Before the game, Tobin was informed he’d be joining the Dartmouth Jr. Dry club at the 21-under national championships starting today in the City of Lakes.
After playing with the club last year in the same tournament, the third-year Bearcats shortstop was named a last-minute injury replacement.
“I’m really excited to be back playing ball at that level again,” the 20-year-old Tobin said after packing up his gear on Wednesday afternoon. “It’s always a good thing to be picked up for these tournaments and get to play with the best players your age.”
No stranger to playing at a high level, Tobin came to the Bearcats senior club three years ago after being scouted by then-head coach Scott MacGillivray. In the following seasons, he’s built a reputation as a smooth-handed utility infielder. This season, he’s rounded out his reputation with a batting average north of .300.
“I think experience has been a big thing for me,” he said. “I’ve gotten a lot more used to the pitching in the league and feel like I fit in more now.”
Playing on a resurgent Bearcats roster has helped, too.
“The team is doing big things this year, and we’re back in the playoffs after a few years off. It’s been really exciting to be a part of that.”
Growing up in Antigonish, Tobin got the chance to play with and against many of the guys he’ll be competing alongside this weekend in Dartmouth.
“I think we’ll come together pretty quickly,” he said. “Especially in tournament mode, guys usually come together easily when everyone is heading towards a common goal.”
After spending the full season at shortstop, Tobin will move over to man third base for the weekend.
“It’s an adjustment, for sure,” he said. “You have to deal with different angles, but I’m not worried about it. You adjust to it pretty quickly.”
Dartmouth opens the tournament tonight against Quebec at Beazley Field at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dartmouth will face off with P.E.I. and Saskatchewan, and close the round-robin on Saturday against Ontario.