Former North Regina Little League player wishes luck to World Series-bound team

For the first time since 2002, a team from the North Regina Little League will be representing Team Canada at the Little League World Series (LLWS).

On Thursday, North Regina defeated Vancouver by a score of 4-3.

In attendance for that game was Brett Barth, the second baseman from the 2002 North Regina team — the only other time Regina has represented Canada at the LLWS.

“I went to watch a few games when the tournament was here a few days ago and during the final I think I was more nervous than the players were,” Barth said.

Barth called it a dream come true to play at Williamsport and hopes these young players don’t forget to enjoy themselves while they’re in Pennsylvania.

He said he also wants these kids to know how much they’ve done for Regina baseball.

“Oh, it’s huge. It’s been 21 years now and I think Regina really needs it. Our baseball programs have come a long way,” said Barth. “I think this opens up a lot of eyes for many people that we have the athletes to actually do it.”

From an outsider’s perspective, looking at Williamsport is like looking at a Major League Baseball team’s spring training stadium. The stadium also holds more fans than what most of these kids are used to.

“The field and the way they take care of it, it’s still honestly probably the nicest field I’ve ever played on,” said Barth. “The grandstands are full and you’re playing in front of a lot of people and sometimes you need to be reminded that it’s just a game still.”

Putting on a jersey that represents your entire country is a feeling like no other, Barth said.

“Wearing something that says ‘Canada’ and knowing that you’re representing a whole country, I think that’s when it kind of sunk in what we had accomplished,” said Barth. “After winning nationals and getting down there and getting fitted for the jerseys and looking around seeing everybody else wearing the same jerseys, it’s like, ‘Alright boys, we did it.’ ”

Participating in the LLWS is about more than just playing baseball — it’s also about building lifelong relationships with players from all over the world.

Barth recalled the impactful experience of talking to other players and learning the game from other perspectives.

“You wouldn’t think that somebody across the world would have so much in common with you, but once you start talking to a few kids, you realize how much they are like you,” said Barth. “That is part of the experience that you may never get to experience again.”

Barth also shared some advice he would give to the Regina players before they take the field for the first time.

“Just take it all in. These kids know how good they are. Watching them play, their defence is automatic and (they) know that sticking to the fundamentals is what’s going to win you games,” said Barth.

Barth said sharing the moment with his dad, who was the coach at the time, was one of the most special things to him.

The LLWS tournament starts on Wednesday. Canada is to open the tournament on Thursday against the Asia-Pacific champions.