Familiarity is a great thing when you are looking for a recruit. So it was an almost “No Brainer” when Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Baseball Coach Ray Chadwick went to consider his newest player, Infielder Mark Isotalo of Oliver BC.
That’s because Isotalo has been a regular attendee at the summer camp Chadwick has instructed at in the South Okanagan the last 10 years.
“ I remember him when he was 10 and 12 years old,” says Chadwick “ He was a regular at the Big League Experience (in Oliver) so he knows the game and will fit in well with our program. Hopefully, he’ll keep our winning tradition going.”
“Ray is the big reason why I chose TRU”, says the 5-10 Isotalo who plays both third base and pitches. “ He’s such a great guy’.
“I hope that he’s not coming here simply because of me,” states Chadwick “Im sure he knows how strong our academics are. And how well our program has done the last few years.”
Isotalo,who throws right , considers himself more of an infielder although he says his main strength is his arm “Since I was about 4 years old, I’ve always been able to throw it.”
“Right now, I think he’ll play third base and maybe see some time at second.” Says Chadwick of his new recruit.
Isotalo is playing with the PBL Kelowna Cubs this summer. “The season hasn’t been great, but Im doing pretty good.” After play this weekend (May 31-June 1), Isotalo is hitting .300 with 9 singles, 1 sacrifice, 5 walks , 3 runs scored and a stolen base. Not bad for a team which is 2 and 18.
“I am sure there will be an adjustment ,” says Isotalo about moving into University ball “ I’m sure I’ll get a handle on it”.
He hopes to take History and Health Science courses at TRU. Isotalo joins shortstop/pitcher Logan Anderson of Invermere as the WolfPacks Fall recruits for 2008. Chadwick expects to sign at least four others before September.