58 FOCUS - JULY 2017 Viktor Treiguts 905-243-4606 vtplumbing.ca• viktor@vtplumbing.ca Licensed and Insured by WSIB Over 17 Years Experience Both agree on the dramatic impact of their years of coaching. “I learned different grips and new pitches,” Jeff explains. “But they also teach the mental parts of the game: how to read batters and ensure you’re on the same page as your catcher. Those are just as critical if you’re going to be successful.” “Definitely the more pitches and looks you can give batters, the more effective you are as a pitcher,” says Clayton. “My coaches helped me to develop four different pitches.” Growing up, Jeff and Clayton played in a number of high-profile tournaments, winning some, placing well in most others. Those earlier ex- periences helped prepare them for this summer’s challenge, both as team- mates and opponents. “We’ve played against most of the other Ontario players who are now part of our team. At the National championships, we also had a chance to see some of the guys we’ll be facing from the other provinces.” Both were recruited expressly for the honour of representing Ontario. “They picked out about 200 players a couple of summers ago,” Clayton explains. “They held some develop- ment camps where they took time to evaluate the guys they had, and whit- tled it down from there.” Jeff characterizes the 2017 Ontario squad as a power-hitting team. “Some teams play more ‘station- to-station’ style, moving runners along a base at a time. But we have a Both agree on the dramatic impact of their years of coaching. “I learned different grips and new pitches,” Jeff explains. “But they also teach the mental parts of the Oshawa, Pete Landers taught me a lot.” Wintertime practice helped to de- velop Clayton’s game. “When I was younger, I went to ‘Spinmaster’ during the winters. They help pitchers learn the funda- mentals and master good pitching mechanics. The past two years, I’ve worked with Todd Martin in Toronto, and he helped take me to the next level.” Best Pitch (continued from page 57) Batter up! Jeff is also a designated hitter (DH).