James Purcell to make his senior debut for Australia at the softball world championships in Prague

Redlands’ James Purcell will make his senior debut for Australia at the softball world championships in Prague during June. The catcher, a past student of Wellington Point State High School, has been steadily chipping away at selection.

Redlands’ James Purcell will make his senior debut for Australia at the softball world championships in Prague during June.

The catcher, a past student of Wellington Point State High School, has been steadily chipping away at selection after being a member of the Queensland Patriots senior side for three successive years.

“I can’t put it into words,’’ said Purcell, who had a “moment’’ when he was informed of his selection.

“I am excited about getting the players’ cap. It will be a special moment for me and my family.’’

The Redland Softball Association celebrated his elevation into the national side with the Facebook message: “Congratulations to all selected — special shout-out to James Daniel Purcell — awesome work.’’

James Purcell, Wellington softball international

One of the first things Purcell did was thank his mother, Shauna Bailey, for all the running around she did for him when he was a child.

“My mum was huge. I don’t know if I would be able to do it myself.

“I owe everything to her. I couldn’t have done it without her.’’

Originally from Ormiston but now residing in Thornlands, Purcell is from the Scorpions Club.

He had an inkling during the last national series that he may be in a position to win Australian selection.

“If you had asked me six months ago I did not really think I would make this team,’’ he said.

“But after the nationals in New Zealand, I had pretty good performances and felt I had achieved all I could do. The rest was up to the selectors.’’

Purcell said he felt fortunate to make the side because his state teammates were all of similar ability.

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“It is about what combinations and personalities they (Australian selectors) want to put into the final product,’’ he said.

Purcell will be joined in the national squad by another Queenslander making his senior debut for Australia, Logan teenager Layton Reid.

Reid was a member of the 2018 Australian under 19 world championship winning side.

Head Australian coach Kere Johanson said Reid was one of the outstanding players in the junior Steelers side at last year’s under 19 world championships.

Layton Reid, Logan softball international.

“So we’re confident he won’t be deterred in the senior ranks,’’ Johanson said.

During this year’s world titles, Aussie Steelers captain Andrew Kirkpatrick will become the most decorated softballer in Australian men’s softball history.

A training camp will take place for the 2019 team next weekend in Canberra, before the team assembles in early June to depart for Europe.