Pipestone’s John Patmore is looking forward to playing in his home province at the Canada Summer Games.
The son of Robin and Linda Patmore was recently selected as a member of Team Manitoba baseball squad. The 2017 Canada Summer Games will be held in Winnipeg Jul. 28-Aug. 13. The prestigious multi-sport event is expected to draw about 4,000 athletes and coaches from around the country. What is Patmore looking forward to the most?
“To be able to represent my province at home with a very good shot to win a gold medal,” he wrote in an email interview.
Patmore is expected to play a big role for Team Manitoba. Each team’s 20-man roster is stocked with players born in 2000 or later, but most provinces can bring two 1999-born athletes. As an over-ager, the 18-year-old Patmore will be counted on for experience, maturity, and production. He will pitch and play catcher and shortstop as well as batting in the middle of the order.
"He is one of those guys that brings a definite presence,” Manitoba head coach Faron Asham said. “He is a physically imposing gentleman and he has a high level of intensity. ... He is going to be a key cog for anything we are going to accomplish."
Team Manitoba hopes to be successful in front of their home province fans.
"We are quietly confident going into the Games,” Asham said. “We started this process three years ago. It is nice to see the fruits of your labour."
The head coach was referring to the long identification and selection process for Team Manitoba. Patmore feels that the challenging process was beneficial. The best part?
“Getting to know all the players and coaches and understand what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are,” Patmore wrote. “When the team was selected, you could see guys had certain roles and were comfortable with buying in.”
He has had the opportunity to represent his province in the past. Patmore played on the 15U squad, competed for 16U at the Western Canada Summer Games, and suited up for 17U at the Canada Cup in Fort McMurray.
“Representing your province is the reward you get for all the countless hours of practice, games and workouts,” he wrote. “It's an honour to wear the name across your chest.”
Team Manitoba is just one of the many teams that Patmore is taking the diamond for this year. He is also playing for Reston high school, midget, Reston senior in the South West Baseball League, Oil Dome AAA Midget and Brandon Marlins of the Manitoba Junior Baseball League.
No matter who he plays for, Patmore has the support of his parents.
“They have honestly been everything for me,” said the high school grad who is headed to the University of Winnipeg to study education. “Everything I accomplish is all thanks to their support. Whether it be driving me to practices or games when I was younger, buying me equipment, or anything else, they've always done it. I could not be more thankful for my parents and all of their continued support.”
