Scott Cressman
Independent staff

Mike Roote and Cody Werner took the field to play some ball earlier this month, just like they’ve done countless times since starting their fastball careers in New Hamburg. But this game was different. This time, the two local athletes were playing under the lights in Argentina, surrounded by the noise from thousands of cheering fans.

Werner and Roote were a long way from their New Hamburg and Baden homes, facing off against the world’s best players at an international tournament in the South American country.

The pair earned a spot on Team Canada for the Under-19 Junior Men’s World Championship, held this year in Argentina from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10.

Canada finished fourth in the 14-team tournament with a 4-2 record in the round-robin. They won two more games to advance through the playoffs before the Canadians were eliminated in a tough final game against Australia. Canada held a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh and final inning, but the Aussie hitters came alive in their last chance and pulled ahead 3-2.

Canada nearly mounted their own comeback in the bottom of the seventh, but couldn’t quite pull it off and were eliminated just outside of the medal rounds. Australia went on to finish third in the tournament. Host country Argentina won first place, with Japan second.

It was the first and only chance for both Roote and Werner to compete at the U19 world championship, which is only held every two years. This once-in-a-lifetime experience was a proud moment, Roote said.
“Honestly, no words could describe it. It’s been my goal since I was little. I wanted to make Team Canada,” he said.

Roote was the team’s top pitcher and started three games, pitching 17 innings and striking out 28 with a 2.88 ERA. He took the loss in both Canada’s defeats, but he started the tougher games. His strikeout total ranked third in the tournament.

Werner normally plays shortstop, but patrolled the outfield for Canada in Argentina. He started every game for Canada, and used his quickness to provide defense and speedy pinch running. A designated hitter usually took his at-bats, but in four plate appearances Werner got on base twice with a hit and walk.

That first game against the host team was the highlight of the tournament, both Roote and Werner agreed. Canada lost by a close 1-0 score, but the excitement and noise made the game special.

“It was insane. I’ve never had anything like that before,” Roote said.

Fourth place wasn’t a bad finish for a team of new players who learned to play together during just six exhibition games before the Argentina tournament, Roote said. Some other teams at the world championships had played together for years in preparation, but the Canadian players had just their tryouts and their 17 days in Argentina.

“To come together that quickly shows you something,” he said. “We should have won that whole tournament.”

Werner was disappointed not to get a medal too. The world-class competition was a challenge, but also a lot of fun.

“It was a little intimidating at the start,” he said. “But you have to put that aside like it’s any other game and not over-think it.”

It has been several years since the two local ball players have been on the same team. Last year, Roote played for the Own Sound Selects, while Werner was a member of New Hamburg’s midget team that came fifth at the nationals in New Brunswick this summer.

Both earned a spot on the team this summer after being invited to a five-day tryout in Cambridge back in August.

Making Team Canada wasn’t something he expected, Werner said. After not hitting well in the tryouts, he wasn’t sure if he’d get a spot.

“I was speechless,” when the call came, Werner said. “I was so happy.”

Both will be playing ball again next year. Werner is considering playing in Stratford, while Roote will play his final year in Owen Sound before graduating to a senior men’s team.