Biggest Breakthrough” Wants Continued Success
He stands at 6’3” and weighs in at 225 lbs and anyone who meets him for the first time has trouble believing that he is only 19-years-old. In his first full-season in professional baseball, Nick Weglarz of Stevensville, Ontario hit .274 with 24 home runs and 83 RBI in 127 games in the Minor Leagues with the Cleveland Indians.
His play earned him the organization’s “Biggest Breakthrough” award, which is chosen by SportsTimeOhio.com. But this is not really surprising from the left-handed outfielder. After being drafted in the third round by the Indians in 2005, he went straight to the Burlington Indians of the Appalachian League. In 41 games, he hit .231 with 11 doubles, two homers and 13 RBI.
“It’s good to know that my season didn’t go unnoticed,” says Weglarz of his award. “It’s an honour that they think so highly of me.”
It would not be the only honour that would be bestowed upon Weglarz for his “breakthrough” season. He was chosen on the Indians All-Minor League first team.
“Again, it’s an honour. There are a lot of guys who had really good years, guys form Double-A and Triple-A. It’s really nice. It’s all I can say,” says Weglarz.
His success this season was not only in the shape of awards, but the 19-year-old was also promoted from low Class-A Lake County to high Class-A Kinston.
In Kinston, Weglarz saw a familiar face in the shape of teammate and fellow Canadian, T.J. Burton of Ottawa, Ontario. But not only were they teammates, they were also roommates and it did not take long for a war of words to break out.
“(T.J.) is an Ottawa (Senators) fan and I’m a Leafs fan,” says a laughing Weglarz. “So we got on each other quite a bit about that.”
“You feel like you’re at home,” adds Weglarz. “We’re the only two Canadians in Cleveland’s organization so it’s always good to see guys from back home.”
Weglarz and Burton will once again be teammates, this time with the Senior National Team as they will head over to Taiwan for the World Cup of Baseball in early November. This will mark the first time that Weglarz will be a member of the SNT. He previously represented Canada with the Junior National Team.
“I can’t wait to get there,” says Weglarz. “Anytime you get a chance to represent your country, not only in baseball but in anything, it’s exciting and an honour.”
“Nothing beats the atmosphere of the National Team and the comraderie of the players,” adds Weglarz.
Canada’s World Cup team will be young, with only five members of the 24-man roster over the age of 26. Weglarz will be among the youngest. But the team’s lack of experience does not take away from the talent it possesses and the young outfielder expects only one thing happening at the tournament.
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