When you polish a diamond, it shines.
Diamonds in the Rough debuted in May as an historic multi-partner sports diplomacy program in Indonesia. Led by 15 members of the Emeralds, the Australian women’s national baseball team, the program brought together baseball players, coaches, and community members to teach and learn crucial life skills both on and off the diamond. Over the course of the seven day initiative, more than 50 Indonesian girls, called Diamonds, participated in the programs and sessions coordinated by the Emeralds.
The program’s principal funding came through an Asian Sports Partnerships small grant, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s new sports diplomacy strategy. The grant relates closely to the second goal of the strategy, enhancing sport for development, and aimed to empower and teach Indonesian girls confidence, self-reliance, and teamwork through participation in a series of on-field baseball clinics and off-field activities. The Emeralds who led the programs set a lasting example of leadership and character.
“It was such a positive event for the girls,” said Arie, the mother of several of the participants. “Very beneficial from many different perspectives. Not only my girls learnt about baseball but many other things as well.”
Diamonds in the Rough is project managed by Aussie Hearts International Women’s Baseball, and is also supported in Australia by the NOMORE campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence and Baseball Australia. Locally, baseball school, The Hit Factory is the program’s major in-country partner, providing facilities and coaching for the clinics, and the Conference of Australian and Indonesian Youth (CAUSINDY) connected the program with a local women’s organization Soroptomist International and TelkomTelstra, the biggest bilateral partnership between Australia and Indonesia, who both helped to deliver part of the program.
“The Diamonds in the Rough program was not like anything I had ever experienced, it was so much more than another baseball trip,” said Victorian Bronwyn Gell. “The experience taught me so much about the world, about baseball, about the Indonesian culture and most surprisingly I learnt so much about myself.”
“It was the first time we have done something that was about building an understanding / relationship between two countries, talking about family violence, and growing the bond between our own team members,” added Victorian Shae Lillywhite.
As a way of further empowering women and challenging traditional gender norms, the Emeralds played several games against local men’s teams. Indonesia ranks 110th out of 188 nations in the world on the United Nations 2015 Human Development Report’s Gender Inequality Index, a metric that expresses the inequality in achievement between men and women in a given nation. This inequality is also visible in Indonesian women’s access to baseball; while younger girls can play once they reach 14 they are required to switch to softball, erroneously perceived as the female equivalent to baseball. As a result of these perceptions, the games against the men’s teams were critical moments for the Emeralds, program participants, and community members to transcend gender boundaries and find common ground on a diamond. One of the games even saw a male Indonesian ballplayer give his game jersey to the Emeralds after the game, in a traditional international sport gesture of respect.
One off-field aspect of the program centered on a lunch and panel discussion that featured several Emeralds players and two female executives from Telkomtelstra sharing their experiences of how they overcame challenges both personally and professionally. The Diamonds also participated in goal discovery sessions, in which they were encouraged to think about their future potential without the obstacles created by gender barriers.
Based on post-event data, the program had an immediate impact on the self-confidence of the Diamonds. Prior to the start of the program, 36 percent of the Diamonds agreed that they will be able to reach their goals. After the program, that number jumped to 47 percent. Similarly, nine percent of Diamonds thought they are as smart as others before the program; afterwards, 20 percent believed this same fact to be true. This sense of confidence also translated to Diamonds’ perceptions of themselves in the classroom. After the program, 33 percent strongly agreed that they can understand the ideas and skills taught at school, compared with just 18 percent before the program.
“[I’m] happy for the opportunity given for the girls,” said Anisa, the mother of Nasya, one of the Diamonds. “Not only they had the chance to learn new and effective approaches in baseball basic skills, they also got to learn about self-consciousness as girls, as part of the community and knowing that they have the right and pride to choose and to defend themselves in the most positive ways.”
As much as it mattered to the Diamonds, the experience was just as unforgettable for the Emeralds.
“Hearing inspiring stories from women who have pursued and have succeeded against their own challenges and inspiring young girls to follow their dreams was not only thoroughly enjoyable, but a rewarding and a challenging experience that I would love to be a part of in the future,” Lillywhite said.
“I have come home feeling so inspired, and I find myself seeking opportunities where I can do more,” Gell said. “The Indonesian girls inspired me and I still keep in touch with some of them who tell me every day that they miss us.”
Gell, Lillywhite and the Emeralds won’t have to wait long to see their new Indonesian friends again. After the first successful run of Diamonds in the Rough, programming continues for the Diamonds in July, and the Emeralds will return in the first week of November to undertake a similarly structured program.
