Written by Sam Hossack of Sam Hossack Media
Orillia’s Mason Robertson is chasing a lifelong dream starting this Thursday playing with the Intercounty Baseball League’s powerhouse Barrie Baycats.
The 6’4″, 235 lbs southpaw from Orillia, Ontario was invited to the Milwaukee Brewers spring training in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic halted those plans.
Last year, Robertson spent the season for his freshman year in college at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida.
“Everything was open down in Florida. So, we had a season. Everything went well and now I’m transferred to California for the fall,” Robertson explained about his freshman season.
“My goal is to go out there and get outs for them, probably from the bullpen this year but also do my best to compete with them.”
Last year with playing in the USA, having his parents come to his games isn’t something that Robertson was able to do, but he’s excited to have his family attend games at Coates Stadium this season.
“It’s not usually a normal thing for my parents to come to my games when I am in the states, but they are able to be able to catch these games as well as my other family, which is super exciting.”
Baycats manager Josh Matlow said he is excited to add this high upside arm to the Baycats pitching staff.
“Mason’s not only a great kid but he’s going to school right now, and he needed a place to play and we’re honoured that he wanted to play locally with the Baycats.”
“I think that’s kinda where we’re at right now. We want to be able to feature a number of local kids and I think that’s kinda the beauty about all this. When I played there were kids at the ballpark and now they get to be Baycats and I think that’s a very cool thing to be apart of.”
Robertson went on to say, “I’m looking forward to try and get another ring with the team.”
The Barrie Baycats season begins on Thursday night at Coates Stadium as they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs for their 2021 IBL Home Opener. Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here.
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