Baseball Victoria is now accepting applications for volunteer positions on the 2019/20 Victorian Summer Baseball League Tribunal Panel.
We are currently in need of six additional tribunal members who will play a valuable role in ensuring another successful summer season and a fair and safe experience for all participants. Tribunal members will hear appeal cases over player penalties and meet at most once a week. Last year there were 14 tribunal meetings across the 18-week season. This number can vary each year depending on the games played and any player ejections during the competition.
While we are seeking individuals with experience in tribunal and legal processes, this is not required when applying for a position on the VSBL Tribunal Committee. If you are interested in this opportunity, please keep in mind that in order to be successful with your application you must:
• Have a clear understanding of the rules and processes while adhering to the Victorian
Summer Baseball League rules and regulations, Baseball Victoria By-Laws and the rules of
baseball.
• Be reliable and prepared to attend hearings on a weekly basis.
• Hold a high level of confidentiality.
• Provide feedback and assist in any further review in conjunction with the VSBL Pennant
Committee.
Candidates should be confident in their proven abilities and experience in these areas. All interested individuals may apply HERE. Applications close on 30 September 2019 at 9am.
Baseball Victoria is now accepting applications for volunteer positions on the 2019/20 Victorian Summer Baseball League Tribunal Panel.
We are currently in need of six additional tribunal members who will play a valuable role in ensuring another successful summer season and a fair and safe experience for all participants. Tribunal members will hear appeal cases over player penalties and meet at most once a week. Last year there were 14 tribunal meetings across the 18-week season. This number can vary each year depending on the games played and any player ejections during the competition.
While we are seeking individuals with experience in tribunal and legal processes, this is not required when applying for a position on the VSBL Tribunal Committee. If you are interested in this opportunity, please keep in mind that in order to be successful with your application you must:
• Have a clear understanding of the rules and processes while adhering to the Victorian
Summer Baseball League rules and regulations, Baseball Victoria By-Laws and the rules of
baseball.
• Be reliable and prepared to attend hearings on a weekly basis.
• Hold a high level of confidentiality.
• Provide feedback and assist in any further review in conjunction with the VSBL Pennant
Committee.
Candidates should be confident in their proven abilities and experience in these areas. All interested individuals may apply HERE. Applications close on 30 September 2019 at 9am.
2019 has been a legendary year for Victorian Liam Spence. After an impressive junior career that included training through Aces Academy and spots on Victorian State Teams, the Geelong native celebrated a NJCAA College World Series Win with Central Arizona University as he continues to thrive on and off the field.
After the thrill of such a momentous victory, Spence has opened the next chapter of his baseball career, moving on to play at University of Tennessee. Although he’s suiting up for a new team now, he has fond memories of not only his College World Series campaign, but also his childhood competitions that paved the way for future success.
Bright Beginnings in Baseball
Liam says his early days playing for the Geelong Baycats prepared him for the exciting challenge of playing college baseball. “Geelong has one of the best facilities in the country, with coaches and support around the club that would do anything to help,” Liam said. “By playing in the Senior League against guys older than me, I learned how to compete and not to be intimidated by my opponents. I was able to learn all that and grow as a player.”
Liam loved every moment of progressing through Baseball Victoria’s Development Pathway, first winning the Little League State Championships with his parents by his side – dad Tony was an assistant coach and mum Debbie was a scorer – before moving on to reach the Australian Youth Championships. “There is no other time of the year like it and it’s an unreal experience,” Liam said.
Tony Spence says it’s been amazing watching their son pursue his passion for baseball at a high level. “We’ve really enjoyed watching Liam develop as a player and experience many highlights like making state teams, overseas trips playing baseball and learning what it takes to be successful,” Tony said.
Off to College
His success in junior baseball in Victoria opened up new opportunities. Spence took his baseball dreams overseas, accepting a spot on the Central Arizona College Vaqueros. He says he will never forget the day he left for college, fulfilling a childhood dream inspired by his baseball heroes. “I had so many emotions running through my body, I was nervous but mainly excited,” Liam said. “I had been waiting for that day to come since I was 12 and the feeling of it finally happening gave me chills.”
