Baseball Victoria, Author at Baseball Victoria

A new month meant a new city for Team Australia, as they began their day by farewelling Fuchu City and moving to Nagoya.

Norio Takano, the mayor of Fuchu City was on hand to farewell Team Australia at their hotel in downtown Fuchu, and was delighted by the team’s presence in the city over the last few days.

“We have been honoured to host Australia on their first pre-tournament camp in Fuchu City.”

“This marks the start of a long and prosperous relationship between Fuchu City and Baseball Australia, and I look forward to welcoming the Australian team back to Fuchu very soon.”

Thankyou Fuchu! What incredible and gracious hosts

Next stop: Nagoya! #2020OurJourney pic.twitter.com/g7HeIUeMpe

After departing the team hotel in Fuchu, the Australian team made their way to Tokyo Station and embarked on the famed bullet train (shinkansen).

Speaking after his first ever bullet train experience, Perth young gun Robbie Glendinning took everything in.

"It went really fast but it didn't feel like you were moving at all - it was so smooth."

Despite a gloomy start to the morning, the weather cleared up remarkably, giving the team an unobstructed view of the might of Mt. Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain.

The team checked in to the Nagoya Kanko Hotel - a beautiful hotel nestled in downtown Nagoya, where they dropped their bags, grabbed a bite to eat then returned to the bus to be transferred to practice.

Practice took place at the Chunichi Dragons’ (Japanese Pro Team) indoor facility, which consisted of a full size infield, five hitting tunnels, six bullpen mounds as well as changerooms, a gym and meeting rooms.

It was undoubtedly one of the most incredible facilities the team had encountered, with pitcher Sam Holland taken aback by the sheer size of the venue.

“The size of it is the first thing that catches your attention, it’s almost a full field indoors.”

Team Australia manager Steve Fish proved popular with the Japanese media, while Australian legend Micheal Nakamura also was the subject of a number of media requests.

Nakamura won two titles with Japanese professional team Nippon Ham Fighters, and is a household name among Japanese baseball faithful.

The team then returned to the hotel for dinner, and some much needed rest as the first game against Japan draws ever closer.

Stay tuned to Team Australia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates as #2020OurJourney continues tomorrow in Nagoya!

School Sport Victoria (SSV) is pleased to announce the Team Vic 17 Years and under baseball team to represent SSV at the School Sport Australia 17 Years and Under Baseball Championship to be held in Adelaide in 2018.

For the offical announcement click HERE

For information about School Sport Victoria HERE

For the offical announcement click HERE

For information about School Sport Victoria HERE

Division Two 1sts Game 1

Preston vs. Williamstown 3-2

Preston dominated their last two meetings, with a 6-2 win on Saturday in round 28 and a 5-0 win in round 26. Game 1 of playoffs proved to be a much more competitive nailbiter, with the Pirates edging the Wolves in the tenth inning.

Williamstown got off to an early 0-1 lead on an unearned run, scoring again in the third to make

it 0-2. Preston threatened in the second but couldn’t get on the board until the fourth, thanks to back-to-back doubles and a single to make it 1-2. The Pirates tied it up in the fifth with a double from Jarrod Belbin, and the score remained that way until the tenth. Both teams made solid defensive plays despite the strong wind, and Preston’s Hayden Godbold pitched nine innings before handing the reins over to reliever Mitch Ley for the tenth. The Pirates made a break in the tenth, getting two men on with no outs. Jordan Ley brought the game-winning run home as Preston took a 1-0 lead in the series. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 pm at Preston.

Berwick vs. Springvale 4-3

At Melbourne Ballpark in Altona, another close game was brewing, this one between first-place Berwick and fourth-place Springvale. With just two losses in the regular season, Berwick comes in with an advantage, but Springvale proved to be resilient last night, with Christian DeLeon pitching five strong innings and hitting a two-run double. Berwick took the lead in the ninth, securing their 4-3 win and a 1-0 advantage in the series. These two will face off on Saturday at Berwick at 2 p.m.

