Division 3 Round 1
1sts
St. Kilda will have home field advantage as they take on Chelsea this Sunday at 2:00 pm. The Saints head to playoffs in first place with 13 wins and a favorable .813 percentage. The Dolphins managed to secure a fourth place finish with their seven wins and .467 percentage, but they’ll come into this match as underdogs. These two teams last met in round 15, when St. Kilda notched a 13-3 win, but Chelsea may be feeling confident after their 14-0 shutout win in the last round vs. North West Titans.
Second-place Pakenham will host third-place Ormond Blue on Sunday at 2:00 pm. The two teams are 1-1 this season. Ormond Blue narrowly edged Pakenham 4-3 back in round 11, but the Pumas were victorious in round four, 7-6. This should be a competitive, intense matchup as they go head to head for a spot in the Grand Final.
2nds
The St. Kilda Reserves are set to face Pakenham on Sunday for round one. The Pumas are coming off a bye while the Saints have won their last five. They met in round 17, when the Saints took home a 5-1 win. One of these teams will advance to the Grand Final, where they will play the winner of the Ormond Blue vs. Fitzroy. Ormond Blue defeated Ormond Gold 10-2 on Saturday to maintain their season-long winning streak, while Fitzroy has struggled, dropping their fourth straight game in their 2-5 home loss to St. Kilda. The Lions finished the season with ix wins and a .400 percentage, and they’ll need to refocus to pull off a big upset to make it into the Grand Final. In their last meeting in round 15, Ormond Blue came away with a smashing 15-2 victory. First pitch for each game is scheduled for Sunday at 2 pm.
Division 2 Finals Round 1
1sts
Preston will host Williamstown on Wednesday for round one of finals. First pitch is at 7:00 pm. The two teams met on Saturday, when the Pirates nabbed a 6-2 victory to end the regular season. The Pirates come into this week’s series with an advantage, having won 22 games to Williamstown’s 16. One of the Pirates’ two losses came at Williamstown in round 7, when starting pitcher Hayden Godbold went out with an injury. Preston’s reliable right-hander is recovered and back in action, ready for playoffs. Game 2 will be on Saturday, and game three if needed will take place on Sunday.
Springvale lost 7-10 to Mulgrave in their last regular season game, while Berwick wrapped up their season with their 23rd win, a 1-6 victory at Malvern. The first-place Cougars will play Springvale at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona on Wednesday night, with game two scheduled for Saturday at Berwick.
2nds
Preston vs. Berwick City 6-7
In a battle of two of the toughest teams in division two, fielding mistakes and a ninth-inning rally by the Cougars sealed the deal for Berwick. Formerly first-place Preston dropped to second after last week’s loss at Mulgrave, and their pattern of costly errors and lackluster defense ended their season yesterday. The Pirates got out to a 3-0 lead to start the game, but the Cougars responded by tying it up. Back-and-forth rallies kept it a close match as Preston pitcher Stephen Hunter threw a complete game. It looked as though the game might go in their favor until Berwick batted in the go-ahead-run in the top of the ninth. An unfortunate double play in the bottom half of the inning sealed their fate as the Pirates lost in heartbreaking fashion. Berwick’s Daniel Kirby and David Mulhall took the mound for the Cougars in their big win. Williamstown will host Berwick for the Grand Final on Sunday, March 4th at 1:00 pm.
Williamstown vs. Mulgrave 11-6
Mulgrave came into this matchup on a high note following their 12-4 win vs. Preston to wrap up the regular season, but Williamstown’s bats proved too much too handle. The Rebels struggled to catch up to the Wolves, and they couldn’t close the gap despite their efforts. The Wolves will now turn their attention to their Grand Final game vs. Berwick on Sunday.
3rds
Preston vs. Doncaster 10-2
The Pirates kept up their winning momentum as they ended the Dragons season. Starter Nick Pascuzzi and closer Corey Lovelock kept Doncaster at bay, giving Preston the support they needed to score a big win. The Pirates will play the Springvale Lions in the Grand Final on Sunday, March 4th at 2:00 pm at Preston for the Grand Final.
Berwick vs. Springvale 3-6
A team of young, talented players for second-place Berwick fell short in their bid to beat a more experienced, third-place Springvale. The Lions challenged the Cougars during their last meeting in round 17, with Springvale enjoying a 1-9 victory. Springvale will play in the Grand Final at Preston on Sunday afternoon.
