Baseball Victoria is thrilled to announce the recipients of the first round of the inaugural BV Development Grants Program.
After introducing this new, innovative funding pathway that supports member clubs, charters and associations in their outreach efforts, we opened applications and received an impressive 22 submissions. As part of the process, applicants were asked to detail their proposed activity designed to promote our sport and grow participation at a grassroots level. Acceptable activities included Come and Try Days, T-ball programs, gala events, women and youth women programs, club-driven school events, umpire development and baseball equipment. Applicants were also asked to explain why their proposal would have a positive impact on the future of baseball in their communities.
The Baseball Victoria Board of Directors chose to provide $20,250 in round 1 of the Development Grant scheme to 18 fantastic clubs, charters and associations. Congratulations to the following on their successful applications:
· Mornington Baseball Club
· Mulgrave Baseball Club
· North Coburg Rebels
· Preston Baseball Club
· Research Lower Plenty Baseball Club
· St. Kilda Baseball Club
· Sunraysia Baseball League
· Sunshine Baseball Club
· Bendigo Umpires Association
· Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club
· Morwell Cougars Baseball Club
· Moorabbin Baseball Club
· Malvern Baseball Club
· Fitzroy Baseball Club
· Essendon Baseball Club
· Eastern Athletics
· Blackburn Baseball Club
· Wheelers Hill Baseball Club
Baseball Victoria CEO Justin Huber says he is very pleased by the overwhelming interest in the Development Grants program, and he’s confident this is only the beginning of a new phase of growth for our sport.
“This is an unprecedented program which has had an astounding reaction from the baseball community. I am thrilled with the amount of applications that we’ve had, and I am excited with the possibility for growth as a result. Time will tell how effective this program will be but I am confident that this scheme will allow Baseball Victoria to truly assess the return on investment at the most important level of our sport, and that’s grassroots participants and new entrants.”
Baseball Victoria President Myles Foreman shares the sentiment, and says he’s looking forward to seeing the recipients’ activities in action. “The BV Development Grant Program opens new doors for member clubs, charters and associations to use their creativity and enthusiasm to expand local baseball and further their reach to potential players. I believe this funding will lead to increased interest at the level where it matters most: our local clubs and charters.”
The entire Baseball Victoria team is looking forward to seeing these recipients make the most of this funding opportunity while encouraging participation and ensuring a bigger and brighter future for Victorian baseball.
Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce a new provider of food and drinks for the canteen at Melbourne Ballpark. Aussie Icey Flakes, a locally owned and operated food truck company, will be running the canteen for all VSBL midweek games and special BV events at the ballpark. They will also be on hand for Melbourne Aces home games, too.
Aussie Icey Flakes is a fantastic addition to the ballpark atmosphere, with a reputation for fresh, delicious food and friendly service. They have been a regular resource at festivals, fundraisers and community events across Victoria and New South Wales. With nearly a decade of experience in the industry, and four years of service at Aces games under their belts, owners Robyn Meddings and Steve Gildard understand the importance of having healthy and hearty food available for baseball players and spectators. To better serve the baseball community, they’ve put together a new canteen menu that will feature classic favorites as well as delicious dinners available for pre-order. Robyn says the duo are most excited about meeting new people through this opportunity, and providing a variety of homestyle meals and refreshing beverages for all attendees.
Baseball Victoria CEO Justin Huber says this is an exciting step to have such a well-known, professional food service provider coming in for midweek games. “We’re giving our best effort to ensure that we’re providing a consistent, affordable and healthy service at the Melbourne Ballpark Canteen,” Huber said. “We’re excited that Robyn and Steve will be at every scheduled midweek game and BV event days throughout the course of the summer.”
To ensure correct orders and streamline the process, club secretaries are kindly asked to collect orders from players and club members and send through one club order to aussieiceyflakes@gmail.com by 5 PM on the day before game day. This means that for the first round of midweeks on Tuesday, October 30th, all orders must be in by 5 PM on Monday, October 29th.
Please have a look at the menu below, and share with your fellow players and club members. We are looking forward to an improved experience for all our players and spectators in the 2018/19 season and beyond!
