A teenager from Moraviantown is going to have memories that last him a lifetime after participating in an international fastball tournament on the other side of the globe.
Kalib Stonefish, 14, was selected in October by 222’s Fastpitch to play with its U15 fastball team in the New Zealand U15 Boys National championships. Stonefish, along with his stepmother, Ashley Timothy, left on December 30 and travelled over 13,000 kilometres to New Zealand, where they stayed for two weeks.
The 222’s team, made up of players from across Canada, completed their New Zealand tour with an undefeated 18-0 record.
"Because we're a Canadian team, a team from Canada, we weren't actually able to win their nationals. So we didn't get first second or third or anything like that but we were just thankful to have the experience to take part in the nationals," said Timothy.
Regardless of the final scores, Stonefish said every team showcased amazing sportsmanship and dedication to the game.
"A lot of the teams, even if they were down a lot, they still played like it was a 0-0 ball game and played hard," he said.
222’s Fastpitch U14 team in New Zealand (Photo courtesy Ashley Timothy)
With only three months between trying out for the team and leaving for New Zealand, Timothy said it was a time crunch to raise money for the $6,500 trip. Stonefish and his family worked together swiftly to organize local fundraisers including a GoFundMe page and online auction.
According to Timothy, the support from Chatham-Kent residents and those in the softball community made the trip possible.
"We really couldn't believe how many people came forward with wanting him to adventure over to New Zealand," she said. "At 14, it was kind of a big deal. We were all a little bit nervous about it but really glad we were able to allow him to go."
Besides enjoying the game of fastball, Stonefish also got to take in all that New Zealand had to offer.
"We got to drive on a volcano and swim in an old volcano hole," he explained.
According to Timothy, Stonefish bunked with his teammates and got to experience some new-found independence during the trip. Timothy added that the people of New Zeland were very welcoming and she's very grateful for the opportunity he was given.
"I don't even know how to describe it," she said. "I'm like 'wow, he's actually growing up and he's doing something he loves.' The passion that he had during that tournament and the experience, it's exciting and I'm very excited to see what the future holds for him."
Now that Stonefish has gotten to take the trip of a lifetime to play the sport he loves, he said he plans to continue improving his softball skills.
"I want to continue with fastball," he exclaimed. "I think I'm going to stick with that."