Women and girls in the Mitchell Shire will have a new sport of choice this summer with Broadford’s Mitchell Majors Baseball Club confirming the launch of a women’s program for the 2022/23 Baseball Victoria season.
Three of Australia's best will grace Minnit Park this month with Samantha Hamilton, Bronwyn Gell, and Amy McCann confirmed as guest coaches for the Mitchell Majors Women's Come and Try Day on 20 August.
The trio, which boasts 16 World Cup appearances for the Australian Emeralds including the 2010 World Cup silver medal, will coordinate the session, featuring a range of conditioning, throwing, fielding and hitting stations.
The come and try session will run from 9:30-10:30am Saturday 20 August at Minnit Park in Broadford. More details are available on the Mitchell Majors website.
Coach Bios
- Samantha Hamilton - a member of the inaugural Australian team in 2001, Hamilton went on to contest five World Cups (2004-2012) winning silver in 2010 and the 2006 Stolen Bases Award. She also claimed 10 national crowns with Victoria (1999-2015). As a coach, Hamilton is the head coach of the Victorian Aces Women's Team and Doncaster Dragons Baseball Club's women's program.
- Bronwyn Gell - already a five-time World Cup representative with the Australian Emeralds (2010-current), Gell boasts dual World Cup medals and won the 2012 Stolen Bases Award. A five-time national champion with Victoria, Gell has claimed National Championships MVP honours twice, in 2017 and 2022.
- Amy McCann - a veteran of Australian Emeralds (2004-2014), McCann won two medals in six World Cup appearances, was named to the All World Team twice and was awarded the Baseball Australia Player of the Year in 2006. McCann was also a seven-time national champion with Victoria (2004-2014).
Launch of Mitchell Majors Women's Program
In July, the Majors confirmed it would be launching an inaugural women’s program for the upcoming 2022/23 Baseball Victoria season.
To coincide with the club’s 25th anniversary, the launch of the women's program comes off the back of major upgrades at the club’s home ground Minnit Park in Broadford which includes dedicated change room facilities for girls and women.
While the club has welcomed women to play in mixed teams since its inception in 1998, the decision to create a dedicated women’s team is a game changer for the club, the shire and the sport.
16-year-old Alyssia Ryan, who has played in the club’s mixed teams for five years, is looking forward to playing on a women’s team for the first time.
"It's already so much fun being a part of this club, so I am so excited about a women’s team,” said Ryan, who will be keen to use the opportunity to develop her game. “Playing with women will be a perfect opportunity to learn new positions and while I would like to win, having fun and being around wonderful people is very important to me.
“I can't wait for the summer season to start."
Club stalwart Maria Robinson is eager to play ball in her inaugural season after years spent supporting the club off the field in a variety of roles.
"I have always been around the club, but now there's a women's team I feel drawn to play,” said Robinson. “I can't wait to get out there playing and give it my all. My goal is just to do my best.
“I know I will have fun I already know this club, this community is amazing and will support you no matter what.”
New mother Tara Amuso is excited to play in a women’s team for the first time after falling in love with the sport and the club after joining two seasons ago.
“Not only will I be able to gain some of my independence back, but it comes with the added benefit of being healthy, burning some extra calories and having fun,” said Amuso, who is encouraging all women to come and try the sport. “I’d never played baseball before, only softball, but there have been so many great people at the club who welcomed me and my husband, and who have given me guidance and extra training.”
Club Secretary Andrew Robinson is pleased to see the club grow and develop through the women’s program.
“We know that our club has been predominantly male since we started in 1998, but we are committed to making the experience for anyone who wants to play baseball at Mitchell Majors as inclusive and welcoming as possible both on and off the field,” said Robinson.
“We encourage all women and girls to come down and give it a go.”