Cade White has been overseas before, but he is about to embark on a journey to Japan to follow his dream.
The 11-year-old Ocean Grover has been chosen to represent Australia in a 16-boy squad to play in the 37th U12s IBA Baseball World Championships in Tokyo.
It’s a daunting prospect for Year 6 student to travel overseas for the first time, but to do it on his own is something else.
“I was over the moon when I found out,” Cade told the Voice.
Cade’s father David will travel with him, but will only get to see him during games. Parents are not allowed to be with the squad all the time.
Cade got into baseball courtesy of his dad, who was a very good first baseman back in the day.
The avid New York Mets fan hopes to one day play in the USA.
“I’d love to get to college baseball in America and study sports psychology,” Cade said.
Cade started baseball as a catcher, but soon realised he was destined to be a pitcher.
“When I first started two years ago I wanted to be a catcher, but squatting down all the time, I soon got a bit sick of that,” he said.
“I learned a curveball on You Tube and it went from there.
“Baseball is great because you get to do lots of things. In cricket you have to stay out on the field for ages, but in baseball, it’s three outs and you have a rest for a while until the next inning.”
Cade’s trip to Tokyo is partially funded, but he still needs a bit of help to get there.
He has organised a lollipop drive at his school, Point Lonsdale Primary, and has started a Go Fund Me page (search for ‘Cade to represent Australia’).
