2011 World Baseball Challenge PG AXEMEN

2009 Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines World Baseball Challenge

Prince George Westcana Electric Axemen

Prince George players were given a golden opportunity to play at an international level on home field in 2009, with the team bolstered by some team-minded additions at key positions -- the stats are posted under "HANDOUTS", showing that of the 224 at-bats for the Axemen, 154 were by Prince George players (a whopping 68.8 per cent). The majority of the at-bats for recruited players were used by professionals Charlie Strandlund and Darren Doucette, who were brought in to anchor the middle of the batting order. Prince George players combined for 44 game-starts out of a possible 70, and one-third of the Axemen pitching innings were by Prince George players. A total of 28 local players saw playing time in the first WBC in Prince George, most seeing action in at least three games. Some players took advantage of the opportunity and played very well, were solid citizens off the field, and those who recognized the unique opportunity to be part of the on-field product of the tournament will have memories to last a lifetime. Since 2000, Prince George players have been very fortunate indeed to participate in Western Canadians, two national tournaments (second only in BC to the Burnaby Bulldogs), and compete internationally at tournaments in Kamloops, Grand Forks, and on home soil -- including appearances in both World Baseball Challenge tournaments (2002 and 2009). Many, many players have asked to be part of the effort in 2011 -- it will again be a great event to participate in while wearing a uniform. A smaller roster will be used for 2011, and participation will be based on skill, team play, citizenship and attitude. Those interested should get in contact with the program.

Official 2009 tournament roster for Prince George Westcana Electric Axemen, host entry in the international World Baseball Challenge tournament.

(See player pictures under PHOTOS-PG Westcana Electric Axemen)

Manager – Jim Swanson

Coaches – Dave Diachuk, Trevor Strandlund

3. Jason Bailey, LHP
5. Dave Diachuk, 1B

6. Dustin Bissonnette, SS/2B

7. Andrew Brock, RHP

8. Trevor Strandlund, LHP

9. Jason Cage, RHP

10. Charlie Strandlund, 3B/OF

11. Kyle Iwata, C/IF

12. Cory Therrien, OF

13. Jordan Wenzel, RHP
15. Brooklyn Foster, 3B/C

16. Shawn Schaefer, LHP/OF
22. Perry Scott, 2B
25. Darren Doucette, DH

26. Tom Nielsen, LHP

27. Adam Norn, OF

29. Riley Ferster, RHP

30. Scott Tulloch, C

31. David Ross, LHP
33. Leon Mosure, OF
34. Joey MacDonald, LHP

35. Scott Rhynold, LHP

36. Jason Docherty, 3B
40. Barrett Bellefontaine, LHP

41. Steve McCrea, RHP
51. Madison Smith, IF

Bios

Players

3. Jason Bailey, LHP

Age: 31 Height: 5-10 Weight: 170

Bats/Throws: L/L

-- From Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, member of Dartmouth Moosehead Dry powerhouse that has made regular trips to nationals, teammate of Axemen DH Darren Doucette; Bailey was named Canada’s amateur player of the year in 1996; Named top pitcher at nationals five times, including Dartmouth’s championships in 2004 and 2005; Has a 9-1 record at nationals going back to 2000; His best season might have been 2007, with an 11-0 record and seven saves, plus a sparkling complete game win against New Brunswick at nationals in Quebec City; Employed by Sleeman’s Brewery.

6. Dustin Bissonnette, IF
Age: 25 Height: 5-9 Weight: 175

Bats/Throws: L/R

-- Long-time Prince George resident played Little League, Babe Ruth and junior baseball; Son of Bob and Denise Bissonnette, former owners of Northland Chrysler; Youngest player at 2002 World Baseball Challenge in Grand Forks (18), played short for Prince George Axemen; Hit an opposite-field home run in final of 2002 Big League Canadian Championship in Lanark, Ont.; Works in marketing and plays for Lethbridge Bulls of Western Major Baseball League; Two seasons at University College of the Cariboo (Kamloops); Three seasons as starting infielder, mostly at second base, for Lousiana State University-Shreveport, set numerous records (hits, stolen bases) and school named hitting practice facility in his honour when he graduated; 2005 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference player of the year; Played for Team Canada at World University Games in Taiwan in 2004, alongside fellow Axemen player Charlie Strandlund; Four-time first-team selection in Western Major Baseball League (2005-2008).

