Many sporting organisations and bodies would not be around if it weren’t for the hard work put in from the countless number of volunteers, who perform many behind the scenes tasks that others as casual observers and spectators often take for granted. The recipient of Baseball Victoria’s Volunteer of the Year Award, Tony Cornish of the Essendon Baseball Club, has juggled the life of dedicated family man and the role of President at the club to a high degree, only highlighted by the success of the club on and off the diamond.
The award presented at Baseball Victoria’s Awards Night last Thursday aims to bring attention to the lifeblood of the baseball community and showcase the enormous degree of jobs performed by volunteers every weekend.
Cornish says that while the award is a great recognition, it’s not the reason why volunteers give up their time towards the sport.
“We don't do it for [the awards] as the karma is enough. By volunteering you learn lots of lessons, it enables you to grow and build great friendships. It’s my happy place and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such a great club,” Cornish said.
“When help is provided to me, I know I am leading the club well as people want to come for the ride. Creating opportunities for others and investing in them gives them the drive to support me and vice versa.”
He, along with the rest of the committee at Essendon have initiated a variety of drives that involve charities and foundations such as their recent Pitch for PWS (Prader-Willi Syndrome) held in February. Cornish says the moments where he can give back to the community are most special.
“We must give to the community and this is where I am most proud. We are a family and families make communities and we must give back. We want to be a leader in all areas of the game, not just on the field. This gives great purpose for our members both playing and non-playing,” Cornish said.
The club is constantly working on new events, fundraisers and more that bring people together for great causes.
“At Essendon Baseball Club we have overseas coaching opportunities, mindfulness courses, a give-blood campaign and a Salvation Army Christmas drive. These are all factors for members to want to be involved in something more than just on field,” Cornish added.
“My contribution to our game is a small way of me saying ‘thank you.’”
Baseball is always a high priority in Cornish’s life as he’s played, coached and umpired among his committee work, but he admitted that his ability to be organised and have trusted support, most of which comes from his wife, was a key contributor to his focus on the club.
“We have a motto that everyone does their "1/9th" so the beauty is I don't have to do everything as the work load is well shared among all club members. This is not just a catchphrase but a reality,” Cornish said. “I am very focused and truly believe we as a club can have everything we want, and I strive to achieve this daily. Without my wife's support and all Essendon Baseball Club members doing their 1/9th, I couldn't do it nor would I want to.”
With family being a large part of Cornish’s life, the significance of his dedication to baseball was brought upon a time when he was younger and had his father, a life member of two baseball clubs, acting as a liaison to his spirited ambitions.
Cornish says that “as a young person… [baseball] saved (his) life” as he was headed down a dark path, which the sport protected him from.
“I always wanted to be good at the game. My dad…always said ‘Son, you get more out of it than you put in’. These words always stayed true in my mind and he was right. My contribution to our game is a small way of me saying ‘thank you’”.
As the President of Essendon Baseball Club, he was delighted to witness success on the field throughout the Victorian Summer Baseball League season, especially when their Women’s Division 1 team won the Grand Final against Springvale, a team they hadn’t beaten all season and lost quite heavily to in most matchups between them.
“I couldn't be prouder. On field our ones struggled a bit, but the club never pointed fingers, nor did we drop our head and hard work got us through. The club rallied to move rooms and that was seamless,” Tony said. “The girls’ championship was one of the most amazing things I have witnessed in baseball and we also won the flag in the fourths which I played in and is our first on record. It was one of my best years, better than some of those where our ones won the flags or we won club championships.”
Essendon was once heralded by Inside Sports magazine in 2015 as the best sporting club in Australia, an accolade that meant the world to him and the club. The club is on track to continue going from strength to strength.
“The success of our women's program is certainly something that we didn’t have then and now with new rooms, a gym and indoor facility on the way, and the Chris Lane field…I believe we are a better club now than then. In 2021 we also hope to have playing lights, so the opportunities for our club in the future is very exciting,” Cornish said.
