Baseball Victoria is saddened to hear of the passing of Life Member Ian Bishop, a beloved figure who dedicated over 50 years to Sunraysia Baseball League (SBL).
Ian’s baseball career spanned decades of playing, coaching, umpiring and committee work. He first joined the sport as an athlete in the 1950s, and quickly took up coaching in addition to playing on representative sides. He served as SBL’s Secretary/Treasurer and played a crucial role in reforming the league in 1979. He was a founding member of Eagles Baseball Club and was part of the original nine taking the field in the club's inaugural game.
Although Ian retired from playing in 1984, his contributions to the sport were far from over, soon beginning 40 years of umpiring. He was a proud advocate and promoter of the sport, serving as media liaison for several years as well as sharing baseball radio reports on Sunday mornings from 1982-2005. He was the SBL Committee Level Umpire Coordinator from 1990-2004 and returned to his beloved role as Secretary/Treasurer from 2007-2017.
Ian was granted life membership to SBL in 1993 for his commitment and support of the sport and its growth in Sunraysia. He was recognised with Baseball Victoria Life Membership in 2019.
Ian will always be remembered for his love of the game and his proud involvement in the local baseball community. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
