Battlefords’ Wrench reflects on road to WCBL, championship with the Saskatoon Berries

“I’ve always had a lot of support from the Battlefords, and the community was always behind me, and obviously lots of family and friends as well. It’s great to have a community behind you. When you come from a smaller town, it’s great to not only represent yourself, but also a small community as well,” Wrench said.

“Even after the games, a few people came up to me and they’re like, ‘Hey, Battleford, that’s cool.’ It’s pretty cool to represent a small community like that.”

Because there was no triple-A program in the Battlefords as Wrench got older, he played in Lloydminster later in his minor baseball career.

“It was a great experience as well. I met a lot of great people and had a lot of great coaching out there. Lloyd is also a baseball town.”

Before joining the Berries, Wrench moved to North Dakota, playing at Williston State College before transferring to the University of Mary in Bismarck.

Wrench said the biggest difference in competition in the United States is the wider pool of players, some of whom can practise outdoors year-round.

“I would say the competition is definitely a little higher just because people come from all over. There are a lot of people who are able to play and train outside all year round, whereas in Canada there is a lot of indoor training.”

(Image Credit: submitted/Brody Wrench)

While players from the southern United States may have that advantage, Wrench said the level of competition in college baseball and the WCBL is similar.

“A lot of these players in the WCBL come from some really good schools, and they’re really talented players. There’s that in my conference as well at school. But you get to face a lot of new, different people, and it’s a great experience to have some new challenges come your way and overcome them.”

Wrench, who will return to the University of Mary for his senior year, said several WCBL teams had contacted him, but he had his heart set on playing for the Berries.

“It’s pretty close to family and friends, so they can come and watch games whenever they can, and that’s really the main reason. It’s a great ball club too, and they treat the players super well, so that was the deciding factor.”

Being close to family was also a significant part of Wrench’s enjoyment of the season.

“It’s nice to have family and friends be able to support you when they can. When you’re down at school, it’s a little different. You don’t really have that because it’s pretty far and you can’t see them as much. It’s great to have their support.”

As he prepares to return to school for his senior year, Wrench hopes to enjoy his time on the field while he can.

“You never know when it’s your last time playing. It’s probably my last year playing a season of baseball, and I just want to make the best of every moment, have a great time with the guys and compete to the best of my abilities this year.”

(Image Credit: submitted/Brody Wrench)

Wrench said he had not played summer baseball in recent years so he could focus on training. This season was originally meant to be a one-off opportunity to cross playing in the WCBL off his bucket list, but he is now considering a return next summer.

“After you win a championship and have a great year, I’m definitely considering coming back now. It was a lot of fun, and I definitely want to do it again.”

Reflecting on the season and his road to the WCBL, Wrench’s message to children from small communities who hope to reach his level is to appreciate every moment.

“Play the game with so much gratitude, joy and love of the game. Be grateful every time you get to take the field. There are a lot of people who would kill just to have the opportunity to play. So take every moment in and just be super grateful.”

After winning the championship with the Berries, Wrench will take a break before returning to the University of Mary in the fall for the school year and college baseball season.

—

Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

Battlefords’ Wrench reflects on road to WCBL, championship with the Saskatoon Berries

What's Trending