Phil Devey: University of Louisiana 1997-1999
The image of Phil Devey wearing the Maple Leaf during the opening ceremonies of the Athens Olympics left Max Poulin with a smile on his face and a tear in his eye. Devey, who played baseball in Quebec with the Winnipeg Goldeyes shortstop, was added to the Canadian Olympic team when fellow left-hander Jeff Francis was denied the opportunity to play for his country by the Colorado Rockies.
Poulin spoke with Devey recently, but it really hit home when he saw him on television Friday night with the rest of Canada's Olympians.
"We played together growing up and I almost cried on the phone because I knew he was so excited," said Poulin, who got the call on the day Devey was added to the roster. " He deserves it, he's worked so hard.
"It's awesome. The first person I saw (during the opening ceremonies) was Devey, he was right there. I was very jealous because it's a dream to go there."
Like many analysts, Poulin is predicting big things from Team Canada, despite the late loss of Francis and Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Mourneau, who cemented his spot in the big leagues when Doug Mientkiewicz was dealt to the Boston Red Sox.
"They have a very good team, man. They've got a good chance," said Poulin, who also played two years of junior ball in St. Eustache, Que. with Canada's starting catcher Pete LaForest. "They beat Cuba 9-1 the other day (in exhibition play). They're going to be in the medals, that's for sure."
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By KEN WIEBE
kwiebe@wpgsun.com