Local ball player a true prospect

Times Reporter  

 

Strathmore native Jayse Wilson is packing his bags to compete in the 2012 Prospect Series Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in Winnipeg, Man.

The 14-year-old was named to Team Alberta for the series, which will compete against the top players from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The second baseman was a little concerned that he hadn’t made the team, but when the phone call finally did come in he was ecstatic. 

“It was pretty spectacular actually because at first I didn’t think I was going to make it and then I got the phone call that said I made the team and I was just shocked and overwhelmed,” said Wilson. 

This year now marks seven years since Wilson first hit the field. Over that time he has stuck to the infield whether it be as a baseman or shortstop. 

“At the beginning of the year I wasn’t even going to play because of an injury and then Daren Kennett told me that he would play me at first base until I was rehabilitated,” said Wilson. 

Daren Kennett pushed him through to keep playing this year and Wilson says he is the greatest coach he has ever had. 

“He just keeps it simple and teaches us step by step, he always keeps working on us even if we get down on ourselves. We take it serious during practice now because we know that if we don’t take it serious we’re not going to win,” said Wilson. 

“My auntie (Kim Wilson) played for the Team Canada team for fastball and won athlete of the year for all of Canada, that’s what really made me stick with it. But also my grandma and grandpa and mom and dad just pushing me through to keep playing.”

The Brett Lawrie and Toronto Blue Jays fan said he hopes to get a scholarship and one day play in the bigs, stating he doesn’t care which team he plays for, as long as he gets to play.