Lakelander Commits to College Baseball in US

Bailey Nydokus is set to head south of the border to play ball. The grade 12 student from Elizabeth Metis Settlement, is attending Father Mercredi Community High School in Fort McMurray this year. He lives with a billet family while attending school, and focusing on baseball. Nydokus will graduate high school on June 30th.

On the big stage

Bailey is no stranger to the big stage. In December 2016, Bailey and his family flew to San Diego. Bailey participated in a NCAA showcase, where he pitched 4 innings of shut out ball. It was a two day camp. 35 coaches from across instructed all 80 kids invited through a full day of practice on the first day of camp. The second day featured game action, and was where Bailey showcased his talents. He also racked up eight strikeouts in his appearances.

“When we first went down there, he was pretty scared. He’s going down there, these kids in the United States play all year long. We play 3-4 months if we are lucky. For him to go in there, and do as well as he did, he walked away pretty happy.” Lyle Nydokus says.

Waldorf University

It’s been a whirlwind year for Nydokus. He’s also had a recruiting agency he’s been working with to help colleges find him. Waldorf University is where Bailey will play ball next season. The university found him through a two and a half minute highlight reel on NCSASports.org. Waldorf University reached out to Bailey, and told him they would like him to come and play ball. The offer came unexpectedly, as he had reached out to six or seven other universities for the chance to play ball at their institutions.

“My dad got me onto NCSA. You shoot video of yourself, give your stats and your coaches numbers. Off that there are countless numbers of college coaches on that website. Some would follow, and some would send emails.” Bailey explains, “If a college would follow, I would send them an email and ask them what they were looking for in a player. Waldorf University I didn’t even send an email to. They emailed me and said they were really interested in my pitching ability, and wanted me to play for them.”

Summer is ball season in Alberta

With a college commitment under his belt, Bailey will now play out his season in Fort McMurray. He had his only weekend off this past weekend. What did Bailey do with his time you may wonder. He watched his sister play ball in Elk Point.