A BASEBALL adventure to Puerto Rico awaits Sunraysia baseballer Jake Moras, giving him a chance to shine on an international stage.
The 16-year-old will form part of an Australian under-age representative team that will face some of the best teenagers in the world in an international tournament in February.
The opportunity has been developed by DownUnder Tours, which aims to provide opportunities to Australian baseball players looking to further their playing careers.
Under head coach Ben Moore, the month-long tour begins in late January with a one-week stint in Florida for training, as well as meeting Major League Baseball coaches and scouts, and touring US college facilities.
The tour then heads to Puerto Rico in early February for an 18-and-under international tournament where the Australian representative team faces sides from the host island, baseball heavyweights USA and Japan, plus Mexico, Czech Republic, Colombia, Germany and Canada.
“It’s going to be a really good experience, meeting new people and everything,” Moras said.
“I saw the tour advertised on Instagram, we filled out an expression of interest and I was lucky enough to get a response.
“It will be really good to see what the competition is like from all around the world, not just isolated to Mildura and Adelaide.
“Getting the chance to meet MLB coaches and tour colleges will be eye opening … I really want to head to college, it’s a massive goal of mine.”
The teenager, who has played for Hawks since the age of five, has developed into an exciting young player who can play multiple roles for a team.
As well as playing in Sunraysia Baseball League, Moras represented the South Australian under-16 team this year at the Australian Youth Championships, gaining invaluable experience on a national stage.
He has also been playing for East Torrens in the South Australian Baseball League in Adelaide.
“We know a few people from Mildura who moved over to be part of the club, so we just went from there,” he said.
“It’s tiring (the regular travel) but it’s what you’ve got to do to improve.
“I’m hoping that baseball will be a big part of my future.”
Father Dom said his son had worked extremely hard for opportunities.
“He does work hard and his game has been improving every year,” he said.
“It will be another level up when he plays in Puerto Rico, he’ll be up against some really good players.
“Jake will be one of the youngest players attending so hopefully there may be an opportunity to go again.”
