Glenwood boy lands major league contract

GLENWOOD star pupil and head prefect, Callan Pearce has made his mark with baseball in the country and is now ready to take on the international baseball scene.
Callan’s childhood dreams are becoming a reality after the star baseball player was selected for and signed, a seven year contract with the Minnesota Twins, a professional American baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

It all started when he was just a toddler, the shy pitcher told Berea Mail when he returned from a training camp for the U18 South African team in Pretoria last week. “I started playing baseball with my dad when I was 3-and-a-half, and always had an interest in baseball matches.” He dreamed of one day representing South Africa and playing in the big America leagues. His dream will become reality when, after completing his matric, he will fly to the USA to start spring training with the team in March.

It was only when he was 13 years old that he realised his dream could come true after a scout from America saw him pitch at Hoy Park. “He spoke to my parents and said for my age, I had decent speed. It was a boost for his confidence and Callan realised he had it in him to make baseball his career. Ï have worked very hard to make it possible,” he said proudly.

Today he is a pitcher for the Stella Cubs and a great asset to the KZN Baseball Association, said its president, Dion Desaunois who is extremely proud of Callan’s achievement.

The star athlete also plays cricket, hockey and golf and trains every day to maintain his fitness, stay healthy and reach his full potential.
A Durban scout from America who had been following his progress took Callan on a trip to Florida two years ago to watch the spring training games. “It was the first time I got an idea of how professional baseball goes down in the States and I’m really excited and can’t wait to go there and start,” he said beaming.
For now, Callan is back at school and the 17-year-old is hoping to get at least three A symbols in his matric exam. He plans to study part time while he is playing for the Twins.

Glenwood High School’s marketing manager, Brett Webber said the school was “incredibly proud” of Callan. “Not only is he fulfilling his head head boy duties, but he will be flying Glenwood High’s flag playing international baseball. He plays softball for our team and we haven’t lost a game in more than a decade.”
The Minnesota Twins, play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball’s American League.