Torrin Vaselenak shines in bulls 14-2 victory

Canada Day, July 1, 2021 saw the Lethbridge Bulls play a double header against the Edmonton Prospects. The Bull’s dropped their afternoon game, but rallied to rout the Prospects in the evening game 14-2. In addition to it being Canada Day, the two games saw record breaking heat which pushed 39 degrees Celcius at times during the day, and the first game with full capacity since the WCBL COVID shutdown canceled the 2020 season. Torrin Vaselenak played first base for the Bulls during the evening game, and sat down with us to chat about the double header.

“It was awesome.” He says right off the bat. “Everything’s been limited so finally getting that many people and that much energy was super fun to play in front of.” The crowd and energy in Spitz Stadium had a big impact on the players throughout the game. Torrin only played in the evening game himself, but says the entire squad had to work to save their energy through the day. “It’s a grind for 18 innings in 37 degree heat.” Torrin tells us. “We each had to make sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of water.”

“It’s a grind for 18 innings in 37 degree heat.”

When we asked how the heat affected his own game, Torrin pointed to his University ball as being good preparation. “I don’t think it affected my game much, I’m used to playing in Arkansas where it gets pretty warm. I think maybe I’m more used to it than other guys. “ Torrin’s played most of the home games this season at third base, but played first against Edmonton last night. “First base has been good.” He says. “I always try to mix it in now and then. I can play the entire infield but I definitely enjoy first.”

A big moment for Torrin was at the bottom of 5th, when he came up to bat with 2 outs and a runner on first. Two strikes and a ball into his at-bat, Torrin was looking at a single strike from the end of the inning. As he’s waiting for the pitch, he tells us that he’s focusing on “Staying alive trying to get to the next guy a shot. I had 2 strikes. I was trying to protect a little more, and I ended up getting a good pitch to hit and didn’t miss it.” And it was a good hit. A strong drive down the center field line turned into a triple that would let the Bulls score a run on the hit. “When I hit it I thought it was a double,” Torrin laughs, “but the center fielder took a miss route and right off the bat coach Mac was shouting “three” so it was in my head.” Safe on third, Torrin says “Feels great! It always feels great to do something for your team.”

“It always feels great to do something for your team.”

The Bulls have split their first 2 games with the Prospects in what will be a 5 game series between July 1st and 4th. “I hope we keep the momentum tonight.” Torrin says ahead of game three on July 2nd. “We were playing loose and relaxed last night, so hope we can keep the attitude and energy and it should be a great game for us.”

Torrin is a bit of a crowd favorite at Spitz, and credits that to playing close to home. Torrin’s hometown is Coaldale, AB, a short 10 minute drive from Lethbridge where the Bulls play. “Most of my dad’s side of the family is here, and a lot of my moms. There’s plenty of family around here.” Our Lethbridge Sports team can attest to many of Torrin’s family members cheering him on and capturing cell phone pics of him at bat.

Torrin is currently going to school at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he also plays ball. He started a Kinesiology degree at the University of Lethbridge and completed two years before he transferred south to open up more opportunities. Once his collegiate career is over, Torrin hopes to play baseball as long as possible. “After that,” he tells us, “my backup plan is to do physio, or possibly do a few more years of school and get into chiropractics. That’s always been where my head’s been at school-wise.”

Torrin credits his dad for being a huge influence on his athletic career. “He’s always been my biggest supporter. He’s always at the games and always wants to see me succeed.”

Torrin and the 6 and 3 Bulls will take on the 6 and 3 Prospects for game 3 of their series tonight at Spitz Stadium at 7:05pm. The remainder of this home stand is important for the Bulls as they could take 1st place in the WCBL - Canadian division if they sweep the Prospects through the weekend.

For tickets and more information about the game, please check out the Bull’s website HERE

And for all of our gameday photo coverage of the double header yesterday, check out our new photo website HERE