Baseball Victoria is saddened to hear of the passing of Life Member Paul Collins, a long-time leader and beloved figure in the Victorian baseball community.
Paul served as Chairman of the Baseball Victoria Pennant Committee for 35 years. Along with the late Barry Smith, he prepared playing fixtures for all senior competitions for the entire time he served on the Pennant Committee.
Paul was one of the driving forces in the introduction of Summer Baseball in 1976. He played an instrumental role in designing Melbourne Ballpark, which opened in 1990.
After getting his start as a Newport junior player, he went on to serve Williamstown Baseball Club as Secretary (1969-1975) and President (1976/1978). He earned life membership at the club level in 1974 after playing 246 senior games from 1962-1973.
Paul was the EO of many successful Claxton Shield teams and the manager of the Australian Team for the Baseball Federation of Asia Championship Perth in 1985.
He was one of baseball's most committed and hardest workers, enjoying many years of playing, umpiring and volunteering.
Paul recently celebrated his 80th birthday and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. We send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.