4ths
Berwick City vs. Preston 12-2
Both teams came into this matchup with successful seasons under their belts. The formerly unstoppable Pirates, who boasted an undefeated record going into round 15, were handed a disappointing loss by the Cougars. Preston had hoped to rebound from their less-than-stellar final stretch, which began when Berwick beat them in a 15-5 blowout. In the end, the Pirates couldn’t catch up to the Cougars’ comfortable lead. Berwick will head to WIlliamstown for Sunday’s Grand Final.
Williamstown vs. Springvale 8-3
The Wolves came into this matchup with a three-game win streak, while Springvale hoped to rebound from their 7-14 loss to Williamstown in round 16. Williamstown put the game out of reach and will host Berwick for Sunday’s Grand Final.
Congratulations to all the women who have been selected in the open women's Victorian White and Blue teams.
Congratulations to the women who have been selected in Victorian Youth Team
As Team Australia arrives in Japan for an exhibition series against the might of the Japanese National Team, the aim for the program at the end of this competition cycle is clear for General Manager Glenn Williams.
“The ultimate goal is an Olympic Medal at Tokyo 2020,” Williams said.
“It seems like a long way away and definitely not an easy task, however trips like this form an integral part in the work towards that goal.”
Williams also highlighted the importance of the pre-tournament camp in Fuchu City, a partnership which was struck with Team Australia’s long-term interests in mind.
“To experience Fuchu City for the first time as a team and continue to build on relationships there is vital.”
Competing against an Olympic medal favourite (Japan) at home and playing in front of a very passionate home crowd in Japan all forms part of a greater journey towards 2020.
Each and every member of the Australian team is part of something bigger, a broader plan with all roads leading to Tokyo 2020.
Longtime Australian representative and three-time ABL Champion Logan Wade is excited to show the world what it means to be Australian.
“Having another chance to play in the green and gold is an honour,” Wade said.
“This Australian team is refreshed and aiming for big things. This is definitely the start of a new era. The journey to 2020 begins this week and we will make a statement that the world will hear.”
The mix of youth and experience is obvious in this Team Australia squad, with a number of athletes making their debut’s for the Men’s National Team.
One of those athletes is 25-year-old Sam Street, whose career minor league ERA sits at an impressive 2.19.
“Being selected to the Australian team means a lot to myself, my friends and my family,” Street said.
“It’s something I’ve been working towards for a long time, and now that I’m here, I can’t wait to get out there and get after them.”
You can join Team Australia on #2020OurJourney, with both games against Japan to be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA.
Click here for broadcast information.
RELEASE FROM NSW GOVERNMENT
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Member for Lismore Thomas George today announced $4.95 million in NSW Government funding to upgrade the Albert Park Baseball Complex in Lismore.
The NSW Government funding for the Albert Park Baseball Project will be used to enhance the current playing and spectating facilities, thereby attracting regional, national and international baseball events to NSW.
Mr Barilaro said he was proud to announce that Lismore would soon be able to deliver major league games.
“Today’s announcement is a huge win for regional NSW, and cements Lismore’s position as the home of baseball in Australia,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The funding means Lismore will have the very best baseball facilities in the country, capable of drawing more major baseball events and tournaments to the regional town.
“With more high-profile baseball events coming to Lismore, the region will enjoy a significant boost to the local tourism sector and economy.
“I’d particularly like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Local Member Thomas George, who, along with the local council, has fought hard to make this happen for Lismore and the wider region,” he said.
The $4.95 million in NSW Government funding is part of the $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund announced in last year’s Budget.
Upgrades to Albert Park will include playing field extensions, improved turf quality, electronic scoreboard and fencing, a ‘central facilities hub’ with landscaped garden areas, picnic tables and park shelters and an ‘operations centre’ which will facilitate up to 64 athletes and locker space, shower and toilet facilities and team meeting rooms.
Following facility upgrades, Baseball Australia will have three to six full-time staff working at Albert Park and 10-14 part-time or contracted staff working during games and events.
Mr George said that Lismore will soon be the most significant destination to host Australian Baseball.
“This funding boost for Albert Park is a great outcome for Lismore and the surrounding regions,” Mr George said.
“It will drive tourism, economic growth and deliver incredible entertainment through baseball and softball tournaments in this electorate,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Baseball Australia Cam Vale said he was thrilled with the support from the NSW Government.
“Lismore is home to some of our most important domestic tournaments,” Mr Vale said.
“This show of support from the NSW Government, Lismore Council and Lismore Baseball community is a testament to the current state of baseball in this country, and we are excited to further develop our great sport in this region.
“We’ve seen substantial events grace Albert Park in recent years, including an annual Major League Baseball camp, and this announcement further cements Baseball Australia’s commitment to hosting future events in Lismore as well as exploring the possibility of a future ABL team in the city and region,” he said.