Liam quickly adjusted to life in America, where he says baseball is a lifestyle and a huge part of many lives. “The college experience in America is completely different to anything back home,” Liam said. “I had without a doubt the best two years of my life, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”
There are many reasons why Liam speaks so highly of his college experience, first and foremost being the close friendships he made with everyone on his team. “Words can’t do the experience justice. The feeling of meeting over 30 new guys and over time us all becoming brothers, knowing any of them would do anything for the team, is beyond special,” Liam said.
Spending everyday with his teammates, during early morning runs, practices, classes, gym workouts and study sessions helped them create a baseball family that made Liam feel at home, even thousands of miles away from his Australian community. In addition to the forever friendships he formed, Liam says he learned how to be strong mentally. “I was able to do so much more physically because I was able to push myself mentally,” Liam said.
World Series Win
This new and improved approach to the game propelled Liam to amazing success in the 2019 NJCAA World Series. The Vaqueros secured a thrilling 13-8 comeback win over Iowa Western at the start of June to take out the title, a fantastic result after giving up seven runs in the first inning. As leadoff batter, Liam had a big job to do, and he rose to the occasion, sending a two-run homer sailing over the fence with two outs in the fifth inning. When the final out was recorded, Liam and his teammates, including Jye Deeble, fellow Australian and son of Melbourne Aces Manager Jon Deeble, went wild. They celebrated a huge accomplishment, the third in Central Arizona’s program history. “Being able to do this with Jye is unforgettable. We had a special bond and it was nice to have another Aussie on the team,” Liam said.
No matter what happens next in his career, Liam will never forget the thrill of winning the big game. “The College World Series was the most incredible experience of my life. The whole town gets around the event and comes out to the games which creates a crazy atmosphere to play in,” Liam said. “We got treated like celebrities everywhere we went with kids coming up to us on the street asking for autographs. It was the most fun I have ever had playing baseball and I still cannot fully comprehend that we won the whole thing.”
With years of preparation under his belt, Liam approached the high-stakes final game with concentration and confidence. The Vaqueros had practiced for this moment for two years, and Liam and his teammates wanted to have fun and make the most of this opportunity to play together one last time. “Our last seven games of the regular season were all must-win games for us just to make playoffs, so we had a taste of what high-pressure games were like,” Liam said. “We tried to stay as relaxed as possible.”
Seeing Liam win the JUCO World Series with his teammates in an iconic event in American baseball was unforgettable. This result was what they were working toward during every moment of their rigorous regular season and playoff schedule. Liam’s family was proudly in attendance. “We got to watch Liam have a fantastic tournament. We were really proud that Liam was able to play at such a high standard consistently for the week and be an important part of the team’s success,” Tony said. “It’s a week that all of us will look back on in years to come and be grateful that we were able to share such an exciting time in Liam’s life.”
Next Stop: NCAA Division 1
This was the best possible way for Liam to wrap up his time at Central Arizona before moving on to University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he will play for a NCAA Division I team. “I took summer classes and we had workouts almost every day. The campus here is unbelievable with a ton of school spirit from everyone, and the baseball facility is incredible.”
With one Championship in the books, Liam is looking ahead to his next college season and hoping to add to his list of accomplishments. “My main goal for the college season is to win another National Championship,” Liam said. “Beyond college I hope to get drafted and play professional baseball with my end goal making it to the big leagues.”
With strong roots in Victorian baseball and a flourishing collegiate career, it seems anything is possible for Liam in the future. He credits his coaches for helping him get to where he is today, as well as his tight-knit family. “My mum and dad are the main reason I am here doing what I love and without all of their sacrifices, I wouldn’t be out here living my dream right now,” Liam said. He’s also close with his two brothers and role models Josh and Nic. “I’ve looked up to them my whole life. When I was a kid, they both went off to play college baseball, and I always knew that’s what I wanted to do. They taught me so much and are always there for me when I have a question. They got me ready for college and I can’t thank them enough.”
Regardless of what happens next, Liam will have his family beside him every step of the way. “We know Liam has high goals for his baseball career,” Tony said. “However far he goes we hope he continues to enjoy playing the game and is always ready for the next challenge.”
12-year-old Caitlin Hoy has improved leaps and bounds in the past year since she’s started playing baseball. In less than 12 months, the promising young athlete has embarked on an incredible baseball journey that’s included a bronze medal run with the 2019 Victorian Youth Women’s Team and two successful seasons with Williamstown Wolves Baseball Club. Now that she has one massive year under her belt, Caitlin has set her sights on doing it all over again this next year, with some high hopes for what her future holds.
