Game 1, 11.00AM Thursday 6 April 2017

Diamondbacks v Southern Mariners 

The southern Mariners flexed their muscles with a convincing 9-3 win over the Diamondbacks to get their tournament off to the perfect start.

Led by multiple hit games to Emily Devine and Ruby Dale, the Mariners scored in every inning, highlighted by a Lili Cavanagh grand slam home run in the first inning.

For the Diamondbacks it was Jamie Bastian who recorded their sole hit for the game while Jasmine Bentley stole bases at will, finishing the game with five. Rhianna Carter-Smith battled hard on the mound, throwing 2.1 innings, conceding three hits and one earned run.

Game 2, 11.00AM Thursday 6 April 2017

GIRL'S CHARTER	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Eastern Athletics	1	0	2					3
Western Mets	2	7	6					15

 

Game 3, 1.30PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Southern Mariners v Western Mets 

The Mets and Mariners drew in a thriller with the fast-starting Mariners run down by the Mets who put on a seven run fourth inning to tie the game.

Despite being outhit 13-6 the Mets just found a way to manufacture runs and keep themselves in the game. An 8-2 walk count in favour of the Mets a decisive statistic.

For the Mets it was Claire Costa with multiple hits while Hanami Campetelli picked up three for the Mariners to go along with two from teammates Emily Devine and Lili Cavangh.

Lili Cavanagh the game’s dominant pitcher, striking out four and not conceding a run in two perfect innings of work.

GIRL'S CHARTER	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Southern Mariners	3	0	6	3				12
Western Mets	0	0	5	7				12

 

Game 4, 1.30PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Diamondbacks v Eastern Athletics 

GIRL'S CHARTER	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Diamondbacks	1	0	0	0	0			1	3	0
Southern Mariners	0	0	0	3	2			5	7	0

Game 9, 1.00PM Saturday 8 April 2017

GIRL'S CHARTER PRELIMINARY FINAL - Eastern Athletics (4) v Diamondbacks (2)

The Diamondbacks have won their way through to the Girl’s Charter Final with a 8-4 win over the Eastern Athletics.

The top of the Diamondbacks line-up looked most dangerous with Brooklyn Hutton and Maddison Weller picking up a pair of base hits each. On the hill, TJ Papadimitriou got the start and worked her way through a difficult first inning, conceding two runs and striking out one before handing the ball over to Chelsea Stewart who threw the final three innings of the game.

For the Athletics Rebecca Wright got the start and recorded five strikeouts while conceding just the two earned runs. The Athletics offense led by their number two hitter Lara Edmanson who scored twice and notched two hits. 

 

GIRL'S CHARTER	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Athletics	1	2	1	0				4	4	1
Diamondbacks	4	0	3	1				8	6	1

 

Game 10, 11.30AM Saturday 8 April 2017

THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF 

 

Game 3, 1.30PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Southern Mariners v Western Mets 

The Mets and Mariners drew in a thriller with the fast-starting Mariners run down by the Mets who put on a seven run fourth inning to tie the game.

Despite being outhit 13-6 the Mets just found a way to manufacture runs and keep themselves in the game. An 8-2 walk count in favour of the Mets a decisive statistic.

For the Mets it was Claire Costa with multiple hits while Hanami Campetelli picked up three for the Mariners to go along with two from teammates Emily Devine and Lili Cavangh.

Lili Cavanagh the game’s dominant pitcher, striking out four and not conceding a run in two perfect innings of work.

 

Game 4, 1.30PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Game 5, 1.00PM Friday 7 April 2017

Eastern Athletics v Southern Mariners 

A fast finishing Athletics team fell up just short of overcoming a 13-run deficit in the first Girl’s Charter Game of Day 2.

No player was able to record multiple hits with 14 players forcing the scorers to use the green pen throughout the game. The Mariners put on 13 runs in the first two innings before the Athletics hot the score board in the third. Four runs in the third and seven in the fourth wasn’t quite enough to steal the come from behind win.

A grand slam from Emily Devine was the highlight of the Mariners offense while Becky Petty and Hannah Sowden both hit doubles for the Athletics.

Game 6, 1.00PM Friday 7 April 2017

Game 7, 4.00PM Friday 7 April 2017

GIRLS CHARTER SEMI FINAL - Eastern Athletics (4) v Western Mets (3)

The Eastern Athletics have put on a six run first inning to upset the Mets to record their first win of the week and keep their season alive.

