GB’s Banerjee selected for MLB’s European Elite Development Group

British baseball player Al Banerjee (19) will be one of 90 elite European baseball players hoping to secure a professional MLB contract at a four day camp in June.

 Banerjee, who is the only British player at the camp and has represented GB Baseball at U15 and U18 level, will be at the National Baseball Complex at Farnham Park near Slough in the week leading up to the London Series.

 “I was really surprised to be given this amazing opportunity to try and further my baseball career alongside the best young players from Europe,” said Al. “It means a lot to be able to represent my country.”

A Boston Red Sox fan, Banerjee was first introduced to baseball at the age of six by his father Robin and went on to become one of the best young catchers in the country.

He played for many years with Brighton Baseball Club before joining the Lancashire Legends in the BBF National Baseball League.

“It is a fantastic achievement and the whole of the British baseball community wishes Al all the best for the camp,” said Gavin Marshall, British Baseball Federation’s National Teams Programme Official. “It is great to have a British player at the camp but we need to be able to increase the number of our young players who can have the same opportunity in future years.”

Apart from his Dad, Al’s baseball hero is Buster Posey, the All Star catcher for the San Francisco Giants.

Al is also keen to pass on advice to young players who want to represent GB Baseball and have the same opportunity.

“Its really important to put the hard work in behind the scenes and enjoy the process of getting better each day,” he said.