Hot Food
Pie $5.00
Sausage Roll $4.00
Potato Cakes $1.00
Dim Sims $1.00 each or 3 for $2.50
Chips $4.00
Hot Dogs $5.00 (cheese or fried onion $0.50 cents extra)
Chicken Nuggets $0.70
Pre-Ordered Meals
$12 with a can of soft drink or water
Chicken Schnitzel with Chips and Coleslaw
Roast Beef with Potato, Peas and Gravy
**These pre-order options may change throughout the weeks to provide a greater variety**
Snacks
Ham Salad Sandwich $6.00
Chicken Salad Sandwich $6.00
Potato Chips $2.00
Large Cookies $3.00
Fresh Fruit $0.50 each
Drinks
Soft Drinks $2.00
Water $2.00
Powerade $4.00
Beer and Mixed Drinks (**Available only to those over 18)
The process has begun to introduce a new Women’s Australian Baseball League, as Baseball Australia continues its commitment to developing the sport.
The league, part of Baseball Australia’s strategic commitment to growing women’s baseball, will be considered following extensive stakeholder engagement and the formation of a working committee of stakeholders across both business and baseball.
Baseball Australia chief executive Cam Vale said the new league would be a significant step forward for women’s baseball in Australia.
“This is an important and necessary step forward for Australian Baseball and the growth and success of Women’s Baseball,” Vale said.
“The Baseball Australia Strategic Plan set last year prioritised women’s baseball, and now following this year’s Women’s World Cup the time is right to drive this to the next level.
Vale said Baseball Australia had the advantage of learning from other sports that had recently launched women’s leagues.
“The importance of wide-ranging consultation with women at all levels of sport and through business is a key outcome the Board of Baseball Australia wants to see before the creation of this league,” he said.
“Consideration on the timing of the league, structure and format, innovation and input from broadcast partners are crucial factors to the league’s success.
“One of the key goals discussed by the board was to ensure the Women’s ABL is a sustainable and standalone league in its own right.”
Vale said the ABL teams had thrown their support behind a women’s league at a recent meeting of owners.
“Played in Australia - but with both a domestic and international outlook – a Women’s ABL would give Baseball Australia an opportunity to continue our growth as highlighted by the recently restructured and expanded Men’s Australian Baseball League,” Vale said.
The approximate key milestones will include:
• Formation of a Women’s Working Committee (November 2018)
• A roadmap and structure for the Women’s ABL (March 2019)
• Australian Women's & Youth Women's Championships in Canberra (14-21 April 2019)
Australia will play for seventh at the U23 World Cup after a 3-2 loss against Puerto Rico in their Opening Round finale in Monteria, Colombia.
Michael Gahan made his second quality start of the tournament, as the Lismore native struck out five and only surrendered three runs in 6.2 innings.
After a sensational performance against Venezuela earlier in the week, Gahan again gave Australia an opportunity to succeed, keeping the Puerto Rican offence quiet in the first three innings.
"Gahan pitched really well again," Manager Tony Harris said of Michael Gahan.
"He continues to use his secondary stuff really well and we executed our game plan well too."
That result seals Australia's place in the consolation round, where they will face South Africa, as well as two unconfirmed countries.
Ulrich Bojarski cemented himself as Australia's best hitter in the opening round, with the Detroit Tigers prospect picking up two doubles and an RBI to lift his tournament average to .391.
Australia claimed four more hits than Puerto Rico on the day - but couldn't make the most of their chances - leaving nine men on base.
"We had our chances," Harris said.
"We left a lot of runners on base and struck out too many times, it was a tough night offensively."
The second round of the U23 World Cup begins early Friday morning AESDT, stay tuned to Team Australia Baseball for a full schedule.
Despite a six-run first inning and a pair of home runs from Mitch Edwards, Australia dropped their fourth game of the U23 World Cup 14-7 against Korea in Colombia overnight.
RBIs from Sam Kennelly and Robbie Glendinning started the scoring, but it was new Adelaide Bite recruit Mitch Edwards who capped off the inning with a three-run blast. Edwards completed the rare feat of hitting a homer both left-handed and right-handed.
3-run HOME RUN Mitch Edwards !!!!!!!!!
KOR 0-6 AUS 1st inning
LIVE: https://t.co/jtWlSHJhCv #U23WorldCup @teamausbaseball #kbo pic.twitter.com/qAi0DqJbY7
— WBSC ⚾ #U23WorldCup (@WBSC) October 22, 2018
Australia's six run lead was erased instantly, with Korea's offence igniting through a grand-slam from NC Dinos prospect Kim Chan-hyung.
