Childhood dreams come to fruition, as Freshman Baseball coach and English Teacher Taimur Raja steps up to the plate and anticipates playing in the Asian World Championship for baseball. 

The Asian World Championship for Baseball, which will be played in Taiwan, takes place starting Dec. 3 to Dec. 9. Whichever team wins the championship will get put into world rankings and possibly be called back for qualifying rounds for the World Baseball Classic in 2026, Raja explained. 

“It means everything to represent my country, the people that believed in me, my fellow coaches and teammates, and everyone who gave me a chance to get where I am today,” Raja said. 

Raja said he has played baseball since high school at Niles North. In his senior year, he was a CSL All-Star. Raja also played throughout college, attending Lincoln College then graduating from Roosevelt University. Raja started coaching the sport in 2016 for youth leagues. While coaching, Raja played in some independent baseball leagues, which he said lead to his being recognized by the Pakistani team president. 

“One day I just got a phone call from the team president,” Raja said. “They were looking for players of Pakistani descent in the United States, and I was one of the ones they picked.” 

There was a long interview process, Raja explained. He sent videos of himself swinging and hitting, all baseball related activities. The coaches therefore offered him a spot on the team, an opportunity of a lifetime, Raja said. 

“I want to make my family, my country and the people that have supported me over the years proud,” Raja said. “I’m super excited and honored to get an opportunity to play.”