“I’m just so passionate about baseball,” Caitlin said. “I love the game, and I just want to take my baseball as far as I can go.”
Discovering Her Love of Baseball
The pathway for Caitlin to reach her baseball dreams certainly exists, as she’s proof that even just a few months of dedicated training and development can pay off in amazing ways. After playing softball through School Sports, Caitlin fell in love with baseball and joined her local Williamstown club in October 2018 at the age of 11. It didn’t take her long to pick up on the art of pitching playing Junior League, and within several months she found herself tackling a new challenge: trying out for the Youth Women’s State Team.
Despite her nerves, Caitlin resolved to just try her hardest and see what happened. She devoted herself to improving her skills and becoming a better baseballer every day, and her efforts paid off bigtime when she was selected as the youngest player on the Youth Women’s State Team. Caitlin didn’t even allow time for the shock and surprise of her selection to wear off before she got to work, training harder than she had ever done before.
“When Head Coach Ursula Howard told me, my mind was blown. I couldn’t believe it - it was like a dream come true and I was just so thankful and excited to train with all the girls in the State Team,” Caitlin said. “I started counting down the weeks to Canberra.”
Preparations for the Australian Youth Women’s Championships included early Saturday morning trainings for two months, along with midweek training sessions in the weeks leading up to the tournament. “I’m so thankful to my dad for practicing with me and getting up early to take me to all the trainings,” Caitlin said.
With the full support of her family and friends behind her, Caitlin made the most of this opportunity, coming away with noticeable improvements to her baseball game that she continues to work on to this day. “I had a really good experience. I was nervous because I’m only 12 and the youngest on the team, but all my teammates were supportive and kind,” Caitlin said. “They were just amazing.”
Representing on the National Stage
After months of passionate practice and preparation, Caitlin and her teammates headed to Canberra in April 2019 for the National Championships. They lost a few tough games in the beginning, but they pulled through and ended up winning the bronze medal game against WA. Caitlin says coming back from a six-run deficit to take out a third-place finish was a wonderful result, made possible by their strong teamwork and trust in one another.
“I had a blast representing Victoria. All of the girls were so amazing. They were talented, kind people who were just getting out there, playing the game and trying their best. Everyone did so well and was so supportive,” Caitlin said. “We really encouraged each other and got along, and we were focused on what we wanted to achieve and aspects of the game that we wanted to improve.”
With the bronze medal on the line, Caitlin and her teammates were determined to do their very best, playing their hearts out in the process and coming away with the win. During her time at the tournament, Caitlin proved to herself that she could accomplish anything she set her mind on. “I was really stoked with my batting, I got the bat on the ball every time and I was really happy with that,” Caitlin said. “When I stepped up to the plate for my first at-bat, I was so nervous because I had never been up against pitchers at Nationals. Just as I was thinking, oh my gosh how am I going to do this, I got a bat on ball and I made it to first base. I was just so relieved.’
Avoiding strikeouts, recording an RBI and scoring several runs for her team were additional highlights for Caitlin at the tournament. Now more confident in her athletic abilities than ever before, Caitlin has continued her baseball career since returning from Nationals. She took what she learned in her extraordinary experience and applied these lessons and skills to her recent season with Williamstown in the Melbourne Winter Baseball League. “The tournament was one of the best experiences of my life, and it was fantastic to be part of the team. I came away from the tournament as a better player,” Caitlin said. “I have improved as a whole, and I’ve been really working really hard and focusing on my pitching for my club. My coaches have been so supportive of me, and we had a great winter season, coming up just short of playing in the Grand Final after a really close semi-final.”
Aiming for a Bright Future
With the 2019/20 VSBL season just weeks away, Caitlin is looking forward to continuing her junior playing career at Williamstown. With the support, guidance and technical advice from fellow female baseball players, Caitlin hopes to follow in their footsteps and take her baseball to the highest level. “I would really like to make it to the state team again and have an opportunity to have another amazing team experience, so I’m trying out this year,” Caitlin added.
With role models in the Victorian Women’s baseball scene like Abbey McLellan, Caitlin has some inspirational individuals to look up to. “I would love to hit like Abbey one day. She’s an amazing player who has represented Australia and come back from injury with spirit and determination. I really look up to her and want to be like her.”
