There are many who say that life begins after the age of 40. You can count Yan Rail among those who share this opinion.
Three weeks ago, the forty-year-old from Caraquet had the greatest sporting experience of his life, taking part in the World Series of amateur baseball in the 40 and over division.
During this six-day tournament presented in Phoenix, Arizona, Yan Rail wore the colors of the Houston Cyclones.
“My wife would not agree with the fact that life begins at 40, because she would have liked me to slow down a little, but it is true that I have just had an incredible year. There was my no-hit game with the Acadians this summer and now this tournament. I loved my experience. All the guys playing in this tournament have played big baseball before. There are even several former professional players, who have to wait a few years before having the right to participate.”
Rail, who will celebrate his 41st birthday on December 23, has already informed his wife that he will return to Arizona in 2024 to live the experience again.
“The Cyclones want to have me for next year. I even sent an email (to the organizers) to find out if I can also register in another age group like 35 and over, since the tournaments are not at the same time,” he says. .
“I should have tried my luck long before,” he continues. Keith Coughlan told me about this several years ago. He told me that I had my place in such a tournament. Keith took part in the Florida tournament several times. It was only four months ago that I decided to register on a whim,” he says.
The registration mentioned by Yan Rail consists of putting his name in a list, very voluminous in fact, where the teams registered for the World Series can complete their alignment in the event of injuries or withdrawals.
“You are not guaranteed to be chosen even if you register,” warns Rail. There are a lot of people on this list. For example, you must explain what positions you can play, what level you played, etc. When a guy from the Cyclones called me to find out more, I also sent him my statistics in intermediate and senior baseball, in addition to a video and photos.
Rail did so well that the Cyclones manager quickly placed him as the third hitter, in addition to making him one of his starting pitchers.
Rail not only played in every game, but he even maintained an excellent batting average of .435.
In fact, in 19 at-bat appearances, he had six hits, including a double, while driving in four runs and scoring eight himself. He also stole two bases.
“What I also remember is the infrastructure. We played our games on the same field where the Los Angeles Angels hold their training camp. I loved every moment. Playing baseball in the United States was a dream. Since I came back, I keep telling my 9-year-old little guy (Raphael) that he is going to study in the United States one day to play baseball,” he says with a laugh.
“In any case, it would be cool to see him follow in the footsteps of Rhéal Cormier,” adds number 9 of the Caraquet Acadians.
2023-11-23 18:22:20
#Acadian #stands #World #Amateur #Baseball #Series
