Sports Writer
STRATFORD, Ontario -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ area draft pick, Chris Wilson, is working in Canada to gain additional experience in the semi-pro Intercounty Baseball League.
|
Advertisement |
"Since it's semi-pro it is very similar to playing in the minor leagues," Wilson said. "The atmosphere is very high-intensity and competitive. Everyone is really trying to get to the same spot and working hard to get there."
While the Stratford Nationals aren't officially affiliated with the Devil Rays, pitching for them is a stepping stone for Wilson that could lead him to the big leagues.
"If I do well (the Devil Rays) said they'd make me an offer," Wilson said.
The pitcher started his first game for the Nationals (3-18) last Wednesday against the Brantford Red Sox (15-10), but didn't get any run support from the offense and lost his first appearance in the IBL, 3-0.
In the game, Wilson struck out seven batters while only giving up four hits in 6 2/3 innings of work.
Two of the Red Sox hits, however, were costly home runs and accounted for all three of their runs.
"I've got to be really particular what pitch I throw," Wilson said. "If you make a mistake, they're taking you deep. I learned that the hard way; I made the wrong pitch and they made me pay for it."
Wilson will have an opportunity to learn from those mistakes tonight when he'll get his second start on the mound against the Oshawa Dodgers (8-17).
Off the mound, Wilson said living in Canada is "fun,” but a "different experience." He also said the people are "really nice" where he's at in Ontario.
"They refer to me as the American," Wilson said. The majority of his teammates are Canadian, but there are other Americans on his team. The other Americans, however, "have been there longer so they've earned the right to be called by their first names," Wilson said.
The Nationals, who are currently in last place, will continue playing through July. The season will come to an end in August.
After that, Wilson will meet with the Devil Rays again.
Until then, however, Wilson will try to earn a mutual trust with his National teammates.
"It's about sticking together with nine guys, especially as a pitcher because you have to trust those guys enough to throw a ball and when it gets hit, trust them that they're going to field it. They (have to) trust me too," Wilson said. "It's all about staying together and laying it down on the line for the people next to you."
Wilson, 19, pitched one season for Trinidad State Junior College before the Devil Rays drafted him.
The IBL, which was founded in 1919, is one the oldest amateur men's league in Canada.
It was previously known as the Intercounty Major Baseball League and the Senior Intercounty Baseball League.
The Nationals moved to Stratford from St. Thomas, Ontario in 2004. The Nationals, have struggled in Stratford, however, and finished 1-33 last season.
Contact Cody Olivas at codyo@montrosepress.com
• Be respectful of others, the writer and the subjects in the story.
• Be relevant. Keep your comments on point.
• See the guidelines for TalkAbout. Perhaps your comment is best for that community forum, available from the home page, instead of commenting on a particular story.
Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. Montrose Press is not liable for messages from third parties.
DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in montrosepress.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Montrose Press. Montrose Press does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Montrose Press spokespersons.
Thank you for your comments!