TAICHUNG, Taiwan- Canadian Junior National Team members Tyler O’Neill (Maple Ridge, BC) and Malik Collymore (Mississauga, ON) each picked up some hardware at the 18U World Cup closing ceremonies.
In addition to winning the events home run crown, O’Neill was also named a tournament All-Star as an outfielder, while Collymore, at St. Louis Cardinals tenth round selection, captured the top base stealer award after he swiped five bases in six tournament games.
O’Neill, a 2013 third round pick of the Seattle Mariners, was at the top or near the top of many offensive categories including home runs (1st), doubles (tied for 1st), slugging percentage (2nd), RBI’s (2nd) and total bases (2nd).
The 18 year-old started all six tournament games for Canada in left field and hit .385 (10/26) with four doubles, three home runs and 14 RBI’s. He homered in games against the Czech Republic, Venezuela and Australia.
Teammate Gareth Morgan (Toronto, ON) was next in line on the home run list with two, while JD Osborne (Whitby, ON) tied eight other players with one each.
Fourteen home runs were hit in the tournament with Canadians accounting for six of them.
In the gold medal game, the United States prevailed over Japan with a 3-2 victory to win the championship for the second consecutive year.
Players, coaches and staff will return home on Monday.
