Baseball Victoria is happy to announce that based on the success of last year’s event, we will be running another Girls Charter tournament 6-8 April 2017, with the exciting addition of a team being selected from the tournament to tour Japan with thanks to the Australia-Japan Foundation.
2017 Junior Girls Charter Tournament
This season we’re aiming to have four teams compete in the tournament with more information and details about the Japan tour (mid-2017) to follow.
Please register your interest to play in the tournament, by CLICKING HERE and completing the Expression of Interest form.
The 2016-2018 Emeralds program is planned to provide ongoing high performance and pathway development opportunities designed to provide the greatest number of Australian female baseballers with this best opportunities to reach their peak performance.
The intended outcomes of this program include:
· Greater player depth at elite and sub-elite level
· Improved standard of games at national, state and club level
· Multiple opportunities for coaches to observe player performance against quality opposition
· Exceed previous best performance at World Cups
· Quality engaged coaching and support staff for the Emeralds
· Consistent philosophy throughout the women’s program
· Quality communication and messaging of program progress and outcomes
The program will be made up of two components, player pathway and development and coach pathway and development. While a major outcome will be increase of quality and quantity of female coaches, the program will provide opportunities to anyone willing to commit to the program, male or female.
Player program
Over the next two years there will be multiple opportunities for players of any age to participate in development programs and be observed by national team and high performance coaching staff. Not all players will be able to participate in all activities, some will be targeted, some will be open to all, some subsidised and others self-funded. No single event will be compulsory, however attendance at the maximum number of events will provide the best opportunity for personal development, showcasing skills, and selection in the 2018 Emeralds World Cup team.
One of the key processes of the program will be selection of the World Cup team. There will be no single event where the team will be selected, the selection will be based on prolonged work ethic, commitment to the program and performance in games.
Squad selection
There will be four phases to team selection.
1. An Emeralds Futures squad selected in December 2016
2. A 2017 squad selected in April 2017
3. A 2018 squad selected in April 2018
4. Final team selection approximately June 2018
Emeralds Futures
The Emeralds Futures squad will be open for application to any female athlete who has never been an Emerald. Selection will take into consideration answers to a questionnaire, discussions with state, club and connected coaches, state body high performance staff to identify athletes the potential skills and abilities that could lead them to make a national team.
Future Emeralds squad members will then be supported and monitored from December 2016 to April 2017.
2017 Emeralds Squad
A 2017 Emeralds development squad will be announced at the end of April 2017, consisting of both past and potential Emeralds, not solely for 2018 selection. Members of this squad will be invited to a two week, self-funded intensive development program in Japan during July 2017. Participation in this squad will require a commitment to fitness, training and two-way communication with the coaching staff.
2018 Emeralds Squad
A 2017 Emeralds squad will be announced mid April 2018. The members of this squad may or may not have been part of previous squads. The 2018 World Cup team will selected from this squad.
Coach Development
There are currently few options available for coach development along the women’s pathway. In order to develop more female coaches and more coaches interested in the women’s game, there will be an opportunity for coaches to be part of the Emeralds program over the next two years. A group of Emerald Program Coaches will be selected to engage with the program.
The Program Coaches will be offered (self-funded) opportunities to participate at Emerald squad events, network and communicate with other coaches and be offered various forms of coach education. They will be able to work with the high performance programs in each state, and be tasked with monitoring players and providing feedback to Head Coach.
The aim will also be to have a group of Mentor Coaches providing support and feedback to the Program Coaches.
The value to the Emeralds program will be two-fold. Not only will current and future coaches be provided with opportunities to develop, they will be engaged and part of the philosophy and culture of the program.
The aim will be to select the 2018 staff from amongst the Program and Mentor group, with staff being announced in April 2018 along with the final 2018 Emeralds Squad.
Click here to download the Player Development Program Application.
Click here to download the Coach Development Program Application.
Applications for the Player/Coach Development Program must be emailed to narellegosstray@gmail.com, and close at 5pm AEST on Monday 5 December.
Doncaster 7 vs Ballarat 3
On a beautiful Saturday at Deep Creek, the host Dragons used a five-run sixth inning to stay atop the Division 2 ladder.
Facing Brewers import Rob Shaw with two outs in a 2-2 game, Scott Carr drove in Callum Lethborg to give Doncaster a lead over Ballarat that they would never relinquish.
From there it all went south for the Brewers. Ben Utting’s pop fly somehow fell safely between the shortstop and left fielder, plating two. Tyler Cooklin then reached base on a dropped third strike, Utting crossed home on a wild throw and Billy Findlay topped it all off with an RBI triple to push the lead to 7-2.
