Camden-grown talent, Adam Bates, is set to join the Major League Baseball Competition (MBL) after signing a professional deal with the Boston Red Sox in September.
With an already impressive resume, at just 18 years of age, ‘going pro’ is the next big step in fulfilling his childhood dream.
“It’s a dream come true,” Bates said.
“Being able to call myself a professional is the best feeling.”
Bates’ Baseball journey began at just seven years of age playing Little League Zooka ball with the Camden Red Sox. Progressing through the ranks, he went on to play for the Macarthur Orioles in the Under 18’s and first-grade competition and has represented New South Wales and Australia, including in the most recent Under 18’s World Cup, where he showcased an impressive 3.00 ERA in three appearances.
Concluding the official signing, Baseball Australia revealed that Bates had captured the attention of the Red Sox years earlier, however, it was at the Under 18’s Nationals Camp held this year where serious consultations commenced between the parties.
“Red Sox have kept a close eye on the development of Bates and other Australian prospects,” they wrote on Baseball.com.au.
“They visited Adam at the Under-18 National Camp on the Gold Coast in August, [and] that’s when negotiations really started to heat up.”
A member of various development squads, the right-handed pitcher has embraced every opportunity that has come his way, gaining invaluable experience on the elite stage.
As Bates sets off on his professional journey later this year, he leaves us with one piece of advice.
“Don’t let anybody tell you what you can and can’t do, it’s your life, not theirs,” he said.
“If you want it, then go out and get it, even if it means making sacrifices.”
Bates is now among 34 Australians playing professionally in the United States and is expected to join Boston’s Instruction League this year as an introduction, before joining the Red Sox for the Baseball season from March to October. He will look to climb the ranks with the ultimate goal of making it to the Major League.
