According to AirHogs’ pitcher Daniel Schmidt, the most difficult part of living here this season is making sure to look both ways before driving across the street. That is impressive knowing the left-handed hurler came here all the way from Australia just to chase his baseball dreams. Oh, and to learn how to drive on the other side of the road.

Schmidt said he began playing baseball 12 years ago when he was just trying out a few different sports. Being a left hander, he found a niche in baseball and would be signed by the Phillies in 2006. Before he could take the field for a Phillies farm team, injury forced him to undergo Tommy John surgery and his major league dreams were cut short. Now, with the AirHogs, Schmidt earned a spot in the rotation after only a few days with the team. He is a stable force on the pitching staff, with a 2-2 record and a 4.02 ERA.

Schmidt said he likes Texas because it reminds him of his homeland of Australia. “Australia is very laid back. We tend to take our time, do it slowly and get it right like Texas” Schmidt said.

The AirHogs wrapped up the end of the first half of the season last week, finishing second in the South Division. After a Tuesday through Saturday home stand this week, five players will travel to Wichita to take part in the American Association All-Star game. Those players are Greg Porter, David Espinosa, Robert Perry, Geivy Garcia and Luke Prihoda. Porter, Espinosa and Perry will start for the South Division team.