Some will say that Quebec pitcher Phillippe Aumont shouldn’t represent Canada at the World Baseball Classic, but the main prospect isn’t too concerned about the booth operators’ opinion.

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“Honestly, I don’t care,” he says with his usual frankness.

In his place in life, a farm owner in the Outaouais region and retired from professional baseball since 2019, Aumont would have been mad to turn down the Canadian team’s invitation to this Arizona adventure. Why not relive the experience?

“I don’t tell myself stories: don’t expect me to throw balls at 95 miles an hour, but I’ll try to help the team,” he said. I have a little nervousness that is slowly setting in. I’ll still face guys from the big leagues. »

Nothing to lose

Aumont, 34, played in 46 MLB games between 2012 and 2015, all with the Philadelphia Phillies. Aumont is also in his third appearance at the World Classic, having represented the country in 2009 and 2013.

“My state of mind is that whatever the outcome, I’m in a winning position,” added the Quebecer. If I do well, I’m very happy. And when things aren’t going well, I tell myself that no one expects me to perform. »

Keep his arm in place

Aumont did not play in yesterday’s preseason game, losing 11-7 to the Chicago Cubs. He’s scheduled to be sent to the Hill today as a helper against the Seattle Mariners. Canada will then start their tournament against Great Britain on Sunday.

Quebec’s Otto Lopez was also reported with two goals in the game against the Cubs in Mesa. In the fourth inning, Abraham Toro hit a double, then Lopez followed with a single to drive his “old pal” home.

If he approaches the competition without pressure, Aumont has nonetheless spent the past few weeks preparing for the tournament with the youngsters of the Tyrans of Gatineau’s physical education program.

“I will be willing to take on whatever workload is given to me,” he notes. There are pitchers on the Canadian team who are in the middle of training camp and their baseball career remains the priority. In my case, if things go well, I’ll be ready to pull up sleeves and stay on the hill a little longer. »

“Of course I’d rather have my right arm on my body when I come back, I need it for working on the farm,” the right-hander added with a laugh. But I don’t have to be particularly careful. »

There ” French connection »

Aumont welcomed the fact of finding several former tournament-time teammates and playing with a few other Quebecers.

“I’m happy to wear the uniform with these guys,” says Aumont. There is also a nice “French connection“. It’s a nice image for baseball in Quebec. It’s fun chatting in French with Toro, Julien and Lopez. »

“I can play a role as a mentor with them, but up to a point,” says the veteran. Young people already know pretty well what they have to do. »