Our players abroad
Eric Bastien from BSK LJUBLJANA to Ontario Baseball Academy.
In our club, we are proud of every player who has ever worn our jersey, whether they train with us or continue their journey elsewhere in the world. That’s why we are starting a new series of stories, “Our Players Abroad,” in which we will feature our players who now live and play baseball or softball abroad.
The first in the series is Eric Bastien, who moved from the baseball fields in Ljubljana to Canada, where he is following the path of a professional player.
Beginnings in Ljubljana
Eric encountered baseball as a young boy. When he was just six years old, he first wore the BSK LJUBLJANA jersey and stepped onto the field, where the glove and bat were almost bigger than him. Even then, he showed remarkable enthusiasm for a sport that only a few children in Slovenia know.
“When I joined BSK LJUBLJANA, I was 6 years old,” he remembers today.
He describes his first practices as a special experience; the field became a place of play, new friendships, and many moments full of laughter. He quickly realized that baseball is not just a sport, but also a community where you can grow.
His fondest stories from his time in Slovenia are connected to socializing and traveling:
” I enjoyed traveling abroad the most, where we played our favorite sport. I also have fond memories of the summer baseball camps, which were really fun, with great food—especially the delicious burgers prepared by Coach Jaka."
He adds that what impacted him the most were the relationships within the club:
“With friends and teammates, we had a great time. Traveling to tournaments was an excellent experience, but the best part was the training and the encouragement I always received from the coaches.”
A new journey in Canada
In 2024, Erik moved to Canada. There, he was accepted into the Ontario Baseball Academy, where he has the opportunity to train with experienced coaches and teammates at a very high level.
He currently plays for the Ontario Jackals in the Fergie Jenkins Showcase League. He prefers playing shortstop, but this season he has played virtually every infield position, even catcher.
“Next year I will play for the FieldHouse Pirates team from Burlington, Ontario. As an elite team, they compete in the Canadian Premier Baseball League,” he says with well-deserved pride.
For a young player who began his journey on the Ljubljana field, this is a big step forward and at the same time proof that hard work, perseverance, and love for the game are the keys to success.
Differences between Canada and Slovenia
When we ask him what the biggest difference between baseball in Slovenia and Canada is, he smiles.
“The big difference is that in Canada we have access to indoor training facilities, like batting cages, all year round, which practically don’t exist in Slovenia. We also play baseball in the evenings, as many fields have lights. And there are far more fields than in Slovenia. In addition, many high schools have their own baseball teams, so you can play baseball at school, not just in clubs. In the summer, there are many camps organized for different ages and skill levels, and it’s also easier to access good equipment.”
His words show the significant gap between the two countries, but at the same time, how valuable the experience of playing baseball in Slovenia was.
Training and life with baseball
Although he is young, Eric now lives an almost professional schedule.
“In the spring and summer, I’m on the field six days a week, either at games or training. Every weekend we play games, sometimes even during the week. In the fall and winter, we train at least three times a week, mostly indoors, but if the weather is nice, also outside.”
Baseball has thus become part of his everyday life, just like school or spending time with friends. Yet, he always reflects on his beginnings:
“ “I have really fond memories of BSK Ljubljana, as that’s where I started playing baseball. Even when I lived and played in France for a year, I could hardly wait to return to BSK LJUBLJANA.”
Dreams for the future
Eric’s dreams are clear and ambitious:
“I would like to play at the Division 1 college level in the USA, which is the highest collegiate level of baseball, and then professionally in the MLB.”
These dreams may seem big, but with his work ethic and family support, they are not unattainable. For young players in Slovenia, he has a simple yet important message:
“Enjoy yourself and train hard, as baseball is truly a great team sport that can even take you to professional play.”
Parents’ perspective
Of course, Eric’s parents are also part of the story, as they know well the important role BSK Ljubljana played in their son’s journey:
” BSK Ljubljana je bil začetek naše zgodbe. Skozi vaše treninge, kampe, tekme in turnirje, tako v dvoranah kot na prostem in ob podpori predanih trenerjev, je naš sin dobil svojo strast do baseballa in prve veščine.”
They add that baseball has shaped not only his athletic path but also his personal journey:
“ He is learning how to overcome difficult moments and turn mistakes into lessons, growing and developing. He is a healthy, confident, and well-adjusted teenager who understands that hard work and dedication are essential for success, both in sports and in school and life.”
Their words show that sports are more than just a game; they are a life school that teaches children perseverance, discipline, and confidence.
Conclusion
Eric’s story is proof that baseball dreams can be born anywhere, even on a Ljubljana field where, years ago, a small six-year-old stood with a big glove. Today, his path takes him across the ocean to Canada, tomorrow perhaps to the USA, and one day to Major League Baseball.
We are proud to have been part of his journey and proudly follow his successes.
