THREE teenagers are pitching for a bright future after being called up to the Great Britain baseball squad.

Christleton High School pupils Jonas Grader, 14, Patrick Hansford, 14, and Ryan Hansford, 16, have been selected to represent their country after showing impressive form for their club side, the Halton Polecats.

Having been involved with the national squad the previous year, Jonas and Patrick will be representing the GB cadet squad while Ryan – Patrick’s older brother – will be part of the junior squad.

All three are from Great Boughton.

Jonas’ dad Jeff said: “We’re all really proud of what Jonas and the boys have achieved because they have put so much effort into the sport.

“They have been playing really well for the Polecats and the hard work that themselves and the coaches have put in is paying off.”

For Jonas, a New York Mets fan, Patrick and Ryan, both Boston Red Sox supporters, selection to the national side also brings with it financial pressure, with all travel expenses, equipment and kit having to be provided by the players’ families.

“There is no funding provided by the national team or the governing body when it comes to the players’ travel expenses,” said Jeff, who is originally from New York.

“We are hoping to raise £1,000 for each of the boys by July so that we can help send the boys to the important events that they are going to with the Great Britain team.”

The three budding baseball stars are due to fly the flag for Great Britain at competitions in the Czech Republic in April and then Florida in July for the USSSA gold medal games, where they will face the cream of the crop from countries such as the USA, Canada, Mexico and France.

Anybody wishing to sponsor the boys or to help with the fundraising attempts can contact Jeff Grader on 07826 914983 or email: jeff.grader@gmail.com