Saskatoon Selects capture national U18 fastpitch title

The script couldn’t have been written any better.

After finishing fifth place in Fredericton, N.B. a year ago, the Saskatoon Selects are 2016 U18 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship. They triggered the 10-run mercy rule in the 5th inning with a 13-3 thumping of Ontario’s Wellesley Wildcats on Sunday.

Pitcher Jordan Hudson, also a member of Canada’s national junior team, grabbed MVP honours.

“It’s pretty unreal,” he said. “We went undefeated in round robin last year to come up short, we didn’t want the same thing to happen this year at home.”

Hudson went four-for-four with three RBI’s and two homers.

“It’s a surreal feeling and I’m so proud of our boys,” he said.

Catcher James Shirley went two-for-four with three RBI. Shirley and Hudson have been playing ball together since they were 10 years old.

“It’s a true bromance,” he said. “When we’re not on the field we’re hanging out. He’s my best friend.”

Hudson reflected on the first time he met Shirley.

“The first time we met he was about three feet smaller than I was,” he said. “He’s stretched on now.”

Shirley said it’s sweeter to win at home.

“It’s unreal to play at home in front of so many family and friends,” he said.

Hudson also got to share the moment with his dad, Scott, who’s the team’s head coach.

“It’s a dream come true,” Hudson said. “I can’t picture anything better than this.” 

Scott was also emotional after the win. “It’s real special,” he said. “We have a really close family and I can’t even put it in words.”