By JOE McFARLAND

It’s getting down to crunch time in the Canadian College Baseball Conference.

With just week-and-a-half to go until the annual CCBC World Series, which is being held in Lethbridge, the hometown Prairie Baseball Academy (PBA) will be looking to hoist their first championship trophy since 2017.

Always a strong offensive team, the Dawgs will be leaning on a mix of veterans and new faces, which includes first baseman Nate Garth.

The Calgary Cubs and Jamie Mitchell Elite Baseball Program grad is having a solid start to his collegiate career, hitting .300 with two home runs, 12 runs batted in, 24 runs scored and two stolen bases in 26 games.

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound slugger has done his best to weather the storm of a freshman season, and will be leaned on to provide some additional offense heading into the final couple of weeks.

Garth recently sat down to talk about his journey in the game and much more on Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast.

1. The numbers kind of speak for themselves. How are you feeling about the season so far?

I’m feeling pretty good. It’s definitely been kind of crazy being a freshman and just trying to do my role as best as possible. I’ve been taking it game-by-game, but it’s definitely nice to be off to a good start like this.

2. You’re originally from Calgary. How has that transition been from a schooling but also from the big city to a smaller city?

Yeah, it’s definitely been a big transition from being on your own, not with your parents, doing the stuff you don’t want to do like groceries and that sort of thing. It’s definitely been a very good experience so far. I’m really liking Lethbridge. It’s been great.

3. Heading into the season, did you have any goals or expectations of yourself?

Not really. I just wanted to help my team out and do the best I could. I really didn’t have anything that I was set on. I came here to play baseball and want to go further with it. I knew this was a good place to come and definitely wanted to come play in the CC. It’s good ball here and it’s a good program.

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4. What makes you believe this is the year that PBA can win it all?

I think, honestly, the relationships right now and the team dynamic. I know in teams before, guys haven’t really bonded together a whole bunch. This year, everyone’s very close, it just feels like you’re out there playing with friends you’ve known for years even though you’ve just met these guys. It’s been really good that way. The coaching, as well, has been great for years and I think it’s just going to be a good year this year.

5. How much are you learning about yourself and your game in your freshman season?

I’m learning a lot. High school baseball is easy on its own. Practices are a lot lighter, not as much, and games are a lot easier. Coming in here, the sophomores have been a great tool to be able to talk to and learn a lot from. I definitely learned a lot about the game and how to play the game through the coaches and the older players, just talking baseball and talking swings and defense. It’s been great to be able to come here and really learn a lot.

We would like to welcome 1B/3B from Calgary, AB Nate Garth. Nate is currently with the Calgary Cubs and Jamie Mitchell Elite Baseball Program. Welcome to our family Nate!! #earntheA pic.twitter.com/lwlYhLhFL9
— Prairie Baseball Academy (@PrairieBaseball) March 1, 2024

6. What would it mean to you to win a CCBC championship?

I think that would be everything, especially with this group of guys. I’ve had teams in the past where we’ve been close, but this team is so close together with everyone. I feel like winning it with these boys would be awesome and I know it would be huge for the coaching staff as they definitely want one soon here as it hasn’t happened in a little bit. It would just be awesome to win it with this squad here.

7. What does the game of baseball mean to you?

Oh man, it means pretty much everything. I always think about it, like, if I wasn’t playing baseball, I have no clue what I’d be doing. It’s definitely a fun sport to be doing, and it’s such a huge part of my life.

The Canadian College Baseball Conference World Series is set for May 15-19 at Spitz Stadium in Lethbridge.