A dislocated pinky may have kept O.J. Pitcher from taking a role in this year's Cup Match, but the young all-rounder's injured finger is not keeping him from playing for Bermuda during this week's Americas Under 19 Cricket Championships.

Defying the medical profession, which ordered a three week lay-off, Pitcher is back playing after just two weeks, and is a key cog in the Bermuda side attempting to win the tournament and thus garner a spot at the Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand next year.

However, the 18-year-old St. David's Islander has even more lofty goals regarding the sport, with dreams of leading the Bermuda senior national team to international fame, as well as becoming a professional.

He has already achieved the distinction of performing for the country at the ICC Trophy, having been a part of the side that went to Canada recently, but he's hungry for more.

"Internationally I'm looking to one day lead Bermuda to greater things, like the World Cup and to achieve one day status," said Pitcher, an attractive middle order batsman and medium pace bowler, as well as being a fine cover fielder. "I think about someday playing professional a lot, like maybe going out and playing county cricket in England.

"It definitely plays through my mind, but I feel that here we need a little more training in better conditions with proper facilities, especially for the youngsters."

Pitcher was destined to take his place on the cricket pitch, coming from a family of cricketers, including father Oliver Pitcher Sr., uncle Arthur Pitcher, and cousins Jeff and Elliott Pitcher.

His dad was a solid early order batsman, and it was he who introduced his son to the game, and it didn't take long for the talent to shine through.

"When I was younger I used to always go and watch my father play, so that really got me interested," said O.J. "My role models back then were Albert Steede and Clay Smith, who I used to like to go and watch. Seeing them really encouraged me to say `Yeah, I want to be like those guys some day'.

"Just their style, the way they batted and seemed to be in control at all times . . . they were really confident, which caught my eye."

And while he may yet be a `young pup' himself, Pitcher is anxious to lend his influence to today's youth just coming into the sport.

"Domestically I want to be a role model to the youngsters," he said "I want to set a good example to them, regardless of whether you score a lot of runs or take a lot of wickets, showing them how your love for the game carries you through."