7. Andrew Brock, RHP

Age: 26  Height: 5-10 Weight: 155

Bats/Throws: R/R

-- From Burnaby, pitched for College of Idaho Coyotes, graduated with many top-10 placings in school history, including innings pitched, and won many all-conference honours; generally considered among the best amateur pitchers in B.C.; appeared at nationals in 2006 (Brandon, with New Westminster Royals), and in 2007 (Quebec City, Team B.C. Selects), part of national champion Victoria Mavericks in 2008 (Brandon); led New Westminster to 2006 provincial title at Citizen Field with a 2-0 record, two complete-game starts, and a 1.92 ERA. Command specialist with a devastating changeup. Has played for Axemen in Kelowna tournament, provincials, and other events, and is known for being able to pitch effectively with very little rest. Named top pitcher at Kamloops International twice (2006-07). Was a member of the only Canadian team to win a Little League World Series title – 2000 in Tuscon, AZ, Big League champions. Member of three Canadian championship teams.

9. Jason Cage, RHP

Age: 36 Height: 5-10 Weight: 185

Bats/Throws: S/R

-- Member of the Shooter's Royals of the P.G. Senior Baseball League; Twice named top pitcher in PGSBL (2006, 2007); Pitched for Axemen in numerous tournaments, including provincials, Kelowna invitational and Grand Forks; struck out seven in five innings in outing against Lewiston at 2008 GFI.

10. Charlie Strandlund, 3B/2B

Age: 27 Height: 6-1 Weight: 190

Bats/Throws: S/R

-- Victoria native has played for Axemen in Grand Forks, nationals, provincials, Kamloops International and other events; Nephew of LHP/pitching coach Trevor Strandlund; Represented Canada at World University Games; Used his bat, glove and arm to help Victoria Mavericks win the Baseball Canada Senior Championship in Brandon in 2008, hit in the middle of the order and threw a complete-game victory; Named top hitter at 2008 nationals; Can play any position – pitch, catch, infield, outfield, but best position is third base; NAIA All-American and Region 1 player of the year while at Daytona Beach Community College in 2005; Played at College of Southern Idaho.

11. Kyle Iwata, C/IF

Age: 23 Height: 5-10 Weight: 165

Bats/Throws: R/R

-- Native of Coquitlam, plays for Coquitlam Angels senior team; Has represented Prince George Axemen at provincials and various tournaments, including the 2008 Grand Forks International; Quick bat, excellent baserunner, outstanding arm and defence no matter where you put him; Named top catcher at 2008 Baseball Canada Senior Championship in Brandon, picked up by Victoria Mavericks; Named to Team BC selects for 2007 nationals (Quebec City, bronze); Former college player at Kwantlen who spent two years with Melville in the Western Major Baseball League.

12. Cory Therrien, OF

Age: 27 Height: 5-10 Weight: 210

Bats/Throws: R/R

-- From Prince George, grew up in Nechako Little League, Babe Ruth, and now a member of the Inland Control Tigers in the P.G. Senior Baseball League. Solid defensive outfielder with a strong arm, swings with gap and home run power from the right side. Employee at WIC Construction, one of the more dedicated baseball players in the city who has been a force at various tournaments for the Axemen. Played for the Axemen in 2006, 2007 and 2008 provincial championship tournaments.

13. Jordan Wenzel, RHP

Age: 22                 Height: 6-0          Weight: 185

Bats/Throws: R/R

                -- Victoria native, moved to Prince George for a position with the Highways Department, works as a highway design tech; Product of Esquimalt Little League, plays for the Predators in the Prince George Senior Baseball League; Has represented the Prince George Axemen at provincials and at Kelowna and Grand Forks International tournaments; keep him away from your favourite bat, famous for finding a way to snap anything he swings.

