Tuesday, 31 July 2012:

Two Australians signed with Major League Baseball sides on Tuesday, with Ryan Dale and Josh Guyer on track to play professional baseball in the US.

Sixteen-year-old hitter Dale from Melbourne has agreed to terms with the Kansas City Royals, while 18-year-old NSW pitcher Guyer has signed on with the Minnesota Twins.

Dale has been training at the Major League Baseball Academy (MLBAAP) on the Gold Coast for the past six weeks, where his impressive in-field tact cemented him as a serious third base prospect for the Royals.

The son of Melbourne Aces' Manager and Australian baseball great Phil Dale, Ryan is now following in the footsteps of his father, who was the first Australian to win a baseball scholarship in the US.

Power-hitter Ryan, is looking forward to turning out for Melbourne in the upcoming ABL season and has his sights set on a future in the Australian team.

"I'm proud of myself and so is my family. This is a thank you to them for getting me to all the games and trainings everyday," said Dale.

"I'd like to make the Australian senior team and one day play at the World Baseball Classic and World Cups, putting on the green and gold at that level would be another big achievement for me."

Meanwhile, Blacktown Workers right-handed pitcher Guyer has been impressive in his second season in the MLBAAP and has thrown 20 innings to the tune of a 3-0 record, a 2.70 ERA, and two saves in nine appearances.

Guyer is excited about fulfilling his dream of playing professional baseball.

"I want to get to the big leagues one day, and a signing now just helps get a foot in the door. It's one step closer to the end goal of what I want to achieve," said Guyer.

Guyer first represented Australia as a 13-year-old at the Cal Ripken World Series Championships in 2007, and again most recently he toured Guam with the National AAA Team who went on to win the Oceania Championships.

The hard-throwing pitcher is set to join the Minnesota Twins next April for Spring Training.

AAP