Argentina's bat boy Pryce Schrader stands with the Argentinian flag ahead of their game against Canada on July 10, 2025. (WBSC.org)

By Nick Nielsen

Warm welcome

Argentina welcomes back local bat boy as one of their own

Jul 11, 2025 | 3:00 PM

The 18th WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup happening in Prince Albert provides a great chance for different cultures to come together, with seven different countries, along with Canada, all gathering in Prince Albert.

The team from Argentina has been to Prince Albert before. They attended the Group B Qualifiers last summer, and are still impressed with the reception they’ve received in the city.

Teo Migliavacca is one of the catchers for Argentina, and he’s been coming to Canada to play in softball tournaments and leagues since 2014.

“The parks and the fields are awesome, and the environment with the guys and all the crowd of people is really good. Yesterday, we played against Canada, it was really crowded, so that was really nice, the energy they bring is really good.” Migliavacca continued, “They were cheering for Canada, and that’s the sport. That’s awesome that they support their team.”

While most Canadians at the park are cheering for Canada, there’s one local who isn’t just cheering for the Argentinians; he’s wearing their uniform. That’s 13-year-old Pryce Schrader, a Prince Albert athlete who serves as the bat boy for Argentina.

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Schrader was the team’s bat boy last year when the Argentinians came to town, and he said that the team has welcomed him in as one of their own. As a softball player himself, Schrader has been learning lots from the Argentinians.

“A little bit of Spanish, they’re teaching me a couple of bad words,” Schrader said with a laugh. “They’re helping me hit because I play softball too, so they’re kind of teaching me the techniques of hitting.”

For Migliavacca, who is one of the Argentinians who speaks both English and Spanish, having Schrader around the team has been a great addition to their group. Last year, the team invited Schrader out to lunch with them, and he even puts the catcher’s mask on to help warm up pitchers in the bullpen.

Migliavacca is happy to have that rapport with their bat boy – someone who is so close to the team, already established when they arrived in Prince Albert.

“We had him last year, so we already know him, and he’s a great guy. He also is like showing up with us against Canada, too, so he’s one of us already.”

Pryce Schrader and Juan Zara from Argentina at last year’s qualifiers. (Submitted photo/Pryce Schraeder)

For two years in a row, Schrader has found this to be a rewarding experience. If the opportunity to host international teams comes to Prince Albert again, Schrader will be jumping at the opportunity, but also advocating for others to step up as well.

“If you’re hesitant, I would say do it because you’re never going to get this opportunity again in Prince Albert. It’s an awesome time. It’s a week, and you’re always with the guys, they’re always helping you, they’re always talking to you, and it’s just a fun opportunity. You get to watch ball and be in the dugout with the guys the whole weekend.”

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nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com