The Athletics strength in this game was their ability to hit all the way through the line-up with five players recording hits. For the Mets, it was the three-four hitters, the two Emmas in Emma Davenport and Emma Aquilina that did the damage with a couple of base knocks each.

The Athletics pitching can really b credited with getting their team over the line in this one with Kate Culbert the star. She pitched 2.1 innings only conceding one run, zero walks and striking out five.

 

Game 8, 6.30PM Friday 7 April 2017

GIRLS CHARTER SEMI FINAL - Diamondbacks (2) v Mariners (1)

Game 9, 1.00PM Saturday 8 April 2017

GIRL'S CHARTER PRELIMINARY FINAL - Eastern Athletics (4) v Diamondbacks (2)

The Diamondbacks have won their way through to the Girl’s Charter Final with a 8-4 win over the Eastern Athletics.

The top of the Diamondbacks line-up looked most dangerous with Brooklyn Hutton and Maddison Weller picking up a pair of base hits each. On the hill, TJ Papadimitriou got the start and worked her way through a difficult first inning, conceding two runs and striking out one before handing the ball over to Chelsea Stewart who threw the final three innings of the game.

For the Athletics Rebecca Wright got the start and recorded five strikeouts while conceding just the two earned runs. The Athletics offense led by their number two hitter Lara Edmanson who scored twice and notched two hits. 

 

 

Game 10, 11.30AM Saturday 8 April 2017

The Athletics continued their strong finish to the tournament defeated the Western Mets to take out third place in the Girl’s Charter tournament.

Lara Edmanson continued to worry all pitching as the game’s only player to record multiple base hits.

Holly Howard threw a complete game for the Mets, striking out six in three innings of work while Lara Edmanson was relieved by Becky Petty after a shaky start to the game with Petty able to come in and put a halt to the Mets scoring.

The Athletics continued their strong finish to the tournament defeated the Western Mets to take out third place in the Girl’s Charter tournament.

Lara Edmanson continued to worry all pitching as the game’s only player to record multiple base hits.

Holly Howard threw a complete game for the Mets, striking out six in three innings of work while Lara Edmanson was relieved by Becky Petty after a shaky start to the game with Petty able to come in and put a halt to the Mets scoring.

 

 

Game 11, 2.00PM Saturday 8 April 2017

Game 1, 10.00AM Thursday 6 April 2017

Geelong Baycats v Sunraysia Giants 

There was plenty of offence on show as Geelong and Sunraysia got their respective tournaments underway with a 20-10 score line reflective of some red hot bats.

A Harper Rickard inside the park homerun got Geelong off to the perfect start before Sunraysia were able to apply scoreboard pressure in every innings and come away with the win.

Sunraysia’s Noah Nichol’s brought Giant’s supporters to their feet with a long home run and after a complete team performance from an impressive Sunraysia team, the rest of the All-Star division has been put on notice.

Game 2, 10.00AM Thursday 6 April 2017

 

Game 3, 1.00PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Geelong Baycats v Northern Diamondbacks 

With the Diamondbacks needing just three outs to put an end to this game early, Geelong rallied with a 10 run third inning to tie the game and almost steal an unlikely victory.

11 runs across the first two innings for the Diamondbacks and this game looked over, but it took seven lead changes against a brave Geelong team before the Diamondbacks could record the walk-off win.

Both teams emptied their benches with every player contributing on both sides of the baseball. Home runs to Joel Prpic (his second of the day) and Tim Liersch were talking points but there are 13 Geelong players and 14 Diamondback players that deserve to have their name mentioned in this report. 

It's only day 1 but we could have already witnessed our game of the tournament. A terrific game from both teams.

 

Game 4, 1.00PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Game 5, 6.30PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Eastern Athletics v Southern Mariners 

With both teams entering the game having recorded wins earlier in the day, the night game saw Nicholas Parton of the Athletics getting the start, matched up against Genevieve Beacom of the Southern Mariners.

Both pitchers were in control early, conceding a single run each in the first before pitch counts saw Parton exit the game in the middle of the second while Beacom got through 2.0 striking out five.

The Mariners bats caught fire in the second, busting the game open with a six-run inning. Charlie Pierson and Felix Brunner both taking the ball deep in the decisive inning.

