PBR Ontario's Top Stories For The Year 2014: Prep Baseball Report Launches In Ontario

January 4, 2015

By Chris Kemlo and Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Ontario Director of Scouting and Ontario Editor in Chief

Top 12 Stories for The Year 2014

Although PBR Ontario started up just three months ago Chris Kemlo, PBR Ontario Director of Scouting, looks back at the year in review and put together a list of the top stories for 2014.

To start off the list, Chris chose a long running piece that has provided players and parents with valuable knowledge when it comes to recruiting.

To follow that up we looked at "The Recruiting Trail" which updates where all the prospects across the province have been visiting, who they are getting attention from, and who they have committed to.

Next up Chris chose to look two outstanding prospects who lead the 2017 class as the two top prospects in Canada. When watching them on the field, they could be called the "Hall and Davis Show"

After that we looked at how talented the 2016 catching class is as well as the Toronto Mets 17U winning the NABF World Series

Then we looked at how the Fieldhouse Pirates are leading the way when it comes to recruits, as well as the release of the Class of 2016 and 2015 rankings.

After that we looked at the Ontario players that cracked PBR's top 100 as well as the Tournament 12 All-Ontario team.

Then we took a look at the first showcase in PBR Ontario's history.

Now we take a look at the Launch of PBR in Ontario

A rundown of the stories: Note: We will be conducting a Twitter contest to vote on the top 12 stories for 2014 once the 12 stories have been posted.

Prep Baseball Report Launches In Ontario

In the Middle of September Ontario launched as a Prep Baseball Report province. There were already 18 states on board but we at Prep Baseball Report are sure we have the right man in Chris Kemlo to make Ontario one of the top spots for PBR.

"When we decided to bring PBR to Ontario, we knew that it was going to take the right person to make it successful," stated Chris Valentine, Executive Director.

Kemlo Background

Kemlo’s scouting, coaching and playing roots are firmly entrenched in Ontario. A native of Oshawa, Ontario, Kemlo worked for the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau in Ontario for five years (2008-2012). During his tenure with the MLB Scouting Bureau, Kemlo attended MLB Scout School in Phoenix. Aside from his scouting background, Kemlo has coached in Ontario since 2005. He is currently the field manager and pitching coordinator for the Toronto Mets. Kemlo has helped guide more than 100 players to colleges across North America.

During his amateur playing days, Kemlo was a member of Team Canada, Team Ontario and the Oshawa Legionaires. The 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher attended Santa Fe CC in Gainesville, FL, and was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 34th round in 2001. Kemlo played in both the Yankees and Diamondbacks organizations. Kemlo also played independent baseball in Quebec and Edmonton.

"Kemlo's pedigree speaks for itself with years of college and professional playing experience as well as scouting experience. Couple those attributes with his pride in Canadian baseball, and you will see the result. He is committed to growing opportunities within the game of baseball for players in Canada. He is dedicated to opening doors of opportunity for amateur players across Ontario and Canada," Valentine said of Kemlo.

Lead Writer for Ontario

PBR Ontario was also able to add a well respected writer in Alexis Brudnicki.

Alexis has always loved baseball, playing the game as she was growing up, becoming an umpire, working for the Toronto Blue Jays as a statistician and board operator as well as being able to write on the sport for multiple publications. Alexis completed her education with an undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario and graduate studies in Sports Journalism at Centennial College.

"Alexis is well-known through the baseball circles of Canada," stated Valentine. "During my first experience with her at an MLB Bureau camp, it became clear that she was well respected and connected amongst players, coaches, and scouts. We are truly fortunate to have her apart of the team."