Chee-Aloy Brings Five-Tool Potential

TORONTO - “One of the top uncommitted players in the province.”

That was the description of Cameron Chee-Aloy on the PBR Ontario website after the first day of the Canadian Premier Baseball League All-Star Weekend back in September. The top-ranked 2022 outfielder in Ontario was named MVP following three days of action at the event in Dorchester after hitting a pair of home runs to go along with what he is known for - his speed and bat-to-ball skills.

“Chee came out this past summer in a COVID-shortened season and made the most of it,” noted George Halim, PBR Ontario Assistant Director of Scouting. “We've known about him for some time now, bringing him to the 2019 Junior Future Games. At the time he hit well, and the tools played. A year later, he's bigger, stronger, and has the same tools but on a larger scale.”

It has colleges taking notice.

“I’m talking to a couple Division I and JUCO schools,” Chee-Aloy said. “Most of the schools are from after the CPBL Showcase. They all mention how I’m twitchy and that they like my twitch. They like my bat a lot and also like my speed.”

That stood out about his game and more according to Halim.

“He's got some pop in his bat, he can run a bit, the arm is big from the outfield, and defensively he has a chance to stick up the middle,” Halim noted about the 5-11 155-pound Neil McNeil High School junior. “If things pan out the way they should for him, he could have a big summer. A true 2022 grad, Chee also has the ability to reclassify to 2023.”

The fourth-rated junior in Ontario points to hard work as a key to improvement.

“The biggest thing I’ve done this past year is getting stronger,” Chee-Aloy explained. “This last offseason was my first time doing that and my game jumped. I’m more explosive after doing that. I’m also working on my outfield and tracking balls. Those are my two biggest things I’ve improved on.”

But the desire to get better has not stopped for Chee-Aloy, who just turned 16 years of age on Dec. 11.

“I need to put on weight,” Chee-Aloy pointed out. “I need to keep working out and get reps every day, whether it’s hitting or throwing. I want to have a five-tool game by the time I get to college.”

The quest to play at the next level began when he joined the Terriers program.

“When I first got there I didn’t know much about college,” Chee-Aloy admitted. “They brought in some alumni and it looked pretty cool. It’s something I’ve wanted to do ever since. I’ve been drawn to it since grade nine when I joined.”

Rick Johnston, with the Terriers, and his father, Jason, have been the biggest influences in his development.

“My dad has been big, helping me improve ever since he started coaching me,” Chee-Aloy said. “Rick Johnston has also guided me in becoming a better baseball player, and also with maturity.”

It has the third-ranked uncommitted 2022 in Ontario excited about what he can bring at the next level.

“When I talk to schools I do research on them so I can ask relevant questions, so I know what I'm talking about,” Chee-Aloy related. “I talk to them about how I play against the best competition. I talk about my strengths, my arm strength which is my number one thing, and also my speed and bat.”

Admittedly, getting seen by colleges has not been easy.

“It’s definitely made it more difficult,” Chee-Aloy said of Covid-19. “Last year was the first big year of recruiting for me and I was able to capitalize on my opportunities with my video and how I played on the weekends. The CPBL showcase and PBR Future Game Trials in August were big for me getting exposure to schools.”

Chee-Aloy, who had a 3.6 GPA this past year, is hopeful that the process heats up in the coming months.

“In the perfect world I’ll get a few more schools I’m interested in, go somewhere for spring training and play well,” Chee-Aloy explained. “It’s been different this year. I can’t wait to get back on the field and see my teammates.”

As he looks for the right fit, Chee-Aloy has an idea of what he wants in a school at the next level.

“I want to go south and compete at the highest level I can baseball-wise, as long as it’s a good Division I school or JUCO,,” Chee-Aloy concluded. “Academics is definitely one of the biggest things I’m looking at in a school. Another thing is their strength of schedule. Ideally, I want to play with and against the best people I can. Those are the main things for me.”