By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

All the catchy team color-schemed names in blue have left the Rogers Centre.

Gone are Team New Blue, Team Navy and Team Royal, as the Canadian Futures Series ended Saturday afternoon. High schooler from coast to coast headed home with a suitcase of memorabilia and memories cramming their respective temporal lobe.

Now the Toronto Blue Jays occupy the Rogers Centre. And we leave it to the experts to decide whether more drive was exhibited last week or Monday and Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox, who ran the Blue Jays losing streak to five games.

Futures Day 1 - Cheong, Ellis, George, Laird, Rompre

Futures Day II — Dessureault, Kiss, Kooy, Rudge

Futures Day III _ Hobbins, Hoechen, Lightfoot, Thierman, Ward

Futures Day IV: Jackson, Leblanc, McDowell, Roach

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While the exuberant high schoolers have departed the thumbnails are still going in ... and it would be a disservice not to run them

Ontario Royals OF James Colella (Woodbridge, Ont.)

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Name: OF James Colella

Hometown: Woodbridge, Ont.

Current team: Team Royal.

Travel team: Ontario Royals.

Committed: Seattle University.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My parents, my father, David, who is at the Bank of Montreal and my mother Laura, a freelance art director. They are truly amazing because they’ve instilled in my core values and qualities that have shaped my success on and off the baseball field. Their unwavering support, love, and guidance have given me the confidence to pursue my long-term baseball goals and to have the mental strength to overcome many of the challenges that competitive athletes present. They are always positive and are role models that have shaped me into the person I am today.”

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life -- besides your parents -- and why? “It is extremely difficult for me to point to only one person in my as I have been blessed with many coaches and mentors who have been influential in my baseball career. They all have provided many significant foundational skills and knowledge necessary for me to grow as both a player and an individual over the years. A common theme is a passion for the game and dedication to developing young talent such as myself not only to improve my physical abilities but also my mental toughness which is required to be a strong contributor to my team. All of the coaches that have had an impact required me to have core values of teamwork, respect, discipline, leadership and perseverance.”

What was your greatest day on the ball field? “Last Tuesday at the Canadian Future Showcase ... I was allowed the opportunity to live my childhood dream of playing at the Rogers Centre. It was truly an unforgettable milestone that I will value and cherish for the rest of my life. It was the most surreal moment, knowing that many of my baseball idols also stood and played at this legendary Canadian stadium.”

Who is your favorite player and why? “Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers, both on and off the field. On the field, Mookie is a two-time World Series champion, and American League MVP. He has also won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award six times and has been an All-Star eight times. What I most respect about him is his consistency to perform at a high level, year after year which shows his commitment to excellence. Betts is also known for his tireless work ethic and always strives to improve and perfect his craft. He is the ultimate team player. He plays with a selfless attitude and always prioritizes the success of his team over personal glory.

“Off the field, Mookie is deeply involved in charitable work, using his platform to give back to the community and make a positive impact. He leads by example both as an athlete and a person, making him a role model for aspiring young athletes such as myself.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job for you when you grow up? “Pursuing a career in philanthropy would allow me to dedicate my life to making a meaningful difference in the world. Participating in impactful initiatives has been a core value in my life. It has allowed me to advocate for positive change and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities in need. It is my daily goal to leave a long-lasting legacy of compassion in the lives of others. (An example of his contributions. James Colella on X: “Thank you @alternatives_ for being recognized as Volunteer of the Year. Honoured to deliver person-centered support to individuals with diverse abilities, enabling them to live an inclusive, respectful and enriched life, within their community https://t.co/UGxzo4zQeG” / X

The most important life lesson you have learned from the game? “One of the most important life lessons I’ve learned is how to deal with the pain of failure. The key to overcoming failure lies in resilience and perspective. Instead of letting failure define me, I use it as an opportunity to improve and reflect on my development. For me, each failure becomes a lesson that pushes me to sharpen my skills and strengthen my mental toughness.”

What four people (living or passed) would you invite to a mythical diner and why? “The four people would fall into the following categories: heritage, athletic, academic and artistic. For heritage Salvatore Colella, my grandfather, for athletic Jackie Robinson, for academic Albert Einstein and artistic Frank Sinatra.

“My grandfather who has passed and I never had an opportunity to meet would be my first invite. I have developed a connection to him through stories and memories shared by family. This has allowed me to understand where I came from, the challenges my grandfather faced as an immigrant, and the wisdom he passed down through generations. The dinner would allow me to know him in person, his life, values, and experiences that shaped the family I was born into. Meeting him would give me a sense of belonging in my family’s history and how it has shaped me as a person.

“Jackie Robinson would be second because he broke the color barrier in the majors and was an amazing athlete that had to overcome relentless racism, threats, and discrimination. This would allow me to understand his courage, talent, and resilience that not only transformed the game but also the changes in society. Robinson knew he was changing the game through his civil rights actions and he wasn’t afraid of taking chances. He accepted the challenges that faced him and I would spend my time understanding how he overcame these obstacles.