“Off field we were amazing with all our social efforts, fund raising, sponsorships, and charity work. Nothing will stop us growing and continuing to lead the way in grass roots sports. Success is measured in many different ways.”
Congratulations to Victorians Jennie Moloney and David Nagy on their appointments for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) tournaments this year.
They are two of four Australian officials who will feature at the 2019 WBSC tournaments. Jennie and David are joining Connie Stoyakovich of Queensland and Andrew Todd of Western Australia at these prestigious international events.
Jennie has scored at international tournaments for 20 years and will feature at the U12 Baseball World Cup. She will also appear at the most notable international tournament on the calendar, the Premier12, which features the world's top 12 national men's teams. Andrew Todd will serve as a Technical Commissioner at the Premier12.
David has been appointed as the Technical Director for the U12 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan, while Connie Stoyakovich will score the U18 Baseball World Cup in Korea this August.
Congratulations to these representatives, particularly our standout Victorian officials, as they make Australia proud on the world stage.
Last night, the Victorian baseball community gathered for an amazing celebration at the 2019 Baseball Victoria Annual Awards Night, proudly presented by VIVA.
More than 250 attendees enjoyed the evening of entertainment, awards, special honours and baseball achievements at Leonda By The Yarra in Hawthorn.
With a stunning autumn setting overlooking the Yarra River, Master of Ceremonies Ian Cohen kept the crowd engaged and excited as award winners were revealed. This included standout athletes from the Victorian Summer Baseball League competition and Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year, and 2019 Inclusion Club of the Year. Baseball Australia Hall of Fame inductee Brett Ward was also honoured, as well as Michele Winther and Ian Bishop who were formally welcomed as Baseball Victoria Life Members.
Congratulations to all of our amazing award winners on their well-deserved wins and impressive accomplishments!
Division 1 Women’s
Home Run Award Abbey McLellan – Footscray and Emily Devine - Springvale (2 HR each)
Pitching Award Gabby Bevan – Springvale (ERA 4.15)
Batting Award Shae Lilywhite – Springvale (BA .667)
Most Valuable Player Gabby Bevan – Springvale (24 Votes)
Division 3
Home Run Award Geoff MacDonald – Ormond Glenhuntly (8 HR)
Pitching Award Kyungsoo Jeon – Ormond Glenhuntly (ERA 0.88)
Batting Award Geoff MacDonald – Ormond Glenhuntly (BA 0.515)
Most Valuable Player Geoff MacDonald – Ormond Glenhuntly (30 Votes)
Division 2
Home Run Award Nick Di Benedetto – Doncaster (3 HR)
Pitching Award Scott Barr – Newport (ERA 1.33)
Batting Award Andrew Gribbin – Cheltenham (BA .480)
Club Champion Award – Peter Dihm Shield Cheltenham Rustlers Baseball Club
Robert R Hindson Medal Most Valuable Player Jesse Remington – Cheltenham (25 Votes)
Division 1
Home Run Award Tom Dicker – Fitzroy (11 HR)
Harry Douglas Memorial Trophy - Pitching Award Skyler Sylvester – Blackburn (ERA 1.38)
Batting Award Jarryd Rogers – Melbourne (BA .405)
George S Heron Medal - Most Valuable Player Jeremy Young – Sunshine (32 Votes)
Harry Wonnacott Medal – Division 1 Grand Final Series MVP Luke Hughes - Blackburn
Club Champion Award – Peter Dihm Shield Geelong Baycats Baseball Club
Melbourne Aces Awards
Clubman Award Allan De San Miguel
Aces Pitching Award Dushan Ruzic
Aces Batting Award Luke Hughes
Golden Glove Fielding Award Darryl George
Most Valuable Player Darryl George
Volunteer of the Year
Tony Cornish, President of Essendon Baseball Club, was awarded the 2018/19 Volunteer of the Year Award.
