As a junior pitcher rising through the ranks at Moorabbin Panthers Baseball Club, 16-year-old Andrei Popa-Smith had his sights set on a strong summer season and he did just that, playing for his beloved club and continuing to improve his skills along the way.
At the start of the 2019/20 VSBL season, Popa-Smith was eager to keep developing his talent, something that’s a priority for the Panthers. Over the course of the season, the former Victorian State Team representative capitalised on chances to boost his game with his young teammates, especially against seasoned competitors. “Older men hit better and hit the ball further than we do, so it’s a bit hard trying to put balls over and catch up with ex-major leaguers,” Andrei said. “It’s just a bit difficult but it’s a great challenge and it prepares us.”
Training with Moorabbin coach Ben Laux has given Andrei a lot to work on in his game going forward. “He has great experience,” Andrei said. “If you’re in a slump, your swing is off, or you’re not hitting all your spots with pitching, the coaches offer great hitting, pitching and fielding help. If you put in the work at training, they will definitely invest in you and make sure you come out as a better player and person.“
No matter what the VSBL competition brings in the future, Andrei remembers his recipe for team success. “To be good on the diamond you have to have a good connection with all your friends obviously,” Andrei said. “You’ve got to have a great atmosphere, nothing toxic or anything so that’s what we really do at Moorabbin. All of us are really pretty close.”
Every baseball season gives Andrei the opportunity to keep working toward his long-term goals. “I want to play in the bigs,” Andrei said. “I just want a better life for my mom and my brothers, that’s why I continue to play, and I love the game obviously.”
With another strong summer season in the books, Andrei is focusing on the future and putting the effort in to succeed later on down the track. He hopes to continue doing what he loves while also encouraging other players to get involved. “Baseball is a great sport with great people and a really good culture,” Andrei said. “It’s exciting, as something is always going on and there’s always going to be that next play, if you’re active and into that kind of sport give it a go.”