Plympton Park's Callum Park chosen for national baseball and state football teams

SPORTING all-rounder Callum Park earlier this month faced a dilemma every child dreams about and dreads.

SPORTING all-rounder Callum Park earlier this month faced a dilemma every child dreams about and dreads.

The talented Plympton Park 12-year-old was selected from thousands of young hopefuls to represent SA in the under-12 national Aussie rules championships in August.

But, just as the PHOS-Camden Football Club on-baller was readying himself to take on the Big V, the phone rang with another offer.

Callum had been picked to represent Australia in the US in the Cal Ripken World Series junior baseball championship - the event clashing with the Aussie rules championships.

"I was a bit sad because I had to choose between my two favourite sports because I love them both," Callum says.

"But it was also really, ­really exciting because I couldn't believe I was ­going to get the chance to go to America to play for Australia.

"I got some advice that it was a pretty special opportunity to play for Australia that I might never get again.

"With football, there will hopefully be more chances."

With that, the Adelaide Angels junior decided to don the green and gold in Baltimore next month.

Callum, a Plympton Primary student, earned the chance to represent Australia after an outstanding performance for SA at the national championships in Queensland in June.

A pitcher, shortstop and centre field, he pitched a near perfect game against a Victorian team in the semi-finals, allowing only one hit and one walk.

Callum's sporting pedigree is obvious, with his older brother Scott Bricknell approaching 100 SANFL league matches for West Adelaide.

When asked which sport he thinks he will pursue long term, Callum paused before answering:

"Football I think. I love both sports but especially football."

Callum has begun playing in development squads at West Adelaide and hopes to follow his older brother to the Bloods.

He leaves for the US early next month.