The excitement in Willis Simair’s voice is palpable.
After a busy 2024 which included representing his province at the Baseball Canada Cup and then heading to sunny California for the Prep Baseball West Coast Games, you would think he would be ready for a break.
Instead, the 17-year-old really wanted to get his college commitment cemented.
The Going Yard Academy pitcher and outfielder received an early Christmas present following a showcase in his hometown of Saskatoon: his letter from Garden City Community College.
Simair is hoping to focus on pitching when he heads to Kansas, while his academics will likely be centered around engineering.
Not an easy route, by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s one he’s willing to take in order as he continues his baseball journey.
Simair joined us for Episode #318 of Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast, with some of his answers making up this latest edition of 1 Thru 9, with this being the first for Saskatchewan.
1. How happy were you to start spreading the news and showing off your commitment?
Oh man, I was pumped. My mom posted the first Instagram post then followed up with all the other posts. It was a huge piece off my chest – it was a huge relief. It just feels so good getting it out there.
2. Take us through the recruitment process for a minute. What all was involved from your standpoint?
I started doing all the recruiting processes in grade 11. I went to a bunch of showcases all over the place. Garden City wasn’t really in mind until I think the fall this year when there was a showcase in the city, the Saskatoon Berries showcase. Garden City was there. I threw there and the coach came up to me afterwards and we talked. Then I decided to go for a visit there and I really liked it, so decided to commit there.
3. What was it about Garden City that made you go “I want to play there”?
The facilities were fantastic. Every single thing I liked. It was a good fit for me. Also, the location in Kansas. It’s pretty warm there so I’m going to like it a lot. A lot better than up here in Canada. The facilities are great, the coaches are fantastic. I loved them. They showed me everything, went out to this really nice restaurant and loved it there. It was a great time.
4. You were able to represent Baseball Sask at the Baseball Canada Cup last summer. What did that mean to you?
It’s an unreal feeling. Just being out there with the whole team, playing against guys from across our country. It’s a surreal feeling. Just being out there playing, it’s so much fun. You just want to win so bad and it really brings out the best in me.
5. How cool was it to take a look at that green-and-yellow jersey for the first time?
Just taking it out – at first it’s just a jersey, but then you take a second to think and it’s more than a jersey, it’s a whole province you’re representing. It’s a sense of pride. This is what you can do. It’s awesome.
6. You also represented Canada at Prep Baseball’s West Coast Games. What was that like?
That was fantastic. Talked to George Halim, the head of Prep Baseball Canada. He’s a great guy. He got me out there. I did one event with them before for the Best of the West in Kamloops. I loved the organization. It’s just fantastic being with them. It’s a little different from anything else. Being out in California with the team, it’s really cool. You see some really good players from across the country. You’re with that team and when you go out there, I really want to show who I am. When I do, it’s amazing.
7. You’re born and raised just outside of Saskatoon. How did you get into the game in the first place?
I’ve been with baseball my whole life. I think I started when I was five years old playing t-ball and everything. My mom played softball growing up. She loved baseball and was always active. So she put me into baseball. I loved throwing things and had so much fun doing that, so baseball was perfect for me. My mom pushed me so much into it and it’s perfect for who I am. It just fit me so well.
8. For those young kids starting out on their journeys and wanting to get to where you’re at now, what are those go-to words of advice or piece of wisdom you’d like to impart upon them?
Just don’t give up and try new things. There are so many options out there. If one thing doesn’t work out, other things will. I always loved playing basketball but it didn’t work out. Baseball worked out for me and I’m the happiest I could ever be. Just never give up. There’s so many options out there in this huge world.
9. What does the game of baseball mean to you?
Baseball is who I am. Taking baseball out of my life would make me a completely different person. It’s there to guide me through tough times. I’m always thinking about it. It’s a part of me now. It would take everything out of me if baseball wasn’t a thing.
Tales of Baseball 