15. Brooklyn Foster, C/3B

Age: 18                 Height: 6-0          Weight: 190

Bats/Throws: R/R

-- Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks in 43rd round, 1,296 overall, in 2009 MLB draft; Played Little League with Jeremy Kral, Justin Fillion, Brandon Manning and others, winning provincial championship on home soil in 2000; Son of Bob and Monique Foster, grandson of Audrey and Wally Foster; Moved to Langley earlier this decade, plays for Langley Blaze of Premier League, teammates with Curtis Sawchuk and Milwaukee Brewers first-round selection Brett Lawrie; Member of Canadian Junior Team, 2008-09; Signed letter to attend JUCO Iowa Western Community College for 2009; Many appearances for Team B.C. at nationals, including 2007 in Quebec City; Named to all-defensive team at Cal Ripken World Series in 2003; Has represented Canada in games all over the world; Prospect for 2009 MLB draft; Played on three provincial championship teams; Invited to national Mizuno Camp at Rogers Centre in 2007; All-star at Canada Cup, 2008, hit home run for B.C. to tie the final game at 2-2; Brother Kadyn Foster earned media notoriety earlier this year for becoming just the second 14-year-old to hit a homer out of the massive Walnut Grove ballpark in Langley.

16. Shawn Schaefer, LHP/OF

Age: 23 Height: 5-10 Weight: 170

Bats/Throws: L/L

-- Just completed college season at Cumberland University, named to second-team all-star; Former BCHL player with the Burnaby Express, skated on a line with current Phoenix Coyotes star Kyle Turris; Ace of University of British Columbia staff; One of the top pitchers for the Victoria Mavericks team that won nationals in Brandon last summer; Native of Coquitlam and member of the Coquitlam Angels senior team; Longtime teammate of catchers Scott Tulloch and Kyle Iwata and pitcher Andrew Brock; Nominee for 2008 B.C. Senior player of the year, thanks in part to a game in Kelowna last summer in which he threw a one-hitter and stroked four hits as a batter; Was the pitcher who won the epic nine-inning battle for New Westminster against the Axemen at the 2006 nationals at Citizen Field.

22. Perry Scott, 2B

Age: 31    Height: 5-6    Weight: 200

Bats/Throws: L/R

                -- Played college baseball, set numerous records that still stand at Div-3 Clarke College in Iowa, including batting average and on-base percentage, twice named team MVP and all-conference, second-team all-American in 2001; Prince George minor baseball product, played Freeman Park Little League, Babe Ruth, and junior Grays, now lives in southern Ontario and plays in top amateur league there with Welland Chiefs, including place on all-star team; Married to Catherine; Other college experience includes two years at Taft College (Calif.), second-team all-conference as a sophomore; “Best Baseball Moment: Being asked to come home and represent the Prince George Axeman in the 2009 WBC.”

25. Darren Doucette, DH/1B

Age: 38 Height: 6-4 Weight: 290

Bats/Throws: L/L

-- Will be a key for Axemen batting order, and will be feature player in WBC home run derby; Married to Alana, sons Ty and Mitchell; Long-time player/coach with Dartmouth Moosehead Dry of Nova Scotia Senior Baseball League; Two seasons at Ulster Community College in New York, named All-American and school retired his number in 1993; Signed with St. Louis Cardinals organization, won South Atlantic League title with Savannah Cardinals in 1993, including seven-game series win over Greensboro Yankees team that featured a shortstop named Derek Jeter; Played against Alex Rodriguez in Midwest League in 1994; Hit for the cycle in pro game for Madison Hatters in 1994; Signed with independent Adirondack Lumberjacks (Northern League) in 1995, league all-star at first base in 1995 and 1996, led league in home runs with 17 in 1996; In 1998, took over as Adirondack manager, youngest manager in baseball at that time at age 27; Lumberjacks retired his number in 1998; All-time home run leader in Nova Scotia senior baseball, named a member of Nova Scotia all-century and all-time teams; Two-time triple crown winner in NSSBL, won home run title seven years in a row; Member of back-to-back national championship teams (2004-05), named top hitter at nationals three times (1999, 2002 in Prince George, 2007) and nationals MVP in 2004; Best moment in baseball, in his words: “Gold medal game, National Championship 2004. Went 4-for-4 with two home runs and 7 RBIs in 10-4 win over Saskatoon and shared tournament MVP honours with my brother Ryan.