As an avid pitcher, Caitlin also admires Mo’ne Davis, one of the first girls to play in the Little League World Series and the first girl to earn a win and pitch a shutout in the competition’s history. “I think she’s an awesome pitcher and I aspire to be like her,” Caitlin said.
Before playing baseball, Caitlin was involved in footy, and while she loves watching that game and her beloved Western Bulldogs, the baseball diamond has captured her full attention. “Baseball has become my focus, but I love spending time with friends outside of school as well as reading a good book and writing my own stories.”
Caitlin makes sure to share her love of baseball with just about everyone she meets. She says she hopes other young girls will be inspired to get involved in the baseball community. Caitlin says one of the best things about baseball is that everyone can play, so long as they have determination and a desire to improve. “It’s an amazing sport with so many talented people,” Caitlin added. “It’s such an incredible experience and a great team sport where you’ll make lots of really good friends.”
As women’s baseball continues to grow, Caitlin is thrilled to be along for the ride. “There’s a growing interest in the sport, and development pathways are giving girls the chance to represent their state and take their baseball to Nationals,” Caitlin said. “I’m having so much fun playing baseball. I’m learning a lot, I’m really passionate about it and my teammates and coaches are so supportive and encouraging.”
Caitlin’s dad Daryl has spent much of the last year bringing Caitlin to her many trainings and games, and it’s a responsibility he wouldn’t trade for the world. “We are very proud that Caitlin was involved in a fantastic tournament with a great bunch of friendly and supportive teammates and coaches,” Daryl said. “We’re so excited for her and we hope she continues to enjoy baseball and have fun while meeting new friends. We know she can take it to the highest level she’s aiming for.”
The pathway for Caitlin to reach her baseball dreams certainly exists, as she’s proof that even just a few months of dedicated training and development can pay off in amazing ways. After playing softball through School Sports, Caitlin fell in love with baseball and joined her local Williamstown club in October 2018 at the age of 11. It didn’t take her long to pick up on the art of pitching playing Junior League, and within several months she found herself tackling a new challenge: trying out for the Youth Women’s State Team.
Despite her nerves, Caitlin resolved to just try her hardest and see what happened. She devoted herself to improving her skills and becoming a better baseballer every day, and her efforts paid off bigtime when she was selected as the youngest player on the Youth Women’s State Team. Caitlin didn’t even allow time for the shock and surprise of her selection to wear off before she got to work, training harder than she had ever done before.
“When Head Coach Ursula Howard told me, my mind was blown. I couldn’t believe it - it was like a dream come true and I was just so thankful and excited to train with all the girls in the State Team,” Caitlin said. “I started counting down the weeks to Canberra.”
Preparations for the Australian Youth Women’s Championships included early Saturday morning trainings for two months, along with midweek training sessions in the weeks leading up to the tournament. “I’m so thankful to my dad for practicing with me and getting up early to take me to all the trainings,” Caitlin said.
With the full support of her family and friends behind her, Caitlin made the most of this opportunity, coming away with noticeable improvements to her baseball game that she continues to work on to this day. “I had a really good experience. I was nervous because I’m only 12 and the youngest on the team, but all my teammates were supportive and kind,” Caitlin said. “They were just amazing.”
Representing on the National Stage
After months of passionate practice and preparation, Caitlin and her teammates headed to Canberra in April 2019 for the National Championships. They lost a few tough games in the beginning, but they pulled through and ended up winning the bronze medal game against WA. Caitlin says coming back from a six-run deficit to take out a third-place finish was a wonderful result, made possible by their strong teamwork and trust in one another.
“I had a blast representing Victoria. All of the girls were so amazing. They were talented, kind people who were just getting out there, playing the game and trying their best. Everyone did so well and was so supportive,” Caitlin said. “We really encouraged each other and got along, and we were focused on what we wanted to achieve and aspects of the game that we wanted to improve.”
With the bronze medal on the line, Caitlin and her teammates were determined to do their very best, playing their hearts out in the process and coming away with the win. During her time at the tournament, Caitlin proved to herself that she could accomplish anything she set her mind on. “I was really stoked with my batting, I got the bat on the ball every time and I was really happy with that,” Caitlin said. “When I stepped up to the plate for my first at-bat, I was so nervous because I had never been up against pitchers at Nationals. Just as I was thinking, oh my gosh how am I going to do this, I got a bat on ball and I made it to first base. I was just so relieved.’
