Softball Canada names core players for WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup
Softball Canada announced 11 athletes who have been selected as core players who will represent world No. 2 Canada at the maiden WBSC U-23 WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup, set to take place from 15-23 April in Parana, Argentina. Canada was awarded a wild card spot in December to participate in the tournament.
According to Softball Canada, the coaching staff will select the remaining athletes by March 1 to form its 16 athlete World Cup roster.
The 11 core players identified by the U23 Canadian Men’s National Team coaching staff are:
- Thomas Baker
- Jordan Hudson
- Isaac Lefebvre
- Riley Manion
- Mitch McKay
- Jordan Pomeroy
- James Shirley
- Mark Stack
- Owen Torrie
- Brant Wiebe
- Reese Yantzi
Some players in the list have previous World Cup experience. Four of these players are veterans of the U-19 Canadian team that finished fourth in the World Cup 2018 in Prince Albert, Canada: Lefebvre, Manion, Pomeroy and Torrie (pictured above). Manion finished the tournament with a 1.65 ERA, the third best in the tournament.
In addition, left-handed pitcher Yantzi led the staff during the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2020 in Palmerston North, New Zealand.