It's been a busy summer for Nathan Flewelling.
The Innisfail product, who now calls Red Deer home, has not only suited up for the Sylvan Lake Gulls but made a trip to the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft Combine and competed for a spot with Baseball Canada's U18 Junior National Team.
It's been a lot for a 17-year-old but Flewelling is taking it in stride while hoping to inspire the next generation.
"I'm just taking it one day at a time and then just remembering to have fun and enjoy it. I'm just trying to be myself and not anything more," he said.
Flewelling has played in just eight games with the Gulls this season. He would have played in more at this point but missed three weeks for the MLB Draft Combine and the Team Canada camp.
In a short time, he's already made a major impact, especially at the plate where he's powered in three home runs including two in his last three games since he returned. He's also recorded 13 runs batted in.
"I love playing for the Gulls a lot. Playing close to home and getting a lot of fans every night is awesome. I think it means a lot to be able to do that," Flewelling said.
"Now that I'm back I plan on being here and try to be an everyday guy."
The central Albertan just returned from the MLB Combine that took place at Chase Field in Phoenix from June 18 - 23.
While there he showcased his skills in front of hundreds of MLB scouts, coaches, and executives in hopes of getting selected in the 2024 MLB Draft from July 14-16.
He certainly left his mark recording the second-best exit velocity of 112.4 out of anyone in the draft. Exit velocity is measured by how hard the ball comes off the bat, a skill he's spent countless hours on.
His performance at the combine has already generated plenty of interest from teams.
"That's my thing. It's something I've been gifted with and something that I work on a lot. It's what has led me to have the success as a hitter that I have," he added.
"Being at the combine was really cool. Just seeing the level of talent that's all over North America is pretty eye-opening. It makes you want to work a little harder.
"I'm just trying to be inspiring to other kids that just because you're from Canada doesn't mean you can't go do that."
Later this summer Flewelling will also head to his second Canadian Junior U18 National Team selection camp in North Carolina from July 24-30.
Following that, 20 athletes will be selected to represent Canada at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Americas U18 Baseball World Cup Qualifier in Panama City from August 2-11.
Canada will be one of 14 countries competing in the tournament. At the camp, they'll play three exhibition games against the USA Baseball National Team Development Program.
"This is where the real team is going to be made," Flewelling said. "I think I've done well on the trips so far with the team. I'm definitely becoming close with those teammates. It's becoming more fun every time."
Flewelling explained over the years he's been growing into a more mature player, a good hitter who hits with power, and being a good leader.
Following the summer season, Flewelling will head to Gonzaga University to play his first season of NCAA Div. I Baseball with the Bulldogs.
"It's going to be a good step in the direction of where I want to be. It's just another new opportunity to try and succeed."
On Saturday night the Gulls extended their win streak to three games with a 12-2 victory over the Weyburn Beavers.
Flewelling, along with Marques Abulsohn, and Jason Green led the way at the plate with two RBIs each.
Meanwhile, the Gulls pitching nearly made WCBL history. They almost completed a no-hitter but the Beavers got their first hit in the eighth inning including two runs batted in.
Starting pitched Kyle Froelich went five innings and struck out seven batters before Hunter Jones took over in the sixth. In just one inning of work, he struck out two batters.
The Gulls closed out the game with innings from Zach Gregory and Olemedo Quezada to secure their third straight victory.
Before Saturday's tilt, the Gulls won back-to-back games on Friday in Brooks. They took down the Bombers 4-2 and 11-7 on the road.
Sylvan Lake will wrap up the series against the Beavers on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. before heading to Lethbridge on Monday for a doubleheader against the Bulls.