Sarnia ballplayer commits to Big Ten school

Sarnia-native Dylan O'Rae with the Great Lakes Canadians. (Photo by GLC)
Sarnia-native Dylan O'Rae with the Great Lakes Canadians. (Photo by GLC)
By May 22, 2021 6:20am

A Sarnia ballplayer has committed to play the sport and continue his education at a Big Ten school in the U.S.

Dylan O’Rae, a Grade 11 student at Northern high school, will play ball at the University of Illinois.

The 16-year-old shortstop from the Great Lakes Canadians, based out of London, said it’s been a goal of his to compete at the Power Five level.

“And to be able to do that with Illinois and the Big Ten is just a dream come true,” he said.  “I plan on getting my business degree from Illinois and working on getting drafted to play some pro-ball, hopefully.”

O’Rae said some of his strengths on the ball diamond include his speed and knowledge of the game, adding that he’s received a lot of help from one of his instructors in particular, former big-leaguer Adam Stern.

“He attended the University of Nebraska and played professionally as well. He’s really helped me develop and become the player I am right now.”

-With files from Josh Boyce