To the Athletics credit they rallied in the fifth to reduce the margin to four before the game was closed out by the home run boys, Charlie Pierson in the fifth and Felix Brunner in the sixth.

Game 6, 9.00AM Friday 7 April 2017

ALLSTARS	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Southern Mariners	4	0	1	1	10			16
Sunraysia Giants	1	0	1	0	0			2

Game 7, 9.00AM Friday 7 April 2017

Geelong Baycats v Eastern Athletics 

The Baycats have almost caused a boil-over this morning taking it right up to the Eastern Athletics in an extremely high quality game.

Josh Smith was excellent as the Baycats starting pitcher, leading Geelong into the second with a 5-0 lead before the Athletics struck back with a massive eight run bottom of the second.

Cameron Bieker was excellent in relief for the Athletics, his 52 pitch effort kept his team in the contest during a testing part of the game.

With the bats it was James Richardson and James Patterson who pick up a couple of base knocks each for the Athletics, while a Maxton Sherry hit his first home run of the tournament for the Baycats with teammates Lucas Ash and Noah Brennan both recording multiple hit games.

ALLSTARS	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Geelong Baycats	0	5	0	2	0	0		7
Eastern Athletics	0	8	1	3	1	-		13

 

Game 8, 1.00PM Friday 7 April 2017

Northern Diamondbacks v Sunraysia Giants 

Game 7, 9.00AM Friday 7 April 2017

Geelong Baycats v Eastern Athletics 

The Baycats have almost caused a boil-over this morning taking it right up to the Eastern Athletics in an extremely high quality game.

Josh Smith was excellent as the Baycats starting pitcher, leading Geelong into the second with a 5-0 lead before the Athletics struck back with a massive eight run bottom of the second.

Cameron Bieker was excellent in relief for the Athletics, his 52 pitch effort kept his team in the contest during a testing part of the game.

With the bats it was James Richardson and James Patterson who pick up a couple of base knocks each for the Athletics, while a Maxton Sherry hit his first home run of the tournament for the Baycats with teammates Lucas Ash and Noah Brennan both recording multiple hit games.

 

Game 8, 1.00PM Friday 7 April 2017

The Diamondbacks could not be stopped as they just hit hit hit in their afternoon match-up against the Sunraysia Giants.

Ned Hargreaves continues to turn heads. The young shortstop picking up four hits including two doubles, a triple and home run... Surely one of the coaches could have put the brakes on him and kept one of his doubles to a single to complete the cycle?

He definitely wasn’t alone though with Joel Prpic launching his third home run of the tournament to go with his two doubles. Tim Liersch had five hits including a home run while Bailey Wilson also had a pair of extra basehits.

Shintaro Katon was dynamite on the hill for the Diamondbacks. His 45 pitch outing included 37 strikes, 8 balls and six strikeouts in one of the most dominating pitching performances we’ve seen this week. Denzel Pelle-Lopetti was a brick wall behind the plate and gave all of the Diamondbacks pitchers plenty of confidence up on the hill.

For the Giants it was Jackson Malycha who led the charge with the bats, the only Sunraysia player to record multiple hits.

ALLSTARS	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Diamondbacks	3	11	5	3				22
Sunraysia Giants	2	0	0	1				3

Game 9, 1.00PM Friday 7 April 2017

Southern Mariners v Geelong Baycats 

The Mariners have taken care of the Baycats to remain undefeated after four games of competition.

This was a game that seemed much closed than the score line suggested with one big inning from the Mariners deciding the ballgame.

Ryan Langworthy from the Mariners is a superstar in the making. He picked up three hits including a home run for a very productive afternoon. He was joined by Matthew Atkins who also picked up three hits as well as Millar Kuhl and Xander Gunn who each picked up two hits, including a double.

For the Baycats, Noah Brennan led the way with two extra base hits to continue his fantastic tournament. Noah’s impressed a lot of people this week with not just his ability, but leadership on the field and sportsmanship and if you haven’t seen this kid hit yet, do yourself a favour and check out the Baycat’s next game. It’s a treat to watch. Noah wasn’t alone though, he was joined on two hits by teammate Maxton Sherry.

ALLSTARS	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Southern Mariners	2	16	4	0				22
Geelong Baycats	0	0	3	5				8

 

Game 10, 4.30PM Friday 7 April 2017

Northern Diamondbacks v Eastern Athletics

Game 9, 1.00PM Friday 7 April 2017

Southern Mariners v Geelong Baycats 

The Mariners have taken care of the Baycats to remain undefeated after four games of competition.

