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Gallant shifts seamlessly sports as he prepares for Canada Games
Logan Gallant of Cornwall has seen his fair share of P.E.I. ball fields this summer. Gallant, who is playing on three different teams in three different leagues, will play a key role in the P.E.I. men’s softball team for the 2017 Canada Summer Games, which begin this weekend in Winnipeg, Man.
If you are looking for Logan Gallant this summer, your best bet is to check a ball field across Prince Edward Island.
The 21-year-old Cornwall native is wearing three different uniforms. He plays with the Morell Chevies of the Kings County Baseball League (KCBL), the P.E.I. Junior Islanders of the New Brunswick Junior Baseball League and the Kevin Quinn Re/ Max Ravens squad, which will become Team P.E.I. at the Canada Games softball competition in Winnipeg.
It means playing or practising five or six days a week.
“I love ball. I love baseball. I love softball,” Gallant said before a recent practice. “There’s nothing else I want to do in the summer then step on the ball field every evening and (compete).”
This will be Gallant’s second trip to the Canada Games. He was a role player with the baseball team in 2013, while he’ll play a big role with the softball team this time around.
He and Jonny Arsenault, who also plays in the KCBL and on the Junior Islanders, will share time between the mound and shortstop. Gallant, who is also a vocal leader, will hit in the middle of the order.
“We’re looking for him to drive in runs when they’re there or, if not, to get himself on base to provide opportunities for others,” Quinn said.
Gallant pitched the Bluefield Bobcats to a provincial title in 2014. Coming to the Ravens with a background on the mound and a willingness to work to get better provided the squad with a good starting point when building their team.
Quinn said assistant coach Mike Bishop has worked tirelessly with the pitchers and catchers on fundamentals, location and setting up hitters.
“I think the complement of pitches that (Logan) now has at his disposal certainly has increased,” he said.
While some coaches want players committed to their team and only their team, both Quinn and MacIsaac understood Gallant’s intentions, and he is thankful for their support.
“I’d rather have him part time than not at all,” MacIsaac said.
He’s versatile on the baseball diamond, seeing time up the middle of the infield, on the mound, behind the plate and even some in the outfield.
“Sometimes you can get guys that are versatile that you’re going to have a big drop off when they go to a different position, but that’s not the case for (Logan).”
The physical attributes are key, but so are his work ethic and personality.
“Logan is one of those guys that everybody needs. He’s zero maintenance,” MacIsaac said. “He does it all with a smile on his face, and just gives you everything he’s got.”
Earlier this summer, Gallant played in baseball and softball tournaments during the same weekend.
“He played eight or nine games but never rubbed his arm, never came and said I need a few innings off,” MacIsaac said, noting it is noticed by his peers.
“They have a great deal of respect for him,” he added. “It sparks you a little bit when you see a guy that will go to that length to play ball on two or three teams.”
Gallant has also done it all while being a Type 1 diabetic.
“It’s definitely something I have to keep an eye on,” he said, but “I never let it stop me.”
It means doing work before games to ensure his sugar levels are OK and being aware while playing. If he notices an issue, he’ll have a snack and keep on playing.
Gallant and his softball teammates left Thursday for Winnipeg for the weeklong competition. He will be home for about a week to 10 days before hopping on a bus with his P.E.I. Junior Islanders’ teammates for Quebec to compete at the junior nationals.
“The Canada Games and a U-21 nationals for baseball in the same summer – it doesn’t get much better than that,” Gallant smiled.