26. Tom Nielsen, LHP

Age: 32 Height: 6-2 Weight: 180

Bats/Throws: R/L

-- Resident of Sutherlin, Oregon, pitched for Axemen at 2008 Grand Forks International; Works as an assistant mill manager in the forest products industry; Married to Liz, three children – Sierra (5), Kali (4), and Nathan (1); A 16^th-round draft choice of the San Francisco Giants in the 1997 draft, signed and reached as high as high-A in Giants system, and part of 1999 Northeast League champion team; Four years of professional baseball, 8-7 record with roughly one strikeout per inning thrown; Among his teammates in pro ball – Joe Nathan and Mark Lemke; Pitched for New York in 2002 World Baseball Challenge in Grand Forks, numerous appearances at Grand Forks; Currently coaching high school team in Oregon; Former pitching coach at Stony Brook University in New York; Product of Fordham University in New York.

27. Adam Norn, OF

Age: 29 Height: 6-4 Weight: 230

Bats/Throws: R/R

-- Prince George native and local baseball product, multiple winner of the P.G. Senior Baseball League’s MVP award; Loves to hit at Citizen Field, perennial home run king; Manages the Inland Controls Tigers, three-time PGSBL champions, roster includes younger brother Brodie and Axemen players Cory Therrien, Angelo Desantis, Josh Young and Jason Docherty; Played in 2001 and 2002 nationals for Axemen, bronze in 2001 in Nova Scotia; roster player for numerous provincials and other tournaments; Works as an applications engineer for Inland Controls and Services

29. Riley Ferster, RHP

Age: 20 Height: 6-0 Weight: 180

Bats/Throws: R/R

-- Quesnel product, works as a personal trainer; Played three years of junior hockey as a defenceman, last year in Junior A in Ontario; Has represented the Quesnel Jacks at provincials and in PGSBL, has played for Axemen in provincials and other tournaments.

30. Scott Tulloch, C

Age: 23 Height: 6-0 Weight: 210

Bats/Throws: R/R

-- From Maple Ridge, student at Dickinson State in North Dakota; Parents Dave and Chris wouldn’t miss this event for the world; Played in three Canadian championship tournaments; MVP of the Dakota Athletic Conference, won Gold Glove, named to all-conference teams; Lists his trip to Summerside, PEI, in 1999 for the peewee nationals as his best moment in baseball.

31. David Ross, LHP

Age: 40 Height: 6-2 Weight: 235

Bats/Throws: L/L

-- Member of St. Albert Tigers, former Prince George resident who is now a paramedic in the Edmonton area; Married with two young daughters; Drafted in 22^ndround by Philadelphia Phillies in 1989 MLB draft, played three years pro in Phillies and Cubs systems; Has pitched in eight national championships and captured three Canadian titles; Spent a year as player/coach with pro team in Austria; Closer for Team Canada, closed out a win over Cuba in the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, also registered a save against USA in that tournament; Pitched for Seattle Studs and other teams in Grand Forks International and National Baseball Congress World Series (Wichita, Ks.).

33. Leon Mosure, OF

Age: 19 Height: 5-11 Weight: 185

Bats/Throws: R/R

-- Prince George product played Little League, Babe Ruth, and is a member of the BID Construction Grays; Member of the 2000 team that won the 9-10-year-old provincials at Gyro Park, teammates with Jeremy Kral, Brooklyn Foster, Curtis Sawchuk and Justin Fillion, with Nechako beating P.G. East in the final; Played in 2005 Babe Ruth nationals, third place; Powerful runner with a strong arm and developing pop at the plate; In his words, “Could not be more thrilled to represent Prince George at the 2009 World Baseball Challenge.”

34. Joey MacDonald, LHP

Age: 19                 Height: 5-10        Weight: 190

Bats/Throws: L/L

-- Quesnel resident and product of that city’s Little League and Babe Ruth program, now plays for the senior league Quesnel Jacks; Best moment in baseball – throwing a no-hitter to send his Quesnel Babe Ruth team to the final of the Junior Babe Ruth provincials.

