Tyler has most bases covered
Tyler Smith’s physical presence is taking him places.
The Titahi Bay 14- year- old plays softball for the Porirua Club premier 3 team and Tawa Softball Club’s under- 17 and under- 19 sides.
He is also a rugby league prop for St George Dragons juniors and has been a member of Wellington Orcas age group teams for the past three winters.
While representing third-placed Wellington at the recent North Island Island under-15 softball champs, Smith’s hitting and work behind the plate as a catcher earned him a spot in the tournament team.
His performances led to selection for the New Zealand under-14 team that will play New South Wales and Japan in Sydney next month.
‘‘It’s a huge opportunity for me to play for my country and in front of a big audience,’’ he said. ‘‘Plus, I get to make new friends.’’
Tyler, a year 11 student at Tawa College, sees his first overseas trip as another step in his quest to become a Black Sox player.
His mother, Marnda, said she wasn’t sure where Tyler’s love of softball came from, but that now the entire family was hooked.
She manages, scores and does several other jobs for the teams her son and his siblings are involved in.
Tyler is also an assistant coach of the Western Bays under-9 side and can be found umpiring senior games on a Saturday.
‘‘I get a bit [of grief] from the players, but all the umpires do,’’ he said.
Tyler has played the game for nine years and said he loved it.
He couldn’t imagine a summer that didn’t involve him pulling cleats on.
He said that as a catcher he loved talking and joking with the opposition, while his position on the field gave him an excellent view on how his team was going.
‘‘ You’re always meeting new people and you get to take any anger you have out on a little ball. It’s fun.’’
Baseball may be in his future, too, with the sport growing in Porirua and Tyler showing a keen interest.