Avoiding strikeouts, recording an RBI and scoring several runs for her team were additional highlights for Caitlin at the tournament. Now more confident in her athletic abilities than ever before, Caitlin has continued her baseball career since returning from Nationals. She took what she learned in her extraordinary experience and applied these lessons and skills to her recent season with Williamstown in the Melbourne Winter Baseball League. “The tournament was one of the best experiences of my life, and it was fantastic to be part of the team. I came away from the tournament as a better player,” Caitlin said. “I have improved as a whole, and I’ve been really working really hard and focusing on my pitching for my club. My coaches have been so supportive of me, and we had a great winter season, coming up just short of playing in the Grand Final after a really close semi-final.”
Aiming for a Bright Future
With the 2019/20 VSBL season just weeks away, Caitlin is looking forward to continuing her junior playing career at Williamstown. With the support, guidance and technical advice from fellow female baseball players, Caitlin hopes to follow in their footsteps and take her baseball to the highest level. “I would really like to make it to the state team again and have an opportunity to have another amazing team experience, so I’m trying out this year,” Caitlin added.
With role models in the Victorian Women’s baseball scene like Abbey McLellan, Caitlin has some inspirational individuals to look up to. “I would love to hit like Abbey one day. She’s an amazing player who has represented Australia and come back from injury with spirit and determination. I really look up to her and want to be like her.”
As an avid pitcher, Caitlin also admires Mo’ne Davis, one of the first girls to play in the Little League World Series and the first girl to earn a win and pitch a shutout in the competition’s history. “I think she’s an awesome pitcher and I aspire to be like her,” Caitlin said.
Before playing baseball, Caitlin was involved in footy, and while she loves watching that game and her beloved Western Bulldogs, the baseball diamond has captured her full attention. “Baseball has become my focus, but I love spending time with friends outside of school as well as reading a good book and writing my own stories.”
Caitlin makes sure to share her love of baseball with just about everyone she meets. She says she hopes other young girls will be inspired to get involved in the baseball community. Caitlin says one of the best things about baseball is that everyone can play, so long as they have determination and a desire to improve. “It’s an amazing sport with so many talented people,” Caitlin added. “It’s such an incredible experience and a great team sport where you’ll make lots of really good friends.”
As women’s baseball continues to grow, Caitlin is thrilled to be along for the ride. “There’s a growing interest in the sport, and development pathways are giving girls the chance to represent their state and take their baseball to Nationals,” Caitlin said. “I’m having so much fun playing baseball. I’m learning a lot, I’m really passionate about it and my teammates and coaches are so supportive and encouraging.”
Caitlin’s dad Daryl has spent much of the last year bringing Caitlin to her many trainings and games, and it’s a responsibility he wouldn’t trade for the world. “We are very proud that Caitlin was involved in a fantastic tournament with a great bunch of friendly and supportive teammates and coaches,” Daryl said. “We’re so excited for her and we hope she continues to enjoy baseball and have fun while meeting new friends. We know she can take it to the highest level she’s aiming for.”
Congratulations to Chris Burke, Liam Evans and Conor Myles, who have been chosen to represent Australia at the U18 World Cup.
The 20-man roster was chosen from 37 players active in Australia’s series with Canada in Lismore ahead of the World Cup, which begins in South Korea on Friday. Australia gets its World Cup campaign underway against Nicaragua at 3pm AEST.
View the full U18 World Cup roster HERE.
Baseball Victoria would like to wish Chris, Liam and Conor the best of luck as they represent their state and country on the international stage.
For Australia’s full schedule and the latest team news head to our #U18WorldCup event hub.
For Australia’s full schedule and the latest team news head to our #U18WorldCup event hub.
At the Baseball Victoria Annual Awards Night held in March 2019 Ian Bishop was announced as one of two 2019 Baseball Victoria Life Membership Inductees.
Ian was unable to travel to Melbourne in March, so it was decided to present Ian with his Life Membership Medal at the Annual Sunraysia Baseball League Annual Presentation Night.
On the eve of the Sunraysia Baseball League A,B and C Grade Grand Finals the Annual Sunraysia Baseball League Annual Presentation Night was held Friday night in Mildura.
