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Former North Bayite swings a big stick for Team Canada

'It’s kind of a nice feeling too because I feel like I made it and there is nothing really bigger, the only thing left is to win this game'
bretfoisyteamcanadapic 2
Bret Foisy doing batting practice with Team Canada at a previous event. Photo courtesy Bret Foisy.

Bret Foisy has packed his baseball bag and is heading to Oklahoma City to represent Team Canada as part of the 16-man roster competing at the Border Battle tournament taking place from June 29th to July 1st.   

The 34-year-old paramedic who now lives in Simcoe County, grew up playing baseball and Slo-Pitch in North Bay before moving down south in 2007. 

The St. Joseph-Scollard Hall alum got the Team Canada invite thanks to an impressive showing at the nationals last year in the Yukon when he led the tournament with 12 home runs, 38 RBI’s and a .730 batting average. 

“It’s a tremendous honour to represent your country and my hometown North Bay along with the current town where I live now,  and the people I play with in Softball Ontario and Softball Canada because ultimately this is the biggest stage for Slo-Pitch softball in the world,” said Foisy during his drive to Oklahoma on Monday.   

Foisy is expected to play the role of middle infielder this weekend, although he also has experience playing in the outfield. 

“Some players have been stuck to one position but I have been kind of floating around,” said the versatile ball player. 

Foisy says Team Canada will play some local teams from Oklahoma today and on Friday before the huge July 1st game against Team USA.   

“It’s kind of a nice feeling too because I feel like I made it and there is nothing really bigger, the only thing left is to win this game,” he admitted.  

 Foisy admits his love for Slo-Pitch comes from his roots in North Bay, where he grew up playing baseball as a kid but always admired his Dad who played Slo-Pitch.  

“I became friends with a lot of the players my Dad played with and I can remember early on getting a chance to play on my Dad’s team as a young 16 or 17-year-old and getting away from baseball,” Foisy reflected.  

Now the former North Bayite is hoping for an amazing Canada 150 celebration by winning a Border Battle championship against the heavily favoured squad from the USA.  

If could be even more special for Foisy, who is considering hanging up his competitive Slo-Pitch cleats after this tournament.  

Foisy would like nothing more to end his successful career as a champion.


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Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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