Montreal boy competes in baseball-themed board game championship using STEM, stats

A 10-year-old boy from Montreal became the first Canadian to compete at the MLB Players STEM League Global Championship in Miami last month.

The MLB Players STEM League is a baseball-themed board game which challenges young players to use real Major League Baseball statistics to calculate and predict the outcome of games.

“It feels pretty awesome to be the first Canadian to represent the whole country,” said Maharli Musgrave.

To earn a spot, contenders must submit a video application to the league. They must also earn an “All-Star Student” status, showing a strong academic background.

Out of the 26 players selected from around the world, Musgrave was the only Canadian.

His father was eager to share the news with his son.

“He was actually in class when I got it, so I actually came to the school to let him know. I was pretty much in tears,” said Gavin Musgrave.

Musgrave partnered with a boy from South Korea. Together, they advanced to the semifinals before losing by just one point.

But Musgrave did not leave empty-handed.

“I won the sportsmanship award!” he said.

During the three-day, all-expenses-paid trip, Musgrave attended the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game between the Dominican Republic and South Korea.

He also met Houston Astros player Carlos Correa.

The entire experience has motivated him to continue developing his passion for math and the ball game.

“I’m probably going to go again next year,” said Musgrave.

The MLB Players STEM League Global Championship is an annual tournament held each spring, hosted by Learn Fresh in partnership with the MLB Players Trust.