Indian teenagers chase American baseball dream

The winners began their stay in Los Angeles with trips to watch their first live baseball games.

"The training has started and it feels very good," Singh told Reuters by telephone. "We've just got back after watching a match, we had no clue about the game."

The left-handed Singh, who has hurled the javelin to a modest distance of 67 metres, is aware of the tough job on hand.

"The first trial was held when I had taken a break from my athletics training because of injury.

"Our coach told me and Dinesh that they were looking for a 'bowler' in this game," he said. "I tried and felt good because here too you throw the ball javelin style."

One of seven children, Singh is hoping he can forge a professional career and support his family.

"My father was a truck driver but he is at home for the last one year," he said. "I want to buy a truck for him, my (family) background is very bad."

Dipesh Solanki, an Indian coach doubling up as interpreter for the boys, said the prize money had been a big attraction.

"Actually, 80 percent of them wanted to throw the ball and become rich."