Jack Hanger has enjoyed his time with Baseball Victoria Aces Academy, Malvern Braves, and North Balwyn Stingers, but now he's ready to play baseball at West Hills Community College in Coalinga, California.
Learning from the likes of Damian Shanahan, Neil Burke, and Phil Dale, Hanger has been working hard to prepare for the next chapter.
"I've been practicing five days a week and going to the gym when I can in order to get bigger and stronger to be able to compete," Hanger said. "I'm most excited to meet new people and experience baseball in a country where it is more popular and well-known."
While he knows there is a lot to miss about home, he has plenty of people supporting him and role models to look up to.
"I will miss my family and friends especially from around the baseball club as those are the people who have helped me grow into the player I am today," Hanger said. "I look up to Chris Burke who is a Phillies prospect and who I have played summer ball with as I admire how hard he has worked to get where he is today."
In addition to regular training, Hanger has noticed a definite improvement through sports and conditioning.
"Lifting has kept me strong and healthy in order to condition my body to adapt to harder and longer training sessions."
Hanger hopes more players who wish to play at a higher level can make it there.
"The harder you work the better you will become, so listen to the people around you as they only want to help you improve," he said. "Also the best hitters in the MLB succeed 3 out of 10 times so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and improve on them for next time."