has been great and I feel it has helped my game a lot. Being on the national team you get lots of exposure to what its like to play professional players and high level players. The toughest adjustment I’ve had to make is just slowing the game down and playing to my abilities. The arms you see with team Canada are not arms you’d regularly see, so you have to slow the game down and play at your pace.

PBR: What have you been able to bring back to your club team the Toronto Mets from being with Team Canada?

Yerzy – I get to bring back experiences that you wouldn’t have anywhere else, as well knowledge of what its like to play at a faster pace. When you come back after seeing a lefty that throws 90 and you come back home and you see a lefty throwing 80, the game is way slower than it is with team Canada.

PBR: What areas of the game do you feel you are able to succeed in? 

Yerzy – I feel I have a bat that works well at all levels, as well I am a solid defensive catcher that is a steady receiver and has an arm that works well behind the plate.

PBR: What universities or colleges do you have an interest in attending?

Yerzy – I have an interest in attending Oregon State, North Carolina State, and Indiana, just to name a few.

PBR: What are your plans for the upcoming fall season and off-season?

Yerzy – In October, I will be very busy with Team Canada and the Mets, but my off-season goal is to get quicker, stronger, and more flexible.

PBR: What has been your most memorable moment from this past summer?

Yerzy – Playing with Team Canada has been the most memorable part of this past summer. It was a great experience and a great baseball environment.

PBR: Who has helped you to develop into the player that you are today?

Yerzy – My parents have probably helped me the most. They always support me and take me wherever I need to go and do whatever it takes to make me better.

PBR: Who has been the toughest pitcher you have faced in Ontario?

Yerzy – The toughest pitcher from Ontario I faced this year was Matt Ianni. He was my teammate on Team Canada. He has a 6-foot-8 frame with great stuff. He’s a great pitcher and a great teammate.