Gombocz’s Gutsy Gambit: From Georgetown, Ontario to Great Britain’s U18 National Team

It is said that ‘travel is the best educator’ and our most enterprising 18U Titan is off to Europe to prove this old adage. Alex Gombocz's selection to Great Britain’s U18 National Team is one of the most unique post-secondary placement stories for the Titans organization in 2021.  The resident of Georgetown, Ontario is excited about playing baseball in Europe. Gombocz was undaunted by international travel restrictions caused by the COVID19 Pandemic: "I started working with the Great Britain program in October doing Zoom calls, Zoom workouts, challenges, sending video over as much as I could. Then I was offered a spot based on what they saw and I thought this was a great opportunity to play overseas and help a program succeed and help build the program." 

The 18U infielder’s diligence and creative thinking were rewarded with an excellent opportunity with the GB national team which is situated in Burnley, England. Alex is also looking forward to the qualifying games in Scandinavia this summer: "As of right now, the European B group qualifiers will be in Sweden. However, this is subject to change with COVID. This tournament will be August 9th-14th, 2021." The Head Coach of the Great Britain U18 National Team is Jonathan “J-Rod” Rodriguez who founded the Lancashire Legends in 2020 to play in the British National Baseball League—the top league in the UK. Coach Rodriguez is also associated with the Legends brand through summer collegiate teams that play in the Sunset Baseball League. He was instrumental in moving the Titans infielder on to his national Roster. Playing for “J-Rod” is certainly part of the appeal of traveling overseas to continue a baseball career:  "I’m really looking forward to playing for Coach Rodriguez and to playing in Europe representing Great Britain. I am excited to see the level of baseball in Europe and playing against other nations," said the right-hand hitter from Christ the King Catholic Secondary School.

As he winds up his career with the Titans, Alex expressed his appreciation towards the coaches he has had while with the organization: "The Titans coaching staff have been extremely helpful in making me a better ball player. They have developed my skill set as an individual player and as a team player and have put me in a position to succeed. I am extremely grateful for everything they have done and to be a part of the Titans family."

Great Britain’s U18 infielder offered these words of advice to the younger Titans players as they set their sights on post-secondary destinations: "Work hard at all times and be committed. If you want to set yourself up for post-secondary opportunities, you need to be going 100% every chance you get."

Excellent advice from our Globetrotting Titan from Georgetown!  All the best, Alex, in your baseball adventures across the pond!