Maclain Roberts never thought his baseball journey would take him to Kamloops.

The native of Auckland, New Zealand was recruited to come over to play American Collegiate baseball at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. Before heading there, he was asked by NorthPaws Coach Keith Francis if he’d make a detour to Kamloops over the summer.

The towering six-foot-six lefty has had a good summer in the Tournament Capital.

“Life is the dream. At the moment it’s winter in New Zealand. It’s been a blessing to be here, amazing really,” Roberts said after pitching into the fifth inning of Tuesday’s home game against Kelowna.

“We love the waterpark around here. I also swam in the Thompson River, a little cold for my liking. I’ve been fishing a couple of times but honestly hanging out with the boys [his teammates] has been the best part.”

The 19-year-old Kiwi has pitched over 40 innings for the NorthPaws this season as he prepared to head into his Freshman season at Pima Community College. He has a week left in Kamloops before he moves on, perhaps never to return.

“I’m a one-day-at-a-time guy,” Roberts said. “I’d love to come back next summer but opportunities come and go. I’m just grateful for this summer in Canada.”