EDMONTON- The Edmonton Prospects baseball club may not be having the season the players had hoped for, but for one Sherwood Park family, the experience has been second to none.
Tony Olson and his twin brother, Dean, numbers 2 and 3 respectively, are playing their first season with the team. And it’s on the very same field where their grandfather once played.
“I think it was in ’51 that we started playing. I think the Big 6 League is what it was called. A lot of the pros played in that league,” said Bill Olson, a pitcher who played at Telus Field when it was called John Ducey Park.
Bill once again spends a lot of time down at the ball diamond, which brings back fond memories for him.
“I had a record of, I’ll brag a little, 8-3. So it was a pretty good record. I got away with a lot of things,” he said with a smile.
But perhaps the biggest joy for Bill now, is watching and helping his grandsons develop their own skills.
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“Right from day one any time they could even catch a ball they were always out there playing ball.”
The twins say they admire their grandfather and will take any advice he dishes out.
“He threw a lot of junk, he wasn’t a flame thrower by any means; but he got guys out by basically throwing a lot of junk,” said Tony, who plays middle infield and third base.
“He’s always come out to our games, give us tips and stuff. He’s always supported us,” said Dean, who plays outfield for the Prospects. “The other day, actually, he helped me out with my hitting.”
The young men say it’s great to have such an enthusiastic family behind them.
“It’s pretty cool because we can relate to each other like that and it’s just nice to have someone like that there,” said Dean.
“He’s at every game,” added Tony. “It’s just nice to have that family support. You know they’re behind you no matter if you’re successful or you fail.”
And Bill says he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“They’re only 18 now, and I can imagine what they’ll be like in a couple of more years,” he said fondly. “It’s a real pleasure. It gives you a lot of thrill.”
The prospects wrap up the season in Medicine Hat on Monday. In the fall the Olson twins will head back to British Columbia where they attend Douglas College.
With files from Dean Millard, Global Sports.
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