Baseball Victoria President Myles Foreman attended and presented Ian Bishop with his Baseball Victorian Life Membership.
“Life Membership is the highest honour Baseball Victoria can confer on an individual. The individual must have rendered distinguished service to baseball in Victoria over an extended period of time and such service must have assisted the advancement of baseball in Victoria,” said Myles Foreman, President of Baseball Victoria. “While Club Service is taken into consideration individuals are awarded Life Membership where they have also contributed at a State and National level. Congratulations Ian Bishop, who is now a Life Member of Baseball Victoria, joining many greats of Victorian Baseball.”
A standout individual who has dedicated more than 50 years to the Sunraysia Baseball League, Ian’s baseball career has included playing, coaching, umpiring and committee work. He first joined the sport as an athlete in the 1950s, and he soon took up coaching in addition to playing on representative sides. He served as SBL’s Secretary/Treasurer in 1966 and Treasurer in 1972, and he had a crucial leadership role in the reformation of the SBL in 1979.
Although he retired from playing in 1984, his contributions to the sport were far from over. He was League Treasurer from 1980-1982 before beginning his 30+ 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 he 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. Ian’s notable advocacy, leadership, reformation, administration and community involvement gave him an impressive 48/55 in life membership criteria. A special presentation for Ian will be held at the 2019 end of season Sunraysia Baseball League Awards Night.
"I'm quite honoured and proud to receive Life Membership. It's something I never expected," Ian said. "I started baseball in 1955 and just carried on with it, because it's something I loved doing. It is an absolute honour and a pleasure."
The Board of Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce the election of a female representative to the VSBL Pennant Committee, following several structural changes to the Pennant Committee and President & Secretary Meetings.
Earlier this year, the Board of Directors conducted a review of the reinstated VSBL Pennant Committee from the 2018/19 VSBL season. The Board resolved to change four of the Pennant Committee terms of reference in order to build upon the contributions of the Pennant Committee for the upcoming 2019/2020 VSBL season.
Michael Gourlay was reappointed as Chair of the Pennant Committee, and John King was appointed Deputy Chairman. As the appointment of a Deputy Chairman removed an elected member of the Pennant Committee, the Board resolved to replace that position with another VSBL club elected member, who must be a female to provide a more balanced committee point of view.
READ FULL JUNE 28th RELEASE ON PENNANT COMMITTEE CHANGES: http://baseballvictoria.com.au/News-Events/baseball-victoria-announces-changes-to-pennant-committee
Three nominations were received and voting was reopened to the VSBL clubs. As a result, Cassandra Shelverton was elected to the 2019/20 Pennant Committee.
Cassandra has been heavily involved in women’s baseball at Springvale Baseball Club, and she has experience with umpiring, scoring, and committee work. She’s played baseball for more than 25 years, and has assisted several clubs with their efforts to start up women’s programs. Cassandra is passionate about growing women’s baseball and is excited for this opportunity to make a difference to the Victorian Summer Baseball League.
“My favourite thing about baseball in Victoria is the people that play, score, umpire, administer and support the sport. I am looking forward to working with all the clubs and being able to provide ways of attracting new people to the sport while supporting the existing community,” Cassandra said.
She also hopes to contribute to a sustainable future for VSBL and the sport as a whole. “This covers finance, stability, affordability and accessibility so people can play or watch the game when they want and how they want. It will allow governing bodies to provide the support required, and clubs and players having the ability to field the teams and play games.”
Pennant Committee Members for the 2019/20 VSBL season are:
Michael Gourlay – Chair (Board Appointed)
John King – Deputy Chair (Board Appointed)
Jason Blair (Elected)
Dwain Richardson (Elected)
Jake Cole-Sinclair (Elected)
Cassandra Shelverton (Elected)
Kelsey Quinn (BV Staff Member) Competitions and Tournaments Manager
Stewart Howe (BV Staff Member) Umpires Coordinator
The Board also resolved to annually appoint a P&S Meeting Chair to ensure proper governance and codes of conduct are followed during these meetings. Kerry Gassner has been offered and accepted the role of Chair for the P&S Meetings.
