Members of the Estevan TS&M U13 Brewers baseball club had the opportunity to learn from a former professional baseball player on Saturday.
Shane Dawson Jr., who spent six seasons as a pitcher in the Toronto Blue Jays organization and won a gold medal for Team Canada at the 2015 Pan-Am Games in Toronto, came to Estevan to offer tips to the Brewers as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Dawson’s father, also named Shane, is a coach for the Brewers.
Brewers head coach Darcy Henry said the younger Dawson helped players work on a lot of pitching techniques, including their fastball, curveball and change-up, as well as pick-off moves. And Dawson provided tips on hitting, base-running and outfield work.
Games such as two-ball, which saw the Brewers divided into groups of three, added to the fun of the day.
Dawson was impressed with what he saw from the kids in terms of their work ethic, attentiveness and ability to make adjustments.
“It’s good to see. If they can take one thing away from this weekend, then that’s one thing that will help them get better,” said Dawson.
A native of Fort McMurray, Dawson now works at a junior high and a baseball academy in Spruce Grove, Alta. Since his dad is a coach with the Brewers, Dawson decided to come to Estevan. It was his first clinic since 2019.
“I’ll help grow the game as much as I can, as long as people give me the opportunity,” said Dawson. “They’ve been pretty gracious hosts to me, making me feel pretty comfortable.”
Henry believes the advice that Dawson brought will be helpful for the upcoming season.
“These kids are like sponges and they’re willing to learn, and we’re starting league right away next weekend, and I can’t wait to put all the stuff we learned today into play,” Henry said on Saturday.
They should have a good team, too, as 10 of their 12 players are back from last year’s squad.
The Brewers will be in a nine-team league in the Regina Baseball League. Henry hopes they can get a full season in.
Provincials are scheduled for Aug. 20 at a location to be determined.
