Rowan Ebersohn’s childhood dream of becoming a professional baseballer has materialised, after he signed a seven-year contact with the Minnesota Twins, on July 2.
The 18-year-old Benoni Northerns baseball player will join the minor league team in the United States of America (Florida), in April, as a batter and outfielder.
Although he could not reveal the deal’s value, he will receive a lump sum, a salary, as well as funding for his education should he wish to complete school and pursue a tertiary qualification.
The Northmead resident said he turned down offers from the New York Yankees and the Cincinnati Reds.
He decided to sign with the Twins because as he has extensive knowledge of the club’s workings, has friends there and has always harboured a dream of playing for them.
Talent scouts had their eyes on Ebersohn four years ago when he was touring in Cape Town at an MLB camp.
Shaun Findlay, who started coaching Ebersohn five years ago at Northerns, said the humble teenager has improved his game a lot since then, especially in the last year.
He is already capable of hitting the ball 400ft (122m).
The youngster is excited, yet nervous at the prospects of playing for his childhood dream team.
He agreed that there is still a long road ahead of him if he wants to reach his ultimate goal of playing in the major league in seven years’ time, which would make him the first South African to do so.
Ebersohn’s humble beginnings started at Benoni Northerns at the age of five and, at the age of 10, his sights were set on reaching the top of the sport.
Baseball has played a central role in the Ebersohn family, with the club offers creating a lot of stress in the household, with pressure arising from the need to make the correct decision.
Ebersohn has received a lot of support from his family, including his brother, Jarryd (21), whose baseball dreams were dashed due to an injury.
Findlay was delighted at the young star’s achievement.
”Rowan is a good all-rounder and he is very modest,” said the gloating coach.
”He is a coach’s dream, because he takes to anything – it has been a pleasure coaching him.”
Findlay said he told people five years ago that Ebersohn would make it to the States as a baseballer, but was laughed at.
The Twins player advised young baseballers who want to make it in the sport to listen to their coaches and put in the hard work.