As the season is coming to end, Baseball Victoria would like to congratulate all the clubs, players and volunteers on another tremendous season of hard work!
With Junior, Masters, Division 4, and Reserves finals starting this coming weekend, finals fixtures have been released to club Presidents and Secretaries.
This information will be available online shortly.
Good luck to those teams in finals this weekend!
Baseball Australia is excited to announce the 28 men who will represent Australia in their upcoming two-game exhibition series against Japan.
Team Australia manager Steve Fish is excited about the calibre of players heading to Japan.
"The team is excited about this international opportunity," Fish said.
"The experience that this tour provides us as a squad is invaluable. We need to be able to piece this together as a squad as frequently as possible in order to be ready to qualify for the 2020 Olympics."
Team Australia's roster includes a fantastic blend of youth and experience, with a number of players making their international debut, including promising Perth duo Robbie Glendinning and Alex Hall.
Team Australia's first destination of their 2018 Japan Tour is Fuchu City, with the two games on the tour to take place in Nagoya (March 3) and Osaka (March 4). Both of these games will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA.
FULL TEAM AUSTRALIA ROSTER (UPDATED WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY)
Tim Atherton – Brisbane Bandits
Travis Blackley – Brisbane Bandits
Andrew Campbell – Brisbane Bandits
Trent D’Antonio – Sydney Blue Sox
Allan de San Miguel – Melbourne Aces
Darryl George – Melbourne Aces
Robbie Glendinning – Perth Heat
Alex Hall – Perth Heat
Sam Holland – Brisbane Bandits
Luke Hughes – Perth Heat
David Kandilas – Canberra Cavalry
Tim Kennelly – Perth Heat
Steve Kent – Canberra Cavalry
Cameron Lamb – Perth Heat
Boss Moanaroa – Canberra Cavalry
Greg Mosel – Adelaide Bite
Mitch Nilsson – Brisbane Bandits
Kyle Perkins – Canberra Cavalry
Ryan Searle – Brisbane Bandits
Zac Shepherd – Sydney Blue Sox
Sam Street – Melbourne Aces
David Sutherland – Brisbane Bandits
Matt Timms – Brisbane Bandits
Todd Van Steensel – Sydney Blue Sox
Logan Wade – Brisbane Bandits
Luke Wilkins – Sydney Blue Sox
Matt Williams – Adelaide Bite
Jacob Younis – Sydney Blue Sox
COACHING AND SUPPORT STAFF:
Steve Fish – Manager
Graeme Lloyd – Pitching Coach
David Nilsson – Hitting Coach
Micheal Nakamura – Assistant Coach
Andrew Kyle – Assistant Coach
Jason Pospishil – Assistant Coach
Chris Adamson – Bullpen Catcher
Greg Castle – Athletic Trainer
Ben Onofrio – Athletic Trainer
Rob Moden – Equipment Manager
Neil Barrowcliff – Executive Officer
Glenn Williams – Head of Delegation
Life Membership of Baseball Victoria
Conferred on
Michael Gourlay and the late Richard Arthur (Dick) Mason OAM
Having called for nominations from Member Bodies for persons to be considered for Life Membership of Baseball Victoria, four nominations were received and from these four nominations the Board recommend to the Annual General Meeting held on 19 February 2018 that two persons have life membership conferred on them.
“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.
While Club Service is taken into consideration individuals are awarded Life Membership where they have also contributed at a State and National level.
Congratulations to Michael Gourlay and the late Dick Mason who are now Life Members of Baseball Victoria, joining many greats of Victorian Baseball”. said Myles Foreman President of Baseball Victoria.
Michael Gourlay and the family of Dick Mason will be formally presented with Life Membership at the Annual Baseball Victoria Awards to be held on Thursday the 15th March 2018.
Michael Gourlay
Life Membership of Baseball Victoria was conferred on Michael Gourlay for distinguished service to baseball in Victoria.
Michael Gourlay is now a Life Member of Baseball Victoria in recognition of his outstanding services and commitment to Baseball at the Association and Club levels as an administrator, official and a scorer over the past 30 years.
Michael first got a “taste” of baseball when son’s Matthew and Stephen took up Tee Ball when it was first introduced in 1985 and immediately became an involved parent and quickly became a strong supporter of the Game.
The pavilion at Kingston Heath Reserve was built in 1986 and Michael took a position on the Kingston Heath Advisory Committee as Hall Secretary and occupied that position for 10 years.