This was a game that seemed much closed than the score line suggested with one big inning from the Mariners deciding the ballgame.

Ryan Langworthy from the Mariners is a superstar in the making. He picked up three hits including a home run for a very productive afternoon. He was joined by Matthew Atkins who also picked up three hits as well as Millar Kuhl and Xander Gunn who each picked up two hits, including a double.

For the Baycats, Noah Brennan led the way with two extra base hits to continue his fantastic tournament. Noah’s impressed a lot of people this week with not just his ability, but leadership on the field and sportsmanship and if you haven’t seen this kid hit yet, do yourself a favour and check out the Baycat’s next game. It’s a treat to watch. Noah wasn’t alone though, he was joined on two hits by teammate Maxton Sherry.

 

Game 10, 4.30PM Friday 7 April 2017

This game was a dead rubber of sorts but someone forgot to tell the teams. Spectators were treated to a combined 28 hits between the two teams with the two set to play each other in the morning in the first of the All-Star division’s semi finals.

Someone needs to check Joel Prpic’s bat as he continues to swing arguably the hottest stick at the tournament. Another four hits for the young lefty which included three singles and a double.

Nick Parton has looked dangerous all tournament and launched his first home run.

 

 

Game 11, 9.00AM Saturday 8 April 2017

Noah Brennan has launched the Baycats into a third place playoff game with a final inning home run.

The Baycats keep their hopes of qualifying Nationals alive with the win as they’ll play the loser of the preliminary final between the Athletics and Diamondbacks for the third position at Nationals.

Noah wasn’t alone in a strong hitting performance with Cooper Tipping picking up three base hits while Harper Rickard had two and teammate Will Cavanagh had a double.

Sunraysia have been impressive all week and despite the result should be proud of their performances all week long. Jackson Malycha and Lachlan Spratt had two singles a piece in their final game of the tournament while Noah Nichols, Ronan Scott and Bailey Edgar all hit doubles.

Game 12, 9.00AM Saturday 8 April 2017

SEMI FINAL - Athletics (3) v Diamondbacks (2)

The Athletics advance to the All-Star grand final and secure their place at Nationals with an epic 18-14 win over the Dimaondbacks this morning.

Four runs in the first inning off the back of three home runs from the top of the Dimaondbacks line-up (Ned Hargreaves, Tim Liersch and Harry Fitzgerald) wasn’t enough to deter the Athletics who rallied late with huge fourth and fifth innings.

Young Timothy Liersch started on the hill for the Diamondbacks and he’s a little star in the making. The right hander throws as hard as anyone at this age groups and was dominant through the beginning of the game.

Matthew Lavery went deep went deep for the Athletics for the first time this tournament and was also excellent in his relief pitching appearance. Evan Maury who also pitched in relief had two doubles while Nicholas Parton has caught fire at the right time of the tournament with a couple of base knocks of his own.

The Diamondbacks will now play Geelong for third place and the final position at Nationals while the Athletics advance to this afternoon’s final against the undefeated Mariners.

 

Game 13, 11.30AM Saturday 8 April 2017

Game 14, 2.15PM Saturday 8 April 2017

ALL-STARS GRAND FINAL

What a game of baseball we were treated to in the 2017 Little League All-Star final. It’s easy to forget these kids are 11 and 12 years old as both teams played beyond their years in both maturity and ability.

Genevieve Beacom started for the Mariners and if you haven’t seen this young lady pitch, do yourself a favour and head to our Facebook page. She has an action that even Big Leaguers would look to emulate. She was brilliant this afternoon, working her way through 4.2 innings, striking out 12 and not allowing a run.

Nicholas Parton wasn’t to be outdone for the Athletics. He threw four complete innings, allowing four runs but striking out eight in a game dominated by a couple of very talented hurlers.

There are too many to name as standout hitters. Every player stepped up when they were called upon to do a job and none of these kids should walk away from this tournament disappointed. All at Baseball Victoria are extremely excited to be sending such talented kids away to National Championships later this year.

 

Game 1, 10.00AM Thursday 6 April 2017

Diamondbacks (BLACK) v Eastern Athletics

A tight game between two evenly matched teams to begin the tournament with the Eastern Athletics recording the come from behind win to get their campaign off to the perfect start.

