A Melbourne teenager has scored a dream move to the New York Yankees after scouts flew from the US to secure his services for the Major League Baseball giants.
Brandon Stenhouse, a 17-year-old right-hander, could go from suburban pitcher to global star after signing the deal this week after impressing representatives from the Bronx Bombers.
Stenhouse, who plays in the Victorian league for Cheltenham Rustlers, was signed after a standout performance at the under-18 national championships in Canberra.
"It's still sinking in and I was a bit nervous signing the contract but it is a dream come true," Stenhouse said.
"I was never sure it was going to happen."
Stenhouse started playing tee-ball at four years of age and caught the eye of scouts by consistently clocking pitching at speeds approaching 150kph.
With at least two other MLB clubs circling, Yankees scouts gave Stenhouse his ticket to the big time this week along with an educational scholarship and a bag of merchandise including the club's famous cap.
"It's a good opportunity but I don't think it will hit him until he gets over there," his father Dave Stenhouse told News Limited.
"He got a big bag full of stuff which I think made him the happiest and mum and dad are happy too since we don't have to pay for anything anymore."
Stenhouse will report to Yankees spring training camp in Florida in April for two weeks of orientation before returning to Melbourne to complete his VCE.
He will then move to the US full-time to live his dream.
The Yankees' Australian scout John Wadsworth said the young gun would be given "every opportunity" to become a Major League star.
"I have been waiting for many years to see if Brandon Stenhouse had the physical and mental makeup to be considered as a possible Yankee.
"I am pleased to see just how far this young man has progressed and his future is exciting to us all.''
Stenhouse will join fellow Victorian player Adam Silva on the Yankees's books this year
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