By JARROD POTTER
BERWICK baseball export Craig Barnett could not be happier with his college life in Boston.
Barnett, 19, from Narre Warren South, traded in his Dodgers’ and Cougars’ uniforms for the green of Newbury College in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Having ticked off a number of stellar achievements as an Australian junior baseballer – including a national championship victory with Victoria in the 2012 Australian Schoolboy’s Championships and playing for Victoria in the Under-18 National Youth Championships – Barnett set his sights abroad to improve his game.
A lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, the choice to head to Newbury last year was clear for Barnett and he loves being in a successful program in the shadow of the hallowed Fenway Park.
“I decided to go to Newbury because of the location,” Barnett said.
“Being 20 minutes outside of the city of Boston, and also being a Boston Red Sox fan it was perfect only being a short train ride away from Fenway Park.
“I also moved there for the smaller campus and most importantly, the baseball team is very successful.”
Barnett believes the rapid development he has undertaken as a Nighthawk pitcher, now in his sophomore year, has been incredible and he has improved as a player and a person away from the mound.
“I think the best part about playing baseball in America is the development you see in yourself and the coaching you receive,” Barnett said.
“It happens because we practice for three-four hours a day, six-days-a-week leading up to the first game of the season.
“I’ve seen nothing but improvement every day I go to practice and every time I get called on to pitch.
“It was definitely the best decision I have made in my life because it hasn’t just made me a better player, it has made me a better person.”
Pro-ball is still on the cards for Barnett, but he’d also love to win championships for Newbury and his beloved Cougars.
“I want to win a championship with Newbury College before I graduate, also to win a championship with the Berwick City Cougars in Victoria Summer League after I’m finished with college ball,” Barnett said.
“I would also love to play some form of professional baseball definitely, so I’ll keep working hard and try and achieve this goal in the long-term.”
Barnett wanted to thank his parents, for supporting him throughout his baseball career, as well as his coaches and team mates from his Cougars’ and Dodgers’ teams.
