Baseball buds off to world cup
Help Dylan and Jaundre fulfill their dreams of representing their country at the 2014 U15 Baseball World Cup in Mexico in July.
TWO Highway boys, Dylan O’Brien and Jaundre Smit were selected to represent South Africa and Africa at the historical 2014 U15 Baseball World Cup in Mexico from 30 July to 10 August.
According to one of the KZN coaches, Dale O’Brien, this is the first time in the history of the game in SA that a squad of 20 U15 boys from all over the country was selected and invited to represent South Africa and Africa.
Both boys play all-rounders, which means they pitch, bat and field. There are two other boys chosen from KZN, Brandan Smith and Ross Veening-Pridham from Durban North. They will be competing against Tunisia, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Panama, US, Venuzela, Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Lithuania, Chinese Tarpay, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Dylan has been playing for eight years while Jaundre played for four years for the Westville Old Boys’ Club. They have both represented KZN – Dylan for six years and Jaundre for three years.
Jaundre said its a great feeling to have been selected. “To know that I’m part of the SA team and represent my country at the World Cup, I am truly honoured,” he said.
Dylan said he is very excited about playing abroad and especially against the greatest teams of the world. He said he is also honoured to be playing alongside the talented sportsmen from the other provinces.
Both boys agree their baseball role model can be none other than David Ortez who played for the Boston Red Sox.
“We hope to one day join one of the prestigious baseball clubs in major league,” said Jaundre.
However, the boys will not be able to fulfill their dreams without support. They have been tasked to raise R25 000 to cover the costs of their trip. Their families are currently looking at means in which to fund raise, but are appealing to the community for sponsorship.
Anyone who is interested in assisting the boys to raise funds can contact, Dale on 079 496 0118 or e-mail: daleobrien@telkomsa.net or contact Trudi Smit on 082 567 5155 or e-mail: trudis@fidelitysecurity.co.za
