Meet Emmett Styles — the Port Dover Axmen ballplayer with big-league dreams

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Meet Emmett Styles. He is 8, from Port Dover, and he plays baseball for the Port Dover U9 Axmen. Emmett has been swinging a bat since he was 4, from t-ball all the way up to rookie ball this year. He plays soccer too, and he still smiles when he thinks about the league championship trophy he brought home in 2024. Ask him what he wants to be one day and he does not pick just one league. He is thinking MLB, MLS, and NHL. Here is his story in his own words.

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His Story

Emmett's baseball story started early. He was 4 years old the first time he picked up a bat for t-ball in Port Dover, and he has been on the diamond every summer since. This year he wears number 82 for the U9 Axmen and he plays just about everywhere on the field. The Axmen listed his position as "All" for a reason.

Baseball runs in the family. His dad played growing up, and when Emmett was old enough to swing, his dad handed him a bat. From that first t-ball season on, the game stuck. His mom brought her own game to the family too. She played soccer her whole life and taught Emmett the skills, the reads, and the feel of the game. Between the two of them, Emmett got a two-sport education before he could tie his own cleats.

The proudest moment so far did not come on the diamond. It came on the soccer pitch in 2024, when Emmett's team won the league tournament and lifted the trophy. He still talks about it. That is what a lot of first big wins look like for young athletes. The moment they know they can do this.

Ask Emmett about the coaches who shaped him and his answer is quick. It is his parents. They have taught him the games they love and pushed him to work every practice, every game.

What's Next

Emmett has big goals for an 8-year-old, and he does not want to pick just one. He wants to keep working hard in practice and in games, and he wants to see how far it can take him. His answer for what he wants to be when he grows up? A professional athlete. Baseball, soccer, hockey. He is keeping all the doors open. He knows the work it takes and he is ready to put it in.

Who He's Thanking

Emmett wants to thank his parents first, for every hour they put in with him, for teaching him to the best of their abilities, and for building his confidence every step of the way. He gives a big shoutout to his coaches across every sport for their time and expertise. And to his teammates, supporters, and fans for cheering him on. He says he has built a lot of friendships in his short career already, and he is looking forward to plenty more.