Illinois Feels Like Home To Chee-Aloy

TORONTO - Cameron Chee-Aloy believes he will feel right at home at the University of Illinois. After all, three members of Team Canada will soon be part of the baseball program at the Big 10 school.

Make that four from the Junior National Team, after a commitment from Chee-Aloy, the top-ranked 2023 outfielder in Ontario.

“Three of my good friends from Team Canada are going there, so now we have four,” noted Chee-Aloy, referring to high school seniors Dylan O’Rae and Liam Adamson along with junior Parker Burgess. “I’m excited to get there and start working. The Big 10 Conference is something I’ve wanted to play in forever.”

That college dream has become a reality thanks to a strong showing at the PBR Future Games in August.

“The first time Illinois saw me was Showcase Day at the Future Games,” the 413th-rated junior in North America reflected. “After that they saw me in a game against Michigan and I’ve been in contact with (assistant) coach (Adam) Christ. He saw me in Fort Myers and (head) coach (Dan) Hartleb saw me in Jupiter with the Padres Scout Team and with Team Canada.”

The 6-0 175-pounder has a lot to offer at the next level.

“Chee-Aloy has a loud arm, and oozes twitch in every part of his game,” pointed out George Halim, Canada Assistant Director of Scouting, on the PBR website in late September. “The feet are heavy when he runs, but he gets down the line, and it’s tough not to pay attention when he’s at the dish.”  

Illinois saw that as well while watching Chee-Aloy, who on his first at-bat in game one of the Future Games ripped a pitch to the fence in deep center field.

“They like my arm and speed. how I use it and how it transfers into games,” Chee-Aloy explained. “They also like my competitive level and how I adjust to the pitcher.”

Chee-Aloy took a visit to the Big 10 university, located 10 hours from his home in Toronto, back on Oct. 27 and came away impressed.

“The campus is really nice,” the 16-year-old noted. “Everything is straight forward. It’s a small campus for a big school. The business school has everything within a five-minute walk and they have brand new facilities.”

Michigan and East Tennessee State are others that had an interest in the second-ranked Ontario junior, as did Stony Brook, where Chee-Aloy visited two days prior to Illinois.

“I just felt Illinois was the better fit for me,” pointed out the Neil McNeil High School junior, who reclassified earlier this year.

“All the schools had no money so I decided to reclassify after the CPBL All-Star game,” explained Chee-Aloy. “It really helped out a ton with less scholarship money out there right now due to Covid.

“After the Future Games my recruitment picked up,” Chee-Aloy continued. “That definitely helped. Nothing tops the Future Games for uncommitted guys. Schools are everywhere and it only takes one good game. I thank George and Chris (Kemlo, Canada Director of Scouting) for taking me on the team and providing such a great opportunity for all the guys.”

His father, Jason, a scout for the Royals when Chee-Aloy was younger, is another that has been a major influence in his baseball journey.

“He coached me for two years and guided me through the process,” the second-rated 2023 in Ontario said. “Rick Johnston with the Terriers organization is another that has helped me develop since I was 14. Tim Orlosky has also been big in helping get my name out there playing for the Florida Burn in the summer.”

It was when Chee-Aloy joined the Ontario Terriers travel team that college baseball became a consideration.

“Ever since then, since my freshman year, it’s something that I’ve wanted to do,” Chee-Aloy said.

Now that the desire is coming to life is special for the five-tool standout, who is hoping to spend his gap year playing ball in Florida.

“This is definitely something I’ve strived for since I’ve known about college baseball,” Chee-Aloy related. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity and excited to get there and compete for a job. With the recruiting class coming in, we have a chance to take home the Big 10 title.”

Business will be the major for Chee-Aloy, who carries a 3.9 GPA.

“Everyone is ecstatic for me,” Chee-Aloy concluded. “I thought it was the perfect fit. I love the way they run the program and that Canadians have gone there in the past. My parents are comfortable sending me to Illinois.”