Canberra Cavalry recruit Jake Willsey pays his own way for an ABL shot

The Boston-raised infielder is waiting for his opportunity to make his mark in the Australian Baseball League after impressing Cavalry staff and winning a place on the roster for this season.

When that chance comes, however, is still unclear as he waits on the fringes for the call to put the spark back into his baseball dreams.

Willsey paid for his own flights and early accommodation, getting funding assistance from his parents to train with the Cavalry in the off-season.

It's part of what he hopes is a new beginning after injury halted his rise from the United States college system into the minor leagues.

"I got signed to play last year and my first at bat spring training, I slid into third base and ending up tearing a tendon in my hand," Willsey said.

"That kept me out for most of the season and then when I was finally ready I wasn't right. I ended up getting released and ultimately ended up here.

"I hope if I can get my shot here, that leads to another job in the States and then I can come back here for years to come.

"Even though I've had some breaks that didn't go my way, I still think I'm able to play and if I feel that way it's not the time to shut it down yet.

"I ended up paying my own way over here, I couldn't do it without my parents. Between me and them, I was able to get out here and find somewhere to stay, so it's all been worth it."

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The Cavalry will start their series against the Perth Heat on Friday night after stumbling in the first week of the season.

The Cavalry won their first two games against the Melbourne Aces, but couldn't land a killer blow and lost the last two games.

The Cavalry was outscored 20-7 in games three and four, licking their wounds before a trip to Western Australia and hoping JJ Hoover and Philip Pfeifer can continue their strong starts.

The Heat beat Auckland Tuatara 3-1 in their season-opener last week.

Willsey will be watching from afar, waiting patiently for manager Keith Ward to call him into the roster after former Cavalry player Mike Fransoso told him to take a chance in Canberra.

"I'd never been anywhere near Australia until Mike said to give it a go," Willsey said.

"You never wish injuries on anyone, but hopefully it works out here and I just have to be ready for whenever I'm needed."

ABL ROUND TWO

Perth Heat v Canberra Cavalry at Perth Ballpark.

Game one: Friday at 10pm; Game two: Saturday at 7pm; Game three: Saturday at 10pm; Game four: Sunday at 7pm