If the Brooks Bombers were in a professional league, they would be undergoing what many would call a “rebuild.”
The organization was looking for a change of culture entering the 2018 season, recruiting a new head coach with some Western Major Baseball League (WMBL) experience in Kyle MacKinnon. They are fielding an entirely new lineup as well following its first two rough-and-tumble seasons.
READ MORE: Brooks Bombers 2018 Season Preview
But not all of the players are completely new to the WMBL or Alberta. In fact, Keegan Kwong (@keeganjc on Twitter) is no stranger to baseball in Western Canada. The Edmonton product has been all over the map between Moose Jaw, where he played for the Miller Express in 2016-2017, and New Westminster, B.C., where he suited up for Douglas College.
He’s a little closer to home for the summer, as he was recruited to play with the Bombers. The right-hander has also shown his versatility as a pitcher/utilityman, making four relief appearances on the mound sporting a 1.23 ERA and playing in five games at left field, second base and a stint as designated hitter.
Kwong recently took the time to join Alberta Dugout Stories for our latest installment of “1 Thru 9.”
1. What is your walk-up/warm-up tune?
“Falling Away” by Seven Lions (the Matbow remix)
2. What is the best pre-game meal?
The chipotle turkey bacon sandwich from Safeway.
3. Your family sends you a care package. What’s in it?
Probably some food and sports drinks.
4. What is your favourite stadium to watch or play baseball in?
I don’t have a favourite to watch in, but any higher-class stadium is always fun to play in. I just enjoy being out on the field.
Players from both teams had an absolute blast today as the Bombers teamed up with the Brooks Special Olympics. Always an amazing time!! #3rdAnnual #GoodTimes #Friendships #SoProud pic.twitter.com/kaQJKvct6P
— Brooks Bombers ⚾️ (@Bombers_Brooks) June 16, 2018
5. Who has had the biggest influence on you as a baseball player and why?
My family is always a huge influence, but this year has been my entire college team (Douglas College). All of the guys and coaches made each other want to grind on and off the field.
6. Who was the best teammate you’ve ever had and why?
I have had a lot of great teammates who have affected me in a positive way. But two that stick out for me would be Tanner Spencer, who I played with in Moose Jaw with the Miller Express a couple of years ago, and Brock Morgan, who I played with at Douglas.
7. What is the best thing about playing baseball in the WMBL?
The experience of it all. The players you play with and against, the new friendships you make and the little feeling of it being like pro ball. I mean, you get to wake up and play baseball all day, every day for the summer!
8. What is your favourite baseball memory?
I would have to say winning a tournament in Helena, Montana and getting my name and the team’s name in the local newspaper.
9. What is the best piece of baseball advice you’ve ever received?
“Have fun, it’s just a game” is one. “Hey, I’d pick you to be the guy again” is another. Both were said by Douglas coach Jordan Broatch after I had lost an important game.
