Young New Zealand baseballer Pita Rona has signed a seven year deal with Major League Baseball franchise the Baltimore Orioles.
The Auckland teenager will be part of the Orioles development programme in Australia.
Rona switched codes from softball late last year and says the chance to pursue a Major League Baseball career is amazing.
He says he always watches it on TV and knowing that he could be there is crazy, but he admits it will take a lot of hard work over the next few years if he's to have a shot at actually making the big time.
Rona will be given time off to fulfil New Zealand under 19 softball commitments in Argentina in November.
