“It’s still a little surreal for Thomas Ireland to see his “Homegrown Hero” banner up at the North Regina Little League ballpark.

Back home for the offseason after a very successful year in the Texas Rangers system, the 23-year-old was visiting his old stomping grounds with his wife, Jessica, and his parents to help with the program’s fall clean-up when he looked up at the banner again.

What makes it even more special in Ireland’s eyes is, just to the right of his banner, is the one for his idol, mentor, and fellow Regina native Dustin Molleken.

He couldn’t ask for more as he blazes his own professional trail.

“I have nothing but great things to say about Dusty and his family, and the amount of support he’s given me over the last couple of years,” Ireland told Saskatchewan Dugout Stories.”