Pitch-perfect for young Westville Protea
Dylan O'Brien is hoping to raise enough funds to fulfill his baseball dreams.
WESTVILLE resident, Dylan O’Brien, has been chosen by the South African Baseball Union to represent the country at the U18 Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay in Canada from 1 to 10 September.
Dylan is the only player from KwaZulu-Natal who has been selected for the national team.
Dylan’s passion for the sport began when he was six years old. He tagged along with a friend to a practice session and instantly fell in love with the game. He asked his dad if he could also play and so his baseball mania set about.
The Grade 11 learner at Westville Boys High School was selected for KZN baseball team for the last nine years. He also represented South Africa at the U15 Baseball World Cup in Mexico in 2014.
“Its another honour to play for my country and show the world what we South Africans can do,” said Dylan.
The 17-year-old dreams of playing professional baseball for his favourite team, the Boston Red Sox, one day.
He described baseball as a fun and exciting sport where you can meet different players and teams and just enjoy the game. He plays for a local team, the Cubs.
Although this trip to Canada is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he has been tasked to raise R30 000 for his flights and travel expenses.
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His parents, Dale and Helen, are desperately trying to raise funds for Dylan to fulfill his dreams. Armed with an official letter from South African Baseball Union, they are planning to host various fundraising events as well as appeal to the communities for their assistance in sponsorship and donations.
“Any contribution, whether a donation of cash or goods [however big or small] which could be raffled at our upcoming fundraisers, would be most gratefully received,” said Dale.
Those wishing to assist, can contact Dale O’Brien on 079 496 0018 or e-mail: daleobrien@telkomsa.net
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