By Sam Cortes, Communications Coordinator

Baseball’s selection process for Team Manitoba at the 2021 Canada Summer Games is well underway.

For Head Coach Amos Ramon, that means having an experienced coaching staff, identifying where athletes can develop, and preparing them for the off-season.

Earlier this summer, the coaching staff held two Open ID Camps in Winnipeg and Brandon. From there, 30 athletes were invited for a three-day Development Camp in August at Shaw Park, where they focused on skill work, team drills and scrimmages.

But just because an athlete didn’t participate in the Development Camp this time, there’s still an opportunity to be a part of Team Toba.

“If they didn’t make it, all this means is that they can work on these things and get better. We want them to come out and try it again in the spring,” said Amos.

 

The Mental Game

As we head into September, it might seem like Games time is far away. But this time is crucial and leaves one question for a baseball athlete.

How will you make your off-season count?

There’s a ton to work on. Of course, setting objectives for certain skills – ground balls, fly balls,  better swings. Some athletes will use the netted flex space at Sport Manitoba to train.

But the mental side of things is just as important, and learning how to fail just might help you win.

“Learn how to fail. A lot of us shy away from it because it’s a fear. But this is a game where you’re going to fail, and it’s how you cope, understand and overcome mid-game adversity when you’re down 0-3. That’s what I want any athlete to know. The faster you learn that, the better you become and the faster you develop. When you’ve failed before and understand how it works, you’re able to come back in the 6th, 7th inning,” said Amos.

 

The Best Thing About Being a Part of Team Toba

With an impressive group of talent from all across the province, Amos is excited to see where the team falls development wise and to experience the sense of comradery at Games.

“It’s like a mini-Olympics. You’re representing your province and that’s a huge thing for them to put that provincial shirt on and hold yourself to the highest level possible and play in front of people,” said Amos.

 

 

For more info on Team Manitoba and Baseball at the 2021 Canada Summer Games, visit:
Team Manitoba
Baseball Manitoba – Canada Summer Games