After more than 12 hours of activities during their first full day in beautiful Fuchu City, Team Australia were put through their paces in a rigorous three hour training session on a picture perfect day in Fuchu City.

Multiple players including former MLBer Travis Blackley and current Minnesota Twins prospect Todd Van Steensel were put through their paces with a bullpen, while the position players ran through multiple defensive situations.

Fuchu City Mayor Norio Takano visited the Australia team's practice, and watched some excellent hitting displays from a number of key team members.

Speaking about their practice, Melbourne Aces star Darryl George was excited by the development of the squad.

"We've put a couple of really good sessions together and the group is bonding well. The messages from the coaching staff have really instilled a lot of trust among the players. We want to focus on what we can do, repeat the process and the results will come."

Warwick Saupold gave his all as integral member of the 2017 World Baseball Classic team. Saupold has been making the most of his time at Detroit Tigers spring training, and while 'Waz' couldn't make the trip to Japan, he had this message for his Team Australia mates.

He picked up the save for the @tigers a few days ago, now he's wishing our #TeamAustralia boys all the best! Keep grinding, @Wazr30! #2020OurJourney pic.twitter.com/zmwwEpJ89C

After another delicious meal provided by Fuchu City, the Australian team then had an hour or so at the hotel before making their way to Suntory Brewery, one of Fuchu City's most popular attractions. The brewery staff were exceptional as the touring party were taking for a comprehensive tour of one of Japan's most famous breweries.

Team members mingled with a number of Suntory Brewery, including one brewer, who was delighted that members of the Australian team were sampling his brews.

Team Australia's time in Fuchu City ends tomorrow, with the team taking the bullet train to Nagoya and beginning final stages of preparation for the upcoming two-game series against Japan.

Australia's upcoming two game series against the might of Samurai Japan means a lot more than just the opportunity to play baseball in Japan. This tour marks the beginning of #OurJourney2020, which will follow Team Australia's journey to Nagoya and Osaka for the upcoming series, as well as the 2019 Premier12 and beyond.

Stay tuned to Team Australia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates as #2020OurJourney continues tomorrow in Nagoya!

Baseball Victoria are calling for expressions of interest from Accredited Coaches to run school clinics across Victoria.

Clinics are run during school hours and may vary from a couple of hours to a full school day.

The number of clinics varies across the year in accordance with school requests

We are looking to put together a team across the state, that can fulfil requests from schools to deliver a quality Baseball Program.

Coaches will be required to deliver a set program of class plans, developed to ensure consistent delivery across the state.

This is a remunerated role.

Mandatory requirements:

Please send you expression of interest to: enquiries@baseballvictoria.com.au

Division 1 1sts Game 1

Melbourne vs. Blackburn 0-3

On a gorgeous night for summer finals, this showdown between intense rivals went in favor of the Orioles. Both sides had quality starters, with Blackburn’s Scott Mitchinson pitching an impressive complete game shutout. Melbourne’s starter Andrew Mann and reliever Liam Davine were solid, but Blackburn batters were able to take advantage of run-scoring chances. The Demons will need to win the next game to stay alive, while a Blackburn victory on Saturday will send the Orioles straight through to the Grand Final. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday at Melbourne’s Surrey Park.

Essendon vs. Geelong 2-4

This Baycats are feeling confident after a great start from Sam Gibbons, who pitched nine innings and held the Bombers to two runs. Geelong made some key outs to keep Essendon from getting ahead. The Bombers gave up three unearned runs, putting the Baycats in position for the crucial first game victory. Saturday’s game will be played at Altona, and a Geelong win will give them a spot in the Grand Final, while an Essendon victory will force a game three on Sunday.

Day one of Team Australia’s tour of Japan began at Meiji University as the boys blew off the cobwebs and were put through their paces.