Umpire of the Year
Stewart Howe was awarded the Robert Blackmore Shield as the Umpire of the Year, as voted on by the Baseball Umpires Association of Victoria. Stewart umpired 35 ABL games at Melbourne Ballpark and Geelong Baseball Centre, along with 48 Baseball Victoria games. He dedicates his time to running training sessions and helping other umpires in their important role.
Inclusion Club of the Year
Cheltenham Rustlers Baseball Club was named the 2019 Inclusion Club of the Year Award Winner, thanks to their continuous efforts to grow the sport of baseball at all levels and providing opportunities for everyone to play this beautiful game regardless of age, gender or skill level.
Coach of the Year
Duane Davenport of Essendon Baseball Club was recognised with the 2018/19 Coach of the Year Award. He led Essendon’s Women’s Division 1 team to a fantastic Grand Final victory over Springvale in a thrilling upset. His dedication to the development of players and helping them achieve their personal goals and aspirations is truly admirable.
Baseball Victoria CEO Justin Huber was thrilled with the evening and the turnout of players, coaches, volunteers and supporters.
“Last night was an amazing showcase of baseball in our state, and it was wonderful to celebrate the end of our successful 2018/19 VSBL season. Congratulations again to all the awards winners and special thanks to all the BV staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this event the best it could be.”
Baseball Victoria would like to thank VIVA for making this event possible, as well as all our participants, sponsors, award winners, club volunteers and guests who made the evening so memorable. We are looking forward to another fantastic twelve months ahead and we hope to make next year’s awards celebration even bigger and better for our valued baseball members.
Four Australian officials will feature at World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) tournaments in 2019, as Jennie Moloney, Connie Stoyakovich, Andrew Todd and David Nagy take on roles at prestigious international events.
Moloney (VIC) - who has scored at international tournaments for 20 years - will feature at the U12 Baseball World Cup and the most notable international tournament on the calendar, the Premier12, which features the world's top 12 national mens teams. Joining Jennie at the Premier12 is Andrew Todd (WA), who will serve as a Technical Commissioner.
Connie Stoyakovich (QLD), will score the U18 Baseball World Cup, which takes place in Korea this August, while David Nagy (VIC), has been appointed as the Technical Director for the U12 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan.
We wish all four officials the very best as they continue to make Australia proud on the world stage.
On Saturday, March 23rd, Doncaster Dragons Baseball Club held a wonderful Baseball and Beyond Gala Day, made possible by the Victorian Government’s Change Our Game Community Activation Grants.
This initiative was put in place to honor the role of women and girls in sport and recreation, and that goal was fully achieved at Baseball and Beyond as female baseball players were celebrated for their dedication and determination.
The event began with breakfast and a panel discussion at Beau Monde Hotel in Doncaster, with 90 people attending to hear the in-depth discussion of women’s baseball. Panel speakers included:
Anna Kimbrell: Member of Team USA at World Cup 2018. University of Alabama, softball alumni.
Simone Wearne: Emerald coach, state coach and club coach. Past Emerald player.
Abbey McClelland: Emerald player 2018 World Cup.
Michael Crooks: Baseball Australia General Manager-Development and Governance
Joe Michaud artfully questioned the panelists and wrangled questions from the floor in an engaging and entertaining discussion on the future of women’s baseball in Victoria and Australia. Discussion topics ranged from grass roots level baseball to international and professional league baseball. Panelists touched on the different system of women’s baseball in the U.S. and how the selection and training for their national team occurs.
Simone Wearne shared her perspective on what makes a successful club team, commenting on coaching and club culture in a nutshell as well as sharing how a national team prepares for the big stage. Abbey McLellan had an interesting story to tell about her journey overcoming injury to achieve a place on the most recent world cup team. Her advice to the younger girls in the room around body image and work ethic was very well received. Michael Crooks provided information about current efforts surrounding the potential of a sustainable women’s professional league. His insights into the current data of women’s baseball in Australia and around the world provided a broader scope to the discussion.
