Watson, 16, from Great Village, has been named to the 20-team men’s baseball roster that will compete at the national championship in Winnipeg in July.
“It will definitely be something different,” said Watson, a left-handed pitcher. “It will be a good learning experience, I think; it should be something else.”
Watson is the lone Colchester County player on the Bluenose squad. He earned his roster spot after attending several identification camps last fall and winter.
“One of the biggest reasons he made it is his overall work ethic and commitment to improving and trying to get better in every aspect, every day he’s on the field,” said Nova Scotia coach Kevin Richardson. “We like him as a left-handed option and just that commitment to improving all the time.”
Watson played midget AAA ball last summer for the Truro Bearcats. He also pitched for the Cobequid Cougars high school team that went undefeated until a semifinal loss at the provincial championship last October.
The Canada Games will be the second national tournament for Watson, who previously competed for the Nova Scotia 15U team two years ago in Ontario. He said he is thrilled for the opportunity to experience the Canada Games with “a good group of guys.”
“There will be teams talent-wise that are awesome, but I think we have a good, fighting chance,” he said.
Nova Scotia will stay sharp for the Canada Games by playing in tournaments – including this weekend in Quebec – and also competing against junior teams throughout the summer.
It’s not certain whether Watson will pitch as a starter or be summoned out of the bullpen at the national tournament.
“I’ve got to be able to transition quick; I’ve got to be able to get ready quick,” he said.
Said Richardson, “Whether it’s in a starting role or in a relief role, he’s got to go in and throw strikes.”
Watson, who throws a two-seam and four-seam fastball, change-up and curveball, started playing baseball when he was four at the T-ball level and was immediately drawn to the sport.
“It’s sort of just always been there,” he said. “That’s the one thing I’ve always enjoyed playing. Every other sport, they’re fun to play, but baseball is definitely the sport I love, for sure.”