“The election of Cassandra to the VSBL Pennant Committee and the appointment of Kerry Gassner to P&S Meeting Chair will be beneficial to the future of baseball in Victoria. The Board recently met with Kerry and discussed our shared commitment to maximize this opportunity to engage with our clubs and get the most out of the P&S Meetings,” President of Baseball Victoria Myles Foreman said. “These are fantastic opportunities for our VSBL clubs and Baseball Victoria to work collaboratively for the advancement of baseball. We are looking ahead to another fantastic season of summer baseball as we focus on providing the most fun, fair and inclusive sporting environment.”
The Board of Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce the election of a female representative to the VSBL Pennant Committee, following several structural changes to the Pennant Committee and President & Secretary Meetings.
Earlier this year, the Board of Directors conducted a review of the reinstated VSBL Pennant Committee from the 2018/19 VSBL season. The Board resolved to change four of the Pennant Committee terms of reference in order to build upon the contributions of the Pennant Committee for the upcoming 2019/2020 VSBL season.
Michael Gourlay was reappointed as Chair of the Pennant Committee, and John King was appointed Deputy Chairman. As the appointment of a Deputy Chairman removed an elected member of the Pennant Committee, the Board resolved to replace that position with another VSBL club elected member, who must be a female to provide a more balanced committee point of view.
READ FULL JUNE 28th RELEASE ON PENNANT COMMITTEE CHANGES: http://baseballvictoria.com.au/News-Events/baseball-victoria-announces-changes-to-pennant-committee
Three nominations were received and voting was reopened to the VSBL clubs. As a result, Cassandra Shelverton was elected to the 2019/20 Pennant Committee.
Cassandra has been heavily involved in women’s baseball at Springvale Baseball Club, and she has experience with umpiring, scoring, and committee work. She’s played baseball for more than 25 years, and has assisted several clubs with their efforts to start up women’s programs. Cassandra is passionate about growing women’s baseball and is excited for this opportunity to make a difference to the Victorian Summer Baseball League.
“My favourite thing about baseball in Victoria is the people that play, score, umpire, administer and support the sport. I am looking forward to working with all the clubs and being able to provide ways of attracting new people to the sport while supporting the existing community,” Cassandra said.
She also hopes to contribute to a sustainable future for VSBL and the sport as a whole. “This covers finance, stability, affordability and accessibility so people can play or watch the game when they want and how they want. It will allow governing bodies to provide the support required, and clubs and players having the ability to field the teams and play games.”
Pennant Committee Members for the 2019/20 VSBL season are:
Michael Gourlay – Chair (Board Appointed)
John King – Deputy Chair (Board Appointed)
Jason Blair (Elected)
Dwain Richardson (Elected)
Jake Cole-Sinclair (Elected)
Cassandra Shelverton (Elected)
Kelsey Quinn (BV Staff Member) Competitions and Tournaments Manager
Stuart Howe (BV Staff Member) Umpires Coordinator
The Board also resolved to annually appoint a P&S Meeting Chair to ensure proper governance and codes of conduct are followed during these meetings. Kerry Gassner has been offered and accepted the role of Chair for the P&S Meetings.
“The election of Cassandra to the VSBL Pennant Committee and the appointment of Kerry Gassner to P&S Meeting Chair will be beneficial to the future of baseball in Victoria. The Board recently met with Kerry and discussed our shared commitment to maximize this opportunity to engage with our clubs and get the most out of the P&S Meetings,” President of Baseball Victoria Myles Foreman said. “These are fantastic opportunities for our VSBL clubs and Baseball Victoria to work collaboratively for the advancement of baseball. We are looking ahead to another fantastic season of summer baseball as we focus on providing the most fun, fair and inclusive sporting environment.”
Baseball Umpires Association of Victoria will hold the 2019 Umpiring Seminar from Friday, 20th September – Sunday, 22nd September.
Umpires of all levels are invited and encouraged to attend this training seminar, which will focus on the core values of umpiring and how to reach your umpiring goals. This is a fantastic opportunity for members of the baseball community to learn more about umpiring and get involved in this crucial aspect of baseball.
The seminar will begin on the Friday night at 7 pm at Melbourne Baseball Club, and it’s required to attend the night session. Saturday's session will take place at Melbourne Ballpark, and Sunday's session will be at Waverley Baseball Club
Registration for this event will close on Friday 13 September and to register please email Stewart Howe (State Director) or call 0412 145 282. The cost is $45 per umpire and this seminar is free for first-time attendees.