Cochrane High School student Koby Brander was recently selected as one of 16 players to make the Zone 2 boys baseball team for the Alberta Summer Games in Leduc taking place on July 14 to 17.
The 15-year-old – who is the only player from Cochrane in the squad – tried out two years ago for the 2014 Games in Airdrie but failed to make the team.
Armed with renewed determination this time around, Brander proved he’s ready for the big stage.
“Before I tried out I was underage, this time I was one of the older kids there,” the third baseman said. “I’m pretty privileged to make the team, it’s great.”
Brander, who plays his club ball for the Calgary Cubs Bantam AAA team, says he expected to do well in the tryouts but wasn’t entirely sure he would make the team considering the competition and what happened two years previous.
“I’m a lot better player this time around, and more focused on the game,” he admitted. “I was more relaxed because two of the guys from the Cubs made the team, and most of the guys who made the cut play in the same league as me.”
That focus he spoke of partly comes from the fact that Brander reached a crossroads in his life where he had to choose between sports if he wanted to excel at one.
“He played for the Bow Valley Timberwolves Bantam AA hockey team last year and decided this was the year to focus on ball,” Jolene Faber, Brander’s mother, said. “He played fall ball in Utah during October. He gave up hockey to pursue his dream.”
“I like baseball because I’m a lot better at it and you play it in nicer weather,” Brander smiled. “Eventually I would like to go to college with it and get a scholarship.
“If I’m good enough after, I’d like to play professional baseball.”
