Dreaming of the Big Show

The three, all members of the Associes de Laval, came back with a head full of dreams and the hope of one day playing in the big leagues. The 32 players attending the camp were scouted by major league representatives.

The Baseball Canada Academy (ABC), located at Centre Claude Robillard in Montreal, is a national centre for high-performance athletes. At the Academy, talented baseball prospects can count on a total program of development that can lead to the national team, American colleges, and in some really special cases – Major League Baseball.

Steve Charbonneau, 19, was one of five catchers attending the Florida camp, showing versatility by also playing left field and first base. This was his second Florida experience.

"I knew what to expect. We had a good rotation of catchers. We were ready to face the music when put into the line-up," he told Courrier Laval. "I loved facing pitchers who are a cut above junior players. I think I did well defensively behind the plate. I had some difficulty with the bat, but I still managed to hit a triple and drive in 11 runs," he stated proudly. Charbonneau was impressed with professional players from the Philadelphia Phillies organization. "It makes you dream big when you look at these young players who belong to professional teams. I learned a lot watching them train and play."

The 18 year-old showed a lively fastball and an excellent change-up. At this year's camp he showed a lot more confidence on the mound.

"I knew I was going to do better this time. I was confident and I had a lot more control of my pitches," the Ste-Dorothée resident explained.

And although all eyes were on giant pitcher Philippe Aumont (6 feet 7 inches tall), Gagnon made his own mark. "I was the one who played the most. I'm very happy with my performance in Florida."

Gagnon hurled three innings against the Washington Nationals and six against a team of free agents. He gave up only two hits in twelve innings pitched.