Cary kids make big sports splash

Press Release: DURHAM, N.C. -- The Town of Cary will send two of its youth baseball players to Tokyo, Japan this summer to represent the United States at the World Children's Baseball Fair. Jacob Darby and Brandon King, both 11 years old, were chosen to attend the nine-day event held July 29-Aug. 6.

USA Baseball worked with the Town of Cary and Barry Mitsch of the Cary Sports Alliance to help identify the two young athletes.

Darby, a 5th grader who attends Turner Creek Elementary School, and King, currently a 5th grader at Highcroft Drive Elementary School, both play in the Bronco League held locally in the Town of Cary. King plays for the Barham Enterprises while Darby is a member of the Family Paws.

During their time in Japan, Darby and King will take part in baseball clinics held by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) -- of which USA Baseball is a member -- geared towards the sharing of best practices and techniques among the five continents which will be represented. The World Children's Baseball Fair was established in the interest of fostering an environment of world understanding and cultural exchange through the celebration of baseball.

"We could not be more thrilled for these two young baseball players," said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO. "We know that they will represent their country and the Town of Cary well."

An added bonus to the experience for Darby and King is that they get to meet Hank Aaron, a baseball legend and one of the founders of the World Children's Baseball Fair, whom both boys admire. "I can't wait to meek Hank Aaron, he is one of my role models," Brandon King said.

For Darby and King, this proves to be an exciting time for them as they await their international trip. "It's my first flight ever, and I have never been out of the country," Darby said.

King echoed Darby's statements when asked what he was looking forward to on this upcoming adventure. "I have never been in a new country before, and I am very excited."

Jacob's first adventure on an airplane will be a long one, especially without his parents, but they are excited for their son's opportunity. "I'm a very proud dad. I am a little nervous because it's a very long flight, but he's definitely going to have an exciting trip," Steve Darby said.

"I am a little nervous about him leaving, but this is an incredible opportunity that Brandon has," said his mother Joanne King. "We are so happy that he was chosen, and I think he will represent his city and his country very well."

For both these young athletes and their families this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that none of them will ever forget.

About USA Baseball
USA Baseball is the National Governing Body of amateur baseball in the United States and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). The organization selects and trains the World Baseball Classic Team and World Cup Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team; the USA Baseball 18U, 16U and 14U National Teams; and the USA Baseball Women’s National Team, all of which participate in various international competitions each year. USA Baseball also presents the Golden Spikes Award annually to top player in college baseball. For more information, please visit www.USABaseball.com and www.GoldenSpikesAward.com.

Contact: Jake Fehling – jakefehling@usabaseball.com, (919) 474-8721 x225 or Leda Isenhour, leda.isenhour@townofcary.org, (919) 462-3960