Fifteen-year-old Brett Getz from Medicine Hat is taking his talents to the Vauxhall Baseball Academy.

By Teagan Rasche

Reputation of producing good players, good people

Medicine Hat pitcher chasing college, major league dream at Vauxhall Academy

Aug 27, 2021 | 5:05 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Fifteen-year-old Brett Getz had a normal summer, playing baseball and working out.

But things are going to look a little different as he heads back to school.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid,” Brett said. “I always wanted to go there because of the great coaching staff and always helped develop players to become better.”

Vauxhall Baseball Academy

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

12h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

The left-handed pitcher from Medicine Hat is taking his talents to the Vauxhall Baseball Academy, an hour-and-15-minute drive away.

“I think we have a reputation of producing good players and maybe more importantly, good people,” head coach Les McTavish said.

For the last 15 years, McTavish has been the head coach of the Vauxhall Baseball Academy Jets.

The tight-knit community has a population of 1,222 people. The wide open spaces in and around Vauxhall is the perfect place for an athletic program aimed at developing high school-aged baseball players.

“We’re pushing well into the kind of high 90 percentile of players going on to college and last year’s group every player is going on to play college baseball at various levels,” McTavish said.

Twenty Jets have been drafted by Major League Baseball teams.

All athletes at the academy are recruited by the program, attracting players from around the world. They live in residence and have all their meals supplied. There’s also a strength coach, sports therapists and three full time coaches.

It’s an environment where Brett can take his game to the next level.

“I wanted to go in Grade 10 because not many grade ten’s are able to go and that will give me three years to be the best I can and move on to something better and greater,” Brett said.

Brett Getz at practice

McTavish says the academy takes very few tenth graders and he’s excited to welcome Brett.

“His family in Medicine Hat should be very proud of him because the sky’s the limit,” McTavish said. “He’s a tall, lanky left hander that has a feel to pitch, he can spin the breaking ball, he holds runners well. He does a lot of the things you look for in a high-end athlete.”

As Brett heads to Vauxhall this weekend, he says moving away from his friends and family will be a challenge at first.

But achieving his big goals will make it all worth it.

“I want to make it big and go play college ball so just have to see where it takes me and follow my dream,” Brett said.

Brett plans to study business in university. But until then, he’ll will be tossing strikes from the mound in Vauxhall.