Following the breakfast, everyone headed to Deep Creek Reserve where the Victorian Youth Women’s and Victorian White and Blue Women’s teams had a training session. The crowd were reminded of the day’s purpose when the women took to the training field wearing their Change our Game shirts. Training was followed by a Cap Presentation for all state players by President of Baseball Victoria Myles Foreman, Baseball Victoria Operations Coordinator Kellie Thomas and Doncaster Baseball Club President Craig Hutton.
The amazing day wrapped up with a fantastic display game between the Victorian Blue and White Women’s teams. After Saturday's strong showcase, it's safe to say the future of women's baseball in Victoria and Australia looks very bright.
Congratulations to Doncaster Baseball Club on their successful celebration of women’s baseball in Victoria!
For more details on the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants, please visit: http://sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/change-our-game-community-activation-grants-program
After six years and three Women’s Baseball World Cups, Simone Wearne has stepped down as the Australian Emeralds manager.
Wearne’s tenure as the Emeralds manager began in 2013, leading Australia to three World Cups in 2014, 2016 and 2018.
After an unparalleled playing career, Wearne – the only female in Baseball Australia’s Hall of Fame – was the Emeralds pitching coach at the 2012 World Cup, before stepping into the top job in 2013.
“Representing your country with energy and passion is the proudest thing I’ll ever do,” reflected Wearne.
“I’ve given every bit of myself to the Emeralds program for nearly half my life, but the time is right to bring new faces and fresh ideas to the program.
“There’s too many people to thank, but it would be remiss not to acknowledge Glenn Williams’ support, Risa Nakashima’s experience, Anthony Bennett’s knowledge and Narelle Gosstray’s passion.
“Those four have been unbelievable," she noted.
"I would also like to acknowledge the support that team captains Tahnee Lovering and Christina Kreppold - they are two of the greatest ever to wear the green and gold, and two of the best leaders our program have ever had."
Baseball Australia chief executive officer Cam Vale praised Wearne’s commitment and dedication to the Emeralds program.
“Simone’s impact on women’s baseball goes far beyond her leadership of the Emeralds,” Vale said.
“She (Wearne) has always had the program’s best interests at heart, from grass roots through to international performance.
“Simone’s legacy is incomparable, she will be sorely missed.”
Baseball Australia will begin the process for appointing a new Australian Emeralds Manager in April.
Simone will continue her part-time role as Team Australia Operations, as well as Softball Australia's High Performance Manager.
Simone Wearne
Player - Australian Women's National Team (2001-2008)
Manager - Women's Baseball World Cup (2014, 2016, 2018)
Baseball Victoria is pleased to support Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA), the first state government funded specialist sports school program in Victoria.
MSA offers fantastic opportunities for aspiring athletes to pursue their sporting dreams while also receiving valuable education. Junior baseball players can certainly benefit from this Academy, which was established in 2006 and currently provides scholarships to 575 student-athletes who participate in a range of sports, from cricket, soccer and AFL to baseball and softball.
In this high-performance environment, students can thrive in both sport and education. This environment is underpinned by the Academy motto of ‘Pride in Performance’ and its core values of honesty, respect, community, leadership and determination. Student-athletes within the Academy are coached, taught, trained and mentored on a daily basis by teachers, coaches, dieticians, psychologists and sports scientists, including a staff with 740+ AFL games playing experience, 5 Olympians and numerous national representatives. The individuals who work at MSA have significant experience with professional athletes, professional clubs and the Australian Institute of Sport and Victorian Institute of Sport.
Baseball Victoria will be working more closely with Maribyrnong Sports Academy in the future, in order to provide more opportunities for junior baseball players to grow, develop and thrive. This includes an upcoming Twins Little League Training Session on Wednesday, 3rd April when the team will be able to use the hockey field and cricket nets while parents can go on a tour of the school.
