Ben Shorto - 2014-15 Perth Heat

Disappointed I didn't have any better shots of Shorto as he has an interesting story to tell. Shorto is an Aussie who was born in Canada, but who now resides back "home" in Western Australia. He was signed by the Cleveland Indians as a 17 year old, however his initial physical by the club after arriving in the US discovered that he had leukemia.

Following two years of treatment, he played a handful of games for the Perth Heat in 2013-14 as a developmental squad player. He finally managed his first game of affiliated ball in 2014 with the Indians' Rookie level team, although he was then released after that single game. He bounced back, converting over to become a pitcher, adding to his game time with the Heat during the 2014-15 ABL season.

2014-15 Perth Heat Ben Shorto card front - ©2015 Adam East