Baseball New Zealand is proud to announce that standout pitcher Maclain Roberts has committed to play for the University of Arizona. After developing his talents at Pima Community College, Roberts is set to make the leap to the prestigious NCAA Division 1 level with the Arizona Wildcats.
Roberts’ baseball journey began in 2019, when he was inspired to give the sport a try after watching the MLB World Series. A natural athlete and towering left-handed pitcher, Roberts quickly impressed coaches at Central City Baseball Club in New Zealand. His rapid development saw him selected for the New Zealand U18 and U23 national teams, a key step in his baseball career. A standout moment came when he played against Australia in 2022 with the U23 team, realizing his potential on the international stage.
Roberts’ path took another significant turn when he was invited by New Zealand baseball to train with the New Zealand World Baseball Classic squad. This experience opened the door to a connection with former Toronto Blue Jays minor leaguer and current Diamondblacks coach Scott Campbell, who selected Roberts for the New Zealand national men’s team. It was here that he crossed paths with Brian Anderson, leading to an opportunity to play college baseball in the United States at Pima Community College.
“The jump from New Zealand’s premier men’s league to junior college baseball was a big one,” Roberts says. “The competition was tougher, and the hitters were smarter. I had to adjust quickly, but it helped me grow as a pitcher.”
Roberts excelled at Pima, earning a spot as a starting pitcher under Coach Ken Jacome, where he gained crucial innings and further refined his mechanics. His performance at Pima attracted attention from several Division 1 programs, but Arizona was the first to reach out, with the Wildcats’ coaching staff and facilities ultimately making it an easy choice for him. Just 15 minutes away from Pima, Roberts felt the University of Arizona would provide him the best opportunity to continue his development.
“The connection I built with the coaching staff, the top-notch facilities, and the overall fit made Arizona feel like the right place from the start,” says Roberts. “I believe their pitching coach, Kevin Vance, can help me reach my full potential.”
Roberts has set ambitious goals as he transitions to the Division 1 stage. “My primary goal is to help the University of Arizona get to Omaha and win a national championship,” he says, referencing college baseball’s biggest stage at the College World Series. “I’m excited to compete against programs like LSU, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest and to play on such a big stage.”
Beyond college, Roberts has his eyes on a professional career, with a long-term goal of becoming the first New Zealand-born player to make it to Major League Baseball (MLB). “If everything falls into place, I’d love to be drafted and make history as the first Kiwi in the MLB,” he says.
Roberts’ journey has already been remarkable, but he remains grounded, recognizing the support that has helped him along the way. “My parents have been my biggest supporters. Even though they’re not physically here, I play like they’re in the stands watching every game,” Roberts adds.
Reflecting on his proudest moment to date, Roberts points to representing New Zealand in the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers, particularly his memorable performance against Brazil. “It was a huge achievement for me and a moment I’ll never forget.”
As he prepares for the next chapter of his baseball career, Roberts hopes to inspire young Kiwi players to pursue their dreams. “I want to show that if you work hard, surround yourself with the right people, and stay focused, you can achieve great things,” he says.
Story by Baseball New Zealand
