Three Chatham-Kent Baseball Players Open Canada Junior Championships Today

Larry Balkwill of Chatham - Photo by Ian Kennedy

Larry Balkwill of Chatham, and brothers Justin Cook and Matt Cook of Dresden open the 2011 Baseball Canada Junior Championships today in Windsor against Saskatchewan.

The three local baseball players are participating as members of the Windsor Selects, the host team for this year’s National Championships. Thursdays game against Saskatchewan gets underway at 8:00pm at Cullen Field.

All three players were in Chatham Tuesday to take part in the Milwaukee Brewers open tryouts held at Fergie Jenkins Field. Balkwill, who plays NCAA baseball for the Siena Saints, was a Detroit Tigers draft pick in 2009. The 6’4″ catcher also played summer ball for the Watertown Wizards this year and was selected to play in the league’s All-Star game.

Justin Cook and Matt Cook of Dresden, both 21-years-old and 6’3″ are pitchers, and also play infield positions. Justin Cook plays for Texas Southern University, a Division 1 NCAA team, while his brother Matt Cook is playing for Indian Hills Community College.

Friday the Chatham-Kent trio will play Manitoba and New Brunswick, followed by Mississauga on Saturday to end pool play.