A welcoming party of approximately 50 Meiji University students were on hand to greet the team as they entered the excellent facility.

The session began with a stirring address from former MLBer and 14-year Team Australia veteran Luke Hughes, who spoke about the importance of representing your country on the world stage.

“That one dream of playing in the Olympics is in the back of my mind, it’s still a massive goal of mine. It means a lot whenever you get the chance to put the green and gold on. You’re going to feel that pressure, but we’re one as a team and we’re here to help one and other.”

Speaking to the Team Australia debutants, Hughes highlighted how special this particular club is.

“A lot of guys have moved on, but it’s time to make this your team. It’s your time to take over and make this trip a memorable one.”

From practice, the boys then moved on to Sumiyoshi Elementary School, where players and staff alike were blown away by the show of support and amount of effort the children displayed.

Sumiyoshi Elementary is all Aussie now! #2020OurJourney pic.twitter.com/XOu9Y1vdY4

Speaking about his experience at the school, Blue Sox star and Twins prospect Todd Van Steensel was floored by the amount of work the kids had showed.

"I thought it was going to be a standard little meet and greet, but it was so much more than that.

"Seeing the effort the kids put it was really humbling. It was clear they hadn't just thought about what they were going to do yesterday, it was fantastic to see them put in so much for a group of baseball players from Australia."

The team were unsurprisingly upbeat after what was a memorable school visit, and that mood continued as they strolled through downtown Fuchu, ending up at City Hall, where they were privately addressed by Mr. Norio Takano, Mayor of Fuchu City.

In his address, Mr. Takano was excited to host Team Australia with Fuchu City hoping to attract more national teams to their region.

"It is our pleasure to host Team Australia's training camp and to welcome players, coaches and staff here in Fuchu City."

"We also expect that this camp will lead to exchanges in a variety of fields such as sports, culture and economy between Fuchu City and Australia."

After Mr. Takano's address, he lead the full team delegation to the Ōkunitama Shrine, which was built over 1900 years ago in 111 AD.

The team were honoured with a traditional prayer ceremony in the shrine, and also visited some of the shrine's museum, where the team was shown the biggest drum in Japan made from a single piece of wood.

Team Australia's final event of the day came at the official Welcome Reception, an event which gave players the chance to mingle with members of the local Fuchu community, as well as watch (and participate in) a number of traditional Japanese activities.

The boys are getting involved at the welcome reception! Fuchu City delivering the goods! #2020OurJourney pic.twitter.com/c4uekF12uf

At the conclusion of the Welcome Reception, it had dawned on the team that this was more than a baseball trip.

The Fuchu City community has welcomed these 28 Australian baseball players with open arms. Their generosity and support is evident in each activity, and there is no doubt that Fuchu City is the Japanese home of Australian baseball.

Women's Division One

Springvale vs. Essendon 12-5

Springvale won five out of six of their regular season games vs. Essendon, and the Lions proved successful in their search for revenge following their 4-9 home loss to the Bombers in round 16. They move onto the Grand Final, while Essendon gets one more shot against Footscray this Saturday.

Footscray vs. Doncaster 7-1

Footscray dominated in their meeting, earning their 11th win and a chance to make it to the Grand Final. First, they will need to beat Essendon on Saturday. The game starts at 2:00 pm at Doncaster.

Women's Division Two

Springvale vs. Essendon 15-4

The Bombers were no match for the dominant division leaders as the Lions cruised to their big win and a place in the Grand Final. Second-place Essendon will get one more shot as they play Footscray this Saturday at 1:00 pm at Doncaster.

Footscray vs. Doncaster 10-1

These two teams tied with seven regular season wins, but the Bulldogs’ bats proved too much to handle for the Dragons. This result ends Doncaster’s season as Footscray moves on to the preliminary final.

