Royal Flush - Badgers add two from AAA Brampton

Brock Baseball have landed two new recruits from the Brampton Royals AAA Baseball Club. Justin Ayles and Nick Anton, both 18 years old, will be beginning their Badgers careers in the fall of 2010. Justin will be entering work towards earning a Bachelor of Physical Education degree, and will be playing pitcher and shortstop, although he can play everywhere but behind the plate. Nick Anton will be entering Business Administration while playing at the corners and occasionally stepping onto the mound.

Ayles has been with the Royals organization for the past 11 years, while also playing four years of high school ball. Anton also comes out of the Royals program, while also playing for Team Ontario and the Ontario Blue Jays.

Both of these young men have chosen to come to Brock because of the combined advantages between their studies and athletics. When asked, Justin said “I chose to come to Brock because it has a good physical education program, a great location and a baseball team on the rise.” Nick echoed Justin’s statement, saying “I chose to come to Brock University because I wanted to be a part of the great baseball program Brock has, as well as a team that I know can win. Brock also provides me with a Business program that suites me.”

When asked what skills they can bring to the team, the two were eager to explain how they will make an impact with the team this year. Anton replied “As a new member of the team, I feel like I can bring a lot of power with my bat, as well as hitting for average. Also, my solid defensive skills and strong arm should be able to help the team.” Ayles also explained how he can help the team on both offense and defense, saying “I will be able to bring a live pitching arm to the team who can eat up innings, throw strikes and also play great defense at shortstop or any other position. I also can bat for average, and do all the small things like bunt, hit and run, etc. I feel my best attribute is a high baseball IQ.”

Coach Lounsbury says "both these young men come from a very good junior program that plays alot of games and is well coached."

"Nick Anton reminds me of former badger Korie Assivero in size and strength, but he also comes in a year older and is a more polished hitter at the same age."

"Justin Ayles should help our pitching staff right away, with only 6 walks in over 60 innings he won't beat himself. He also reminds me of former badger Bobby Howe with movement and mechanics. He will give us depth in the infield as well and will hopefully develop as hitter and battle for innings."

When asked what current MLB players they play like, the two Royals chose a pair of National League superstars in Roy Halladay and Prince Fielder. Ayles said “I would compare myself to Roy Halladay because I have the same arm slot as him, I throw lots of strikes, and usually pitch complete games.” Anton chose to compare himself to Fielder, saying “I would choose Prince Fielder because we both bat from the left side, hit for power and play first base.”

Both these players are preparing for this season by working out and hitting the gym, and are hoping to translate their hard work into a successful season. Ayles said “I am looking forward to just being a Badger and experiencing university ball, along with going far in the playoffs. My goal for the upcoming season is to become an important asset to the team, to pitch in important situations, to play shortstop and hit throughout the season while improving my game.”

Anton is also looking forward to his first season as a Badger, saying “This season I am looking forward to a new experience in joining the Brock Baseball program. My skills will help the team and it should be a lot of fun. My goals for the upcoming season are to develop my game, and break the home run record at Brock University. A record owned by Badger Hall of Famer Matt Fletcher when he went deep ten times in the 1998 season.

The two former Royals believe that their experience together will help their games develop. Anton said that playing with Ayles will help because of their chemistry together, while Ayles says that having Anton as a teammate will challenge him to be a better player, saying “he is a great competitor, always trying to improve his game and I will feed off his desire and attitude. It will make the whole experience that much better knowing we have the same goal – and that is to win.”

Everyone with Brock Baseball is looking forward to these two ballplayers develop their game, and hope to see them have great success on the diamond.