Kyle Lotzkar

Kyle Lotzkar was born October 24, 1989. He grew up in Tsawwassen and attended South Delta Secondary School. The 6’4”right handed pitcher was an elite local athlete when he was drafted 53rd overall by the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball.

He made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Reds and the Billings Mustangs in 2007. In 2008, he was promoted to the Dayton Dragons of the Class “A” Midwest League. It was there that Kyle suffered a devastating injury. Kyle fractured his elbow and while continuing to pitch, suffered a torn ligament. Undergoing two surgeries meant Kyle had to rehabilitate for almost two years.

2011 was the first healthy season for Kyle since 2008 and the timing couldn’t have been better for the Canadian National Baseball team. Playing at the IBAF World Cup in Panama, Kyle was given the opportunity to take the mound against Venezuela. Kyle threw five innings of shutout ball, giving up only three hits and not allowing a walk. Canada defeated Venezuela 7 – 0 and went on to win the bronze medal at the World Cup.

Ten days later, Kyle got the call again. This time it was in the round-robin final at the Pan American Games in Mexico. It was a must win game for Canada, and Kyle delivered. Needing the win to secure a semi-final berth, Kyle threw 4 2/3 shutout innings that included six strikeouts, helping Canada beat Venezuela 4 -1. Canada went on to beat Mexico in the semi-finals and then defeat the United States 2 – 1 in the final game to capture the gold medal. Kyle’s pitching helped Canada win the Pan American Games gold medal and the World Cup bronze medal, making this the most successful team in Baseball Canada’s history.

Kyle’s year did not stop there. He has continued to progress in the Cincinnati Reds organization, moving from Dayton Class “A” through Bakersfield Class “A+”. Kyle has now been promoted to the Cincinnati Reds Class “AA” team in Pensacola, Florida.