Charles Leblanc doesn’t take anything for granted, but he will be able to show up for the next Miami Marlins training camp with a good dose of experience in his luggage.
Recalled by the Florida team in the middle of summer 2022, the 26-year-old Quebecer admits having had soft legs during his first appearances at bat. Fortunately for him, success stuck with him fairly quickly and his manager had no choice but to give him an almost regular position in his line-up.
Skip Schumaker has now replaced Don Mattingly at the helm of the Marlins and Leblanc will have to prove himself again in order to attract the attention of the new manager.
To do this, the native of Laval played for a few weeks in a fall league in the Dominican Republic and he is preparing to spend a few days in California, in December, to perfect his batting technique in the company of an expert.
In baseball, as in other sports, the small details often make the difference and Charles Leblanc has no intention of leaving things to chance. A physical trainer has joined his entourage to avoid injuries and stand out throughout an often grueling schedule.
At the microphone of Mario Langlois on the airwaves of 98.5, the number 83 of the Marlins returned to the fact that baseball is played the same way regardless of the level, but the presence of many supporters in the stands adds an important part stress and no one is prepared for that.
Charles Leblanc will come to the hot Florida sun at the start of 2023 with 48 games in a Marlins uniform. He has accumulated impressive statistics following his recall as evidenced by his average of .263 as well as his four long balls and eleven RBIs.
Beyond being part of the big club at the start of the next season, he is aiming for a presence in the playoffs and who knows, why not go all the way and participate in the World Series? The Marlins could be the next Phillies who surprised everyone by losing to the Astros in the Grand Finals.
Playing in a high division due to the presence of the Braves, Mets and Phillies, the Marlins are still wearing the title of underdog at the start of the calendar. The presence of a new manager and being able to count on the winner of the Cy Young trophy in the National in the person of Sandy Alcantara, it is allowed to dream.
One thing is certain, Charles Leblanc has both feet on the ground and he intends to take advantage of every moment to make his dream last as long as possible.
