CREDIT: CENTREFIELD SPORTS
Centrefield Sports will be the destination of another baseball showcase hosted by Fanshawe College.

For the second year in a row, Fanshawe College will be hosting a baseball showcase.

The event is set to take place on March 17 at Centrefield Sports here in London from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“The experience that you get and the general help that you can embrace by just showing up is huge,” said Duson Karich, a pitcher with last year’s men’s baseball team.


“You never know what you’ll learn and figure out, something might just click that you’ve never thought of. By showing up, you’re already willing to learn and willing to improve, so might as well jump at any opportunity.”

The showcases are meant as a way for both initial meetings between upcoming players and coaches as well as a way for players to get an introduction to how the college handles their practices.

“It’s a win-win situation for both players and Fanshawe in general because these showcases help young players develop, but also at the same time, Fanshawe gets a chance to scout some players that they may develop over the next two or three years. It puts the college on the radar for some kids and it helps expand the actual word of the college as well.”

The showcase is open to all potential varsity athletes in grades 10, 11, 12 or college/university transfers and, with the event being during the off-season, it’s a great opportunity for these young players to develop their skill set.

“Now is the time to make these changes and adapt your knowledge, seek help,” said Karich.

“When you get into the regular season, you’ve already baked the cake. You can’t really change what you wanted to work on significantly. These showcases during the off-season can get you started on experimenting and changing things up.”

He went on to say that, for athletes looking to attend, it’s important to take in as much information as possible.

“Number one thing is, yes, of course it’s fun to make friends and we all want to have fun at these sorts of things, but try to be focused on what the coaches are saying. Sometimes when they’re talking to other players, try to even listen to that because you might pick up something that you needed.”

With this being the second year in a row for the college to host such a showcase, there are athletes who played on the team last season who already have experience with what can be learned.

“My whole changeup delivery has been changed because of the showcase,” said Karich.

“It opened up a new perspective on how I should throw it and the way for me to be successful with it. It was three or four little tips that I was given that snowballed and opened up the possibilities for me.”

The cost for the event is $70 and players are responsible for their own equipment, with running shoes being a requirement.

For those who are still on the fence of attending, Karich had one final piece of advice.

“Don’t be shy to ask for help. Sometimes, I’ve seen players who are a bit too shy, but you have nothing to lose when being at one of these showcases.”