Baseball Victoria would like to announce the tryout dates for the 2017 State Teams.
All trials will be held at Melbourne Ballpark you will receive an email with confirmation of your first session time. Any player wishing to tryout for the teams are reminded that they must register via the link below. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER.
Under 18 Blue and White Teams
Tryout 1 | Saturday 15 October
Tryout 2 | Wednesday 19 October
Tryout 3 | Wednesday 26 October
Tryout 4 | Saturday 29 October
Under 16 Blue and White Teams
Tryout 1 | Saturday 15 October
Tryout 2 | Saturday 22 October
Tryout 3 | Saturday 29 October
Player Eligibility
All players MUST meet the following requirements:
Hold a current membership with a Baseball Victoria club and be registered with a Baseball Victoria club;
Meet the age requirements for each National Championships;
Under 16 - born in 2001 or 2002
Under 18 - born in 1999 or 2000
Be prepared to pay the specified levy in full prior to arrival at the National Championships.
Uphold all parts of the Baseball Australia and Baseball Victoria Code of Conduct
Complete the forms required by both Baseball Australia and Baseball Victoria (to be distributed by the EO);
Purchase the required uniform and clothing through Baseball Victoria's supplier, and wear as stipulated within Baseball Victoria policies and as directed by team staff;
You must attend selection trials as set out above and all further sessions as advised; and
All participants wishing to be considered for selection must compete in a Baseball Victoria sanctioned competition in 2016 Winter Season or 2016/17 Summer Season.
Uniform and Equipment
All players are requested not to wear a club or association uniform cap or top. Please wear suitable baseball clothing and a training top or tee-shirt
Players need to bring all personal baseball equipment for their positions including, gloves, helmet, bat, full catcher’s equipment, etc.
Drinks and sunscreen is not supplied during the trials.
The Northern Diamondbacks Charter is currently looking for people who are interested in getting involved in the coaching side of the Diamondbacks Academy.
Paul Brown is the current Head Coach and is looking for assistants interested in developing their baseball coaching.
This is a great opportunity for Club coaches to develop and take what they learn back to the Club teams.
Current players are also encouraged to apply and learn the coaching side of baseball. Equally, coaches who have started out or just are there to help Club teams would also benefit with coaching accreditations available via the academy.
Register your expression of interest here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQKLP2W
The All-Star coaches will be chosen from the coaches participating on game days and at Academy level.
For 10 selected athletes, their upcoming journey to the United States as members of the World Select Team highlights continued growth and support of youth programs from Major League Baseball (MLB).
Following the success of the Major League Baseball Australian Academy Program (MLBAAP) and the MLB spring training tour, MLB has invited 10 of the best and brightest Baseball Australia (BA) athletes to be a part of the World Select Team.
The World Select team is a 30-player squad comprised of players from MLB academy programs from all over the world. The intention is to showcase the baseball talent that countries have to offer and provide opportunities for these players to continue their baseball careers.
These 10 young men will play a series of games against college programs in Memphis, Tennessee as well as take part in the prestigious Arizona Senior Fall Classic during October. In the process, they’ll be opening doors for future generations of baseball players from Australia.
The Arizona Senior Fall Classic is a one of a kind event based in Phoenix, Arizona, and showcases the potential superstars of the future in one of the best ‘Fall Showcases’ in the USA. Each year, scouts from MLB teams as well as college recruiters from all over the country venture to the showcase in hopes of finding top quality prospects for their professional and collegiate programs.
As well as showcasing the players, Baseball Australia will have a representative on the ground at the Arizona Fall Classic to foster relationships with college and professional scouts, giving future prospective players more resources to develop their game in the best possible environment.
One Baseball Australia representative on the ground is BA’s Head of High Performance Glenn Williams, and ensuring the future of Australian baseball is high on the list of priorities for him.
“This tour is a massive step forward for the future of baseball in Australia. This trip is the first of its kind, and Baseball Australia is ecstatic to have been invited to take part” Williams said.
"Its always difficult selecting players for opportunity like this. We consulted widely with HPM’s and National team staff in regards to players who would benefit most from this trip. BA recognise the college pathway as an avenue for Australian players to continue their development while receiving an education. Our intention is to develop relationships with college programs that will allow more Australian players access to the pathway. These 10 very fortunate young men will be the examples of what Australia has to offer.”
Developing strong relationships with college programs will also have a major impact on our National team’s chances of success at International tournaments. With the 2020 Olympics firmly in our sights, it has never been more important to ensure that our best players are available for tournaments that affect our chances to gain World Ranking Points.