Mitch Edwards gave his team a spark with his second long-ball of the day, but two late Korean homers off the bats of Kim and Han Dong-hui put the result beyond doubt.
Australian manager Tony Harris was candid after his team's loss.
"Mitch has worked hard, he did a really nice job today," Harris said.
"We were disappointed though with the way we let them back into the game straight away, especially after a really strong start."
Edwards finished with four RBI on the day for Australia, while his fellow Adelaide Bite teammate Aaron Whitefield went 3-for-5 in the leadoff spot.
Australia's final game in Group B is against Puerto Rico, with first pitch scheduled for 12pm AEDST tomorrow (23 October). This game will be broadcast LIVE and free via the Team Australia Facebook page.
3-run HOME RUN Mitch Edwards !!!!!!!!!
KOR 0-6 AUS 1st inning
LIVE: https://t.co/jtWlSHJhCv #U23WorldCup @teamausbaseball #kbo pic.twitter.com/qAi0DqJbY7
Australia's six run lead was erased instantly, with Korea's offence igniting through a grand-slam from NC Dinos prospect Kim Chan-hyung.
Mitch Edwards gave his team a spark with his second long-ball of the day, but two late Korean homers off the bats of Kim and Han Dong-hui put the result beyond doubt.
Australian manager Tony Harris was candid after his team's loss.
"Mitch has worked hard, he did a really nice job today," Harris said.
"We were disappointed though with the way we let them back into the game straight away, especially after a really strong start."
Edwards finished with four RBI on the day for Australia, while his fellow Adelaide Bite teammate Aaron Whitefield went 3-for-5 in the leadoff spot.
Australia's final game in Group B is against Puerto Rico, with first pitch scheduled for 12pm AEDST tomorrow (23 October). This game will be broadcast LIVE and free via the Team Australia Facebook page.
Jordan McArdle's three run homer set the tone early, as Australia shocked a previously undefeated Dominican Republic to put themselves in a great position to qualify for the Super Round at the U23 World Cup.
McArdle showed why he's a rising star of Australian baseball, clubbing a three-run home run off Dominican starter Wilber Sanchez in the fourth inning.
3-Run HOOOOOOOOME RUN Jordan Mcardle !!!! DOM 2-4 AUS 4th Inning #U23WorldCup @teamausbaseball @fedoberd pic.twitter.com/hmmkqHbYsi
That home run capped off a four-run inning for Australia, after Jack Barrie singled and drove in Zac Shepherd for the team's first run of the ballgame.
Victorian Jeremy Young was spectacular on the mound against a Dominican side that had punished opposition pitching in their first two games, scoring 22 runs.
Team Australia manager Tony Harris was impressed by Young's composure on the mound.
"That's the best I've ever seen Jeremy pitch," Harris said.
"It was fantastic to see him step up, and we executed our plan well against a Dominican side that can really hit the fast-ball. Jeremy changes speeds well, he was outstanding today."
The Dominican Republic threatened immediately after Australia's four run frame, but an inning ending double play kept the momentum in Australia's corner.
With one out and runners and second and third, Aaron Whitefield took a catch in centrefield before unleashing a cannon to Alex Hall behind the plate, gunning out Wadye Infante for the third out.
Out at the Plate !!!!!!!!! Aaron Whitefield #U23WorldCup @teamausbaseball @fedoberd pic.twitter.com/A61r8O3Bv2
Lochlan Southee, Jason Lott and Jack Enciondo held firm on the mound, as Australia inflicted the Dominican Republic's first loss of the U23 World Cup.
Australia's fourth game of the U23 World Cup is against South Korea, with first pitch at 2am AEDST. Head to Team Australia's Facebook page for a LIVE broadcast.
An outstanding start from Nick Hutchings and Ulrich Bojarski's second home run in as many days lead Australia to a 5-3 win over the Czech Republic at the U23 World Cup overnight.
Hutchings gave Australia the perfect platform, as the Adelaide Bite pitcher tossed 6.2 innings, striking out seven. Despite giving up baserunners in each of the six innings he threw, Hutchings experience came to the fore, as the 2016 U23 World Cup silver medallist kept his cool in multiple pressure situations.
