By MASON KENNEDY

(Special to Alberta Dugout Stories)

Cole Dickinson has endured more hardships in his baseball career than a lot of players.

Yet he still finds a way to succeed.

After winning Baseball Alberta 15U ‘AAA’ Player of the Year in 2023, the right-hander was expected to be one of the best newcomers at the 18U level.

However, he ended up having Tommy John Surgery right before his sophomore season could start, sidelining him until just this past summer.

The Calgary Bucks product was quick to get back to his old ways, capping off his season with a great pitching performance in the Baseball Alberta Elite League playoffs.

Now, he is taking his talents north to St. Joseph’s Academy in Red Deer, where he will play his senior season of baseball before suiting up with the Sylvan Lake Gulls 19U Prep team.

The young hurler would also like to play in the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) this coming summer.

Hard at work as he builds up strength for the coming season (and to escape the cold weather), Dickinson was kind enough to answer some questions via text, bringing you the latest 1 Thru 9.

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1. Who or what motivates you to keep getting better?

Competing against the best, wanting to play at the next level, and trying to be the best version of myself is what motivates me.

2. You won the Baseball Alberta 15U ‘AAA’ Player of the Year award in 2023. What did you focus on or change that season that brought you to that next level?

I don’t think I changed much that year, I was just trying to play loose and help my team every game we played.

3. What is your favorite memory or moment in your time playing baseball?

My favourite memory is probably getting picked up in 2023 with the Dawgs to go to Nationals. It was a great experience to see some of the best across Canada that were my age.

4. A year or two ago, your UCL snapped and you had to get Tommy John. When you felt that snap, what emotions did that bring you?

I actually never felt a snap, my Tommy John was super weird in the way that it was just so stretched to the point where it would’ve snapped if I went out and played again that year. The emotions when I learned I had to get the surgery though were instant sadness and depression. I wasn’t expecting it at all, so when the doctor said it would be necessary, I broke down because I realized I was going to be missing so much baseball.

5. How did pitching feel after getting Tommy John? Did it feel very similar or was it hard to regain your feel?

Pitching after surgery was very awkward I felt. My arm still doesn’t whip the same and we changed my arm action a little bit when I came back to hopefully reduce risk of re-injury to my elbow. I don’t think the feel ever left, I’ve known that I was a pitcher ever since I first stepped on the mound, so I just go out there and compete when I’m called upon.

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6. Do you have a specific playlist, artist or song you listen to before going out to pitch?

Not really, I just like my old dad rock playlist that I’ve got before I go out to pitch. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Creed, Foo Fighters, etc.

7. Why did you choose to spend your senior year away from home at St. Joe’s?

I think that St. Joe’s is the best place for me right now. It takes baseball to the next level with the Gulls Prep team and opportunity to play in the WCBL this summer. I was looking for that opportunity where every person around me was wanting it as much as I do and I think I’ve found that at Joe’s.

8. If there was one moment in your baseball career that you could go back and change, what would it be and why?

The one moment I’d change would’ve been in that 2023 season when my arm started to hurt for the first time and I didn’t tell anyone because it was provincials and I wanted to win. Looking back at it now I realize that I should’ve prioritized long-term health over one provincial.

9. What is your favourite postgame meal after a win or a good performance?

My favourite postgame meal is either whatever dad’s cooking at home or a chicken sandwich if we’re out of town for a game.