The Windsor Selects enter their sophomore campaign in the CPBL, coming off a successful first season in the league.
The Selects ran four teams in 2021, going 14-10 at the 15u level, 12-9 at 16u, 11-14 at 17u, and 8-7 at 18u.
GM of the Selects, John Picco, stated, “the Selects had a great first season overall with all four teams competing and showing well in the season and playoffs.”
“One of the major highlights would be having five players compete in the CPBL All-Star game. We look forward to continued success in the league and playing against the best competition in the province and the country.”
Preston Barr of the 15u club, Matteo Pare, Griffin Howell and Carson Tehan of the 16u’s and Kurt Barr of the 17u’s competed in the showcase, all representing the organization well.
Meanwhile, Jack Fuerth, Adrian Harrison, and Andrew Sleiman were each invited to the tryouts.
18u Selects and @TorontoMets in @CPBLeague action at Cullen Stadium today. pic.twitter.com/wwUeRJvQiz
— Windsor Selects Baseball (@WindsorSelects) July 24, 2021
With depth throughout the organization, Picco expects strong performances from each club in the 2022 season, noting, “we have some good players at all age groups.”
“I especially look forward to our 15U and 17U team for the coming season. Our 15U team has some very talented kids coming into our organization and I am excited to see them compete in this league.”
“Our 17U team is intriguing as it has very deep and talented pitching staff and with a few position player’s reclassing, this team could be a good follow this summer overall.”
The pitching staff includes the aforementioned trio of Pare, Howell and Tehan. Since the season’s conclusion, Howell has committed to the University of Nebraska, with Pare being named to the Canadian Junior National Team’s Fall Instructional League Camp.
Good showing by all 3 of our 17u pitchers today in the @CPBLeague all-star game. @CarsonTehan @MatteoPare_ @griffinhowell22 pic.twitter.com/wi0mtHohHS
— Windsor Selects Baseball (@WindsorSelects) September 26, 2021
At 18u, Picco noted, “this team should be a competitive team in the 18U circuit this coming year. I believe this team will be a hard nose / grind it out team that will compete in the majority of games they play. The team will have solid defence and pitching which should keep most games close. The majority of players on this team have played numerous seasons together and the bond and chemistry should be strong.”
Picco stated, “the Selects will continue to develop quality athletes/ballplayers overall.”
“Heading into our second season and having an understanding of the league we will emphasize on developing our players to be ready to compete at this level for a full season. The Selects will look to improve overall at every age level.”
The Selects also look to capitalize on their new training facility as they prepare for the upcoming season. “The facility will be used by all four Selects teams this winter for workouts/hitting/throwing program/positional work. This is a great step forward for the organization overall,” said Picco.
With a new facility, an exciting upcoming crop of talent, and a year under their belt in the CPBL, the Selects look forward to a competitive 2022 season.