“Einstein would be my third because he was one of the most significant and influential figures of the 20th century. His ground breaking theory of relativity reshaped the scientific world. The dinner would allow me the opportunity to understand his basic thought logic concepts and how to apply them to standard day-to-day situations. Albert Einstein was not the ‘perfect student’ when he was young and he had problems with his speech. I would spend my time understanding how he overcame these obstacles to become a Nobel Prize winner.

“And Sinatra would be my final invite because of his impact both in pop culture and the music world. From a very young age, I was introduced to his iconic standing in both the music and film industry which has intrigued me to understand his impact on the world. I would spend my time understanding all the key attributes that led to his success and how he was able to balance his music and film career. I would also like to understand his recipe for success in winning his Academy Awards.”

Langley Blaze LHP Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC) was at his third showcase.

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Name: LHP Sean Duncan

Hometown: Port Coquitlam, BC

Current team: Team New Blue.

Travel team: Langley Blaze/Junior National Team,

Committed: Vanderbilt.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My dad, Anthony Duncan. He started me in baseball when I was three years old. He always took me to practice, played catch and is the one that gave me the foundation of my game. We still go to the park and play catch regularly to this day.”

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life -- besides your father -- and why? “There isn’t just one person I could name. I am very lucky to have an amazing team of coaches behind me with the Langley Blaze. Doug Mathieson believed in me as a skinny short 12-year-old. He has always supported me and made sure I was in a position to showcase my abilities from a young age. My head coach, Jamie Bodaly, took me on his senior team as a ninth grader. He has always managed my innings and pitch count taking my health as a priority over any win. My pitching coach, Kyle Lotzkar, has worked with me the last 2 1/2 years and really elevated my game. My first coach at the Blaze was Stephen Chatzispiros (Coach Chatz) and he has remained my biggest supporter and hype guy.

“Outside of the Blaze, Greg Hamilton, my coach for the Junior National Team has been instrumental in my success. He took a chance adding me to the team as a 14-year-old and the experiences I have had playing on that team have really helped mold me into the player I am today.

“When I was 10 and 11 Fred Sabatine was my travel ball coach with Bullpen Baseball Academy. Fred taught me at an early age what it meant to be competitive and resilient.”

What was your greatest day on the ball field? “When I was 14 I pitched against Central Arizona Junior College (who had won the JUCO World Series the year before) on the Blaze Pro Tour, my first time not pitching to a high school team. I ended up going three innings, without allowing a run. I battled hard and I think its the first game to really put my name out there. It was also cool because the starter for Central was Matt (Tugboat) Wilkinson.”

Who is your favorite player and why? “Paul Skenes because of his personality on the mound and he is ultra competitive when he pitches … and he’s nasty.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job for you when you grow up? “I’m really good at math so I’ve always thought about becoming an engineer.”

The most important life lesson you have learned from the game? “Don’t let the past affect the present. If you have a bad outing move on because there is always another one to dominate.”

What four people (living or passed) would you invite to a mythical diner and why? “Michael Jordan, Nolan Ryan, Barry Bonds and Tom Brady. These are the most competitive people in sports and I want to surround myself with that kind of energy.”

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White Rock Tritons two-way man RHP-OF Walker Kokotailo (White Rock, BC)

Name: RHP-OF Walker Kokotailo

Hometown: Surrey, BC.

Current team: Team Grey.

Travel team: White Rock Tritons

Uncommitted.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My older brother, Preston, who actually attended the very first showcase in 2013 which was called at that time T-12. He inspired me to play hard and with passion and love the game. He’s always given me advice and told me to move forward in baseball and life, you need to always work your hardest.”

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life -- besides your family -- and why? “I have more than one person. My entire organization from management to my coaches in bantam, junior and premier have all supported me. My current coach is Tyler Lawson and our GM Jordan Broatch and assistant GM Matt Paculan have been very supportive of my development. My coaches and pitching trainer, Jeff Zeilstra, because they have all supported my training and development for years. There are so many over the years that I am not able to name just one.

“My teammates have also always been there for me and are one of the key reasons why this game brings me so much joy. They have inspired me to work hard both on and off the field. They all push me to be the best I can be.”

What was your greatest day on the ball field? “Honestly, everyday or any day I’m on the field is a great day.”

Who is your favorite player and why? “Shohei Ohtani because of his talent with both hitting and pitching. He inspires me as I am a two-way player myself. He is a very humble and grounded person for such an extraordinary player. To see what one person can achieve just from dedication and hard work really keeps me motivated.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job for you when you grow up? “My dream is to play at the highest level I can achieve for baseball because of how much love and passion I’ve gained for it. Other than being a pro ball player I can see myself going into business or marketing. But obviously baseball will always be my dream job. Playing the sport I love and having it as a career sounds like a 2-in-1 awesome deal.”

