They say the main action in baseball is the fight between pitcher and batter. Several pitches can be thrown before the ball is put into play, but the moment it happens, the field ignites. Whether it’s keeping up the momentum from the previous batter or passing the ball in time to get a runner out, all nine members must stay focused on the field and be ready for any outcome. Having a resilient mindset is pivotal, a trait that genuinely reflects the athletic experience of Dylan Langlois, an outfielder for the men’s baseball team and a third year in the Athletic Therapy program.
“Baseball involves dealing with failures,” he said. “But being able to bounce back and make the next play or get on base next at-bat is what allows a team to have success.”
Langlois has been outstanding since joining the Bruins. He played 17 out of 18 games in the 2023 season alone, finishing with a .257 batting and slugging average, two RBIs and an exceptional .435 on-base percentage. While Langlois aims to go professional in the future, the zealous outfielder also has other goals in mind for life after Sheridan.
“If life brings me down another path, I’d love to open a clinic combining athletic therapy and strength and conditioning for teams to attend,” he said. “The thing I like most about my program is the many different career options available once I graduate--working in a clinic, with a team, teaching, nutrition, strength and conditioning, etc.”
Langlois’ interest in athletic therapy came to light during his co-op placement at a physiotherapy clinic as part of the Human Kinetics program at the University of Windsor. There, he met a recent Sheridan graduate who introduced him to athletic therapy. Initially wanting to become a physiotherapist since high school, Langlois decided to change career paths after this fortuitous encounter and apply for Sheridan.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned at Sheridan is to set goals and don’t stop until you’ve achieved them,” he said. “There is no such thing as a dream too big!”
Marking his second season with the Bruins, Langlois’ athletic background is nothing short of impressive. Although he grew up playing baseball, there was a time when Langlois pursued soccer and other sports. During this period, he played slow pitch to keep baseball present in his life. Among his many accolades throughout high school, Langlois received the “Coaches Awards” and “MVP Awards” for basketball, volleyball, and soccer, as well as multiple “Athlete of the Year” awards. However, coming from a baseball family—parents who coach and a brother who also plays the sport—the urge to return to baseball was irresistible.
According to Langlois, adaptability and discipline are two of the many essential qualities found in a player. It is about moving forward from the last play, waiting for the right pitch during an at-bat, and having firm decision-making and execution on the field. In a sport where there is no opportunity to steal the ball, players must bring their moments together in a collaborative effort to get the win.
“Teamwork is picking someone up when they fail and bringing the fire back into the game,” said Langlois.
When games take an unwanted turn, Langlois remains positive and open-minded. He takes pride in representing Sheridan and reminding himself it isn’t about him but his teammates, coaches, friends, and family. And as with all life endeavours—the lessons learned and the strengths gained from failure—are surely worth the struggle.
“My biggest motivation is to play for those who have allowed me to step on the field every day to play the game I love.”