By JARROD POTTER
ROB Schneider might be a lot more locally relevant than just his bit-parts in Adam Sandler movies.
After all, the American actor and his comedy-baseball film The Benchwarmers helped inspire Dandenong Baseball Association (DBA) representative player Emily Devine who decided she wanted to start her own baseball story.
After watching and re-watching the film, Devine, 12, from Pakenham, made the decision to join the Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club and she has never looked back.
“It was actually a movie I was obsessed with – Benchwarmers,” Devine said.
“I just really wanted to give it a go and one day my mum brought me down and I had a go and loved it.
“It’s so much fun with all my friends here (Pakenham Pumas) in the under-14s in winter and under-15s in summer.”
Nearly two years later – after working her way up the ranks – that decision has paid off handsomely for the Pumas’ slugger because Devine has been called up to the Victorian Women’s Youth team.
She has packed up the bat and glove and headed to Canberra for National Youth Women’s Championships in Canberra where she’ll face off against the best under-16s in the country.
Devine was thrilled to earn her Victorian place and her hopes are just as mighty as her hits from the wheelhouse.
“Basically, it’s just really exciting and I feel very proud and honoured,” Devine said.
“I’d love to win it and I can’t wait to meet lots of new people, get a lot of new friends and just play the game.”
She hopes to be behind the plate as well as the team’s catcher but no matter where she’s put on the field Devine is stoked to have the chance to represent the state at such a young age.
Victoria is not the only representative side she’s made recently, as the Pumas’ power hitter also featured in the Dandenong Baseball Association’s (DBA) under-14 state championship success in July.
She’s got an eye out for senior women’s baseball as soon as possible and will journey out to Springvale to join the Big Cats.
I’m looking to play at Springvale,” Devine said.
“I’m really excited about it – next year, hopefully.”
