Baseball-mad teen Liam Stoliker of Rakaia is heading to America to fulfill a dream.
He will play in the in the Babe Ruth World Series.
It’s a month-long experience which will see him play alongside, and against, some top age-group competition. Liam will be playing at the Babe Ruth World Series Tournament in Branson Missouri, USA.
Liam was one of only two players from Canterbury to be selected for the team. He will be supported on the sideline by his mother Lesley.
‘‘As an all rounder, I’d say I love every position I can play. But I’d say that there two positions that I love to play the most, and that’s pitcher and shortstop,’’ Liam said.
‘‘Going into this all I can feel is excitement, this is the biggest opportunity I’ve been given so far, and it’s the best feeling to be a part of such a strong team.’’
Dad Dayle Stoliker, who teaches at Ashburton Intermediate School, said Liam, in the Pac Men 16U Team, leaves this weekend and would return on August 20.
‘‘He is leaving Saturday to play with a team of fellow Pacific Region players to play against teams from all across America,’’ Dayle said.
Liam, 16, has been making a name for himself in baseball circles and excited about the competition.
‘‘The thing I’m probably looking forward to the most is playing, there is going to be some amazing competition up in Branson and I’m really looking forward to it.’’ Liam said.
In the past Liam has played with the Levin Hustle Baseball Club – who went on to win the Baseball New Zealand National championships for the under 13s.
He was also picked up by Nelson Heat U16 baseball team and played pitcher, shortstop and catcher. They went on to win the National U16s championship.
And most recently he played for the Selwyn Braves men’s team. They won the championship trophy.
Last summer Liam also played at the Southern Cross Baseball Academy Mid-Summer Blast in Levin.
‘‘Players from all over the country were drafted into four teams by top coaches from all around New Zealand. At the end of the tournament Liam had the honour to be selected into the All Tournament Team – chosen by the coaches as the best of the tournament,’’ Dayle said.
Liam’s sporting days have included football, with Mid Canterbury Football, but he started with softball at Burnham at aged four. He then played with the Ashburton Demons before a move to Rolleston.
He started playing baseball at Selwyn from age 10.
Last year Liam was named Sports Person of the Year at his school, Ellesmere College, and this year he is student sport leader.
A Givealittle page to help Liam fulfill his dream had been set up and so far raised $1410.
