And it's a game he's excelling in.

Michael was recently named in the 2020 NSW men's under-18 softball team to compete at the Australian Championships at Blacktown in December.

The selection was a huge coup for the Metford teenager, who has been playing softball since the age of four.

Being 16-years-old, Michael was a year younger than some of the other players trying out.

"Last year he didn't make the cut for NSW," his mum Carolyn Owen said.

"He received some feedback, and worked on that with the Hunter Academy.

"We didn't think he'd make the team this year, but we were pleasantly shocked."

Michael was on a train when he received the email telling him whether he made the team or not.

"I didn't want to open it at first," he said.

"But when I did I was lost for words."

Mrs Owen said she and her husband both shed tears when they heard the news.

Making the team is a step up for Michael after qualifying for Country NSW teams in previous years. He said he was stoked that he was able to put the feedback he received to good use.

"I feel like all my hard work has finally paid off," he said.

While Michael is usually a catcher, he was selected for the squad as a third baseman.

Since the selection, he has been busy travelling back and forth to Blacktown twice a week for training, which he juggles with playing softball in Newcastle, coaching, umpiring, batting practice and going to school.

But the long days and travel is all worth it for Michael and his parents, who also have strong sporting backgrounds.

Mrs Owen played softball when she was younger while her husband Arran played baseball and cricket.

Michael initially played baseball and softball but decided after finishing the under-14s baseball representative season that he would commit fully to softball and he hasn't looked back since.

He hopes to "stay in the blue" by being picked for the NSW under-18s team again next year and is also mindful that an Australian team will be selected at the national championships in December.