STICKLERS for tradition may think a slip of a lad from Preston trying to make it as a baseball player would be well out of his league.

But 13-year-old Dean Goodwin, who attends Fulwood High School, in Black Bull Lane, has just proved we have inherited much more than McDonald's from across the Atlantic, by becoming a national champion in British baseball.

Dean's mum, Deborah Crowther, of Muncaster Road, Preston, said: "I'm very proud of him -- I just can't get over it -- he has travelled and played all over the country and he has only lost one match in 14 games.

"I have brought Dean up on my own, with no help from anyone, I am really proud he could be so successful.

"His friends have all taken the micky out of him because it is an American sport but he has carried on."

The triumphant Preston Mariners squad is made up of 14 young players from across Lancashire. Their dedicated coach, Don Cunningham, is an American ex-pat who moved to Walton-le-Dale from Seattle three years ago.

Shortly afterwards Don organised a baseball programme and was bowled over by the skill of local youngtsers.

"I told the kids we could win a national title," said Don. "And they didn't let me down. I am really pleased with Dean -- he's a big reason why we're so successful -- he's very competent and aggressive on the field."

Within the tournament there are 25 teams from across the UK who have been battling it out for a place in the championship after winning through at the semi's last month at Moor Park, Fulwood.

The Preston Mariners then travelled to Oxford and thrashed the opposition seven points to three -- making them the best in the country.

Don said: "The kids have to be praised for putting up with my yelling to make them play harder but I'm very happy to have that trophy on my mantle piece. It's been hard raising money, we have had some help from Preston Borough Council, Major League Baseball and Baseball and Softball UK.

"I would also like to thank Domino Pizza, BAE Systems, Collingwood Housing Association and Cook Brothers car rental for their help."