The Diamondbacks hit the scoreboard first and looked to have the game under control with a Beau Graham double breaking the game open and leading the Diamondbacks to a 4-0 lead heading into the bottom of the third.

Three from the Athletics put them within striking distance and after an inning ending double play to keep the Diamondbacks scoreless in the top of the fourth, the Athletics carried the momentum into their inning, scoring two to record the come from behind win.

Aiden Patterson swung the bat well for the Athletics with Zeke Doyle was a menace on the base paths.

Game 2, 10.00AM Thursday 6 April 2017

 

Game 3, 12.30PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Mariners (GREY) v Mariners (BLUE)

No Game Report Supplied.

 

Game 4, 12.30PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Game 5, 2.30PM Thursday 6 April 2017

Mariners (BLUE) v Diamondbacks (RED)

No Game Report Supplied.

Game 6, 2.30PM Thursday 6 April 2017

A seven run third inning from the Eastern Athletics has seen them record their second win on the opening day of this year's Little League tournament.

Sam Foote got the start for the Athletics and battled through some hot Mariners bats early in the game before handing the ball over to his bullpen with Ryder Wilson, Jack Noble and Ethan Jenkins closing out the final three innings.

For the Mariners it was Cooper Drummond who got through the first before Levi Chirico took over in the second, giving the Mariners a monster 77 pitch performance.

Special mention to Jonah Hall (Athletics) and James Kent (Mariners) who both finished the game with one home run each.

DEV SHIELD	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Eastern Athletics	1	2	7	2				12
Mariners (WHITE)	7	0	1	2				10

Game 7, 10.00AM Friday 7 April 2017

Diamondbacks (RED) v Mariners (GREY)

Special mention to Cohen Breckenridge (Diamondbacks) who hit his first home run of the tournament.

 

Game 8, 10.00AM Friday 7 April 2017

DEV SHIELD	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Mariners (WHITE)	3	0	2	5	0			10
Diamondbacks (BLACK)	0	2	7	0	1			10

Game 9, 12.30PM Friday 7 April 2017

Diamondbacks (BLACK) v Mariners (GREY)

The Diamondbacks were in the zone this afternoon, pouring on 13 runs across the first two innings to put the game beyond the reach of the Mariners Grey team.

Ryan Wu and Harrison Green-Williams both pitched scoreless innings in the game while with the bats the entire Diamondbacks line-up joined the hit parade. Beau Graham hammered two doubles, Alexander Prystupa picked up his own pair of base knocks while Addison Bishop-Worn and Harry Foreman also picked up extra base hits in the win.

For the Mariners, Mason Haimona crushed one for his teams only extra base hit on the afternoon.

DEV SHIELD	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Diamondbacks (BLACK)	6	7	0					13
Mariners (GREY)	0	5	0					5

 

Game 10, 12.30PM Friday 7 April 2017

Mariners (BLUE) v Eastern Athletics

Game 9, 12.30PM Friday 7 April 2017

Diamondbacks (BLACK) v Mariners (GREY)

The Diamondbacks were in the zone this afternoon, pouring on 13 runs across the first two innings to put the game beyond the reach of the Mariners Grey team.

Ryan Wu and Harrison Green-Williams both pitched scoreless innings in the game while with the bats the entire Diamondbacks line-up joined the hit parade. Beau Graham hammered two doubles, Alexander Prystupa picked up his own pair of base knocks while Addison Bishop-Worn and Harry Foreman also picked up extra base hits in the win.

For the Mariners, Mason Haimona crushed one for his teams only extra base hit on the afternoon.

 

Game 10, 12.30PM Friday 7 April 2017

No game report supplied.

 

 

Game 11, 3.00PM Friday 7 April 2017

Game 12, 3.00PM Friday 7 April 2017

Eastern Athletics v Diamondbacks (RED)

No game report supplied.

 

Game 13, 9.00AM Saturday 8 April 2017

Game 14, 9.00AM Saturday 8 April 2017

Mariners (GREY) v Eastern Athletics

 

Game 15, 9.00AM Saturday 8 April 2017

Mariners (BLUE) v Diamondbacks (BLACK)

The Diamondbacks have kicked off their final day of the tournament with a come from behind walk-off win against the Mariners.

The Mariners hit the front at the top of the final inning with a three-run rally only for the Diamondbacks for score two of their own and take the points.

