Daniel Lamb-Hunt will be the first player to officially sign for New Zealand's newest professional sports team, the Auckland baseball franchise to compete in the Australian Baseball League.
Lamb-Hunt has played the last six years in the German Bundesliga having begun his baseball career as a Minor League player with the Atlanta Braves.
He's also spent three years with the Brisbane Bandits in the ABL from 2010 to 2012.
From his base in Germany, the 31-year old is excited at the prospect of playing at home.
"It's going to be huge, firstly to have another chance at high-level ball, but also a chance for the family and friends to finally see what has taken me away all these years and see what I've been doing," said Lamb-Hunt, who has played in two World Baseball Classic qualifiers for New Zealand.
Daniel Lamb-Hunt Photo: Photosport
"Similar excitement is involved, just like the Warriors back in 1995 and Breakers in 2003, who were breaking into their respective leagues back then," said Lamb-Hunt, who added that "with the schedule and amount of games we'll be playing, it's going to be a great opportunity for the national team players that are again involved to get more games together and experience at a high level."
In Germany, the Bundesliga is one of a few semi-professional leagues now being played in Europe, but Lamb-Hunt believes there'll be a lot more pressure playing in the ABL.
"It will be a step up for sure, although the top sides here in Germany are comparable, the consistency of high quality week in week out and the pitching depth (in the ABL) really is going to make for a tougher time."
Josh Collmenter pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Photo: Photosport
Also confirmed on the new team's roster is former Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves pitcher American Josh Collmenter.
