Looking back on the 5 Astros winning world bronze in 2001

“It’s pretty special and unique to share that experience with four other teammates. I don’t think a lot of people get to do that,” Olde said. “It’s nice, it makes it easier you’ve already got some familiarity there.

“The experience itself, it’s pretty difficult to describe. It’s interesting being around all your rivals, so you get to know those guys. Those guys got to beat up on you before, they’re all really good. It’s interesting.”

As much of an accomplishment it is just to get to a world tournament, Olde said it’s as important to move past that and play the tournament.

“Putting the leaf on your chest is a pretty proud moment, but it’s something that you have to get past or you’re not going to play well,” Olde said. “That’s not what you’re there for, to put the leaf on your chest, you’re there to win. You can’t be happy just being there.”

Team Canada figured that out pretty early in the tournament. After a wakeup call, the team seemed to settle in and play some ball.

“We started out a little bit slow in terms of how we played, and the coaches had to remind us that we can’t just be happy with being at the tournament,” Olde said. “We have to go there and have a winning mindset. To get the bronze is fairly special, but it came about because we lost the silver. It stings in that way. We lost to Team Japan in the eighth inning, in extra innings, but to still get a medal is a pretty great thing, a pretty great experience.”

In terms of this year’s Team Canada crop, Olde has a unique perspective on them.

He actually got to play them with his men’s club team, the Delisle Diamond Dogs on Tuesday. Team Canada won the exhibition game 17-2 between both sides in Saskatoon, where Olde now lives.

“They crushed us. They did really well,” Olde said. “I think they’ll probably do well [in the tournament]. I’m sure they’re in medal contention but that’s not what everybody wants—they want the gold medal.

“I didn’t really see any weaknesses, they look like they have some good speed on their team,” Olde added. “They have some pretty big bodies. One of their pitchers, he looks huge. They look like they have some good movement on the ball which you need and they look like they can spot the ball well.

“I really hope they do well. It’s an experience regardless of what happens, but you really want to put your best foot forward and say that you did the best you could and the team played the best they could.”

The Sydney tournament isn’t the only time athletes have represented the area.

Darcy Byrne, Scott Reed and Clay Debray all won bronze with Team Canada back in 1997 in St. John’s, N.L. Nick Basaraba also celebrated bronze at Midland, Mich., in 2016. Also representing P.A. at worlds are Josh Elliot and Justin Boyer in 2014, and Aidan Patrick in 2012.

This story is the second of a three part series, talking to past Prince Albert players that have participated at the junior men’s worlds.

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW

by Jeff D'Andrea

Looking back on the 5 Astros winning world bronze in 2001

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