Baseball is a passion for Virden’s Leif Wilson.
The son of Alan and Marla Wilson recently completed a year developing his game at Alberta’s Neutral Hills Academy. He has committed to play in the post-secondary ranks for Williston (N.D.) State College. This summer Wilson is suiting up for his hometown Virden Oilers in the senior South West Baseball League.
“I love baseball because it’s a sport that humbles you as a player and a person,” he said. “I love playing ball because I get to travel the country and meet numerous teammates and gain new friendships along the way. Playing baseball helped me mature into who I am today and if it weren’t for playing ball, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”
Wilson excelled on the diamond and off of it at Neutral Hills Academy, which is based in Consort. He received the team’s highest award – the Neutral Hills Academy Most Outstanding Student-Athlete.
“His strengths lie within his mentality and character,” Neutral Hills coach Drew Boyer said. “He shows up everyday with a positive mindset and willing to get better. This is why Leif has improved as much as he has. He’s the kind of kid coaches love to have, because you never have to worry about him. He carries himself as a true professional, and it’s been great to be around him each day.”
The coach said Wilson made a positive impact from the moment he stepped into the clubhouse. He also made a difference on the field. He was used often as a centrefielder to take advantage of his speed and ability to get good reads off the bat, Boyer said.
“He also was an absolute bulldog for us on the mound,” the coach said. “Between his mound presence and ability to work ahead of hitters, plus good action on his fastball, he worked extremely well for us out of the pen.”
Wilson said he had a blast playing for the Neutral Hills Academy Wranglers.
“We practice daily so I am able to develop into a better player more effectively from being surrounded by a disciplined and structured team and program,” he said. “The program helped me become faster, stronger and a smarter player on the diamond and in the classroom. Both spring and fall seasons combined we played nearly over 50 games of baseball, so I constantly had the opportunity to play and get better as a player and teammate.
“Coach Drew, Levi (Moon), Trystan (Atkinson) and Geoff (Hall) have been major factors in my development, and I can’t thank them enough for my time playing in Alberta. I also was set up with a great billet family, Troy and Jen Hagan. They welcomed me into their home with open arms and I am so grateful for them letting me live there during my time in Alberta. I also made many new lifelong friends and the brotherhood on the team was like no other and I am glad to have called myself a Wrangler for my last year of high school ball.”
Wilson’s play in Alberta helped earned him the opportunity to play at Williston State. He plans to study environmental science.
“I had some other offers to schools in Michigan and Maryland, but North Dakota is right close to home and its facilities and reputation drew me to playing for Tetons.”
Before Wilson heads south, he will be competing for his hometown senior squad.
“I enjoy playing for the Oilers because I grew up playing minor baseball with the Oilers and would also go and watch the Senior Oilers play,” he said. “I was that little guy in the stands or along the fence but now I’m one of the Oilers on the field playing my game. I grew up around those guys and am looking forward on returning to play for them this summer.”
The Oilers are excited to have the young, talented player back.
“We have watched Leif grow and we are looking forward to him being a great ball player for us this year,” said player/organizer Jeff Peel.
He noted that Wilson is willing to play any position and pitch. As well, the team appreciates his personality.
“Leif is a great player and a great person to be around,” Peel said. “He is the first guy to tell a teammate that they have done a great job and his sense of humor has all the guys laughing even though he is one of the younger guys on the team.”
No matter where he is playing, Wilson has the backing of his parents.
“I can’t thank them enough for the countless hours they have dedicated to either helping me or watching me develop and succeed,” he said. “They were always by my side whether we lost or won, and it was always nice to come home to that. They took chances and risks just so that they could watch me play the game I love. They were also a huge reason in why I went to Alberta to play for the Wranglers as they helped me gain the opportunity to play there. Love you Mom and Dad.”
