Young player picked for Japan

Levin base ball player Flynn Warren has been selected as part of the New Zealand team going over to Japan next month for the World Children's Baseball Fair.

Levin baseball player Flynn Warren is just one of five youngsters who have been selected to represent New Zealand at next month's World Children's Baseball Fair in Yokohama, Japan.

The event, running since 1989, will see boys and girls, aged 10 to 11, from about 18 countries taught baseball skills and drills from renowned players and coaches, with the emphasis on fun, teamwork and culture.

Flynn, who also has the added distinction of being the first player to be chosen from outside Auckland for the NZ team, has been swinging a bat since he was a year old after getting his first T-ball set and baseball glove.

Although Flynn has played softball for most of his young life, his interest in baseball was ignited after watching a live baseball match in Los Angeles during a family trip to the States two years ago.

"That encouraged me to play baseball. I've been playing ever since. I play as much as I can."

It was watching the same game that sparked dad Hendrix to set up and coach the Levin Hustle Baseball team last year, to provide an outlet for the district's local talent in one of the country's fastest growing summer sports.

Added practice is held at home where there is a permanent diamond marked out on the field.

Hendrix said his son has a good foundation of the fundamental skills required to play the game well - throwing, catching and hitting.

"Flynn is a versatile player who can play in any position onfield, which is the goal - to be well developed in all aspects of the game, especially during a player's junior years."

The application for the baseball fair asked what players would do to spread the 'baseball word'.

Flynn can already tick that box as he and friend Jonty have been running baseball clinics at their school, Koputaroa, for Years 1 to 3.

Applications also had to be supported by a reference from a school principal, which in Flynn's case testified to not only his sporting but also to his academic and cultural achievements.

Nervous about being away from mum and dad but excited about the upcoming 10-day baseball event, Flynn is most looking forward to learning new skills and going to see a Japanese baseball game.

"I'm also looking forward to experiencing new cultures and making new friends."

It's another step towards his future goal of getting accepted for a baseball scholarship in the USA and playing in the major leagues.

In the meantime, Flynn was flying up to Auckland at the weekend to meet his chaperone and his four team mates to practice a haka in readiness for their cultural performance in Yokohama.

Flynn leaves for the World Children's Baseball Fair from August 7 until August 17, arriving back just before his 11th birthday.

Mum Jenny said it was a big deal to let their son go without them.

"But how could we not let him go? It's the opportunity of a lifetime. He's very fortunate."