Along the way Michael conducted scoring classes for the numerous junior team scorers - mostly mothers of junior team players, training dozens of new club scorers over the years.
Michael also served as Chairman of Selectors for several years during the 1990’s including during a difficult rebuilding period as the Club sought to expand its junior program. This role is one of the most demanding roles in any Club and it requires a special level of commitment and tactful maturity.
Michael was elected as a Life Member of the Cheltenham Baseball Club in 2010.
As Michael’s knowledge and interest in baseball continued to increase he was nominated for a position on the Victorian Baseball Association Pennant Committee and over a period of some 10 years moved on to become the Chairman of the Tribunal serving with distinction in that position for many more years.
Michael has also been involved at the Australian Baseball Federation assisting with the running of junior championships and has taken on the key role of Tournament Referee on many occasions.
Richard Arthur (Dick) Mason OAM 1938-1987
Life Membership of Baseball Victoria was conferred on the late Richard Arthur (Dick) Mason OAM for distinguished service to baseball in Victoria.
The late Dick Mason is now a Life Member of Baseball Victoria in recognition of his outstanding services and commitment to Baseball at the Association and Club levels as an administrator.
Dick Mason served on the Waverly Baseball Club Board for 12 years, he was head coach for three years and set in stone the Junior Development program that has been the corner stone of the club’s lasting success. He was an outstanding leader whose devotion to developing juniors was unwavering. Fittingly, the Monash Council has named a Diamond at Napier Park, the home of the Waverley Baseball Club, in his honour.
Making regular trips to the USA to further his knowledge of the latest coaching techniques, including several trips to Georgia Southern College, Dick always brought this knowledge back to Victorian Baseball. He excelled as a coach and spent seven years as the Victorian under 13 head coach winning four national titles.
A tangible record of Dick’s impact as coach is highlighted by the list of more than 50 players he helped mould into State junior and senior sides including Claxton Shield representatives and the many that made the Australian teams.
Dick also served for over 10 years on the Victorian Baseball Junior League committee.
He was instrumental in his role as a media commentator for introducing baseball to the ABC coverage and therefore exposing it to a wider audience. Dick promotion of baseball via television should not be understated. It opened up the sport to the previously uninitiated. At every opportunity in his capacity as a prominent media personality, Dick promoted baseball.
He was awarded Life Membership of Waverley Baseball Club in 1974.
He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to sport and radio.
Baseball Victoria Annual General Meeting
&
Baseball Victoria Strategy Update & Q&A Meeting
Monday 19 February 2018
REPORT FOR MEMBERS AND PARTICIPANTS OF THE
VICTORIAN BASEBALL COMMUNITY
Baseball Victoria Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Baseball Victoria was held on Monday 19 February from 7.00pm at MSAC.
In attendance were 30 Member Bodies of the Association (Baseball Victoria) including Summer Baseball Clubs, Winter Associations, BUAV and Life Members of Baseball Victoria. Also in attendance were members of the Baseball Victoria Board, Baseball Victoria CEO and members of the Baseball Victoria office.
During the Annual General Meeting the Member Bodies in accordance with the Constitution of Baseball Victoria:
From his appointment to the Board of Baseball Victoria in 2015 James assumed responsibility for the portfolio of Director of Finance bringing with him more than 12 years’ experience of success in financial management and elevating operational efficiency in high level professional sporting organisations. James experience encompasses planning and operational implementation within two AFL clubs as well as racing and wagering industry experience.
Ratified the appointment of Joanna O’Connor as a Director of Baseball Victoria for a first term of three years filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Director Sonia Heath.
For more detail on Michael Gourlay and the late Dick Mason refer to full release (Click here)
The Annual General Meeting concluded at 7.50pm.
Baseball Victoria Strategy Update & Q&A Meeting
With the formal procedural matters concluded and the Annual General Meeting completed a second meeting commenced during which the Baseball Victoria CEO and members of the Baseball Victoria office team presented an update on the Baseball Victoria strategy, organisational chart and key initiatives.
During this presentation a number of questions and matters for consideration raised prior to the Annual General Meeting by Member Bodies and members of the Victorian Baseball Community were addressed.
The presentation included Q&A during which additional matters were raised and answered with many of the matters to be continued at the next Presidents & Secretaries Meeting.
Monday April 9th 2018
Monday May 7th 2018
Monday June 4th 2018
Monday August 6th 2018
Monday September 3rd 2018
Monday October 8th 2018
Monday November 12th 2018
Monday February 4th 2019
The Strategy Update & Q&A Meeting concluded at 9.35pm.