The most important life lesson you have learned from the game? “I’ve learned over my whole life of playing that failure is one of the best ways to learn and move forward. I’ve never got down on myself when I have been met with failure. I have always used these situations as learning lessons to improve and move forward in a positive direction. Keeping that mind set has not only kept me in a good head space but it also helps me to continue to pursue my goals.”

What four people (living or passed away) would you invite to a mythical diner and why? “Shohei Ohtani Paul Skenes, Jackie Robinson and Nolan Ryan. I would invite four successful players. Ohtani -- and his (and his interpreter -- because of my reasons above, Skenes, because I love his pitching style and approach on the mound, Robinson because of his baseball history and Ryan, who had a 27-year career in the majors as a pitcher.”

Sudbury Voyageurs C Gabe Larocque (Azilda, Ont.) son of Jean-Gilles Larocque, skipper of the 2023 Canada Cup winners.

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Name: Gabe Larocque.

Hometown: Azilda, Ont.

Current team: Team Black.

Travel team: Sudbury Voyageurs.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My dad, Jean-Gilles, because he is the one who got me into baseball and because he is still helping me to achieve my goals.”

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life -- besides your parents -- and why? “My teammates because they are the people that I compete and get better with on a consistent basis. They also make the game fun, and when you have people in your life like that, it makes everything easier.”

What was your greatest day on the ball field? “My last tournament with coaches I’ve had since I was starting out ball at the age of five (coaches Denis Dalcourt and André Perron). This is because I hit my first two home runs and our team won our first tournament as a farewell to our coaches.”

Who is your favorite player and why? “Vladimir Guerrero, Toronto Blue Jays, what he is doing on the ball field is incredible. It makes me proud to say he plays for Canada’s team.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job for you when you grow up? “Working in mental performance with pro sports teams. This is because it is something that I love learning about and something I really believe is helping me on the ball field and in life. I would like to teach this to athletes because there are can benefit to the mental game.”

What is the most important life lesson you have learned from the game? “Failing will happen, and it’s not the end of the world if you do fail. Not every day is your day.”

What four people (living or passed away) would you invite to a mythical diner and why? “Jesus Christ, Yogi Berra, my mom, Nicole Duguay Larocque, and dad, Jean-Gilles. Jesus because I would love to thank Him for everything he has done in my life and in the lives of others, while at the same time, I would ask Him so many questions about anything I can think. Yogi Berra because he was not only successful in the game that I love but also successful in life by being such a good person. My mom and dad also because I owe everything to them. I know they would love to be at that incredible dinner. I’m sure my mom would love to talk to Jesus and my dad would speak with Yogi.”

Okotoks Dawgs RHP Preston Tocheniuk (Okotoks, Alta.)

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Name: RHP Preston Tocheniuk

Hometown: Okotoks, Alberta

Current team: Team Red.

Travel team: Okotoks Dawgs 18U Black.

Committed: Currently uncommitted.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My parents -- my dad, Greg, is with Relay Logistics, my mom, Tammy, is self employed. They have given up a lot of their time and resources to allow me to chase my dreams, and that is a debt that I would love to pay off someday.”

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life -- besides your parents -- and why? “My brothers, they are the reason I decided to play ball, being the youngest of three brothers all I ever wanted to do was to follow in their footsteps and be just like them and I think I did a pretty good job with that. My brother Grayson, 21, played for Okotoks Outlaws, Foothills Composite High School and continued on to the University of British Columbia for academics. Quinn, 24, played for Outlaws, Okotoks Dawgs Academy, Okotoks Dawgs summer college team, Pratt Community College and Rogers State University.”

Your greatest day on the ball field? “Closing out opening day in the Western Canada League for Okotoks. My brother, Quinn, had also pitched, in the game and it was a cool experience to share the field with my oldest brother who is seven years older than I am. We grew up watching this team when we were younger and never thought it would’ve been possible to ever play on the same team, let alone our hometown team. We ended up winning the league championship this year as well which was special since we are both homegrown players.”

Who is your favorite player and why? “José Bautista, former Toronto Blue Jay. Just seeing what he did for the Blue Jays organization during his time there was something special to experience growing up. And who can forget about the ‘bat flip heard around the world’ which solidified himself into both Blue Jays and major-league history.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job for you when you grow up? “Owning my own business, whatever that may be.”

The most important life lesson you have learned from the game? “There are a few, the game is about mistakes and learning how to deal with failure. Building resiliency is key. Also in this game, hard work does pay off and you need to learn to embrace the pain and sacrifice that comes with it.”

What four people (living or passed) would you invite to a mythical diner and why? “ Nolan Ryan, Robert De Niro, Garth Brooks and Michael Jordan. Ryan was most dominant pitcher to ever in the game. I would try to gain as much knowledge from him as I can. De Niro is one of my favorite actors of all time and I would like to ask him about his time as an actor and about his movies. I’m a country music fan and Brooks tops my list of favorite artists. Jordan is the one of, if not the greatest basketball player to ever play and I would ask him about his methodology towards success.”