At age 10, while participating in a T-ball competition at Ryde East Public School, Luc Oishi realised he had a passion for baseball, as well as a natural ability for the sport.

Now in his final year of school at Ryde Secondary College, the Year 12 student is well on his way to fulfilling his dream to play baseball at the highest level.

Luc plays club baseball for the North Ryde Rams and was selected for the NSW under 15 squad in 2021 and the under 16 squad in 2022.

Earlier this year, his regional team the Ryde Hawks won the national youth under 16 competition and travelled to South Carolina in the USA to represent Australia at the Senior League World Series over two weeks in July and August.

“It was an incredible experience. We had a world series parade and a police escort as we were driven through the city of Easley, where people stood by the side of the road, cheering us on,” Luc said.

“There were even people carrying Australian flags. That felt incredible, seeing people with whom we have no relationship, appearing out there in support of us.

“Five days later, we were on the field for our first game against Mexico. We were singing the national anthem in our uniforms in front of a large audience, and I remember thinking ‘yes, I’m ready to do my country proud’.”

Inspired by the support and the occasion, the team defeated Mexico in a “tight game” streamed across the globe on ESPN.

Luc also had the opportunity to play at the University of San Diego on an Australian Scout team while he was in the US.