Cochrane's Simon Baker has committed to the Gonzaga Bulldogs in NCAA Div. 1 baseball in the West Coast Conference.

The 17-year-old outfielder with the Webber Wildcats Academy was one of seven prospects signing letters of intent with the Bulldogs.

"Simon is a huge addition to this recruiting class," says Zags head coach Mark Machtolf "Being MVP of the premier event in Canada is a big deal, and we think he is just scratching the surface of his potential. We envision big things for Simon in his time at Gonzaga."

In the fall, Baker was narrowing down his options after graduating from Cochrane High this summer.

SEE MORE: Baker named MVP at Canadian Futures Showcase

"I chose Gonzaga because it is the best fit that I can imagine both as a player and as a person," says Baker. "I can't wait to be a part of the Zag culture."

At the Toronto Blue Jays showcase of the 168 top baseball prospects in Canada, Baker was named MVP  in front of hundreds of professional and collegiate scouts.  In four days of play, he hit 0.500 with a 1.283 OPS, scored four runs and added three RBIs, three stolen bases, and two walks, along with stellar defense in centre field.

Baker has also earned spots on the Canada Junior National team and was a four-time member of Team Alberta. He won a silver medal at the 2022 Canada Summer Games as a member of Team Alberta.

Baker is a multi-sport athlete who also plays volleyball and basketball with the Cochrane High Cobras. He earned Rocky View all-star nods in both sports in 2022 and was league defensive player of the year for basketball. He was a member of the Cobras provincial basketball championship team in 2022. 

Gonzaga University is located in Spokane, WA. Twenty-nine Zaga alumni have gone on to play in the MLB.

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