MOST kids can only dream of the chance to play sport televised on ESPN, but for Jake Parkes, the dream could become a reality sooner rather than later.
On the surface, Parkes seems like a normal Thornlie High School student, but unlike the rest of his schoolmates, he has the chance to appear on ESPN later this year through his involvement in Little League Baseball.
Parkes plays for the Central Firebirds, who will take part in the 2017 Little League National Championships in New South Wales next month.
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READ NOWThe Firebirds are one of four West Australian teams, along with the Northern Metros, Eastern Phantoms and Swan Hill Aces, who will compete at the Nationals.
The winner of the nationwide tournament will compete at the Little League World Series, held in Pennsylvania in August.
The Little League World Series is a major event in the baseball calendar, raking in up to 5.5 million viewers on ESPN.
The 12-year-old said the prospect of playing overseas and having it televised was exciting.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to go over to America and play baseball, so to have the chance for that to happen is mind-blowing.
“To have this opportunity at such a young age is fantastic.
“My friends would be really jealous if I went because they would want to come too.”
Like many of his teammates, Jake dreams of one day playing in Major League Baseball and come August, he could be one step closer to realising his ambition.
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