When a late-night FaceTime buzzed with the news, 10-year-old Easton Searles could barely believe his ears. Out of roughly 4,700 youngsters who had tried out, only 31 earned a place on the national squad that will travel to the Dominican Republic for an upcoming tournament.
Searles’s love for the game dates back to the age of four, when he first swung a bat under the watchful eye of his father, a veteran of men’s league softball. He now balances his time between the Orange Youth Baseball and Softball league and the competitive "Rivals" select team, a schedule that has taken him from local fields to national tryouts.
Community Celebration
The announcement sparked celebration across Orange. Mayor Larry Spears Jr. joined community leaders in honoring Searles and his teammates, Easton Gay and Tristin Ticas, underscoring the pride the city feels for its emerging talent.
Beyond the diamond, Searles harbors a dream of one day wearing the purple and gold of LSU Baseball, a goal that fuels his relentless practice and study of the sport.
Looking Ahead
Friends and family back home will be able to follow every pitch and swing in real time, thanks to a live stream on the GameChanger app, which will broadcast the Dominican Republic matches to viewers across the United States.