Windsor, Nova Scotia is arguably best known as the birthplace of hockey, dating back to 1844.
Many generations later, the Premier Baseball League of Ontario is making sporting history of a different kind today in Windsor, and in all of Canadian Premier Baseball, by announcing expansion beyond the Ontario borders into the historic Maritime community, just 65 kilometres down the road from Halifax.
The PBLO executive and board of governors is proud to welcome renowned King`s-Edgehill Prep School, located in the tiny community of 3,648 of Windsor, Nova Scotia, as the 9th PBLO franchise.
The school will begin play for the 2021 season and joins the London Badgers, Ottawa Nepean Canadians, Ontario Yankees, Oshawa Legionaires, Tecumseh Thunder, Sarnia Braves, Oakville A's and Sudbury Voyageurs.
“The PBLO is expanding our borders further to the East,” said PBLO commissioner Linda Lewis. “And we welcome King`s-Edgehill School from Nova Scotia to our organization.
“This will give our teams a look at baseball in another province and hopefully form lasting friendships for years to come.
“The executive is very pleased with our recent expansion efforts and look forward to a great fall and 2021 season with our teams.”
The school, located on a scenic 80-acre campus, is coached by former professional player Trevor Wamback, a native of Halifax who was drafted by the Montreal Expos and played four season professionally through Rookie League, low and high A ball with a high-water mark of a short stint in AA in Harrisburg, PA.
His professional pitching career ended in 2001 in a season split between three Independent League teams: the Winnipeg Goldeyes, Quebec Capitals and New Jersey Jackals.
Wamback’s school previously competed against American Prep Schools in New England, such as Canterbury, Hotchkiss, Phillips Exeter, Phillips Andover, East Catholic, Winchendon and others.
The team travels to Florida for six spring training games over seven days on an annual basis.
The school traditionally, also played in fall Showcases in Connecticut.
The intent of the program is to assist players in moving on to post secondary education in the U.S. to continue their baseball careers.
“KES prep baseball is about development and exposure and were grateful for the opportunity to play in the PBLO as this allows our players to play against some of the best players in the country,” said Wamback, Director of Baseball at the school in addition to his coaching duties. “If you want to be the best you have to play against the best.
“Ontario has a history of producing some of the best players in the country and the PBLO is going to challenge our players to take their game to the next level while receiving the best college and pro exposure possible.
“Having this opportunity will also increase the exposure of our players to (Junior National Team head coach) Greg Hamilton.”
The Nova Scotia school was founded in 1788 as Canada’s first independent school.
An International Baccalaurete School since 1979, King`s Hill equips its students for university life around the globe, not only by developing academic rigour, but also by inspiring athletic and artistic excellence, strength of character and community leadership in a manner by which students know they are participating in “Personal” and not just “Private” education.
The school`s 231-year existence has built a proven track record with 100% acceptance into post secondary institutions and the graduating class earning more than $1 million in university scholarships over the past 15 school years.
“We, as a league, really look forward to welcoming King`s-Edgehill to our respective cities and I would encourage all our members to look at planning a trip down East where I am certain it would be one of the most memorable trips ever for their youngsters and coaches,” said PBLO president Don Campbell. “The goals of the school mesh nicely with our own goals here in the PBLO.
“It is going to be very exciting to see it all come together next spring. The visits by KES are definitely going to be a highlight on our respective schedules.”