He was one of the many revelations around the Western Canadian Baseball League in 2025.
Nathan Pisio was a league all-star after putting together an outstanding season on the hill for the Moose Jaw Miller Express, sporting a 3-2 record, 3.28 earned run average and six saves in 18 appearances.
And the local did it all freshly out of high school.
Now with a season at Bethany Lutheran College under his belt, the 6-foot, 200-pound righthander wants to have an encore to remember with the Miller Express.
Surrounded by a solid core of veteran returns like William Edwards, Thomas Soto and Westin Walls, they have one goal in mind: winning the Harry Hallis Trophy as WCBL champions.
Pisio joined us for our WCBL East Division Season Preview Extravaganza, which helped us form the basis for our latest 7th Inning Stretch.
1. You’re coming off a year where you hadn’t even played a college game yet, but you were lights out with your hometown team. How happy were you with your 2025 performance?
Oh, very happy. Like I said to most people, a lot of it was luck. I did train all season for that. I didn’t really have much going on. Most of all, I was just trying to enjoy the game and enjoy my time with the Millers. I wasn’t expecting too much as well, coming as a high school student. Most of the guys were in their third or fourth year of college, so I just kind of rolled with it and was able to continue that success throughout the season.
2. What did you learn during the course of the season or maybe during the playoffs that helped you become better-prepared heading into this summer?
I would say just my mindset as a pitcher. I used to always be a catcher, so I’ve had to learn a lot about having a pitcher’s mindset, what it means to be relaxed on the mound and things like that. Having fun is a big point for me, too. That was the biggest difference between any games I’ve played is that I was able to have fun and be able to not worry about situations in playoffs or games, like the tight ones with Saskatoon (in the playoffs). I was able to go out there and throw the ball like I know I can.
3. You have a few veterans returning to the roster this year and a few new faces, when you look at this team, what do you see?
I see a very strong lineup. We had a very strong lineup last year with guys like Austin Gurney. Most of our guys from last year are back and we have some new additions including one of the players who plays with me in college, Gary Swann. He’s been amazing there as a freshman and I think was a runner-up for Rookie of the Year last year. He was clutch in our regionals and in some big contests. I’m excited for him to come experience some Canadian baseball and especially some Moose Jaw baseball.
4. You also have a new-old face at the helm with Michael Gonzalez taking over as head coach. What does he bring to the table in your eyes?
Gonzo’s always been a fun guy to hang around. He’s a Yankee fan like myself, so always enjoy that. He always brings a relaxed vibe to us and he’s always been there for us. When game time comes around, he will be on you, just like how Eric (Marriott) was. And he still has that culture as well.
5. On the personal side of things, do you have any goals or expectations of yourself going into the summer?
No, I’m just going in to play and have some fun. Talk with the old teammates from last year and then also compete. I’m here and I want to win a championship. It’s been a life-long goal of mine to just play with the Millers and now I want to be a part of a championship with the Millers.
6. What’s it like getting to play in front of friends and family every night in Moose Jaw?
It’s amazing. I couldn’t be happier with that. I’ve spent my whole life at the ball field. I always say my second home is Ross Wells Park. To see all those familiar faces watching me now pitching is just a dream come true.
7. What would it mean to you to win a WCBL championship with the hometown Moose Jaw Miller Express?
It would mean everything. That’s what everyone talks about. We just need to get into the playoffs and we’ll roll from there. We’ve done it twice, making our way to the championship and, of course, two times we’ve been upset. This year, we’re hoping to turn that around and make our way back into the championship and win ourselves a ring.
Tales of Baseball 