Women's Division Three

Sandringham vs. Springvale 10-6

Sandringham beat Springvale 12-2 in round 17, and round one followed a similar route as the Royals outlasted the Lions. Sandringham will head to Footscray this Saturday for the preliminary final, with first pitch at 10:00 am.

Footscray vs. Moorabbin 11-15

First-place Footscray went undefeated throughout the regular season, but second-place Moorabbin handed them a tough loss. The Bulldogs will host Sandringham this Saturday as Moorabbin prepares for the Grand Final.

Division One Finals Round One

1sts

The 1sts wrapped up their regular season on Saturday, with Melbourne, Blackburn, Essendon and Geelong making up the top four moving on to finals. Melbourne narrowly lost 8-9 to Essendon, while Blackburn beat Fitzroy on the road 1-10. Geelong fell short in their 3-9 loss to Moorabbin, but looks to rebound Tuesday night vs. Essendon at Melbourne Ballpark. First pitch is at 7:00 pm.

At the same time, close rivals Blackburn and Melbourne will face off at Preston in a competitive, exciting game. The Orioles have been a thorn in the Demons’ side, dashing their Grand Final dreams several seasons in a row before Melbourne finally captured a semifinal series win last season. Melbourne has won two of their three meetings this season, including a 7-5 win in round two and a 3-4 road win in round 11, but Blackburn has shown their stellar pitching can blank their opponents. Such was the case in their 0-4 shutout victory at Melbourne in round 8. Game two will be held at 2:00 pm at Surrey Park on Saturday, with game three if necessary slated for Sunday at Blackburn.

While that fierce rivalry unfolds, Essendon and Geelong will face off at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona on Tuesday night. Essendon is coming off a big win at Melbourne last weekend, while Geelong looks to rebound from a 3-8 home loss to Moorabbin. It was a close match between the two teams in round 18, when Geelong pulled off a 5-4 victory. Game two is scheduled for Saturday at Melbourne Ballpark, while game three if needed will take place at Geelong.

2nds

Melbourne vs. Geelong 4-6

First-place Melbourne couldn’t hold off fourth-place Geelong at home in their 4-6 loss. Geelong advances to the Grand Final, where they will head on the road to face Blackburn in the final test of the season. The game starts at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 4th at Billabong Park.

Photo: Michelle De Highden

Blackburn vs. Cheltenham 14-7

The Orioles overpowered the Rustlers with strong team batting, sealing the deal for their Grand Final Appearance. Blackburn will head into the Grand Final with redemption on their minds after falling to Geelong in round 16.

3rds

Blackburn vs. Fitzroy 10-0

Strong pitching and an all-around team effort from Blackburn put the brakes on Fitzroy’s playoff run. The Orioles advance to the Grand Final, where they will face their toughest competition in Geelong. Blackburn suffered a 3-6 home loss to Geelong back in round 16, and they remained in a close race for first place throughout the season, with the Baycats ending up on top.

Geelong vs. Melbourne 11-5

Fourth-place Melbourne fell short in their hopes of a big upset of division leader Geelong. The Baycats will host the Orioles on Sunday at 2:00 pm as the Grand Final match gets underway.

4ths

Fitzroy vs. Melbourne 5-6

Melbourne is through to the Grand Final after an intense game. The Demons led early but allowed the Lions back into the game, with Fitzroy scoring five runs to tie it up in the fourth inning. Melbourne broke through in the ninth and edged ahead with a big run scored. Melbourne pitcher Trent Ryan faced a bottom of the ninth with runners on second and third with no outs. He held it together, getting two key strikeouts and a pop-up to win it. Melbourne will play at Sunshine for Sunday’s Grand Final at 2:00 pm.

Sunshine vs. Blackburn 9-1

Sunshine dominated Blackburn both on the mound and at the plate, sending the Eagles onward to the Grand Final on Sunday vs. Melbourne. Sunshine won 6-9 at Melbourne back in round six, and they’ll look to repeat as they face the team that tied them for third place in the standings.