Offensively, it was Detroit Tigers prospect Bojarski who again starred, tagging a ball deep to left-field to cap off a three-run inning for the Australians. Sam Kennelly's leadoff double in the second inning set the platform, with Phillies prospect Mitch Edwards driving him in. From there, it was up to Bojarski, whose second homer sees him leading all-comers in Colombia.
2-Run Home Run Ulrich Bojarksi !!!!!!!!!! @teamausbaseball
LIVE: https://t.co/jtWlSHJhCv #U23WorldCup pic.twitter.com/pEY4FtVMyo
The Czech Republic tacked on two runs in the seventh care of back-to-back hit by pitches, but the bullpen tandem of Jack Enciondo and Lachlan Madden got the job done, despite having Czech runners on base in the final two frames.
Robbie Glendinning finished with three hits and an RBI for Australia, while Mitch Edwards claimed a double, a walk and an RBI.
Australia's next game of the U23 World Cup sees them take on the Dominican Republic at 2am AEDST tomorrow morning. You can watch the game LIVE on Team Australia Baseball's Facebook page.
Despite a pair of home runs from WA duo Ulrich Bojarski and Jess Williams, Australia fell 4-2 against Venezuela at the U23 World Cup overnight.
Williams' solo shot in the sixth put Australia on the board, while Bojarski's homer came with two outs in the ninth inning.
Manager Tony Harris handed the ball to Lismore native Michael Gahan, and despite giving up an early run, the righty settled nicely. Gahan mixed speeds well and let his defence work behind him, keeping a strong Venezuelan offence at bay through the first five innings.
"Michael Gahan did an outstanding job today," Harris said.
"It's always tough to get game number one under your belt, I was really pleased with his performance."
Williams knotted the scores at one with his home run, which seemed to click Venezuela into action, as they immediately replied with three runs of their own.
Australia's bullpen surrendered some late hits, but three inning-ending double plays turned by Robbie Glendinning and Zac Shepherd kept Venezuela off the scoreboard.
"One thing we're talking about is being perfect defensively, and we did that today." Harris said.
Australia's U23 World Cup continues at 2am AEDST tomorrow (21 October) against the Czech Republic. Stay tuned to Team Australia Baseball on Facebook for broadcast details.
Two years ago in Mexico the Australian U23 World Cup team came from nowhere to shock the world, claiming a silver medal and knocking off powerhouse nations Chinese Taipei, Panama and Korea in the process.
The 2018 edition of the U23 World Cup begins early tomorrow morning in Colombia as Australia matches up with Venezuela and manager Tony Harris sees this clash as pivotal to the team’s success.
“We have a versatile pitching staff, and we’re going to throw everything at Venezuela if we have an opportunity to win,” Harris said.
Australia has six players returning from their silver medal in 2016, including Zac Shepherd and Sam Kennelly. Those returning will need to pick up where the likes of Jacob Younis and Connor MacDonald left off.
Younis starred for Australia in 2016, as the infielder hit .563, while MacDonald crunched four homers and drove in a team-high 14 runs.
“Having six guys back on the club from our 2016 silver is critical to our success,” Harris said.
“Their leadership and experience instills belief in our entire group. We’ve been there before and we know we’re good enough to succeed.”
Those six returnees are accompanied by players with international and professional experience, with a number of U23 World Cup rookies impressing Harris in Bradenton.
“Jack Barrie has impressed me with his understanding of the game and his skill level,” he said.
“We’ve got a number of professional prospects coming off their first year in the US, guys like Robbie Glendinning, Alex Hall, Jess Williams and Mitch Edwards will add plenty to the club.”
The group spent the past week preparing for the World Cup at Pirate City in Bradenton, Florida, with the emphasis on individual and team orientated training.
“The preparation in Bradenton was excellent," he said.
"It’s rare for one team to have the entire facility to themselves, so we were able to focus on a number of different areas including recovery, nutrition and physical development.”
“There were different individual objectives, but the main focus was coming together as a club both on and off the field. We had some fantastic opportunities to delve into the mental side of the game.”
All five of Australia’s opening round games will be shown live on the WBSC YouTube Channel, with game one kicking off at 2am AEDT against Venezuela.