By JOE McFARLAND

Bryce Nevils likes to bring the “good vibes” to the ballpark.

As the Fort McMurray Giants continue their fight to get into the Western Canadian Baseball League playoffs, the Illinois-born outfielder is always doing his best to keep the atmosphere light with smiles and jokes.

Coming off a season where he redshirted at Western Kentucky University, Nevils was hoping to make an impact north of the border and he certainly has achieved that.

He’s hitting .373 with five home runs, 26 runs batted in and 13 stolen bases in 30 games for the Giants.

Nevils will be looking to take that success back with him to WKU this fall.

In the meantime, during the bus ride to Okotoks for a two-game set earlier this week, the 6-foot, 190-pound freshman answered a few questions via Instagram for our latest 7^th Inning Stretch.

The Fort McMurray Giants are excited to welcome from the Western Kentucky University, Catcher/Outfielder Bryce Nevils to the 2024 Giants! #LetsGoGiants pic.twitter.com/T7aQhAXo65
— Fort McMurray Giants (@FortMacGiants) June 9, 2024

1. You’re having yourself a great season with the Giants. What’s been key to your success?

I’m just out there having fun. I’m just focusing on every at-bat. But most importantly, it’s just always about having a smile on my face.

2. Coming into the summer, did you have any goals or expectations of yourself?

I had goals of earning a starting job and bringing energy every day so that I can be ready going into my college fall season.

3. Originally being from Illinois, how has the move to Canada treated you so far?

Canada is great! The atmosphere here is so amazing and everyone is just so nice and very welcoming.

4. What’s been your favourite part of playing up here?

My favourite part is the Giants’ culture. They just have an amazing culture with all of us getting along and cracking jokes with each other.

5. What’s your walk-up tune and how did you land on it?

I actually have three walk-ups. “Yungen” by Rod Wave, “Snooze” by Sza and “Hey Mama” by Kanye West. I like them all because they all have amazing vibes to listen to and to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

6. When you’re at the ballpark as a fan, what’s your go-to food at the concessions?

When I’m at the ballpark, my go-to food is really just a Mars bar and a purple Gatorade because those are just the best. And a Mars bar is the best thing in the world.

7. When you’re getting to chat with those young kids just starting out on their baseball journey, what’s that one piece of advice or those words of wisdom you like to share with them if they’re looking to get to where you are now?

One piece of advice I give to the younger kids is to always have fun. Always have a smile on your face and, most importantly, have a game-plan to know what you want to do in this journey.

The Giants conclude their 2024 regular season on the road with visits to Lethbridge on August 2-3 and then Edmonton on August 4-5.