For one up and coming 5th grader, Owen Silva, the hard work and dedication has paid off as he and his team have been selected to participate in the Easton USCSA world series starting this weekend in Orlando, Florida.
The team, which is an Albuquerque team, the Duke City Hustlers, are one of five teams that were invited to play for the title in Orlando, Florida this weekend in the 10 and under division. A total of 25 teams will be competing overall in the tournament in various age groups.
Silva who plays center field, left field and right field and occasionally pitches said, “It feels good, and I am really excited for the opportunity.”
Silva, who is an online student at New Mexico Destinations Career Academy has always loved baseball and traveling to play in different locations.
Silva who is looking forward to playing with his teammates and most of all “having fun” Who wouldn’t right?
Silva who has played with for two years with the Hustlers started as a guest player last year and was later accepted into the the team. This year the Hustlers have an impressive 13-1 record as they head to the Easton World Series in Florida.
“I’m looking forward to all the baseball,” said Silva as he was eager to leave for Florida. Silva When asked how he prepares for playing in a game by catching the ball and focusing as well as stretching before a game.
Mentally Silva says he “takes deep breaths” and focuses on “catching the ball” when he plays outfield. His “well broken in” Wilson A2000 is his trusty glove that he covets and uses.
The road to the world series had many stops and turns for Silva as he has played in big tournaments Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix, Las Cruces and Ruidoso to name a few. He has a wide collection of championship rings and medals from those tournaments that continue to fuel Silva’s passion for the game.
“He liked to play since he was 3 when he started with T-ball,” said his mom, Sandi Silva.
“Playing baseball makes him happy.’
Silva’s mom likes the discipline that his coach and team bring to the table. It “boosts” his confidence in all aspects and that’s “good for him.”
Silva will depart to Orlando on July 5th and return on the 16th with trips to Universal Studios, Sea World amongst other attractions in his 12 day trip.
Florida, and New York.