Perth teenager Joshua Kennelly has continued a family tradition by becoming the third brother to win a professional baseball contract in the United States.
But hopefully he won’t be the last.
Kennelly, 18, has just signed a seven-year deal with Major League Baseball’s oldest franchise, the Cincinnati Reds, which will have him kick off his US career prospects with a stint in rookie ball before potentially climbing up the ranks.
Oldest brother Tim set the standard when he was signed in 2003 and now plays in the AA league – two tiers down from the major league – for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Another brother Matt just made the AAA grade for the Atlanta Braves and is tipped to make his MLB debut later this year.
The latest Kennelly signing, who caught the eyes of Reds scouts after competing in the Australian under-18s competition for Western Australia in Geelong earlier this year, said it was his aim to make it all the way to the top.
“Of course, the dream is to make the majors but, at this stage, I just want to go over for the first season and make a good impression and play well,” he told AAP.
“I’ve seen how it is – it’s pretty tough and it’s not an easy life, but I’m excited to give it a shot.”
Australia is experiencing its best harvest of top baseballers, with a record nine Aussies playing in the major league last year and 63 with affiliated MLB franchises.
Kennelly said his brothers had been full of congratulations on hearing of the contract offer, but was well aware of the hard work ahead.
“It’s all day, every day for six months with the odd day off here and there, so it’s pretty full on,” he said.
“But I love it.
“It’s just the fun of the game and being around a team.
“However much you like baseball, it’s also about the team and wanting to be there for your teammates.”
Kennelly is the latest to fly the family coup, but hinted he was unlikely to be the last.
Sixteen-year-old Sam was part of WA’s under-16 team.
“Mum will be left alone, but I’ve got a younger brother too,” said Joshua.
“Hopefully, he’ll follow in the same footsteps.”
Kennelly, like his older brother Matt, is a catcher, and was recently crowned co-MVP after the competition in Geelong.
The Reds’ Australian consultant Jason Hewitt said Kennelly had been on their radar for the past two years, adding that he showed the necessary mental toughness and leadership skills to handle the demands of catching.
AAP cj/wk
