Meet Harm Hartwick — Ontario Summer Games bound pitcher from Fisherville

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Meet Harm Hartwick. He is 16, from Fisherville, and pitches for the Haldimand Bulls Jr Men's team. This summer he is heading to Waterloo to represent Wilmot Thunder U17 Tier 1 Softball at the Ontario Summer Games, competing July 31 to August 2 against the province's best. Harm has been building toward a moment like this since he first picked up a glove for t-ball in Fisherville at age five. Here is his story, and what his team is chasing in Waterloo.

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His Story

Harm has been playing softball for 11 years, ever since he was five years old and played t-ball in Fisherville for the Flames. His dad got him into the game, having played it growing up himself, and wanted his son to grow up around the same diamonds and the same love of the game that shaped his own childhood.

His proudest moment so far came last year, when he won nationals with the Tavistock Athletics. He calls it a great experience and an unforgettable memory, one that still pushes him forward.

Harm credits his parents and teammates for shaping him into the athlete he is today, saying they have been by his side the whole way. With the Games behind him this season, he will turn his attention to the Eastern Canadian Championship in late August, calling it the true test for his team as he keeps working toward playing softball at the highest level he can, for as long as he can.

The Games

Harm heads to Waterloo this summer to compete in softball for Wilmot Thunder U17 Tier 1, from July 31 to August 2. Earning a roster spot on a Tier 1 squad heading into the Ontario Summer Games means facing off against some of Ontario's strongest young ball players on the province's biggest summer stage, a step up from his regular season with the Haldimand Bulls.

Harm's goal for the Games is simple and team first: he wants his team to finish in the top 3. No overhype, just a pitcher who wants to see his squad on the podium in Waterloo.

Who He's Thanking

Harm is shouting out his parents first, thanking them for being there for the whole ride, from driving him hours to practice to helping him work on his game at home. He is also shouting out every teammate he has played alongside over the years, saying they are what has made the game of softball fun and enjoyable for him.