What we do

The North is a baseball and softball program that brings athletes from across North America together for the cultural opportunity of a lifetime. Each journey unique, our teams will explore what Europe has to offer while competing against some of Europe's top baseball talent. Our team is run by coaches who have played and coached in more than 10 European countries and our travel program is headed by members of our staff that have combined for decades of group travel and tourism experience.

We love our sport and are passionate about seeing and exploring the world. Our staff has found a unique way to combine the two – by pursuing our love of the game and experiencing it across the globe. We aim to share that experience with others by introducing and exposing them to the baseball and softball opportunities that exist outside of North America.

We seek motivated ball players who share our adventurous side, who are ready to explore the cultural opportunities thrown their way. Travelling together as a team, we embrace our role as Canada’s Premiere Travel program.

OUR Trips

(Select trip for more details)

baseball

2024 tours

MAY 15 - 25 GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SLOVAKIA / HUNGARY

MAY 25 - JUNE 4 ITALY / SLOVENIA / CROATIA

SOFTBALL

2024 tours

MAY 12 - 22 HUNGARY / SLOVAKIA / AUSTRIA / GERMANY

JUNE 15 - 25 CZECHIA / AUSTRIA / SLOVENIA / CROATIA

IN PREVIOUS YEARS - THE NORTH HAS TRAVELLED TO:

SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
AUSTRIA
CZECHIA
POLAND
SLOVAKIA
HUNGARY
SLOVENIA
CROATIA
ITALY

WHO WE ARE

Casey Auerbach

FAVOURITE EUROPEAN CITY: VIENNA

Casey Auerbach has been the Head Coach of the McGill University baseball program since 2018. Prior to that he served as the teams Associate Head Coach & Recruiting Coordinator for 5 years. A 5-time Canadian National championship winning coach, he started playing and coaching abroad in 2011. An All-Canadian and National Champion as a player at McGill, Casey suited up for the Swiss NLA’s Embrach Mustangs in 2011 and 2012. He is currently an assistant coach on the Swiss National team.

GREG HROCH

FAVOURITE EUROPEAN CITY: PRAGUE

Greg Hroch has been leading student trips for 25 years. He has led more than 20 tours through 20 different countries. Greg speaks fluent Spanish & serviceable Portuguese. He can also order Gelato in Italy as good as any native speaker. Greg runs the 5-Star Students company as a motivational speaker and serves as the programs director. He has two sons, Rocky and Chance - both former collegiate pitchers. Rocky was a 5-time National Champion at McGill & Chance, currently playing professionally, had a distinguished career at NCAA D1 New Mexico State & Nebraska.

TROY black

FAVOURITE EUROPEAN CITY: BUDAPEST

Troy Black is the Head Baseball Coach at Humber College. In his first 2 years on the staff, the Hawks won 2 OCAA championships. Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, Troy was a star infielder at the University of Maine (NCAA Division 1). He was a freshman All-American and played 4 years before signing a professional contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He is also a freelance photographer, with experience shooting sporting events, landscapes & concerts.

KIRBY SMITH

FAVOURITE EUROPEAN CITY: MUNICH

Kirby Smith is the Head Coach at Laurentian University in Sudbury. He is also co-owner at Smith Brothers Baseball Central in Barrie where he helps place student athletes at schools in both Canada and the USA. Kirby furthered his playing career with a 3-year stint at North Lake CC in Irving, Texas. In additional to coaching at Laurentian, he currently operates Elite youth travel programs and offers private baseball lessons.

testimonials

KYLE CONQUER

Ryerson University, North Baseball Alumni

"Out trip to Switzerland, Germany, and Austria was one I will never forget. Playing baseball against talented teams on a different continent was an incredible experience. Playing with The North was an awesome opportunity to bring a group of talented players together. I would recommend the experience to anyone. "

CHRISTINE MURPHY

Mother of Keegan, 2018 and Aidan, 2022 North Baseball Alumni

"We are so thankful our son was able to have the opportunity to spend almost 2 weeks not only doing what he loves – playing baseball – but also taking in some of the most spectacular scenery & sights of Europe! Putting together a team of talented young ball players from different colleges/universities in Canada and organizing both exhibition and tournament play is no easy feat from thousands of miles away…and to also include culinary experiences and stops in 3 different countries of breath-taking scenery and historical sites made for the experience of a lifetime these young men won’t forget! Thanks to all involved for all your efforts in making the trip come to fruition…only wish we’d gone too!.”