It's been a special season for U13 AAA South Central Cubs star Orrin Fehr, who was named Player of the Month earlier this year, hit a career first home run and has loved every minute of life on the diamond.
"My dad got me into it," Fehr says about how he got into the sport. "Like most dads, he played with me since I was really young. Once I could swing a bat and catch a ball, I went to tee ball."
Going from the backyard to organized ball wasn't too big of an adjustment, according to Fehr. "I don't think so, I've always just loved baseball, so it was more fun than playing in the back yard. Hitting pitching was more fun than the tee. It's more challenging, but it's just better and more enjoyable to play. With all the different rules and stuff, it's better."
Over the years, Fehr has worked hard to develop his skillset. "It's been fun, I practice a lot. It's just fun to play, practice and play games. It's always fun to play, no matter what."
That hard work has paid off as Fehr has become a very useful piece to the Cubs. "I play third, but all over the infield, and I also pitch," he says proudly. "Building my arm has been challenging. You have to work your arm and practice ground balls."
Being a member of the Cubs means a lot to Fehr, but so does building friendships with his teammates. "It's been fun, it's great to meet new teammates and win games."
Earlier in the season, Fehr was named Player of the Month, and he says it came as a surprise to him. "I didn't really know there was a Player of the Month until I actually got it," he says with a laugh. "It was pretty exciting."
Thinking back, Fehr says he had a pretty good month with one standout special memory. "I had a pretty good month. I got my first over the fence home run, and I had lots of good hits, lots of good fielding, pitching and everything."
Hitting that home run was special, and Fehr admits it took a little bit for it to sink in. "I didn't know it was going to go over, because I've never hit one, I didn't know how it felt to hit one over. I was jogging to first base and when I saw it go over, I was very happy."
To make things even better, Fehr had his teammates waiting to share in the moment with him. "They were very excited," he says with a smile. "They were probably surprised that I hit one over the fence, and they were very happy."
As a team, the Cubs went into the Triple Crown Tournament in Brandon, and came out as winners. "It's pretty cool," Fehr says with a chuckle. "We beat a team from Alberta in the finals, so it was exciting. They were ranked third in North America for Academy's."
From the days in the backyard to the moments on the big diamonds around Manitoba, Fehr knows he's always got a cheering section thanks to family. "I'm pretty grateful, they support me, my dad teaches me, gives me tips and they always cheer me on. It gives me so much confidence."
Into the future, Fehr says baseball might be at the core of whatever he does, but he also knows he has to put in the work. "Maybe college, but I'll have to keep practicing and see how good I can get."