West Torrens baseballer Joel Ettridge set for college scholarship in New York State

WEST Torrens' Joel Ettridge hopes to link baseball with Hollywood when he begins a college scholarship in the US next month.

FROM Major League to Field of Dreams baseball and Hollywood have always gone hand-in-hand.

West Torrens power hitter Joel Ettridge aims to take the link one step further when he begins a baseball scholarship at Genesee Community College in New York State next month.

The Glengowrie resident hopes to study acting and pursue a career on the silver screen while chasing his professional sports dreams in the US.

"I've been obsessed with America for so many years," the 19-year-old says.

"It's got all the sport and all the celebrities.

"To go to college and get a degree while playing baseball and living off campus is literally unbelievable.

"If I can get into acting I will already be in America and in the right place (to pursue that)."

Ettridge will train daily under the Cougars' baseball program during his two-year scholarship.

The junior state player, who has played for Adelaide Bite's under-23 side, hopes it will be the ideal environment to catch the eye of Major­ League scouts.

"It's going to be pretty intense­ baseball-wise and a bit of a challenge.

"But it will all be worth it and what I'll learn from it will be amazing."

Ettridge, who began playing baseball aged 12, says he is in career best form thanks to regular workouts with former Australian player David Munday.

The first baseman also attributes­ his progress to the guidance of his father, ex-Adelaide Giants player and Bite coach Brett.

"The help he's given me to get to America has been unbelievable," Ettridge says.