Article content“For the most part, it’s just trusting my catchers and trust in my defence,” said Smith. “It seems like things have went pretty well so far.”Article contentArticle contentMore responsibilityArticle contentHines said Smith’s performance has earned him more responsibility. That includes at this week’s 2026 Baseball Canada national senior men’s championship in Miramichi, N.B.Article content“I think Ethan’s going to be a bigger factor for us this year,” said Hines. “He’s arguably our second-best pitcher this year after Tanner (MacLean).”Article contentSmith, who made two appearances as a late-inning outfield defensive replacement in the Islanders’ run to the 2025 Canadian senior men’s championship in Regina, is willing to accept whatever role the team needs. Smith said his No. 1 priority is team success — and not individual statistics.Article content“We’ll see the hands I’m dealt,” said Smith, who also plays for the Peakes Bombers in the Kings County Baseball League. “I’m just going to let the coaches do what they need to do and if I end up being called on, then I’ll do what I do.Article contentArticle content“If not, I’m not going to be disappointed or feel like I’m missing out or anything. Last year was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lot of people and even just to be there and to be able to be in the dugout with the guys was enough for me.”Article contentSmith does not have a preference for starting or coming in from the bullpen.Article content“Growing up, I was never really too familiar with coming on in relief,” said Smith. “In my opinion, you might get a little bit more adrenaline going when you’re coming into those tight games late.”Article contentIt’s a role Smith has embraced.Article content“I love coming in and shutting the door if that’s the hand I’m dealt, but I don’t mind starting a game here and there, too,” said Smith. “Whatever the coaches think is the best thing for me, I’m good with. At the end of the day, I’m just pitching anyway.”Article contentArticle contentProgressionArticle contentMacLaren has seen a steady progression in Smith’s game in the NBSBL.Article content“Whenever he first came into the league, or whenever I first caught him, he was still a younger guy, still learning how to pitch to some of these more mature hitters and learning what to throw (on certain) counts,” said MacLaren. “But he can command three or four pitches… and he’s just going to keep progressing, I think, as he gets more experience in the league.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentIslanders drop openerArticle contentAn inability to generate timely hits proved costly for the Charlottetown Gaudet’s Auto Body Islanders on Aug. 20.Article contentThe Islanders stranded two runners on base in four different innings in a 3-1 loss to Ontario’s Windsor Spartans in the opening game of the 2026 Baseball Canada national senior men’s championship in Miramichi, N.B.Article contentLeft-hander Tanner MacLean started on the mound for the Islanders and was the pitcher of record for the Islanders. MacLean gave up two runs (one earned) in 4 2/3 innings, four hits, four walks and struck out four. Cam Stewart, a pick-up from the Saint John Alpines, came on in relief and went the rest of the way.Article contentDillon Doucette led the Islanders with two hits.Article contentCharlottetown played twice on Aug. 21 – against Alberta and Saskatchewan.Article contentThe Islanders are representing New Brunswick in the national championship as 2025 New Brunswick Senior Baseball League champions.Article contentArticle content Charlottetown Gaudet’s Auto Body Islanders pitcher Tanner MacLean delivers a pitch against Ontario’s Windsor Spartans in the opening game of the 2026 Baseball Canada national senior men’s championship in Miramichi, N.B., on Aug. 20. Darcey McLaughlin Photo by Darcey McLaughlin /The GuardianArticle contentArticle content
Ethan Smith quietly playing big role with Charlottetown Islanders
