By Colin Gowdy, Sarnia News Today
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.”
FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS WEBSITE
Dylan O’Rae / INF
5-9 / 160 / L/R
Sarnia, Ontario, Can. / Northern Collegiate High School
- No. 9-ranked prospect in Ontario by Prep Baseball Report
- No. 2-ranked SS in Ontario by Prep Baseball Report
- Member of the Team Canada Junior National Team
- Played summer ball for the Great Lake Canadians
- Hit .550 with 55 hits, 4 HR, 38 RBI, and 20 SB with the Great Lake Canadians in 2021
- CPBL League 2021 All-Star game MVP
- Chose Illinois because “Illinois felt like a great fit for me as a baseball player and student. The culture of the Illinois baseball team was something I really wanted to be a part of.”
- Has plans to become a financial advisor
- Illinois baseball alum Chris Robinson was his summer team coach
- Son of Charlie and Tammy O’Rae
- Committed to Illinois December 2020
