Unfortunately, like many others, his plans were dashed when the Timberjacks' tournament was called off because of COVID-19 lockdowns.

"I am disappointed our team wasn't able to travel to Lismore this week," Pearson, who made his first grade Baseball Illawarra debut for the Dapto Chiefs this season, said.

"I had been training hard in preparation for the tournament, as it was an opportunity to impress selectors for the NSW Country under 18s squad at the end of the year."

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As life started getting back to normal in 2021, the year 11 Nowra Anglican College student, was selected for the Combined Independent Schools senior boys softball squad for the third consecutive year and for the NSWCIS baseball side for the second straight campaign

Against high-quality competition at the All Schools softball carnival in March, the 17-year-old played strongly at centre-field and catcher for NSWCIS and was considered for selection for NSW schoolboys in a possibles versus probables game.

NSW All Schools baseball tournament was postponed by weather and before finally able to take place on June 16.

Pearson pitched two innings against Combined Catholic Colleges with two strikeouts and batted in one of the two runs scored by NSWCIS against Combined High Schools in a 2-all draw.

"For the last five years, I've been playing as a catcher but due to my height and throwing speed, my coaches in Sydney have recommended I make the transition to pitcher," Pearson said.

"I've been selected twice as a pitcher for NSWCIS.

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"Last year the tournament was cancelled but this year I was able to finally show selectors my improvement and I look forward to playing All Schools baseball in 2022 and vying for NSW schoolboys selection."

Pearson has been working with Luke and Nick from Pontifex Baseball in Sutherland to improve his pitching technique as well as Rob at BaiMed High Performance in Figtree.

He is also part of the Illawarra Academy of Sport's Lonestar program.

"The IAS scholarship has been fantastic, it has provided training support as well as seminars and webinars on topics such as personal development, mental health and social media."

Making to move to Dapto Chiefs from the Shoalhaven Mariners this season, Pearson has played a number of games in first grade at third base, most recently against the Berkeley Eagles and their Australian pitching lineup of Tim Atherton and Steve Kent.

"It was quite an experience facing the best pitching that Australia has to offer," he said.

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"I struck out against both but I am looking forward to facing them again later this season when baseball resumes."

Pearson is also looking forward to his return to Cronulla Sharks in the summer for his second season playing in their under 18s State League squad.

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