FORMER Central baseballer Dylan Ridding is one step closer to pursuing his dreams after making his debut with the Adelaide Bite in the Australian Baseball League recently.
The 19-year-old made the move to the state capital earlier this year, which opened the door for a debut against the Melbourne Aces with the professional baseball team at Diamond Sports, West Beach in Adelaide.
Despite a 3-1 game loss for the Bite, the former Mount Gambier and District Baseball League player said he was pleased to be given the opportunity.
“It was just a matter of putting in the effort at training and making sure I did everything right, then I was lucky enough to be selected in the team,” he said.
“It was a huge honour to play for the Adelaide Bite.
“Not only to play alongside some very great ball players, but to play against the best baseballers in Australia is a massive honour.”
Still early in his career, Ridding said he did not have a big playing role in his opening game.
“I didn’t get much of a run, but when I got onto the field I tried my best and unfortunately struck out, but did alright in the field,” he said.
“I am named as an infielder for the Bite that can also play in the outfield and bat.”
Since Ridding’s debut he has played against the Canberra Cavalry in Adelaide before travelling across to Western Australia to battle with the Perth Heat.
He also plays for the Sturt Saints in the South Australian Baseball League and has big future plans.
“I hope I can start travelling the world to play baseball as there are many leagues in many different countries such as Japan, Germany and the Czech Republic that could help me get to where I want to be,” he said.
“My future goals in the sport are to get signed by a professional baseball team in America and hopefully one day play Major League Baseball.
“But playing for the Bite was definitely one of the things I aspired to do.
“When I was younger I used to come up and watch them with my family and it is a stepping stone in the right direction to my ultimate goal in baseball.”
The budding baseballer’s debut in the big league was an achievement not taken lightly, with just a small percentage of players coming from the Limestone Coast.
“The only other person I know of who has played for the Adelaide team from the South East was Andrew Hood when they were the Adelaide Giants,” he said.
Ridding said he was appreciative of those who had helped him get to the level of baseball he has, with the South East having a big influence on his development as a player.
“I’d just like to thank everyone who has ever helped me get to where I am today,” he said.
“Also my family for the extremely long hours of driving that started many years ago.
“Hopefully I can do you all proud.”
