1 Thru 9: Riley MacDonald

He’s taken the Western Major Baseball League (WMBL) by storm and is truly living up to his team’s name.

Riley MacDonald is not just a Brooks Bomber … he is THE Brooks Bomber.

The infielder from North Vancouver, B.C., crushed the WMBL’s single-season home run record in just 28 games, sending 19 bombs out of the park. With two homers against the Melville Millionaires on July 7th, MacDonald surpassed the mark set by Jesse Sawyer, who hit 18 dingers for the Lethbridge Bulls in 2011.

We caught up with No. 24 – who played ball for the Waldorf Warriors during the fall and winter – and presented him with nine questions, as part of our “1 Thru 9” series.

Here’s what the 6-foot-2, 230-pound right-handed swatter had to say:

1. What is your walk-up/warm-up song?

My walk up is “Top of the World” by Mike Posner, but I like to warm-up with some heavy hip-hop or classic rock.

2. What is the best pre-game meal?

The best pregame meal is a smoothie and a nice cut of steak.

3. Your family sends you a care package. What’s in it?

If my mom’s sending me a care package, it’s probably coming with a couple of bats and a few rolls of tape. I’ve been know to go through bats.

4. What is your favourite stadium to watch or play baseball in?

My favourite place to watch a game is Safeco. And to play, it has to be Brooks!

SafecoLeftFieldEntrance
Safeco Field in Seattle … photo by Ian Wilson

5. Who has had the biggest influence on you as a baseball player and why?

My biggest influences have been my two assistants at Waldorf. Coach Shaun (McGuire) and Casey (Schuermann) helped me change my career around by teaching me the correct swing path … UP!

6. Who was the best teammate you’ve ever had and why?

One of the best teammates I’ve played with was a shortstop by the name of Louis Boyd. The guy was willing to do anything to help the team win, and he also played lights out defense. That’s why he is playing pro ball now.

7. What is the best thing about playing baseball in the WMBL?

It’s got to be the pro-like atmosphere. It’s awesome waking up and focusing on baseball. Being treated like a celebrity is pretty awesome, as well.

8. What is your favourite baseball memory?

My favourite baseball memory was with Douglas College, when we dog-piled after winning regionals. It was something I will never forget.

9. What is the best piece of baseball advice you’ve ever received?

“Swing up.” This advice helped change my career. Also, the advice to do more research on the game. With so much info out there, hitters can really find ways to get better.

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