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The start of Ethan Menard’s second season with the Saskatoon Berries may have been delayed, but he has quickly turned any missed opportunities into a stunning showcase of talent. After sitting out the first nine games of the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) due to his commitments with the University of Texas-Tyler at the NCAA Division II College World Series, Menard wasted no time making an impact.
In just 30 games, he has delivered an MVP-caliber performance that has caught everyone’s attention.
Menard’s Dominance at the Plate
Leading all batters in the WCBL this summer, Menard boasts an impressive .404 batting average, along with 12 home runs and a third-place ranking in the league with 46 RBIs.
His exceptional performance puts him in the race for the coveted triple crown title, a feat that showcases his talent as a batter. As teammate Ethan Murdoch puts it, Menard’s swings are nothing short of a spectacle, consistently producing jaw-dropping plays that have fans and fellow players alike in awe.
His current form is highlighted by a remarkable 17-game hitting streak that has propelled the Berries to the top of the WCBL standings with an impressive 39-7 record. This combination of personal success and team triumph makes his final collegiate season particularly significant.
But what drives this young athlete to excel?
Menard expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I couldn’t be happier. Coming through in the big spots when I need to, that’s been the thing that I’ve been trying to chase after.” Clearly, his commitment to clutch performances has paid off, culminating in a standout MVP showing at the recent WCBL All-Star Game.
A Family Surprise and Community Recognition
Adding to the excitement of his season, Menard’s family pulled off a surprise visit, traveling over 3,200 kilometers from Louisiana to support him during the all-star weekend. Picture this: the emotional reunion took place just before the home run derby, creating a moment of pure shock and joy for Menard, who was completely unaware of their presence.
Can you imagine the thrill of seeing your loved ones just before you step up to compete?
His father, Marty Menard, shared the pride of witnessing his son’s journey, noting how surreal it is to see Ethan recognized as a community favorite due to his engaging personality and powerful hitting skills. Ethan’s rise to fame in Saskatoon has earned him playful titles like “the Mayor of Saskatoon,” a testament to the affection fans have for him.
As the Berries returned to Cairns Field for the first time after a long road trip, the Menard family was right there, cheering him on. During a game against the Swift Current 57’s, Menard smashed another home run, a highlight moment made even more special by his family’s presence. “It’s everything I could ask for as a ballplayer,” Menard shared about performing in front of his loved ones. Can you relate to the joy of having family support during crucial moments?
Aiming for Greatness
But Menard’s aspirations go beyond personal accolades; he’s fueled by a desire to secure a championship for the Berries in his senior season. The intensity of the baseball season can be exhausting, but moments like these remind him of the passion that drives his career. “You’re doing it for the little kid that’s inside of you, the want to compete and do it at the biggest level that you can,” he remarked, emphasizing how his family’s support pushes him to excel.
As the Berries gear up for the latter part of their season, they are just five wins away from tying the WCBL record for the most wins in a single season. With Menard leading the charge, the team is set for an exhilarating home-and-home series against the Moose Jaw Miller Express, where more thrilling moments are sure to unfold. The combination of Menard’s individual brilliance and the team’s success paints a promising picture for the remainder of the season. Will they achieve greatness together? Only time will tell!
