When he isn’t slinging fastballs, Axel Flodell can be found slinging a guitar over his shoulder.
The Clavet native would love to make a name for himself in both baseball and country music if the opportunities present themselves.
And it’s so far, so good for the 17-year-old axeman.
After being a big piece of the arsenal of pitchers with Going Yard Academy and the Sask Five Marlins, Flodell was picked up by the Saskatoon Cubs to play at the Baseball Canada 18U Nationals in Fort McMurray last summer.
His performances have paid off, as he signed on with McCook Community College after high school graduation.
“Axel is a good teammate and clubhouse favourite who works hard and adds value both on the mound and within the team culture,” Going Yard’s Jordan Draeger wrote in a social media post about the commitment. “He has a strong, athletic build and brings a consistently positive attitude to the field every day.”
Armed with a few chords and three quality pitches, Flodell answered a few questions from us for our latest “1 Thru 9” to get to know him a little better.
1. How excited are you to head down to McCook for college?
I’m super excited to head down to McCook. It is the next big step in my life both as a baseball player and a person, and I’m ready for it.
2. What was it about the school that made you want to go there?
What stood out to me was the coaching staff and the opportunities they give guys to develop. It felt like the right fit for me to keep improving and compete at a high level.
3. You’re coming off a pretty solid season including heading to nationals in Fort McMurray. What was that experience like?
Playing in nationals was awesome. It was a great experience playing against some of the best teams in Canada, and it showed me more of what the next level of baseball might look like and what I need to do to get there.
4. Any favourite memories or moments from the last year?
My favourite moments from the last year honestly come from just being part of the team. Through the big wins we had and even the losses, I enjoyed every moment and made some of the best memories with the team.
5. What does it mean to you to get to rep the green and gold of Saskatchewan?
Representing Saskatchewan was one of the best experiences in my life. There’s a lot of pride that comes with it, and I just wanted to compete and represent it the right way every time I stepped on the field.
6. How did you get into baseball in the first place?
I started out playing both baseball and hockey when I was about five years old, and then fell in love with ball and continued playing ever since.
7. What has Going Yard meant to you in your development as a ball player and as a human being?
Going Yard has been huge for me. They’ve helped me develop my skills, but also taught me discipline, work ethic, and how to be a better teammate and person.
8. What’s your go-to walk-up tune?
I’ve changed my walk-up song a few times throughout the years. First, it was “Gasolina” (from The Benchwarmers), then “Starships,” and more recently it was “Save a Horse.” My pitching walk-in song has always been “Crazy Train.”
9. If you had one piece of advice or some words of wisdom for young kids just starting out on their baseball journeys, what would you tell them?
I would say just have fun. Worrying about failing all the time will take away the main point of the game – to have fun. Keep working, stay consistent, and trust the process because that’s how you get better.
Tales of Baseball 