Strong-Hitting Gurney Makes Position Change, Reclassifies

SCOTLAND, Ontario - What a year it has been for Cameron Gurney with a position change followed by reclassification. What has not changed is his ability at the plate.

“I’m a big offensive player,” pointed out the top-rated junior in Ontario. “That’s my main strength, that’s the biggest part of my game.”

Chris Kemlo, PBR Ontario Director of Scouting, did not disagree.

“The bat really stood out to us,” Kemlo noted about the PBR staff has seen in the left-handed hitting Gurney. “His in-game performance over the end of the summer felt like he was 2-3 or 3-4 every day with hard hit balls from pole to pole. He would flash some power at times and that was nice to see as well.”

A move to catcher has brought intrigue to the recruiting process of the Pauline Johnson High School 17-year-old.

“I grew up a shortstop/pitcher but as I started to grow it became more noticeable it was not necessarily a shortstop build,” the 6-0 180-pounder explained. “I talked to my coaches about it just over a year ago and they said to give catcher a go. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Rapid improvement has followed.

“When I first started catching I was all tight and wasn’t as flexible,” Gurney pointed out. “As I’ve worked on it, I’ve gotten better at it. I also have a better mental understanding of things. The coaches have really helped a lot. It’s made a world of difference. I have way more confidence back there.”

Kemlo has been impressed with what he has seen of Gurney behind the plate as well as with his overall game.

“Gurney is someone who really made strides this year to his entire game, all while learning a new position; which is arguably the toughest position on the field in many people's eyes,”.Kemlo said. “As always, when learning a new position the winter will be a big part in his development.”

The change to the 2022 class was an easy decision according to Gurney.

“I reclassified about the same time I started catching,” Gurney noted. “I thought it was a smart decision with the new position. It gives me more time to grasp the position.”

Dealing with COVID-19 has admittedly made the recruiting process more difficult.

“I’ve talked to a few Division I programs but it’s been tough for me with covid and all,” Gurney said. “One school I really really like is Stetson but it’s been hard to get out, being from Canada. There are a lot of rules going over the border and back. I did a virtual tour and really liked it.”

Help with recruitment has been vital according to Gurney.

“Coach George Halim, who is big with PBR Ontario, has really helped me out a lot with my recruiting process sending out video and using his connections,” Gurney said in reference to the Assistant Director of Scouting. “That’s been a huge part of my recruitment in getting my name out there.”

The idea to make baseball his future came a couple years back.

“I played hockey up until grade nine, but it was at that point I realized I was a bit more serious with baseball at that stage,” Gurney reflected. “Me and my family decided I should focus on one of them and from here on out play baseball competitively.”

A 3.1 student who still plays hockey as well as volleyball, javelin and badminton in high school, Gurney has big plans ahead in his drive to improve in baseball while at the same time looking for a college home.

“This offseason the plan is to get as strong as I possibly can and work on my speed,” Gurney explained. “That’s a big part of the game that I definitely can improve upon.”

As for a timeframe on a decision, Gurney is uncertain.

“I’d like to know where I’m going as soon as possible, but I also want to make sure it’s the right fit and feels right,” Gurney said. “Hopefully it will happen in the next half year. I’m hoping to start talking with as many schools as possible and then whittle it down, feel it out and get the best one for myself.”

Kemlo is confident it will all work out well in the end.

“The left-handed bat with a knack for finding barrels is going to be a real find for the program that ends up committing Gurney,” Kemlo said.