A lack of team success hasn’t stopped Cole Depner, Brett Fleming and Donny Lee from being recognized by B.C. Minor Baseball with all-star selections.
“I was pretty excited,” said Fleming, who has been strong on the mound for the (3-21) South Okanagan Minor Baseball Assocation Tigers. “Usually it’s some of the best players from the (best) teams that have been chosen to go to the all-star game. I thought it was a hard decision because there is a good group of guys in this league and on this team. I felt honoured to be one of the guys to get selected.”
Fleming has been happy with his play and said he’s improved significantly since his rookie season in 2010. He credits the veterans on the team. His improved play and all-star selection has given him a confidence boost. His ultimate goal is to earn a U.S. scholarship.
Depner loved the experience of going to the all-star game, held June 16. The only unfortunate part was that it was rained out and will be played July 28 at Vancouver’s Nat Bailey Stadium or Latrace Field in Richmond, according to The Richmond Review.
“I was looking forward to it,” said Depner. “It’s good to go up against the best competition in the league. It’s nice to see that they had a nice stadium for us.”
While there, the players hit in batting cages and filled out questionnaires. Player’s skills were on display during drills at the Richmond Oval. Now Depner is hoping to get selected to play for Team B.C. and compete in nationals in Quebec City in mid-August. So what has that done for Depner’s confidence?
“It really helps boost my confidence to know that I’m at the top of the league,” said Depner. “Really knowing that the hard work has paid off.”
Depner was given praise by coach Norys (Junior) Deleon for his play in a tournament hosted by Trail two weeks ago.
“He absolutely broke the ball,” said Deleon. “Just being able to put the bat on the ball with guys that are throwing a little bit harder, it was nice to see because he doesn’t see it all the time.”
Deleon threw praise at Fleming, who he said had a stellar performance in the fourth game of the tournament. The Tigers lost the tournament final to the Northeast 49ers from Washington State.
“It just showed that he can compete,” said Deleon. “He’s been a good pitcher for us all year long. Just sometimes we can’t put it together defensively for him. It’s nice to see that he’s starting to realize that he’s a good pitcher.”
Deleon said both of have a chance to make Team B.C., while Lee, who attends Kelowna Secondary School and Nick Bravi went down to the ID camp that BC midget league uses to evaluate talent in the North West Championship for a chance to go to Arizona and had a good showing.
As for the Tigers play, Fleming said its starting to progress as players step up. They recently suffered losses of 14-2 and 13-5 against Kamloops. The highlight in the first game was the Depner hit the Tigers’ first home run in
two years.