35. Scott Rhynold, LHP

Age: 35 Height: 6-3 Weight: 165

Bats/Throws: L/L

-- Local baseball product now lives in Vancouver; Played college baseball for Douglas; Pitched at nationals for New Westminster Royals in 2006; Member of Axemen for numerous tournaments, including provincials, Kamloops; Made many provincial all-star teams through his youth baseball years; Pitched at nationals for Babe Ruth Knights; Threw a no-hitter this season for his summer team, the Coquitlam Angels of the Pacific Metro Baseball League, considered the top league in the province. On June 4, he struck out six, walked three, and allowed just one runner past second base in a no-hit 4-0 win over the Fraser Valley Red Sox.

36. Jason Docherty, 3B

Age: 27                 Height: 5-8          Weight: 185

Bats/Throws: R/R

                -- Prince George native played for Knights and Grays youth/junior programs; Member of the Inland Control Tigers, three-time P.G. Senior League champions; Has represented P.G. Senior Baseball with the Axemen in numerous tournaments; One year college baseball with the Prairie Baseball Academy in Lethbridge; Strong defensive third baseman with a line-drive swing and uses the whole field; Top hitter at B.C. junior championship in 2002 at Monty Gabriele Park, batting .642 for title-winning Grays team that advanced to nationals, where Docherty was named all-star third baseman for batting.346 with six runs batted in; Led Prince George to tournament opening-win over Ontario in that tournament, held in Newfoundland, driving a 3-2 pitch to the right-field gap with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to score two runs and tie the game 5-5 in an eventual 6-5 victory; Part of the Docherty family that has been involved in baseball at all levels.

40. Barrett Bellefontaine, LHP

-- One of the top pitchers in the Nova Scotia Senior Baseball League, with experience in nationals as a regular pickup player; Will pitch for the Halifax Pelham Canadians in nationals this year in Dartmouth, Canadians won the Nova Scotia title last year in impressive fashion and Bellefontaine was named top lefty in the league at season’s end thanks to 48 strikeouts in 55 innings, a 2.61 ERA and two saves, proving he can work as a starter and effectively out of the bullpen; Teammates with Prince George product Brandon Hunter, who is living in Halifax for the summer.

41. Steve McCrea, RHP

Age: 29 Height: 6-3 Weight: 190

Bats/Throws: R/R

-- From Coquitlam, member of perennial powerhouse Burnaby Bulldogs, works for Coca-Cola in marketing for 2010 Olympics; Played in four national championships, former College of Southern Idaho student athlete; Chosen to Team BC selects for 2007 nationals in Quebec City, started and won bronze medal game for BC against Ontario; Pitched in Grand Forks International four times; Started, threw three-hit baseball in a win over Seattle Studs on June 7; Durable pitcher who pounds the zone with strikes, imposing presence on the mound; Key arm for Bulldogs in four consecutive Kelowna Invitational tournament titles; “I could not be more thrilled to be representing Prince George at the World Baseball Challenge.”

51. Madison Smith, 1B/OF

Age: 19                 Height: 6-2          Weight: 185

Bats/Throws: L/R

                -- Prince George minor baseball product played Little League for P.G. East, then graduated to Babe Ruth Knights and played one season with the Kelowna Cubs of the Premier League. Currently a member of the BID Construction Grays. Hit a home run in the final of the 2007 provincial Big League tournament, helping Prince George advance to nationals. Student who is looking at college options.

Coaching staff

39. Jim Swanson, manager

-- Longtime resident of Prince George and also the chairman of the WBC. General manager of the Grand Forks Varmints in 1997, administrator/co-commissioner of independent Prairie League of Professional Baseball in 1996. Sports Editor of the Prince George Citizen since the fall of 1997, and beat writer for Prince George Cougars. Managed Axemen all but two years since 1998, including two appearances at nationals (bronze in 2001 in Kentville, Nova Scotia, host team in 2002); managed Axemen at Kamloops International Baseball Tournament, 2002 World Baseball Challenge, Grand Forks International, and nine provincial tournaments (finished second in 2002 in Kamloops). On coaching staff of bronze-winning Team B.C. Selects at 2007 nationals in Quebec City.

