FORMER+LEO+HAYES+STUDENT+MIKE+WASHBURN+HITS+IT+BIG+OUT+WEST

Story by Courtney MacFawn Move over Matt Stairs, because here comes the newest baseball prospect from Freddy Beach, NB. A former Leo Hayes student, Mike Washburn, has hit it big out west, attracting attention from an American College for his exceptional skills in baseball. Washburn is only 17 years old, but has made the trek out west to attend Vauxhall Academy in Vauxhall, Alberta, by himself, leaving behind friends, family, teammates and acquaintances, to pursue his dream of playing ball for an American College program. Washburn is well on his way to becoming the next big thing in baseball, but he has encountered a different way of playing the game. When Washburn was in Fredericton playing for the midget 'AAA' Royals for, he played everything from pitcher to outfielder, but played mainly on first base. Now, he is facing the difficult transition to third base in Alberta, although his coaches reassure that he is accepting the transition well. Washburn is an exceptional athlete and excels in many other sports, including volleyball and hockey, having played for the midget 'AAA' Darcy Simon Canadiens. Washburn led the Habs to the provincial championships in Moncton, NB., last year. He scored the winning goal that assured the Canadiens win in the championships. He also comes from an athletic family. His second oldest brother, Mackenzie Washburn, played baseball, volleyball, and also played some hockey. Washburn's father, Mike Sr. Washburn, played for the CFL, and also played volleyball. Washburn should be proud of being brought up in such a 'sports rich' family. He, I believe, will be able to excel in anything he puts his mind to. His dream is to play ball for an American College. All the best to him, because anybody who knows him will tell you that he deserves this in every aspect.
 * FORMER LEO HAYES STUDENT MIKE WASHBURN HITS IT BIG OUT WEST IN BASEBALL**
 * Good Luck Mikey!**