Cooper Doan Reflects on Pitching for Team Canada at The World Comes to Palm Beaches
London Badgers' own Cooper Doan recently had the privilege of representing Team Canada at the prestigious The World Comes to Palm Beaches tournament in Florida. In an interview, Cooper shared insights about his journey, the challenges he faced, and how the experience has shaped his future in baseball.
Q1: Cooper, playing for Team Canada at an international tournament like The World Comes to Palm Beaches must have been an incredible experience. Can you tell us about what it was like to put on that Team Canada jersey and represent your country?
Cooper: "It’s been a pretty awesome experience to be able to wear the Canada jersey and play for the team in Florida. Representing our country has been a fantastic opportunity."
Q2: Facing top talent from around the world, what were some of the challenges you encountered on the mound? How did those games help you grow as a pitcher?
Cooper: "It was definitely different playing teams from around the world. Some of the teams have a different approach at the plate, and you have to adapt as a pitcher. Changing up your strategy when approaching the batter was key."
Q3: Were there any memorable moments or key pitches that really stood out to you? Take us through one of those moments where you felt the adrenaline of pitching on such a big stage.
Cooper: "The last pitch of the game stands out as we were up only one run and had 2 outs. The game had been close all along. I was just focusing on doing what I do every time and trying not to think about the pressure of the situation, staying focused on the batter."
Q4: Pitching in Florida means adapting to different conditions and sometimes even new strategies. How did you prepare for the tournament, and what adjustments did you find yourself making as you competed?
Cooper: "I actually found I just did what I normally do—stick to my routine of warming up and being ready for the game."
Q5: Finally, representing Canada on an international level is no small feat. How has this experience impacted your approach to the game, and what does it mean for your baseball future?
Cooper: "It’s been very exciting to represent Canada and be a part of this team. If anything, it has even further motivated me to want to play more baseball and participate in more tournaments. I’m very thankful that the Badgers organization has provided me this opportunity to be part of this team."
Cooper's reflections illustrate not only the thrill of international competition but also the values of resilience and adaptability. His journey is a testament to the strong foundation built by the London Badger Baseball program, fostering talent that competes—and excels—on a global scale.