Beau Graham hit two doubles for the Diamondbacks while Harry Foreman continued to swing a hiot bat with a double of his own. For the Mariners it was Jess Brown, Joel Poole and Marshall Woods who looked most dangerous with the bats.

 

 

Game 16, 12.00PM Saturday 8 April 2017

DEVELOPMENT SHIELD GRAND FINAL

 

Following feedback from the 2017 Women's Baseball Forum the Baseball Australia Women’s Advisory Panel is organising a breakfast during this year’s Australian Women's Championships.

The event will include a range of guest speakers to share knowledge and stories that highlight the achievements of women in baseball, continue to promote a positive culture and approach to developing the game, and demonstrate the value of baseball in life. The breakfast is open to players, staff and friends and family.

The keynote speaker is not your usual light entertainment, she will challenge your beliefs, push you from your comfort zones and we would like to say inspire you, but its a term she thinks is overused and actually a cop-out. You will leave the room not just believing anything is possible, but having seen that belief in action.

Time: 7am for 7.30 start to 9am Monday 17th April 2017

Menu – Light Breakfast

Cost: Individuals = $21 (not part of a Team at Nationals)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE BREAKFAST*

*Registrations do not work in Internet Explorer

Following almost
two decades of service to Australian baseball, Baseball Australia Chief
Executive Officer Brett Pickett has stepped down from his post.

Pickett has
overseen a significant change in the baseball sporting landscape in his 15
years with Baseball Australia and six years as CEO. Under Brett’s leadership, baseball
has experienced unprecedented membership growth in grassroots club baseball,
the unification of baseball – bringing together States and the National
Federation under one brand, sustained commercial growth, the hosting of the MLB
Opening Series (2014) at the Sydney Cricket Ground and 100% ownership of the
Australia Baseball League (ABL) by Baseball Australia, to highlight but a few
achievements.

Baseball
Australia Chairman David Hynes thanked Pickett for his outstanding service and
commitment to the game, acknowledging that Australian baseball is in a far
stronger position following Pickett’s contribution.

“Brett has been a
great servant of our game,” said Hynes.

“In the six years
that I have worked with him in my role as Chairman, Brett’s tireless commitment
to baseball has seen significant advances in the standing of baseball within
the Australian sporting landscape and laid the solid foundation on which our
future success can be built.”

“On a personal
level, I have enjoyed a very close working relationship with Brett. His heart
has always been with our sport and I have always benefitted from his counsel
and support. I wish Brett and his family every future success with their
private business endeavours. He will always be welcome in the baseball family,
which has played such a significant role in his own life as a player and
administrator.”

“Brett has been a
great support to both myself and the Board, and I thank him for helping guide
baseball through the last six years as CEO.”

“This is an
exciting time for Baseball in Australia coming off the back of winning automatic
qualification for the next World Baseball Classic (2021), baseball’s
readmission in to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games, our U23s recent Silver Medal
success at the U23s World Cup and the significant growth in female baseball and
youth participation.”

“I thank Brett
sincerely for departing his post with baseball in good health, and a bright
future ahead.”

Achievements as Chief Executive Officer: Brett
Pickett  (2011-2017)

§  Grew Active membership base from 37,000 to
57,000 (54% increase);

§  Unified the sport under the one branding
structure for the first time in history;

§  Migrated the sport onto the one, fully
integrated technology system that allowed the sport and its stakeholders to
manage their membership, competition, database and commercial needs on the one
platform;

§  Grew commercial revenue by 285%;

§  Secured and oversaw involvement of
Australian Baseball team’s participation in the historic 2014 MLB Opening
Series, played at the Sydney Cricket ground (defeating the Arizona
Diamondbacks);

§  Oversaw (on behalf of BA) delivery of the ABL
since its inception, and managed process of BA assuming 100% control of ABL and
its subsequent integration into the BA / State body structure;

§  Reduced BA’s reliance on government
funding by 22%;

§  Developed the annual Australian Baseball
Summit – a 3 day event including meetings and workshops of all Australian
Baseball administrators designed to foster ideas, cultivate relationships and
develop strategy to grow the game of baseball in Australia;

§  Introduced the first ever national junior
entry point program for baseball – Aussie T-Ball;

§  Undertook comprehensive review of the
National Participant pathway, to ensure decisions regarding the games
membership growth strategies were evidence-based. A major outcome of review was
increased integration of LL program throughout pathway; 

