The 15-year-old from Nullawarre has been racking up the travellers’ miles this year to play in the Geelong Baseball Association, combining playing in the under 16 competition with 11 B reserve and three A reserve matches for East Belmont Saints over the winter.

His dedication and skill paid off, with Eugene finishing runner-up for the association’s B reserve most valuable player (MVP) award, as well as finishing runner-up for his team’s MVP and taking out the batting average award for the Saints (.645).

Eugene also took out his under 16 team’s MVP award.

He said there were no nerves when he played for the B reserve team, saying he enjoyed playing in the men’s competition.

“It was a good experience and you learn new things each game,” he said.

“My batting was a big improvement (this season) and in the seniors I was more relaxed as well and I was having fun.”

Eugene has been playing baseball in Geelong since his family moved to Nullawarre from New Zealand, where he started out playing softball when he was five years old.

When he started making representative teams, culminating in being named on the South Island softball team, it became clear to Eugene and his parents that he would be up to the challenge of playing baseball.

Earlier this year, the talented batter and pitcher went back to New Zealand to play for the Southern Astros Baseball Club in an under 15 competition.