First Annual Canadian College/University Focused Showcase

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First Annual Canadian Focused Showcase

Canadian post-secondary schools are getting their own showcase.

On February 10, Prep Baseball Report Ontario will host the first ever Canadian College & University Showcase, an event geared towards high schoolers who are pursuing the opportunity to play college baseball North of the border.

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is now up to six teams and the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is up to ten. OCAA baseball has been around for six seasons, while the OUA opened play in the early 2000’s and both have continued to expand over the years allowing more opportunities for players to stay at home and pursue a collegiate baseball career.

As the loops continue to expand, the quality of play hasn’t been diluted. It’s not just the players in the league who have improved, but the college baseball programs have upped their game as well. Many of these programs are trying to create a culture similar to that of junior colleges and universities in the States.

Justin Ayles, known as Canadian Baseball Guru on Twitter, played at Brock University from 2010-2014 and has since immersed himself as an advocate for college baseball in Ontario. He says the biggest improvement he’s noticed is the strength in both leagues, top to bottom.

“The biggest difference maker is the depth of the league,” Ayles said. “Every team can throw out a lineup 1-9 that can hit. Another big difference I’ve noticed are the amount of pitchers throwing in the 85 range. Most teams have 2-3 arms that can really bring it.”

It's an exciting time across the country as the game continues to grow from the grassroots up, and especially here in Ontario. Next Sunday is another way that PBR Ontario looks to help grow the game and continue to provide opportunity to players to stay on the field and receive their post-secondary education.

Here are 5 uncommitted 2019 prospects to watch for next Sunday as Ontario coaches get their first look at the next wave of talent coming through the province.