For this upcoming season, the George Brown Huskies men's baseball team is pleased to announce the signing of five recruits. The men that will be joining the program are Finlay Butler, Asif Khan, Simon Jardine, Christopher Peters, and Jackson Tutton.
Finlay Butler: 6’2/Pitcher & Outfielder
Program: Building Renovation Technology
“When I first committed as a Husky, I felt honoured and excited. I am very excited to see what I will accomplish on and off the field at George Brown and all the memories I will make with my teammates, coaches, classmates, and teachers,” Butler explained. “I decided to commit to George Brown for a couple of reasons. The first being George Brown allows me to continue playing baseball the sport I love while giving me the post-secondary education to set myself up for a bright future. The second reason is the players and coaches. I have worked for Josh Appel in the past at Jays care, and it was an amazing experience. Josh offered me to come out to a practice to see what it was like, and all the players and coaches were very welcoming and nice.”
Butler has an extensive baseball resume since he started at nine years old. He began with TP AA from grades four to six, followed by North Toronto Athletics AAA for the next two years. Throughout high school, he played for a few teams, including the Etobicoke Rangers, Ontario Terriers, Mississauga Tigers, and currently with the North Toronto Athletics Elite.
“Finlay is a great two-way player. He is a talented pitcher who can also contribute with the bat and at various spots around the field. He trains and competes at a very high level and shows a lot of maturity as a ballplayer. We couldn't be more excited that he chose GBC,” head coach Josh Appel said. “We expect Finlay to come in and contribute in various capacities right away. Although the college level will be an adjustment, we are confident that Finlay has what it takes to have a very successful college baseball career. He is a natural leader who will help improve everyone around him."
Simon Jardine: 6’0/Pitcher
Program: Construction Techniques
“I was excited to officially commit. I am ready to work and do my part for this program and help this program win and have a big Fall,” Jardine explained. “I decided to commit to George Brown College because I thought it would fit me well. I played Elite baseball for coach Colangelo and heard that coach Appel joined the program. After speaking with Coach Colangelo and Coach Appel I knew they had a good program and one that I would succeed in.”
The right-handed pitcher comes to the Huskies after playing for Scotland Knights of the Campus Prep institution last season in Pennsylvania, US. He adds an arm that coach Appel can put in any situation, and he’s excited about what Jardine can do come September.
“Simon is a RHP who comes to GBC after two years of school and baseball training at the US high school ranks. Simon is a skilled RHP with an exceptional work ethic and drive to improve. We are excited to have him on campus and a part of the GBC baseball program,” Appel said. “We expect Simon to contribute significantly to us on the mound. He can effectively change speeds and keep the ball in the zone, which makes him a solid option in a variety of roles. His work ethic and hunger to improve will no doubt be a great fit within our culture, and we are excited for him to have a successful college baseball career at GBC.”
Asif Khan: 5’10/Pitcher & Infielder
Program: Business
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity. When I first decided on GBC, I was just very excited to be a part of the team, excited to take this next step in my baseball journey, and now it’s still exciting to get to meet the boys and the coaching staff and get to work with them to gear up for what should be a very exciting season,” Khan explained. “I decided to commit to George Brown College for both reasons in the classroom and on the field. I really liked the business program and was definitely my number one choice of a post-secondary school.”
Khan has experience playing shortstop and second base, while also taking the mound as a pitcher. His resume includes stops with the Ajax Spartans 18U for two seasons (2020-2021) and is currently playing for the Ontario Yankees 18U squad. The versatility he brings to the Huskies makes coach Appel excited about Khan.
“Asif is a skilled two-way player who can contribute both on the mound and in the infield. Asif is a competitor, a great teammate and always looking for ways to continue improving. He has a team-first mentality and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. We are excited to have him join the GBC baseball program,” Appel explained. “We expect Asif to compete for opportunities on the mound and in the field right from day 1. We are also confident that Asif's work ethic, positivity and character will significantly impact the winning culture we are building at GBC.”
Christopher Peters: 5’9/Infielder
Program: General Arts & Science
“My initial reactions were absolutely pumped to go play baseball somewhere other than Manitoba,” Peters explained. “I decided to commit to George brown college and the baseball team because coach Josh reached out to me and asked if I was interested in taking a look at George brown, so after a while, I realized that I love big cities, like Toronto, and I liked the idea of the head coach wanting me to play for him.”
The infielder has built up quite the resume over his 14 years of baseball. He’s also recently played in AAA for South Central for his hometown team, the Rosenort Redsox. The Rosenort, Man., native has been a part of two AAA Provincial Championships and a bronze medal squad at the Nationals Championships.
“Chris is an excellent addition to our program. He adds depth to our middle infield and can contribute to the mound. He plays sound defence, competes at the plate and can throw strikes with multiple pitches. Players with Chris’ versatility can be tough to come by, and we are excited that he has chosen to join us at GBC,” Appel explained. “We expect Chris to come in this fall and use his versatility to make an impact in various spots. He is a hard worker, a great teammate, and we look forward to him contributing to a winning environment both on and off the field.”
Jackson Tutton: 6’3/Pitcher & First Baseman
Program: Carpentry and Renovation Technician
“When I first committed to George Brown College’s baseball team, I had a rush of excitement, and still do! I’m excited for my future both on and off the field, making new memories within the school and on the field. At George Brown, I am able to pursue my interests while playing baseball,” Tutton said. “After working with the team and the coaches, I knew George Brown College would be able to offer me something other schools would not. Not only was the team inclusive, welcoming and positive, but Coach Josh Appel was also the same. I quickly realized that the level of coaching will not only develop me as a player but also as a person. Committing to George Brown College is something that I am certain of.”
Tutton joins the Huskies after playing for TP Baseball, East York, and Royal York. Head coach Appel thinks the right-handed pitcher will be a key cog to the Huskies pitching staff from day one.
“Jackson is a talented RHP who throws from a unique arm slot. He is a student of the game, soaks in information and connects very well with teammates - all of which we know is a recipe for success at the college level. Jackson is a great addition to our pitching staff,” Appel said. “We expect Jackson to come in and compete for innings right away. With his unique arm slot, Jackson has the potential to be very tough to hit at the college level. In addition, Jackson's got a great attitude, is an excellent teammate and will be a big contributor to the all-around success of our program.”
For more information on George Brown men's baseball, contact Huskies Varsity Coordinator Mark Couch at mark.couch@georgebrown.ca. If you're interested in possibly joining the men's baseball team, fill out the prospective athlete form.