§  Oversaw the rapid growth of the Little
League program in Australia, resulting in Australia having direct qualification
to the Little League World Series, the Junior League World Series and the
Senior League World Series, and Australia becoming the 3rd largest
LL program in the world;

§  Led BA’s increased focus on Participation
following baseball’s elimination from the Olympic program. BA one of only a
handful of Australian sports to receive the highest assessment ratings from the
ASC in consecutive years for our Participation performance;

§  Created strategy designed to increase
baseball’s profile and voice within the Australian political landscape;

§  Appointed to the International Baseball
Federation Tournament Commission. Ensured Baseball Australia’s voice and
presence were consistently heard and felt amongst the international baseball
community;   

§  Developed / cultivated relationships with
largest professional baseball Leagues in the world (MLB + NPB) resulting in
considerable investment in our player development programs and multiple playing
opportunities for our National Men’s team abroad;

§  Despite government funding cuts, ensured
BA’s support of State bodies remained well resourced;

§  Maintained a national insurance policy for
the sport, its players, volunteers, States and clubs, which consistently grew
in coverage, at a nominal cost; and

§  Cultivated Baseball Australia’s “Down Under
program”; a program designed to commercialise the sports assets, foster
international partnerships and achieve mutual benefits for the sport and its
stakeholders.

LINK TO ARTICLE:
Cam Vale appointed as CEO Baseball Australia

http://baseball.com.au/News/Latest-News/vale-announced-as-baseball-australia-ceo

Cam Vale will
commence his role as CEO Baseball Australia on Monday 3 April 2017.

Following Australia's efforts at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, Australia has risen to #8 in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Rankings, the highest Australia has ever been, surpassing their previous high of #9, which was reached in 2010.

Australia's ninth place finish at the World Baseball Classic earned them 520 World Ranking points. That success culminating with the recent qualification of the U12s and U18s to their respective World Cup's has catapulted Australia's World Ranking into unchartered territory.

According to the WBSC, the World Rankings are weighted by a country's performance in WBSC-sanctioned events international tournaments (from U12 to Professional) over a four-year period.

Another tournament which has bolstered Australia's ranking in the last 12 months has been the U23 Baseball World Cup, where the Australian team exceeded everyone's expectations to claim the silver medal in a hard-fought Championship game against World #1 Japan.

For a full media release from the WBSC regarding the updated World Rankings as well as final placings from the 2017 World Baseball Classic, click here.

In conjunction with Major League Baseball (MLB), Baseball Australia is proud to announce that 13 of Australia’s best and brightest young baseball talents will make their way to the USA as part of the MLB World Select Team.

The World Select Team is composed of 29 players from nine countries, with Australian players making up almost half of the 29 young men selected.

The World Select Team will participate in exhibition games in St. Petersburg, Florida under the watchful eye of a number of professional scouts, with games against other international amateur teams, as well as local MLB Club Affiliates.

Baseball Australia Head of High Performance Glenn Williams is ecstatic to send so much Australian talent to the US, and to continue Baseball Australia’s relationship with MLB.

“BA (Baseball Australia) is extremely excited about this latest opportunity provided for our players from MLB,” Williams said.

“To have the chance to play with some of the best up and coming prospects from around the world and compete against professional teams in professional complexes is something that will be extremely beneficial for the players on this trip.” 

This is the second consecutive year Australia has had representation at the Spring Training Series, with Ulrich Bojarski (Tigers), Jack O’Loughlin (Tigers) and Jordan McArdle (Diamondbacks), all signing professional contracts in the months following their 2016 tour to the USA.

The continued support of MLB for Australian baseball is highlighted by their involvement in this tour, with more opportunities for Australian baseball players to come later this year. Baseball Australia’s relationship with MLB continues to build, and Glenn Williams believes this trip is only the beginning.

“We will continue to work with MLB on initiatives that will give more players more opportunities,” Williams said.

“The relationship continues to strengthen and there are some exciting initiatives in the works, thanks to their support of our programs.” 

The selection process was detailed and lengthy, with information from state associations combined with recommendations from Australian based scouts sent to MLB for final selection.

Joining the 13 Australians on the tour is Luke Hughes, an Australian baseball legend who has lead the Perth Heat to four ABL Championships since 2009, and has over 100 games of big league experience. Hughes will join coaches from all over the world as they take some of the best young talent in the world to the trip of a lifetime.

