THUNDER BAY - The Thunder Bay International Baseball Association is teaming up with a pretty popular ballclub.
Ahead of this year’s U18 Baseball World Cup, the city will bring in the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 30 to host the team's Baseball Youth Day.
“We’re really thrilled,” said tournament executive director Warren Philp.
The event will feature three separate two-hour clinics that will serve the local little league organizations, the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club, and the brand-new Challenger Baseball Thunder Bay.
The clinics will be run by members of the Jays Care Foundation and Blue Jays alumni.
“By virtue of their involvement, the Blue Jays are pointing out that this is a very legitimate tournament,” Philp said. “They’ll probably have four or five scouts at this tournament.”
Philp went on to mention that four current Blue Jays -- Russell Martin, Kendrys Morales, J.P. Howell, and Dalton Pompey -- have all played in previous editions of the U18 tournament.
“It speaks to the pedigree of the players in the tournament, and the Jays support underlines that very well.”
Program co-ordinator Tyler McDougall said she’s excited to have the support of the Jays Care Foundation for her new local baseball program.
“It’s going to be a youth program that’s geared towards youth with intellectual or physical disabilities,” McDougall said.
The youngsters will have an opportunity to refine their skills leading up to Blue Jay Day, and McDougall hopes they will have the means to start their league next spring.
“As much as I’m sure the athletes will love having me as a coach, it will be a lot more exciting for them to have baseball professionals leading them through different drills,” McDougall said.
“I think that’s something they’ll look forward to.”
As for the tournament itself, TBIBA is off to a good start in terms of volunteers and sponsors, but Philp said there’s always room for more.
“We’re looking to make a charge in July and August to fill our needs,” Philp said. “I can’t underestimate the need for team-captain-level volunteers.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can register online at www.thunderbay2017.com.
