The first Warrior on the ball diamond to call himself a hall of famer is ready to make one final plate appearance – a trip to the podium as a newly-crowned inductee. 

Michael Clouthier (BA '17), gets his call after four of the most prominent individual campaigns in Warriors Baseball history. 

"Looking back, what I value most isn't a single moment, but the relationships I built, and the sense of community that made Waterloo feel like home," Clouthier mentioned. 

The 2013 OUA Rookie of the Year looks back on his time in black and gold as a pure representation of a collegiate career that will inspire the future of ball players at Waterloo.  

"To be recognized as the first baseball player in the Hall of Fame is incredibly humbling. It represents more than just individual accomplishments. It reflects the people, teammates, coaches, my family, and supporters who were part of the journey." 

His induction is perhaps best encapsulated by a 2014 season in which he possessed one of the province's hottest bats – hitting .415, with 11 extra-base hits and 22 RBIs in 18 games played. 

While dangerous at the plate, he also made noise on the basepaths, and even on the mound. His batting prowess was accompanied with nine stolen bases, and a 1.150 OPS, while winning two games as a pitcher. 

Of the memories lived in his time as a Warrior, Clouthier can now make light of his first day on duty. 

"I remember showing up to my first practice on this tiny diamond beside CIF (Columbia IceField), and thinking – 'is this where we practice?' 

"Over the years I realized, It isn't what you have, it's what you make of the situation and the environment. We were able to become one of the top programs in the OUA." 

That tiny diamond beside CIF was the backdrop for a multitude of magic moments that Clouthier was a key component in producing. 

"Winning silver at the OUA Championships and beating Laurier in the semi-finals was the best memory on the field. The memories that stand out the most aren't individual - they're the games where our team came together – overcame adversity, and celebrated success as a group. Those moments created friendships and bonds that have lasted long after our playing days ended." 

His first two seasons only set the stage for his final two, where he continued to rack up OUA accolades. Alongside his rookie honours, he was named an OUA first-team all-star from 2014-2016. 

Nowadays, Clouthier is currently a teacher with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, where he also coaches a multitude of sports. 

"It's my way of giving back, after all of the influential coaches that volunteered their time to make a difference in both my personal and athletic life." 

While not playing baseball today, Clouthier has been both an instructor at the baseball training centre PPA Hithouse, while also acting as a pitching/program coordinator with the Midwestern Ontario Bearcats over the past several years.  

A four-year stint that made a statement. A university career, knocked out of the park.