Adriaan van der Merwe (15) is preparing to step onto one of baseball’s biggest stages with a simple goal – to make the most of the opportunity to represent South Africa at the WBSC U15 Baseball World Cup in Mexico.

The player has been named in the 20-man South African squad for the global showpiece, which takes place in Mérida from September 25 to October 4.

South Africa face a daunting Group A campaign, with the young national team drawn alongside baseball powerhouses the Dominican Republic, Japan and Cuba, as well as hosts Mexico and Germany.

Van der Merwe said the strength of the opposition only adds to the excitement.

“It means a lot to me because I have the chance to represent my country,” he said.

“It shows that my hard work pays off and that everything I’ve been doing behind the scenes actually works for me. It shows that I’m working hard for my country.”

The achievement is particularly significant given that Van der Merwe has only been playing baseball for three years.

His baseball journey began with the Vaal Dodgers, a club that has grown considerably since he joined. From having just one team when it started, the club now boasts U12, U15 and U18 teams.

Van der Merwe credits the club with playing a major role in his development.

“I’ve learned most of my stuff from the Vaal,” he said.

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Before discovering baseball, Van der Merwe played rugby, but quickly found a sport that suited him better.

“I’ve got into baseball and it’s just a much better sport for me. I enjoy it more,” he said.

Now, the teenager is eager to experience the intensity of a World Cup and test himself against some of the best young players in the world.

“I’m looking forward to the experience of playing in a World Cup and representing my country in that big moment,” he said.

And Van der Merwe has ambitions that stretch well beyond Mexico.

He dreams of taking his baseball career to the United States, with hopes of playing at Double-A or Triple-A minor leagues and, one day, reaching Major League Baseball.

“I see it taking me very far,” he said.

For now, though, his focus is on Mexico and proudly wearing the green and gold.

“I’m very proud of myself and of this moment.”

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