An Okotoks Dawg pitcher isn’t just coming from a different country to play in the friendly confines of Seaman Stadium; he’s coming from a whole different part of the world.
Jamie Wilson is the first Dawg from the southern hemisphere. Wilson, a right-handed pitcher, learned his baseball in Auckland, New Zealand, a country better known for their athletes wearing the All-Black for rugby, rather than trying to hit the black of home plate with their pitches.
“I have been playing baseball since I was 11 and there were only six teams in Little League in Auckland — which was pretty much all of baseball for New Zealand then,” the 23-year-old Wilson said.
The University of Auckland product estimated there are approximately 3,000 players now in New Zealand.
Wilson’s pitching prowess was enough to earn the crafty righty a spot on New Zealand’s team for the World Baseball Classic in 2012-13.
Although New Zealand didn’t qualify for the main tournament, Wilson got to see action in a qualifier against the Philippines.
“It was incredible,” Wilson said. “I came in for long relief and pitched 4 2/3 innings. I only gave up one run.”
Wilson played for a club team in New Zealand, Howick Pakuranga, in the summer of 2013 — January and February down there.
He ended up getting an invite to the Dawgs via Greg Wolfe, who is currently the head coach of the Okotoks Bantam Black Dawgs. Wolfe was a technical director for baseball in New Zealand.
“I asked Jamie: ‘Hey do you want to come up here and do some coaching,’” Wolfe said. “He can pitch at this level (Western Major Baseball League).
“Jamie also comes with a catching background which also helps him on the mound and he has strong character.”
Wilson is also helping to coach in the Dawgs Academy.
Wilson pitches with the craftiness of a seasoned veteran. He’s sneaky fast and before you know it, he’s beaten you.
“I believe it is his command (of his pitches) that is his best pitch,” Wolfe said.
Wilson caught the baseball bug the same way millions of Canadians did — watching the Jays.
“I was born in London, Ontario and I came to New Zealand when I was five,” Wilson said. “My first memory of baseball was sitting in the Rogers Stadium watching ball. I think it was ’95 after the strike.
“I am a huge fan of the game.”
He is also a fan of Okotoks.
“I love it,” Wilson said. “Nice place, great people and the facilities are great. I’m in heaven here.”
His goal for the Dawgs is simple — help them win a Western Major Baseball League crown to end a three-year drought.
“I want to have some good outings for the Dawgs,” Wilson said. “I’m not too sure how I will be used, but I want to make my stay here a memorable one.”
Wilson has been in Okotoks for approximately a month, helping to coach the members of the Dawgs Academy. He struggled with the so-called spring of the foothills.
“I came just after our summer and adjusting to the winter here was kind of interesting,” he said. “I think I have worn my beanie (toque) every day.”
Hopefully, Wilson won’t have to wear his beanie when the Dawgs play the Junior Academy Dawgs on May 30 at 7 p.m. at Seaman Stadium.
The Dawgs start their WMBL season on June 1 against the Lethbridge Bulls. The Dawgs’ home opener is June 7 when they take on the Edmonton Prospects at Seaman Stadium.
For ticket and schedule information go to www.dawgsbaseball.ca
