Derek Marshall and Mackenzie Alcorn are both getting set for a fall classic they'll probably never forget. The World Series is the professional version of the Fall Classic; these kids are in for a minor-league version of it when they head to Nevada at the end of the month.
"I'm losing a couple weekends for it," says Marshall. "But it's worth it for a trip to Vegas."
Marshall was selected to play on a team along with players from Saskatoon, North Battleford, Warman and Martensville. The team will be traveling to Las Vegas at the end of October to compete in the tournament. Players are age 15 and under.
When talking about 'losing a couple weekends,' Marshall has been traveling to Saskatoon each weekend for games and 4-5 hours of drills and instruction run by Saskatchewan Baseball-qualified coaches. He's been spending a lot of time on the road.
Alcorn is much the same only he'll be playing in a younger age category.
Either way, both boys, who've been playing baseball in Yorkton, are going to be in for some of the best baseball either of them has ever played.
"It kind of came as a surprise," insists Marshall, who says he'll be playing a "little infield and a little pitching" when he joins his team next month in Las Vegas.
Despite the Americans' reputation for immense baseball talent, Marshall said he doesn't feel any pressure, at least not yet, saying that he's there to "pretty much just have fun," adding that "winning a few games would be a bonus."
His mom said the level of talent down south probably won't get to her son.
"He doesn't get intimidated much. He's just hoping to play well. The calibre is going to be high. He's excited."
Alcorn said it did not take long for him to decide to accept the invitation once he was asked."Nope," he said with a grin. "Going to Vegas...? Sure!"
Once his tryouts got going, he said he fit in quite nicely, adding that they were "pretty easy."
He's been spending his weekends as of late traveling up the Yellowhead to practice with what will be known as Team Saskatchewan next month.
It's a lot of driving, he said, but there is no doubt that it will be worth it once he leaves the country to play against some of the best baseball talent.
In the 14 and under category, Alcorn was selected for that team and will also be going to Las Vegas. This team includes players from Muenster, Saskatoon, Porcupine Plain, Unity, Arborfield, Watrous and Yorkton.
Alcorn said he thinks it will be a great experience just "as long as we don't get rained out."
He's making the trip to Nevada with his dad and gradparents and hopes to play first base and the outfield.
