And Matt Mangini, a former Apex High School standout, might play the lead role.

In a wooden bat league comprising the very best young college baseball players in the country, Mangini, a 6-foot-4-inch, 220-pound third baseman, epitomizes the dream of every young boy who ever owned a glove.

“As soon as he could walk he was swinging a baseball bat,” his mother, Debbie Mangini, said. “He’s always said that he was going to play baseball.”

Even as Mangini grew older and started to realize how great the odds are of playing professional baseball, he didn’t give up his dream.

It seems as if every swing Mangini takes, he and his family see those odds swing in his favor.

“Yes, I’m proud I’ve made it this far, but I won’t be satisfied until I make it to the majors,” Mangini said.

Playing in front of Major League Baseball scouts on a daily basis against the very best pitchers in the country could only increase those odds.

And after going 20-for-25 and earning two consecutive National Player of the Week honors this spring at N.C. State, Mangini was given the opportunity by the Hyannis Mets organization to spend his summer in Cape Cod.

“Everyone is aware of the history and the talent in this league and I was just thankful to be given the opportunity to play in it,” said Mangini of a league that saw former players selected in the top six picks of this year’s Major League Baseball draft.

When the summer began, Mangini moved in with a host family, Tino and Terri DiGiovanni.

“I’m so thankful for the generosity and care they’ve given me since I’ve been here,” Mangini said.

Between preparing meals and making sure he has what he needs, the DiGiovannis have been like a second family.

After catching the fans’ eyes with his tremendous hitting displays during batting practice, Mangini immediately developed a reputation around the league and was selected as the starting third baseman for the Cape Cod League West All-Star team. Heading into the break, Mangini was leading Hyannis with a .313 average and 16 RBI. He also had seven doubles and two homers.

“It was just unbelievable,” he said. “It was by far the highlight of my career.”

The buzz around the ballpark surrounding Mangini was not lost on major league scouts.

“We don’t like to talk about players we are watching,” said one National League scout during the All-Star game in which Mangini went 1-for-2 and made a spectacular jumping catch. “But it’s no secret that this kid can play ball.”

While the hype grows around Mangini, he shrugs off any pressure.

“Only you can control how hard you work,” he said. “And as long as you can stay focused and work hard through the tough times, the pressure won’t get to you.”

More change is in store for Mangini this year. Instead of returning to N.C. State this fall, Mangini will be heading to Oklahoma State University, where he will be reunited with coach Chris Jones, who recruited him to N.C. State before moving on to Stillwater.

Mangini also credits his family through the constant transition.

“My family has been more than supportive of me and I couldn’t be more excited about the next step,” he said.

And he’s not the only one.