SEVENTEEN-year-old William Michael Johns is the youngest member of the Fiji men’s baseball team named for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau from June 29 to July 9.
The Vunibau, Serua native, with maternal links to Naitasiri, said he was excited to represent Fiji for the first time at the Mini Games.
“This is not my first time with the team, but it will be my first Mini Games and I’m feeling really good,” he said.
Johns said his love for the sport began because of his namesake, his late uncle William Johns, who represented Fiji in baseball at the 2003 South Pacific Games.
“I just naturally took up the sport because of him,” he said.
“I thank the Lord for this opportunity to represent my country and I’m grateful.”
He said preparation with the team had gone well.
“We worked on our fielding, pitching and batting, and just building our general game plan. My goal is to give my best and help my teammates so we can win.”
Secretary general of the Fiji Islands Baseball and Softball Association and one of the two oldest players in the team, Inoke Niubalavu, said Johns was the only surviving member from the under-12 team that played in the 2019 World Cup in Taiwan.
“He also travelled to Japan in 2018 under the World Children Baseball Foundation,” Niubalavu said.
“He has come through our development program and has proven himself competitive enough to join the men’s national team.”
The coach Ten Tamaki side includes Tavo Sorovakatini, Inoke Niubalavu, Marnoah Sorovakatini, Lemeki Biaudamu, Maurphy Sorovakatini, Anare Baleinabuli, Epeli Ratabacaca, Kelemedi Nayacatini, Jacob Raiqeu, Ilisoni Ravualala, Ulaiasi Meo, Lagani Seruqaranivalu, Timoci Serukalou, Malakai Vukaci, Eliki and Wainiqolo.
The reserves include Josese Vukataki, Baszil Cleary and Sefanaia Cama, with their team manager Takao Mochida.
The team will leave for the Mini Games on June 27.
