Austin Boylan, a young baseball talent from Minden, recently committed to play NCAA Division 1 baseball in the United States for North Dakota State, marking a significant milestone for the small-town athlete.
Boylan, who began his athletic journey in hockey, found his true passion for baseball amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Probably mid-COVID is when I knew,” Boylan said, reflecting on his transition from hockey to baseball.
“I was a big hockey guy, wanted to play AAA, go to the OHL, but then COVID came around, and the arenas were shut down ... there was no hockey, no nothing. So, literally, I just picked up a bat, started throwing a baseball, started training for it, and started to realize, like, 'Hey, I’m kind of good at this,' and, 'Hey, I like it a lot.'”
The 18-year-old only started playing baseball three years ago, and his journey to division 1 athletics wasn't without obstacles. A torn ACL came as a curveball, threatening his budding career.
“It was tough ... right before my 16U season, which is a big season in baseball,” Boylan said. “Countless hours of physio, a lot of mental hardships ... it definitely took a toll.”
The injury sidelined Boylan temporarily, but his dedication and resilience allowed him to return stronger. Now, as he looks forward to competing in the U.S., he wants to leave a legacy.
“I want to leave a mark for the smaller-town kids in Canada,” he said. “Just because you’re in a small area doesn’t mean you can’t become something."
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Boylan says a factor in his development as a player has been his connection and involvement with the recent Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) champion Barrie Baycats.
Under the guidance of Baycats' president and general manager, Josh Matlow, Boylan received the support he needed to regain his confidence and sharpen his skills.
“Matlow gave me the opportunity last year to help me get back going,” Boylan said. "He invited me to the warehouse in Barrie, get my eye for the ball back. I wasn’t cleared to swing yet, but just being around those guys was good. They helped prepare me for this coming season.”
Matlow, who has seen Boylan’s progress firsthand, praised Boylan's drive and potential. He recalled the emotions of winning the IBL Championship this year, attributing the victory to the team’s unity.
“It just shows that when you actually play together, anything’s possible,” Matlow said. “I introduced the motto of ‘one unit, one mindset, one goal’ before our first game."
Matlow’s philosophy of teamwork and growth extends beyond the Baycats’ championship run, which saw them go 10-0 in the playoffs. His approach emphasizes personal development and helping young players, like Boylan.
“I’ve invited [Boylan] out a few times in the offseason, really coming off his injury to get back in the box, face some of our pitchers, and get his timing back,” Matlow said. “That just helps him get repetition, and there’s so much value in that.”
Boylan’s commitment to division 1 baseball represents a dream come true, but he’s also thinking about the future. He says if one day he becomes a scout or an agent, he will help players from small towns receive the recognition they deserve.
“I’ve been overlooked for multiple events, I haven’t made things for a variety of reasons," explained Boylan. "But if I’m a recruiter, I’m going to give those kids the love because I didn’t get the love almost ever. I had to work for everything.”
Matlow appreciates Boylan’s desire to give back, a value the Baycats organization prioritizes, and the Minden native is expected to suit up for the Baycats during their 2025 season in the summer before heading to North Dakota State in the fall.
“That’s exactly who we are,” Matlow said.
“They’ve got to be good ballplayers, but better human beings. I’ve been very lucky with our volunteers, our staff, and our players — they all want to give back in whichever way they can. If Austin plays with the Baycats, he’ll have that platform as well. He’ll come to community events, and he’ll learn how important it is to give back.”
Listen to the full interview with Austin Boylan and Josh Matlow
The Barrie Baycats’ recent championship victory highlights the strong baseball community in the region, and Matlow hopes the success will inspire.
“Getting these kids out to the ballpark ... they're going to fail and that's okay," said Matlow.
"But here's that platform and that level of baseball they're able to achieve to help them learn so they go to school well-prepared rather than a guy who jumps from his elite ball to division 1 and has no idea what it's like."
For Boylan, his success in baseball and his commitment to giving back serve as a message to young athletes.
“If you put in the work, you’re going to achieve something, no matter what it is."
