For 17-year-old William Hlady playing baseball at an elite level has always been a dream of his, but that dream has become a reality as he will be heading to Provincial Championships this weekend in Brandon with his Dauphin AA Midget Devil Rays team for the final time.
"It's super exciting to play in the Provincials," said William Hlady. "But it's also kind of sad being my last year because I will age out."
Just because William may not suit up for the AA Devil Rays again after this weekend, that doesn't mean his dream of playing at the next level will end anytime soon.
He will then head to Winnipeg next week for another Provincial Championships, this time with the Parkland AAA baseball team.
After that, William will continue his baseball dream as he is set to join the Iowa Wesleyan Tigers baseball team. The Tigers play in the St.Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and finished their season on fire, winning their last four games, and six of their last eight.
"It's super exciting for me," said Hlady. "To come from a small town, to playing baseball competitively in the states, it's great."
For now, William will suit up for his Devil Rays this weekend, but with the pitches he can throw, Iowa Wesleyan may not be the last stop for him.
"My favourite pitch is the curveball," said Hlady. "My fastball averages out at about 85 MPH, and can top out at about 91 MPH."
William attributes his success to all the coaches he has been coached by, including his father Jeff Hlady, who is the Head Coach for the AA Devil Rays.
Stay tuned to 730CKDM for further news on William Hlady, including how the AA Devil Rays do this weekend in Brandon.