By Ross Karl
The lure of Major League Baseball isn't just catching the eye of Black Sox defectors.
Young softballers have the chance to trial in front of Baltimore Orioles scouts in January and they're more than willing to take it up.
Toronto Blue Jays signing Scott Campbell's one step from Major League Baseball and he's desperate to see more Kiwis have the chance.
“There's so much athletic ability in this country. You know it's just good to see that we're starting to take some of those kids into baseball and give them an opportunity to do something with this game,” says Scott Campbell.
Campbell's travelling the country with New Zealand under-18 Coach Matt Mills trialing any young athletes interested.
Perform well and they can play in front of the Baltimore Orioles scouts.
“These guys have a head start because softball skills are so translatable to baseball. But there are some raw skills, the foot speed, the arm strength, the way that someone is built, that you just can't teach,” says Mills.
Wellington's trial featured solely softballers who see greater opportunities in baseball.
“Over in America and Japan and all around the World. But in softball I don't really know of many big softball competitions,” says trialist Joe Perez.
Campbell who plays the level below the Majors knows its hard work getting to the top.
“You gotta pay your rent, you gotta pay your bills, it's not an easy life. I come back to New Zealand and work every off season when I can,” says Campbell.
But he continues to chase a dream that appears to be catching on around the country.
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