That was all the runs Doncaster starter Simon Fitzmaurice would need. His final stat line: seven innings, three runs on seven hits and just two walks. He struck out three.
Carr finished the game off, pitching two scoreless innings in relief.
Original report supplied by John McDonald of the Doncaster Baseball Club
There is nothing quite like a 1-0 nine inning game.
In another iteration of the classic baseball paradigm, it was the Giants who came out on top by the slimmest of margins.
Trent Evins dazzled on the mound, striking out six and walking only one on just 73 pitches. He then gave way to Josh Lee who closed out the win over the host Eagles.
At the plate, Cameron Wilson had two hits in three at-bats, including a double and an RBI. Wade Blazer and Oliver Box also slugged two baggers.
Original report supplied by Jessica Curnow of the Werribee Baseball Club
Most 11-1 games are not very close. That was not the case on Sunday at Chelsea.
Tied at one after three, the Hunters tallied once in the fourth, three times and fifth and then six in the seventh to get past the Dolphins via the mercy rule, 11-1.
Doug Watson got the win for Ormond, allowing just one run in a complete game victory. He struck out five and walked two, surrendering six hits.
At the dish, Sam Robertson, Jarrad Barrow (seventh inning solo home run) and Ben Carracher proved crucial, combining for nine hits and five runs batted in.
Wilson Yeh took the loss for Chelsea, allowing five runs.
David Chen knocked in the sole Dolphins run with a third inning single.
Original report supplied by Belinda Worton of the Chelsea Baseball Club
Playing on a Saturday for the first time since their arrival in Division 3, the Saints celebrated the historic occasion by pummelling the Pumas, 12-4, at Tom O’Halloran Field.
Scoreless after two and a half, St Kilda plated a single run in the bottom of the third to take an early lead. Pakenham answered back to tie it in the top half of the fourth, only to see the pesky Saints again pull ahead by one in their half.
The fifth inning proved crucial as St Kilda plated four in the fifth. Though Pakenham responded with two runs in the sixth and another in the seventh, a pivotal four spot in the Saints’ home half put the game out of reach. They also scored two more in the eighth to provide the final margin of victory.
As has become a weekly tradition, ace Jarrod MacEachern was again stellar on the mound, ceding a lone earned run while scattering just a few hits.
Good solid defense and team batting were also on display with Bryan Livett again the standout Saints hitter, going 4-5 with a walk.
Switching things up in their starting rotation, host Mulgrave gave the ball to Liam Richardson who was outstanding on the hill, allowing just one unearned run in six innings.
Up 2-1 after five, the Rebels scored four in the sixth, three in the seventh and another one in the eighth to win handily what was a close tilt.
Matthew Young finished off the victory for Mulgrave.
Original report supplied by Lincoln Ladds of the Mulgrave Baseball Club
Author: Zack McGuinness
Sandringham 1 vs Geelong 5
It was a tight clash between the Sandringham Royals and the Geelong Baycats Saturday, with the game remaining scoreless for seven innings before the Baycats edged the Royals out 5-1.
Sandringham starter Reed Mason pitched seven strong innings, striking out 10 batters, walking two while allowing just five hits. Geelong pitchers Cameron Forbes and Stuart Barnes combined to hold the visiting side to seven hits across six innings of work.
With the bat, it was Ryan Darcy that brought home the game's first run, giving Geelong the lead in the bottom of the eighth while Hiroshi Narasaki swung a hot stick, going 3/4 on the day.
After pitching seven strong innings Mason continued to pitch into the eighth, allowing three hits to become runs after reaching 120 pitches. While two costly fielding errors from Sandringham cemented Geelong’s 5-1 win.
Essendon significantly outscored Newport 15-2 to win the Don Cornish Cup Saturday. A life member of both clubs, Don’s legacy was well remembered and celebrated in front of a large crowd in Newport on Saturday.
The Bombers strong outing offensively included four hits and two RBIs from Tim Sullivan, along with both Tristen McDonald and Michael Formisano finishing with three RBIs on the day.
No Game summary provided
No Game summary provided
Pitching picks up Melbourne's offense in 2-1 victory over Cheltenham
Melbourne didn't provide Andy Mann with much support, but he didn't need much. Mann pitched 5 2/3 strong innings to carry Melbourne to a 2-1 win over Cheltenham on Sunday at Cheltenhan.
Adam Burton helped Melbourne take the lead for good in the sixth inning. With Melbourne trailing by one in the sixth inning, Adam Burton came to the plate and homered, scoring Scott Moore.
