Newport Rams’ young gun Atticus Hurford has been chosen to represent Australia at the 2016 World Children’s Baseball Fair (WCBF) in Japan.
The outgoing grade five pupil from Williamstown Primary School is one of five Aussies, and the only Victorian, to attend the week-long event in the city of Toyama.
“To go and do a clinic overseas is pretty cool,” Hurford said. “It’s a good opportunity for me to be able to do something else other than classic club baseball.”
Talented baseballers from Little League baseball programs in 16 countries have been invited to attend the WCBF.
While honing baseball skills will be at the forefront of the fair, there will also be a cultural awareness strand and an emphasis on participation, team work and friendship.
Hurford, an outfielder and short stop with the Rams in the Victorian Little League majors, is looking forward to meeting like-minded youngsters from across the globe.
“I want to improve my skills and overall game when I’m there,” he said. “I also want to try and make some friends from other countries over there to keep in touch.”
Hurford, a Melbourne Aces and New York Yankees fan, wants a career in baseball.
The fair is one of many steps for the Little Leaguer to take to achieve his dream.
“Like everyone, I want to get into the big leagues,” he said. “Even getting into the Australian league would be an amazing feat.
“I enjoy watching the Melbourne Aces games and I like all of the players.”
Hurford first discovered his love of baseball through a Newport Rams’ come-and-try day.
The Rams will be holding their 2016 come-and-try days, open to boys and girls aged between four and 17, on August 28 and on September 11 (both days from 9.30am) at Newport Baseball Club in Park Cresent, Williamstown North.
“I was only seven and did a year of tee ball, then I went into the proper baseball and did the Little League minors,” Hurford said.
“Then I progressed into the Little League majors and we won the grand final.”