On Tuesday, 26th March, MSA will be holding a Year 7 2020 Parent Information Night. Although this session is completely booked due to high demand, MSA will be live streaming the information night for anyone who is interested in learning more. For details, please visit the official Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/412242149604717/ and tune into the live stream on https://www.sportsacademy.maribsc.vic.edu.au from 6pm.
Baseball Victoria is very proud to share that two of our state's standout junior athletes were recently presented with prestigious 2018 Victorian School Sports Awards.
Congratulations are in order for Cody Rodwell of Maribyrnong College / Maribyrnong Sports Academy and Charlie Collins of Ringwood Secondary College on receiving these awards, which are presented annually by School Sport Victoria and the Department of Education and Training (DET). At last week’s award ceremony at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Cody and Charlie were both recognised for outstanding sporting performances at state and national levels.
Cody started his sporting career by winning state titles in sprints and long jump before setting his sights on baseball and softball, collecting 14 state team selections and one national team representation across the sports. Following the School Sport Australia 2018 National Championships, Cody was selected to the All-Australian Team and traveled to the U.S. with the team. He played 20 baseball games over 25 days, with 47 plate appearances and a batting average of .436. He hopes to earn a scholarship to play baseball and study in the U.S.
Charlie swapped his tennis racket for a baseball bat at the age of 10, and he’s thrived in the team environment ever since. He’s had plenty of amazing representative opportunities, including the 2018 and 2019 Australian Youth Championships in Sydney and the Australian U15 World Cup Team that competed in Panama.
Baseball Victoria is confident both of these dedicated players will continue to do great things, on and off the baseball field. Learn more about this impressive accomplishment on the official website of School Sport Victoria: https://www.ssv.vic.edu.au/Pages/2018VictorianSchoolSportsAwardsWinnersAnnounced.aspx
Baseball Victoria is very proud to share that two of our state's standout junior athletes were recently presented with prestigious 2018 Victorian School Sports Awards.
Congratulations are in order for Cody Rodwell of Maribyrnong College / Maribyrnong Sports Academy and Charlie Collins of Ringwood Secondary College on receiving these awards, which are presented annually by School Sport Victoria and the Department of Education and Training (DET). At last week’s award ceremony at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Cody and Charlie were both recognised for outstanding sporting performances at state and national levels.
Cody started his sporting career by winning state titles in sprints and long jump before setting his sights on baseball and softball, collecting 14 state team selections and one national team representation across the sports. Following the School Sport Australia 2018 National Championships, Cody was selected to the All-Australian Team and traveled to the U.S. with the team. He played 20 baseball games over 25 days, with 47 plate appearances and a batting average of .436. He hopes to earn a scholarship to play baseball and study in the U.S.
Charlie swapped his tennis racket for a baseball bat at the age of 10, and he’s thrived in the team environment ever since. He’s had plenty of amazing representative opportunities, including the 2018 and 2019 Australian Youth Championships in Sydney and the Australian U15 World Cup Team that competed in Panama.
Baseball Victoria is confident both of these dedicated players will continue to do great things, on and off the baseball field. Learn more about this impressive accomplishment on the official website of School Sport Victoria: https://www.ssv.vic.edu.au/Pages/2018VictorianSchoolSportsAwardsWinnersAnnounced.aspx
Baseball Victoria would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Darren Edgar, a beloved member of Springvale Baseball Club who passed away peacefully earlier this month.
Darren, known affectionately as "Yeti," was a much-loved character at the Bigcats ball club, where he was heavily involved in all facets of the club. He spent time as a player, committee member, junior coach and Club Coach, and he was always willing to support the club and the sport he loved so much. Darren was a player on the first-ever Bigcats Tomatoes Masters Tour, and he also went to America with the team in 1988.
Darren will be fondly remembered for his many contributions to community baseball and his tireless dedication to advancing the sport in Springvale and beyond. He will be very missed by all those who knew him.
A Celebration of Life for Darren will be held in St Anthony's Catholic Church at 90 Buckley Street, Noble Park on Friday, 15th March commencing at 11.00 a. m.