Mitchell's Tyler Pauli recently got his first taste of international competition in men's softball.
Pauli was a member of Canada's team at the WBSC Men's Softball World Championship in Prague, Czech Republic. The team won the bronze medal, defeating New Zealand 2-1.
The 23-year old was the youngest member of the team and appeared in seven games, playing second base and pinch running. His stat line included a grand slam in group play versus the Netherlands, and a triple later on against South Africa.
Pauli's opportunity came early in the tournament, when starting shortstop Shane Boland suffered an ankle injury and Canada had to make changes to its line-up. Pauli would play second, and veteran Kris Walushka moved to shortstop.
"These guys on this team, they've been helping me along the way. So it wasn't a huge change coming into that environment as much as I thought it would," said Pauli.
After Boland's return to the line up later in the tournament, Pauli saw some opportunities as a pinch runner. And he scored a run in a win over the host team in the quarter-finals.
Canada would lose in the semi-finals to the eventual gold medal winning team Argentina.
In the bronze medal game, Canada edged New Zealand 2-1.
"I think the most experience I've gained from this was after the final out, seeing some of the veterans how much it means to them. That really resonated with me more than anything else. I am so honoured to get that opportunity and I will never forget it," said Pauli.
For Canada, it was their 13th medal at the world level in men's softball. That puts Canada in a tie with New Zealand for the countries with the most medals overall. But the Black Sox have the most gold medals at seven.
For Pauli it is the start of another opportunity as he aims to be with the squad for the 2021 tournament which is scheduled to be played in New Zealand.
"We're confident in what we have in our country coming up," said Pauli. "You know we look forward to getting back on top because I think we can. I think we have the capability to do so."
Argentina won the tournament with a 3-2 win over Japan in 10 innings and is Argentina's first ever medal in the event.
