IT was an emotional scene as baseball star, Cole Pretorius, bid his family and friends last week as he begins his journey to playing Major League Baseball (MLB). Pretorius, a former Northwood School learner, received a scholarship from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma and will be representing the Cameron baseball team in the Lone Star Conference in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The exciting news comes on the back of some solid performances for the World Select Team on a tour in the USA last year where Pretorius had the chance to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in college baseball. His performances also attracted scouts and led to a chance to play baseball in America.
Pretorius, who is a pitcher, said the chance to play in the USA will help improve his technique and overall game.
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“I’m quite excited but also nervous at the same time. I’ve never lived away from home or my family for a long period so it’s going to be a huge adjustment. It’s a great opportunity for me to make a name for myself and live my dream. For me it was hugely beneficial because it will expose me to other techniques and habits of other top players. It will also help my pitching as the university has a specialist gym and specialised nutrition programmes,” he said.
“Though Cameron play in Division II of the Lone Star Conference, the quality of the baseball is incredibly high so it will be a test for me. It’s very rare for a player from South Africa to get an opportunity like this. I’m privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to get a chance to play,” he said.
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