Adlai Muench of Martensville is looking forward to getting back into the batter’s box when the Salem University Tigers baseball season kicks off next week.
The 6’3” graduate of Bishop James Mahoney High School and the Going Yard Baseball Academy in Saskatoon signed with Salem University in West Virginia in February 2019. His first season at the southern university was cut short in March, 2020 after about 30 games when all campus athletics were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still, despite only being inserted into the lineup for 10 of those games, he made an impression, recording two home runs (including a grand slam), a triple and 11 RBIs.
“He did pretty good,” said Kent Muench, Adlai’s father, in an interview February 8. “He’s passionate about baseball, and he’s making the most of his opportunity.”
Because of the truncated season last year, athletes have been given an additional year of eligibility. So this season Adlai Muench is technically entering his freshman year – again.
Kent Muench said his son’s experience with minor ball in the community and with Team Saskatchewan, along with the excellent coaching provided by Baseball Saskatchewan and the Going Yard academy, have been invaluable.
“The value of sport is that it makes for well-rounded individuals,” said Kent Muench. “My son’s passion for baseball provided the motivation to keep his academic grades up. He knew he had to do well to move on to the next level. He’s grateful for the opportunity, and grateful to the coaches who have helped him along the way.”