The MLB World Select Team will kick off their schedule against the Minnesota Twins on the 8th of April in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Stay tuned to www.baseball.com.au as well as Baseball Australia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates from the World Select Team’s journey.

PLAYER LIST:
Brodie Cooper-Vassalakis – ACT
Mitch Edwards – ACT
Coen Wynne – NSW
Jacob Amos – NSW
Rixon Wingrove – NSW
Nic Anderson-Vine – NSW
Ky Hampton – SA
Aiden Willis – VIC
Jackson Boyd – VIC
Jarryd Dale – VIC
Jess Williams – WA
Jett Wright – WA
Alex Hall – WA

PLAYER LIST:
Brodie Cooper-Vassalakis – ACT
Mitch Edwards – ACT
Coen Wynne – NSW
Jacob Amos – NSW
Rixon Wingrove – NSW
Nic Anderson-Vine – NSW
Ky Hampton – SA
Aiden Willis – VIC
Jackson Boyd – VIC
Jarryd Dale – VIC
Jess Williams – WA
Jett Wright – WA
Alex Hall – WA

As an outcome from the 2017 Women’s Baseball Forum the Baseball Australia
Women's Advisory Panel are excited to present a FREE Coach Development
Workshop to be held during the Youth Women's and Women's National
Championships at Narrabundah Ballpark, Canberra on Sunday 16th April 2017.
 

The workshop is open to all Coaches and anyone interested in
coaching in the future and will be presented by Baseball Australia Coach
Development Manager, Garry Everson.

Topics include 
·  Managing a
Tournament
·  First and
Third Base Coaching / Base Running 

Timing: 8.00am-9.30am

Location: Narrabundah Ballpark, Canberra (Grandstand)

Following the workshop Emeralds Head Coach Simone Wearne is delivering a
seminar designed specifically for members of the Emeralds Futures Coaches
Program.

All activities will be completed by 10am.

https://eventdesq.sportstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=23582&OrgID=16723 

To register click the link above noting the following:

·      Registrations do not work in
Internet Explorer
·      You are required to hit the “submit
now” button on two separate screens
·      Please make sure before exiting from the window that you
see “Submission completed successfully” 

Wanting to play for The Emeralds, Australia's national
women's baseball team?

If think
you have, now or in the future, what it takes to be an Emerald, please complete
the Expression of Interest form here by 31 March 2017 to be eligible
for selection to the A-Roos Development Squad 2017 Japan High Performance Camp
(JHPC) in Osaka during July.

·      All
players who have not previously been part of the Emeralds are eligible to be
selected for the A-Roos Development Squad.

·      Previous
Emeralds players will be contacted directly by national team staff about the
Emeralds High Performance Squad tour.

·      The
JHPC is also open to Emeralds Futures coaches, who should also complete the
expression of interest.

Japan is
universally acknowledged as the world-leader in women's baseball, producing the
toughest and most well-prepared players in the game. In that environment, the
JHPC will be designed to test and develop the traits of resilience, mental
toughness, selflessness, and leadership, as well as ingrain a continual pursuit
of excellence within our Australian players.

The JHPC
will be one of the best opportunities Australian female baseball players will
ever have to develop their game. While we have talent, commitment and desire to
be the best, our players need more opportunities to play high
quality international games under tournament conditions in order to
compete at World Cup level.

The JHPC
will feature in-depth instruction from Australian national team coaches and
training with elite Japanese players and coaches. The squads will also play up
to 8 games each, including 6 tournament games, and there will be opportunities
for the A-Roos to be mentored by the Emeralds High Performance Squad players.

Please note
that inclusion into the 2017 JHPC does not guarantee inclusion in the 2018
Emeralds squad or World Cup Team.

Dates:

A-Roos
Development Camp: July 1-12 (9 nights plus travel days)

Emeralds
High Performance Camp: July 7-18 (9 nights plus travel days) 

Costs

Players: $3800-$3999
(Estimated)
Futures coaches: costs will be subsidised and proportionate to number of
days participating. (Final
price will depend on variables such as total numbers participating, domestic
flight costs determined after final squad selections, and monetary exchange
rate. Baseball Australia will work diligently to keep costs down and find
funding sources to reduce costs where possible).

Expressions of Interest deadline: March 31st