Canon-Mac alum and pitcher Cameron Weston was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the eighth round .
BY PAMELA PALONGUE
Cameron Weston was on a family vacation at the beach when he got the text of his life . “ A buddy was watching the draft live and saw I was drafted by Baltimore and was texting to congratulate me . It was crazy ! It took a few minutes to sink in . It didn ’ t seem real ,” recalls Weston .
It must have seemed like a dream after years of working so hard to get to this important next step . One person who probably was not quite as surprised was his former coach from Canon-Mac , Tim Bruzdewicz .
Bruzdewicz , who coached Weston all four years in high school , recently retired after seven years as baseball coach . But he remembers the talented pitcher vividly : “ My first year at Canon-Mac was Cam ’ s first year as a freshman . He was definitely a standout — he made varsity the first year . As a freshman , he was already throwing in the 83 to 85 mph range . By the time he was a junior and senior he was in the low 90s .”
Weston was part of the state championship team in 2018 , and Bruzdewicz says he ’ s improved every year . “ He practiced a lot , and the way he trained was great !” he explained . “ He works smart . He ’ s quiet , methodical and a leader . He ’ s always thinking of ways to improve his craft .”
Bruzdewicz describes his role in coaching Weston as more as a mental type of coach . “ Cam ’ s a power guy and knows his strengths . He was so good at knowing what adjustments to make with regard to what he was doing right and what he needed to change ,” he recalls . “ All I did was call the pitches , give him the ball , and stay out of his way .”
After high school , Weston enjoyed a great college career at Michigan . Initially touted as a fourth-round draft pick at the beginning of this season , Weston got off to a slow start . But he powered through and was 4-0 with two saves , a . 84 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 21.1 innings . This made some noise and got the attention of the Orioles .
Weston was recently assigned to a Baltimore farm team and is starting to get some play this season . The right-hander has been fine-tuning his signature pitches , a sinker , slider , forkball and his changeup .
Reaching this level of play is a victory in itself for Weston and his family , who have been there for him from his earliest Little League days .
Bruzdewicz , who played minor league ball for Toronto himself , believes that Weston has what it takes : “ I think he ’ s good enough and has the work ethic to get to the big leagues .”
In the meantime , Weston is calm but confident . “ Coach Bruz always told me , ‘ Bet on yourself .’ And I remembered that . Always have confidence in yourself and never have any doubts .”
We ’ re betting on Cameron Weston , too . n
CANON-MAC ❘ FALL 2022 19