Prospect Local Sports Star nominee Shannon Gibbins catches up quickly

BASEBALLER Shannon Gibbins did not have his own gear when he tried out for the state team but that did not hamper the outcome.

The Prospect local will be travelling to Japan with the under-13s NSW team.

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BASEBALLER Shannon Gibbins did not have his own gear when he tried out for the state team but that did not hamper the outcome.

The Prospect 12-year-old and Patricians Brothers’ College student was selected to travel to Osaka, Japan, with the under-13s NSW team.

Shannon Gibbins. Picture: Justin Sanson

A catcher with Blacktown Workers Club for the past four years, his coach recently recommended he try out for the NSW team.

Mum Leanne Gibbins, said: “When he first trialled he didn’t have any of his own gear — he would borrow the club’s.

“He trains hard, he puts a lot of hours in — around 13 hours a week — he goes down to the park with his dad every day.”

But Shannon wasn’t always a devoted baseballer.

“He wasn’t interested in baseball to start with,” Mrs Gibbins said.

“He did athletics, swimming, football, motorbike and one day he wanted to try baseball.

“He took his father’s 30-year-old mitt all his cousin’s hand-me-down baseball gear and it went from there.”

Once in Japan, Shannon will be given the opportunity to stay with a family as he plays several games a day.

“He’s excited but he’s nervous,’’ Mrs Gibbins said.

“He knows it’s going to be a massive cultural experience as well.”

Shannon has been nominated for the Young Sporting Spirit Individual category.

Other categories in the awards include Junior Sports Star (Team and Individual), Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.

The Prospect local will be travelling to Japan with the under-13s NSW team.

Nominate at localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal.