Indigenous baseball player wants to be a leader

Teamwork, perseverance and respect are values that overlap in Indigenous culture and sports.

Brady Hope, first baseman for the Lethbridge Miners of the American Legion baseball team, says with every practice and game he develops a deeper apreciation for all of these values.

"I've kind of mirrored with the traditions and resilience of my ancestors," said Hope.

Hope has been active in sports his entire life. He played hockey and baseball, but for the last couple of years he has mostly put his energy towards baseball. He recalled his favourite sports memory was representing Alberta in Ontario last season.

"I went to Ottawa last year, so I kind of got to see Canada and see kind of where a lot of history is. So it was pretty interesting to travel and kind of represent Alberta when I went there," said Hope.

As he enters his grade 12 year he hopes to work on his game to make it to collegiate baseball. He wants to be able to inspire kids to chase after their dreams.

"I want to be a leader for younger kids and want people to not be afraid to go out of their comfort zone and always try something new...I know kids definitely would really enjoy going out of their comfort zone and playing a (new) sport."

Miners' next home game is July 6 at Spitz Stadium vs. Great Falls starting at 1 p.m.

Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald