Originally from Perpignan, who is this young baseball player who could become a star in the United States?

Native Perpignan, Ismail Pontiac is today one of the greatest hopes of his sport, and could even shine at the United States in the months and years to come. Fallen into the pot of Baseball very small, the young man of 21 ans has just achieved a real feat: integrating a american varsity team, the antechamber of the biggest championship in the world. News Perpignan painted his portrait.

Ismaïl Pontiac, trained at the Phénix de Perpignan

First interested in rugby, from an early age, Ismaïl was too small to join the club of Moulin in Wind. The kid stays in his neighborhood, but heads for the Sports Park where he integrates Phoenix of Perpignan, the only baseball club in Eastern Pyrenees. This is where it all begins. “I immediately got hooked on this sport, I never left,” recalls Ismaïl.

It must be said at the Pontiacs, baseball is actually a family affair. His father, Michael, is a former player, who became manager of the regional youth team and France youth team coach. And his uncle is also one of the club’s coaches.

“I was lucky to always be around the grounds, even before I started baseball, thanks to my dad. Very early on, I had this habit of throwing the ball, hitting, etc. Then when I started to practice and to player in Perpignan, without any pretension, it is true that it was easier for me. I hit harder than the others, I didn’t have not afraid of the ballI already had certain habits”, explains the young prodigy.

Huge potential

“At the beginning, I practiced this sport for fun, explains Ismail. “Then the Federation set up the regional youth teams, when I had 11 ans. That’s when I started to understand that I had a certain level and that it was possible to do something with it. The coach of Hopes Pole from Montpellier was interested in recruiting me, ”he explains.

Perpignan, Montpellier… and then Toulouse, where Ismaïl integrates the CREPS France Division, during his high school years. “In Toulouse, I managed to get a university contract to the United States. From that moment, reaching the high level became a real objective, ”assures the Perpignanais.

From Perpignan to the University of Arkansas

In 2019, Ismaïl Pontiac crosses the Atlantic and integrates Cochise College, in Arizona. With his team, he plays in the first junior university division. Barely a few months later, he was selected in France youth team to play Euro U23.

On the sidelines of his american studies (he lives only thanks to his university scholarship), Ismaïl Pontiac continues his sporting progress. A few weeks ago, the news falls, several universities are interested in his profile, of which c, in Monticello, which evolves into NCAA 2 (2^e university department). Ismail thus becomes the first french to join a team of this level.

“This is only the beginning, there is still a long way to go”

” This is just the beginning, The way is still long. But I’m very grateful to have come to this today. I am very happy, and very excited at the idea of ​​discovering a higher level next year. It’s a big challenge who awaits me”, measures the person concerned, who evolves to the position of launcher (read elsewhere).

The one who is going to celebrate 22 ans beginning of June is now at the gates of the Major league baseball, the most prestigious championship on the planet. ” Everything is possible. I obviously dream of becoming a professional, ”aims at Ismaïl.

Summoned in French team, in 2020, the native of Perpignan had not been able to know his first selection, due to the cancellation of the meetings because of the Covid-19. This summer, the latter will finally achieve his first objective: to wear the blue-white-red jersey. Before making France and the Pyrénées-Orientales shine in the United States?

.

Was this article helpful to you? Note that you can follow Actu Perpignan in the My Actu space. In one click, after registration, you will find all the news of your favorite cities and brands.