Melbourne closer Evan Brisentine put away the final nine outs to record the save.
The third inning saw Cheltenham score its only run on the day on an RBI single.
An Alex Turlea 3-run home run to left field in the top for the first gave the visiting Lions a lead they would never surrender.
The Lions had a day out with that bat, threatening in every innings to run away with a comprehensive 14-4 road win.
Leigh MckAy would get the start for the Lions in his second outing this season with Brock Pawley and Carl Wilson used in relief.
Fitzroy now sit in third place in the West with Newport due on Tuesday night. They look set to welcome back Aaron Sayers into a line-up that's swinging some hot bats.
Offensively, Newport finished Sunday’s contest with 13 hits to Moorabbin’s 7. The seventh inning proved to be a pivotal inning as Newport recorded four runs to stretch their lead.
Offensively, Newport finished Sunday’s contest with 13 hits to Moorabbin’s 7. The seventh inning proved to be a pivotal inning as Newport recorded four runs to stretch their lead.
In the late game at Altona, Tuesday night, the Royals went down to the Baycats 0 - 6. Veteran B
Australia’s schedule at the 2017 World Baseball Classic has been finalised, with dates for the practice games against Nippon Professional Baseball teams, as well as the three Pool B matchups between Japan, Cuba and China all locked in.
Australia vs. Hanshin Tigers (Practice Game)
Kyocera Dome, Osaka
7pm (local)
Saturday 4 March 2017
Australia vs. Orix Buffaloes (Practice Game)
Kyocera Dome, Osaka
7pm (local)
Monday 6 March 2017
Australia vs. Japan
Tokyo Dome
7pm (local)
Wednesday 8 March 2017
Australia vs. China
Tokyo Dome
7pm (local)
Thursday 9 March 2017
Australia vs. Cuba
Tokyo Dome
12pm (local)
Friday 10 March 2017
Should Australia qualify for the second round of competition, this will take place at the Tokyo Dome between 12-16 March.
Two wins in Pool B would all-but guarantee qualification for the Second Round of the competition, while one win would see Australia gain automatic qualification for the next World Baseball Classic which is scheduled to take place in 2021.
Stay tuned to Baseball Australia for ticketing information, as well as Australian Supporter Travel Packages from Sportslink International.
The St Kilda leadoff hitter did it all on Sunday, getting on base all five times and jump starting a third inning rally with a beautiful bunt single. In the end, left fielder Bryan Livett went 3-3 with two free passes. Third baseman Todd Clarkson was also excellent at the dish, knocking in two.
Continuing an early season trend all Saints reached base.
Jarrod MacEachern started for St Kilda, yielding nary a run through five. Making his pitching debut, Eduardo Escalona threw the final two frames.
Original report supplied by Robby Lewis of the St Kilda Baseball Club
Rain couldn’t mar this victory for the Rebels.
Stymied by precipitation throughout the game, Mulgrave nonetheless tallied in every inning (two in the second, six in the third and four in seventh, with all other frames featuring a single marker) to run away with the road win over Chelsea and remain unbeaten on the season.
Inverting their pitching rotation, Stuart Phillips started and Matthew Young closed out the game. At the plate, Ben Hardman again starred, slugging the Rebels first home run of the season.
Original report supplied by Lincoln Ladds of the Mulgrave Baseball Club
No Game Summary Provided.
Author: Zack McGuinness
Geelong 3 vs Cheltenham 2
No Game Summary Provided.
An impressive day on the mound for Andy Jones led Blackburn to a 10-4 win over Newport. Jones struck out 13 batters in 6.2 innings pitched while not allowing a run.
Offensively for the Orioles Jesse Barron recorded three hits, while Ryan Berg, David Dicker, Ross Hunter and Daniel Mack finished with two hits each.
Import Jimmy Jensen pitched 7.2 innings for Newport, allowing 13 hits for seven earned runs. Offensively, Tyson Foreman and James Walshe both finished with two RBIs for the Rams.
Melbourne had a strong day offensively as they commandingly defeated Preston 14-4. Despite registering 12 hits, Preston were unable to convert with runs.
Nine players received hits for Melbourne, including Matt Kent who hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning. Nathan Aron finished the day 3 from 5 while Scott Moore hit a triple.
Andy Mann pitched 5.1 innings for Melbourne, allowing seven hits for just the one run and striking out four batters.
The Moorabbin Panthers claimed a 3-1 win over Sandringham Sunday in a game that was won by impressive base running and lost through defensive errors.
