Bulls’ Dalton Demers - Local Lethbridge Boy Makes Good
Dalton Demers is a rookie to the Bulls’ squad in 2021. The outfielder from Lethbridge, Alberta is in his third year of collegiate ball and is loving his first season with the team. “The season’s going well, I can’t complain thus far,” he tells Lethbridge Sports. “It’s a blast. I’m having a lot of fun and really enjoying it.
Demers has played baseball in Lethbridge for several years. He attended the Prairie Baseball Academy (PBA) located in Lethbridge. Bulls’ coaches Ryan “Mac” and Chance Wheatley also work there in the off-season. Demers attends UofL taking neuroscience and has just finished 3rd year. He was invited to join the Bull after the league changes for 2021 requiring all-Canadian rosters. We asked Demers what taking such a demanding program was like while also balancing his academic athletic career. “Neuroscience is difficult. It’s a pretty involved science and pretty advanced. I enjoy it personally and find it quite interesting and worth studying. As with any science ti’s pretty difficult but put in enough work and it makes sense. to you” We asked him what his plans were after graduation. “I’m really unsure at the moment. A career as a chiropractor or similar professional profession needing further schooling is what I’m looking at. At the moment, my plan is to get the best grades I can and see what I can do later on.”
Demers’ 2021 season, like many of his colleagues, is his first chance to play since 2019 due to the suspension of play from COVID-19. “It means everything.” He tells us. “When we stopped playing, it wasn’t certain I’d still be playing. A lot of us were aftaid if we’d ever get back out there. A lot of us lost game time and our opportunities to be seen by coaches or scouts. It means a ton for us to be playing again Especially local guys like myself - it’s a dream to be back. Our energy shows and we really enjoy being back.”
Dalton isn’t just glad to be back, he tells us for a second time that playing on the Bulls is a dream come true. “Team wise, our goal is to win as much as possible. Our goal is to come out and play our best every day and be the dominant team in the league. Personally my goal is to try and help my team win. Have as many quality at bats as possible and minimize mental mistakes as much as possible. Try to enjoy the game but also try to produce as much as possible and be the best teammate I can.”
“Thus far our team offensively is outstanding. Our batting average is really high. Personally, lots of games have been memorable. My first game I played, I had 3 hits and that was memorable. Even last game, coming off the bench and pinch hitting for 2 hits - every game I just enjoy seeing what our team does at the plate because we’re a very good team. It’s fun to be around and fun to be a part of.” We asked Demers what he thought about the Bulls swapping first place in the WCBL with the Prospects over the last week. “I think it’s deserved. I know we’re the best team in the league whether standings say it or not. All around - hitting, pitching coaching - we have the best in the league. None of us are surprised and I think we can do even better actually.”
Demers’ favorite position to play is left field at home games, because he says, “The patio is right there! I can see more people and play catch with the kids during downtimes. Either corner is all good and I enjoy both positions but that’s my favorite.” Demers enjoys working with kids off the field too. Working with the PBA, he helps run kids camps, “and I help my buddies coach junior teams” he says.
On his personal successes this season, Demers credits some pre-season coaching tips. “Coach Ryan MacDonald from PBA made some changes to my swing right before Bulls season. Without him forcing me to make those I wouldn’t be as good as I am now. Lee Neville helped me with my mental game and how to perform at my peak.”
Demers wraps up the interview by sharing a message for other kids like him who might be playing junior ball in Lethbridge and dreaming about playing for the Bulls one day. “I was never really that good a player growing up.” He admits. “I’d be on the bench a lot. I was never a star player or highly talented. I still made it this far. I’m still playing for Bulls. Hard work and persistence pay off. Hang in there. Work hard. Good things will happen.”