THUNDER BAY – Andy Weber is a well-deserving all-star.
A born leader, a strong hitter and blessed with an even stronger glove in the infield, the University of Virginia product has been an invaluable, steadying influence this summer with the Thunder Bay Border Cats, a team in search of an identity.
Weber is one of the top hitters on the Northwoods League team with a .287 batting average, boasts a healthy .381 on-base percentage and has driven in eight runs, not bad for a guy living in the lead-off spot.
The lone returnee to the Cats in 2017, Weber said it’s an honour to get the call to this week’s all-star game, being played Tuesday night in Wausau, Wisc.
“I’m very grateful for the experience. I think it says a lot about the guys around me, that I can come out here every day and get better with them and they’re helping me get better,” Weber said after a recent game. “I’m just very thankful for having that opportunity and I’m excited for this week.”
Weber credited his success to his time with the Virigina Cavaliers, where he hit .278 with two home runs, four triples and 43 RBI.
“A lot of stuff the coaches have helped me with and a lot of stuff the players have helped me with along the way,” said Weber, who grew up a fan of the Cleveland Indians and calls Seattle’s Robinson Cano – a second baseman like himself – his favourite player.
“I think my defence has come along a little bit better. I’m trying to make a bigger effort to get bigger and stronger and more range in the infield and obviously some more power at the plate.”
Manager Mitch Feller said it’s Weber’s consistency this season that drew the attention of league officials and earned him a spot in Wausau.
“Andy shows up every single day and one way or another shows it,” Feller said. “Tonight he didn’t have a great night at the plate, but he showed it with his glove. Being able to show up every single day is why he’s an all-star.”
His teammates look up to him on and off the field, and feed off his energy during games.
“What I see is a great leadoff hitter,” said OF Braden Mosley. “He gets on base a lot and has great hands in the infield. He makes some plays that I frankly haven’t seen made in a while. I think (the all-star game) will be really good for him,” Mosley said.
Weber said he hopes this is only the start of great things to come for his baseball career. Like most Northwoods League players, he’s got his eyes on the big leagues.
Feller said with a little work, anything’s possible.
“I would love for him to see his named called next year in the draft and go straight into the minor leagues and keep developing into the pro player he could potentially be. I think he’s all there with his speed, with his bat. I think he just needs the ability to hit to all fields with power,” Feller said.
Weber and the Cats return to action on Thursday at Port Arthur Stadium.