Eight stolen bases for Moorabbin along with three infield errors from Sandringham were crucial for the Panthers in securing their sixth win of the season.
Moorabbin starter Josh Mulherin allowed just the three hits and one run through six innings of work, while Reed Mason started on the mound for Sandringham, allowing five hits and two runs in 5.1 innings.
Cain Bumpstead finished with three runs, three hits and four stolen bases for the Panthers.
The Fitzroy Lions 4-0 lead wasn’t enough in a game that was always threatened by rain, with Springvale mounting a three-run rally in the eight to ensure a tense finish as Fitzroy held on for a 6-3 win.
Fitzroy got out to an early lead with Ryan Mitchell hitting an inside the park home run with bases loaded and none out, an error from Springvale allowed Mitchell to cross the plate.
Springvale’s three-run rally in the eight wasn’t enough as the visiting Lions added two runs in the ninth, Reese Gregory finished things for Fitzroy in the ninth.
Essendon returned to the winners list this week with a 6-1 win over Waverly, as starter Gareth Formisano pitched seven dominant innings.
Formisano finished with four strike outs in seven innings pitched, allowing just three hits and no earned runs.
The Bombers provided Formisano with run support finishing with 10 hits for the day, including a two-run home run in the fourth from Jared Cruz.
Tyler Dale pitched four innings for Waverly, surrendering five hits for four earned runs while striking out one.
Evan Brisentine kept contact to a minimum, striking out seven Waverley batters, allowed one earned run on seven hits and one walk over seven innings.
The game was never in doubt after the fifth, as Melbourne scored one run on a single by Matt Blackmore.
Melbourne added three more runs in the bottom of the sixth. The inning looked promising, as Matt Kent singled, scoring Rob Hondromatidis and Adam Burton to kick things off. That was followed up by Oliver McMahon's single, scoring Nathan Aron.
The Sandringham Royals joined the winners circle again with a mid-week 4-1 win over Newport at Tulip Street, with a vocal crowd of supporters in attendance.
Branden Stenhouse pitched 5 strong innings for the win allowing 1 run from 4 hits, 4 strike-outs, and 2 walks. He was well supported by Kynan Wilcox [2 innings, 2 hits] and Jackson Boyd [1 inning, 1 hit].
The Royals bats got going again achieving 10 hits off veteran Newport pitcher David Asp. DH Jordy Barnett singled 3 times, and his brother Callum Barnett singled twice, for the Royals.
The Rams achieved 7 hits in the 8 innings, but made it very difficult for themselves committing 7 defensive errors.
Offensively, Newport finished Sunday’s contest with 13 hits to Moorabbin’s 7. The seventh inning proved to be a pivotal inning as Newport recorded four runs to stretch their lead.
Offensively, Newport finished Sunday’s contest with 13 hits to Moorabbin’s 7. The seventh inning proved to be a pivotal inning as Newport recorded four runs to stretch their lead.
In the late game at Altona, Tuesday night, the Royals went down to the Baycats 0 - 6. Veteran B
Following the announcement of dates for the 2017 Australian Little League Championships, Little League International has announced the following dates for the 2017 Little League ® World Series Tournaments.
Little League Baseball® World Series (August 17-27, 2017)
• Eligible Age: 10-11-12 year olds
• Location: South Williamsport, Pa. (Volunteer Stadium & Howard J. Lamade Stadium)
• History: 59th Season in South Williamsport; 71st Season Overall
• 2016 Champion: Mid-Atlantic Region - Maine-Endwell Little League (Endwell, N.Y.)
Junior League Baseball World Series (August 13-20, 2017)
• Eligible Age: 13-14 year olds
• Location: Taylor, Mich. (Heritage Park)
• History: 37th Season in Taylor; 37th Season Overall
• 2016 Champion: Asia-Pacific Region – Shing-Ming Junior Little League (Chinese Taipei)
Senior League Baseball World Series (July 30 – August 5, 2017)
• Eligible Age: 13-14-15-16 year olds
• Location: Easley, South Carolina, (Easley Recreation Complex)
• History: 1st Season in Easley; 57th Season Overall
• 2016 Champion: Central Region – Clear Ridge (Ill.) Little League
2016 saw the first time in Little League History that teams from Australia represented at the Senior League, Junior League and Little League Baseball World Series'. Cronulla took on the best of the best at the Junior League World Series, Hills played on the biggest stage at the Little League World Series, and the Southern Mariners made history, making the final of the Senior League World Series as the first Australian team ever to play at that level.
Stay tuned to www.littleleague.org.au for all of your Australian Little League information.