By JOE McFARLAND

He’s not old enough to drive and yet Ethan Renaud already has baseball people across Canada talking.

The Dawgs Academy utility player will be one of the youngest players set to take part in the 2025 Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase.

Usually a place to see the best 17- and 18-year-old players, the 15-year-old Renaud is ready to showcase his talents, which have earned him high praise already.

The 2023 Baseball Alberta 13U ‘AAA’ Player of the Year is certainly an intriguing prospect, as he’s already listed at 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds.

Scouts say he has elite bat speed and arm strength for an athlete who won’t be graduating high school until 2028.

We caught up with Renaud for a recent edition of Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast, which allowed us to set the stage for our latest 1 Thru 9.

1. The Canadian Futures Showcase is just around the corner. How excited are you to get things going?

I’m very excited to have the opportunity to do this with all those top guys out there.

2. Is this something you’ve had circled on your calendar for a while now, especially as a younger guy?

I mean, it was definitely something I was hoping for, yes. Was it expected? Probably not. But I love the opportunity that they are giving me and I’ll try to make the best of it.

3. Do you have any goals or expectations for yourself?

Just try to get to know the guys and just have fun really. Just have a nice couple of games and show what I can do.

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4. In your eyes, how much of it is going to be showcasing yourself and how much of it is going to be trying to be a sponge and learning from everyone around you?

I definitely do think most of it is trying to show off and show them what I can really do because that’s the nature of the sport. But there’s also learning that goes into it. You have to be mentally tough, you have to be strong and have a good work ethic. It’s everything.

5. You’re fresh off heading to the Ray Carter Cup in Prince Edward Island with Dawgs Academy. What was that experience like?

It was amazing, actually. The food is amazing, of course. Also being around your teammates is amazing, especially the group of guys I had. Those guys are just top-tier guys. They’re just really nice teammates and all-around good guys. We just played how we could and did our best.

6. You’re an Okotoks guy, born and raised. How did you get into baseball in the first place?

It was always a thing when I was young and my dad was a baseball kind of guy. He played a little bit but not as fortunate in being able to play with such a high-level group. Did that and went through all ages and every level with t-ball, coach-pitch, 11U, then when I turned 12 I played underage with the (Calgary) Cardinals. That was kind of a wake-up call because I finally got to see the real guys with actual talent out there.

Nationally-Ranked Spotlight

OF/RHP Ethan Renaud
2028, @DawgsAcademy
6-2/170lbs

Athletic two-way talent who already stands out in all areas of the game. Elite bat speed (LHH) and arm strength for his age.

Top-ranked Western Canadian (No. 143).@PrepBaseballAB | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/XVSwphOAAp
— Cam Black-Araujo (@CamAraujoBB) January 18, 2025

7. Looking back on the young career to this point, do you have a favourite memory or moment that stands out as a favourite?

Overall, just being able to go to nationals is such an honour. Especially three years in a row, that’s a big thing to do.

8. What’s that meant to you to be able to represent the Dawgs but also an entire province?

Yeah, it’s a little bit of pressure, but it’s a big honour to be able to showcase what Alberta players have to offer from our small town.

9. For those young kids looking to take their game to the next level and get to where you’re at now, what’s that one piece of advice you’d like to impart upon them?

Just listen. Be able to take in what people are telling you and don’t try to fight what they’re saying. Don’t try proving anything to them and prove to yourself what’s right and what’s wrong.

Check out Canadian Baseball Network reporter Trevor Fitzpatrick’s follow-up story with Renaud here.