His favourite baseball memory was eliminating the Okotoks Dawgs from the 2017 Western Major Baseball League (WMBL) playoffs. During Game 5 of that first-round elimination game, Tony Olson led all batters with three hits and two runs batted in as the Edmonton Prospects emerged victorious in a 3-1 contest.
It was a win he won’t soon forget – and you can bet the second baseman enjoyed knocking off the Dawgs once again this year almost as much.
Olson and his Edmonton teammates are once again looking to play spoiler as they face the Medicine Hat Mavericks in Game 5 of the Western Division final tonight.
The native of Sherwood Park, Alberta was a major contributor throughout the 2018 WMBL regular season. Olson scored 36 runs, racked up 28 RBI and batted .312 in 40 games for the Prospects.
We caught up with the former University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbird in advance of tonight’s winner-take-all game at Athletic Park in Medicine Hat. Here’s what Olson said when he was presented with our “1 Thru 9” series of questions:
1. What is your walk-up/warm-up tune?
I change it all the time, but right now it’s “For a Better Day” by Avicii.
2. What is the best pre-game meal?
Any meal I’m lucky enough that my mom whips up for me.
3. Your family sends you a care package. What’s in it?
Lots of candy.
4. What is your favourite stadium to watch or play baseball in?
I like watching games on TV at Dodger Stadium.
5. Who has had the biggest influence on you as a baseball player and why?
My brother, Dean, and my cousin, Kienan. We’ve played countless hours of wiffle ball in the yard over the years.
6. Who was the best teammate you’ve ever had and why?
Vinny Martin at UBC (University of British Columbia). He never took a second of it all for granted.
FINAL: UBC 5, ‘YOTES 3
‘Birds win game 1 of the doubleheader thanks to a Vinny Martin home run at the top of the 11th inning 👊#GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/6RELP7hnBM
— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) April 29, 2017
7. What is the best thing about playing baseball in the WMBL?
Avoiding a full-time job and adult responsibilities for another summer.
8. What is your favourite baseball memory?
Winning Game 5 of the first round of the WMBL playoffs in Okotoks in 2017.
9. What is the best piece of baseball advice you’ve ever received?
Be an athlete, above all else, and don’t get too mechanical. Don’t overthink things.
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