An Abitibien among the top prospects aged 15 and under in Quebec
© Pierre-Olivier Poulin – The Citizen Val d’Or – Amos
Justin Tardif (left) is all smiles after hitting a home run during training at Le Filon.
BASEBALL – The Lode of Malartic’s baseball sports-studies program will have a chance to stand out among the Quebec elite. One of its color-bearers, Justin Tardif, will take part in the Claude-Raymond Classic, which will be held from July 29 to August 1 in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Named in honor of the ex-pitcher of the Montreal Expos, this gathering brings together the 90 best baseball players aged 15 and under, from across all of Quebec. After two more friendly games during the day Friday, things will begin to get serious over the weekend, with a tournament that brings together six teams.
Mainly a center fielder, Justin Tardif will have the opportunity to prove his worth in front of several scouts from the midget AAA and junior ranks. Even though he takes it all seriously, the 15-year-old wants to have fun above all else. He hopes to leave a good impression in order to attract the attention of the various midget AAA level clubs. In an ideal world, Justin would like to line up with the Gatineau Tyrants in order to stay as close to home as possible.
“The program at Malartic really helped me in my progress. By playing all year round, I can practice in the gym and do some weight training during the winter, which makes me develop faster than others. It’s a little harder to play sports in a remote area. You always have to go outside to play tournaments, ”said the young ball player as he made his way to the Montérégie.
Get inspired locally
In addition to playing the outfield, Justin Tardif can also get by as a pitcher. Throwing and striking from the left, the Abitibian can, according to his estimates, deliver a fastball at nearly 120 km / h (or 75 mph). Qualities that have allowed him to rank higher and already play at the midget level, while he is still of Bantam age.
Able to strike for contact and power when he shows up at the plate, the teenager likes to take a little inspiration from Shohei Ohtani, the mighty Los Angeles Angels slugger and gunner. In addition to his versatility, he feels his speed can serve him well on the pitch.
In addition to the Japanese phenomenon, Justin Tardif admires the careers of Canadian professionals such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr (who was born in Montreal) and the Quebecer Abraham Toro. Born in Longueuil, the latter was a fifth-round pick of the Houston Astros in 2016 and had the opportunity to play more than thirty games with the Texan organization.
“I really like [Vladimir] Guerrero Jr because he hits hard. As for Abraham [Toro], I take his example. He always worked very hard, ”explained the outfielder.