8. Trevor Strandlund, coach

-- Ex-pro pitcher who was on the staff of the Prairie League’s Grand Forks Varmints in 1997, when Axemen manager Jim Swanson was the general manager. Strandlund is also active as a pitcher for this tournament and will see time out of the bullpen. Pitched for the Axemen in 2002 World Baseball Challenge, facing the Houston Astros (now Reno Astros), and represented Prince George in the 2001 and 2002 senior nationals. Winning pitcher for Prince George against Quebec in 2002 nationals at Monty Gabriele Park. Lives in Victoria, named to Team BC Selects for 2007 nationals in Quebec City, named top pitcher at nationals with Vernon Canadians in 1996.

5. Dave Diachuk, coach

-- Surrey native and former national team catcher, grew up playing with Larry Walker, involved in the senior baseball loop for more than 20 years. General manager of Surrey Red Sox of the Pacific Metro Baseball League, has played with Axemen at provincials and Grand Forks.

OFFICIAL ROSTER, 2009 World Baseball Challenge, Prince George, July 16-26

TEAM Prince George Westcana Electric Axemen

UNIFORM COLORS Royal blue, red, white

Caps Royal Blue

Home White pants, white vest, red sleeves

Road Grey pants, royal blue jersey

Alternate White pants, red jersey

COACHING STAFF

Jersey No. Position Name (first, last) Last team affiliation (Pro/college)

Hometown

39 Manager Jim Swanson PG Westcana Electric Axemen

Prince George

8 Pitching coach Trevor Strandlund Victoria Mavericks

Victoria

5 Bench coach Dave Diachuk Fraser Valley Red Sox

Surrey

PLAYERS

Jersey No. Name (First, last) Last team affiliation (pro/college) Height/weight (feet/inches, lbs) Bats Throws Hometown

Catchers

11 Kyle Iwata Coquitlam Angels/Kwantlen 5-10/165 R R Coquitlam

15 Brooklyn Foster Langley Blaze 6-0/185 R R Langley

30 Scott Tulloch Dickinson State (ND) 6-0/210 R R Coquitlam

Infielders

6 Dustin Bissonnette Louisiana State-Shreveport 5-7/185 L R Prince George

10 Charlie Strandlund College of Southern Idaho 6-1/190 S R Victoria

22 Perry Scott Clarke College (IA) 5-6/200 L R Prince George

25 Darren Doucette Savannah Cardinals 6-4/290 L L Dartmouth, NS

36 Justin Docherty PG Westcana Electric Axemen 5-7/190 R R Prince George

51 Madison Smith PG Westcana Electric Axemen 6-2/185 L R Prince George

Outfielders

12 Cory Therrien PG Westcana Electric Axemen 5-10/210 R R Prince George

27 Adam Norn PG Westcana Electric Axemen 6-4/230 R R Prince George

33 Leon Mosure PG Westcana Electric Axemen
R R Prince George

Pitchers

2 Graham Allard Thompson Rivers University 5-8/175 R R Prince George

3 Jason Bailey Dartmouth Moosehead Dry 5-10/170 L L Dartmouth, NS

7 Andrew Brock College of Southern Idaho 5-11/160 R R Burnaby

8 Trevor Strandlund Grand Forks Farmints (indy) 5-11/210 L L Victoria

9 Jason Cage PG Westcana Electric Axemen 5-10/185 S R Prince George

13 Jordan Wenzel PG Westcana Electric Axemen 6-0/185 R R Victoria

16 Shawn Schaefer Cumberland University 5-10/170 L L Coquitlam

26 Tom Nielsen SF Giants (A) 6-2/180 R L Sutherlin, OR

29 Riley Ferster PG Westcana Electric Axemen 6-0/180 R R Quesnel

31 David Ross Phillies/Cubs/Team Canada 6-2/235 L L St. Albert

34 Joey MacDonald PG Westcana Electric Axemen 5-10/200 L L Quesnel

35 Scott Rhynold Douglas College 6-3/165 L L Prince George

40 Barrett Bellefontaine Halifax Canadians 6-0/170 L L Halifax, NS

41 Steve McCrea College of Southern Idaho 6-3/190 R R Coquitlam

STAFF Name Position

Chico Dhanjal Trainer

Ryan Yorston President, Prince George Senior Baseball