The Premier Baseball League of Ontario is proud to celebrate another milestone as Owen Weales of the Oshawa Legionaires officially commits to McCook College. With aspirations of reaching NCAA Division I baseball and beyond, Weales sees McCook as the ideal stepping stone to achieve his goals.
The Indians program felt right to me because they have the ability to move players to the Division I level, which has been my long-term goal,” said Weales. “They also offer my program of interest, which I’m excited to pursue.”
Weales credits his development and preparation to the Oshawa Legionaires, a program he describes as “better than any other.” Coaches Jayson Deslauries and Tony Rowe played pivotal roles in mentoring him and guiding him through the recruiting process. Their leadership helped him lay the foundation for the demands of collegiate baseball.
“The coaches taught me what to expect at the next level and helped me stay in close contact with college programs,” said Weales. “The experiences I’ve gained with the Legionaires have been invaluable.”
At McCook, Weales plans to focus on enhancing his physical strength, sharpening his skills, and building lasting relationships with teammates and coaches. He’s particularly eager to compete at the JUCO level, where exposure to higher-level competition will challenge and refine his game.
“I’m looking forward to competing against athletes across the country who share the same goals as me,” Weales shared. “I’m excited to see how the coaches at McCook can help me elevate my abilities.”
Balancing academics and athletics has always been a priority for Weales, a discipline he plans to continue at McCook. “Academics come first,” he emphasized. “Staying organized and maintaining focus will be key to succeeding as a full-time student-athlete.”
Long-term, Weales envisions playing Division I baseball and hopes to one day enter the MLB Draft. His message to younger players pursuing their own baseball dreams?
“Trust the process and keep pushing yourself, no matter the challenges. The JUCO path offers opportunities to grow, gain exposure, and prepare for the next level.”
Congratulations, Owen! The Oshawa Legionaires and the entire PBLO community will be cheering you on as you take the next step in your baseball journey.