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IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Albers Cheries Representing Team Canada

June 2, 2015 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


The Buffalo Bisons have been well represented in international baseball competitions during the franchise's recent history. From Jeff Stevens helping the United States to a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games to Moises Sierra in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Current Herd starter Andrew Albers boasts an impressive resume representing Canada throughout his professional career.

The southpaw from North Battleford, Saskatchewan was a member of Team Canada at the 2013 World Baseball Classic team and participated in the 2011 Pan-Am Games for his country. It's the later experience Albers cherishes the most.

Albers was not only selected to the gold medal winning squad, but was tabbed as the starter in the championship game against the United States.

"It was pretty thrilling," admitted Albers. "It 's probably the most nervous I've ever been for a game.

"It's a different deal up there than it is down here, because it's just a different format. It's a one game. If you lose it, you're done. So you know, there's a lot riding on that."

Canada defeated the USA 2-1 in the final, with Albers picking up the victory.

The 2015 Pan-Am Games will take place in Toronto in July. Team Canada's roster has not been announced yet, and Albers is not sure if he will be eligible to take part. However, if he is eligible the decision would not be hard for the lefty.

Playing for Team Canada means suiting up for Greg Hamilton, the Head Coach & Director for the Canadian National Teams.

"Guys want to play in those events because of him...the things that he's done for most of us who've come through that program."

One of the ways that Hamilton has set himself apart is giving his players "that platform to kind of get on a little different stage sometimes. And guys are really appreciative of the way he runs things." Hamilton has served many roles, including manager of the 2004 and 2008 Olympic teams.

Earlier this season, Albers also became the first player from Saskatchewan to appear in a major league game for the Blue Jays. It is something that he takes pride in, believing that" it's one of those things where you kind of try to carry that torch a little bit and hopefully you open up some doors for guys along the way and give guys a chance to realize that 'hey, you know, maybe it's possible."

Albers believes that the game of baseball is continuing to grow up North, thanks in part to the Blue Jays efforts year round. He is quick to point out the winter tour schedule that spans from coast-to-coast to keep the Jays on top of mind. Also, he feels that the work the team and its alumni do in communities to run camps and events has been instrumental as well.

One thing that Albers marvels at is "when you get some greats, guys like Duane Ward, Robby Alomar, and Devon White that are showing up...for them to go back to Canada, a place that's not their native country, and to contribute and give back the way they do is tremendous."

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