“To have MLB’s continual support of Australian baseball is fantastic. The athletes will gain valuable experience on-field, and off-field.”
Congratulations to the following players who have been selected into the initial World Select Team;
• Jess Williams (WA)
• Matt Beattie (VIC)
• Oliver Dunn (VIC)
• Nic Anderson-Vine (NSW)
• Mitch Edwards (ACT)
• Luke Cronan (QLD)
• Josh Bedggood (QLD)
• Jordon Thomson (QLD)
• Luke Turner (QLD)
• Jordan McArdle (SA)
Stay tuned to baseball.com.au and the Baseball Australia Facebook page for updates on the progress of the World Select Team.
Baseball Australia is pleased to announce the coaching staff and groups for the upcoming WBSC U-23 World Cup in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Australia has been drawn in Group B, with the top three teams in each group progressing to the Super Round. Japan and Chinese Taipei will serve as Australia’s toughest opponents, while the group is rounded out by Nicaragua, Argentina and Austria.
Leading the team will be long-time Team Australia coach Tony Harris, who continues his affiliation with the national team program after returning from Honkbalweek in The Netherlands during July.
Joining Harris will be Team Australia manager Jon Deeble. Deeble’s role as bench coach at the U23 World Cup will give him a great opportunity to focus on the development of these prospective Team Australia members in the future.
Luke Prokopec joins the coaching staff as a pitching coach after spending time in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed pitcher. Prokopec had a stint with the Toronto Blue Jays and LA Dodgers during his time in the MLB.
The final member of Harris’ coaching staff for the U23 World Cup is Sydney Blue Sox Manager Jason Pospishil. Pospishil has been involved with countless development programs including the MLB Australian Academy Program.
The support staff is rounded out by physiotherapist Ben Onofrio and executive officer Mark Chandler.
Baseball Australia’s Head of High Performance Glenn Williams is excited to see the team perform in Mexico.
“This tournament is really important for our future high performance endeavours,” Williams said.
“This is an important cycle for the national team program with the World Baseball Classic coming up soon. The team’s performance at the U23 World Cup is critical for our World Ranking, we’re looking forward to seeing how the team executes."
The U23 World Cup will begin on the 28th of October, with the Championship Game being held on the 7th of November.
To stay in touch with roster announcements, live-streaming schedules and more, visit baseball.com.au or head to the Team Australia Baseball Facebook page.
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach – Tony Harris
Bench Coach – Jon Deeble
Pitching Coach – Luke Prokopec
Assistant Coach – Jason Pospishil
Physiotherapist – Ben Onofrio
Executive Officer – Mark Chandler
U-23 WORLD CUP GROUPS
|
GROUP A |
GROUP B |
|
Mexico (#8) |
Japan (#1) |
|
Korea (#3) |
Chinese Taipei (#4) |
|
Venezuela (#7) |
Australia (#13) |
|
Czech Republic (#14) |
Nicaragua (#18) |
|
Panama (#15) |
Argentina (#27) |
|
South Africa (#36) |
Austria (#33) |
GROUP A
GROUP B
Mexico (#8)
Japan (#1)
Korea (#3)
Chinese Taipei (#4)
Venezuela (#7)
Australia (#13)
Czech Republic (#14)
Nicaragua (#18)
Panama (#15)
Argentina (#27)
South Africa (#36)
Austria (#33)
*Numbers denote world ranking
Stewart Howe
Stewart Howe has taken in the role of Umpires Coordinator with Baseball Victoria.
Stewart will oversee the appointment of umpires to Victorian Summer Baseball League games as well as have a focus on recruitment, development and retention of new umpires across the state.
Having started umpiring in 1982, Stewart’s umpiring credentials are seriously impressive and have included more than 5,300 games of baseball.
On a National and International level, Stewart’s umpiring resume reads:
Samantha Creed
Samantha Creed has taken in the role of Operations Coordinator with Baseball Victoria, a role which has recently become vacant with Daniel Garrood.
Samantha comes from a basketball background where she represented both Victoria and Australia before attending Newberry College in the USA on a sporting scholarship. While at Newberry she completed a Bachelor of Sports Management (Minors in Business and Psychology). While attending Newberry she was also awarded the Female Athlete of the Year award in 2015.
Samantha will starts with Baseball Victoria on Monday 19 September.
Simeon Pantelich
Simeon Pantelich has taken in the role of Membership and Game Day Coordinator with the Melbourne Aces.
Simeon Holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne and Bachelor of Sports Management from the University of Ballarat. His experience in sport ranges from developing an American Football team in Ballarat to working within Stadium Operations with AAA Minor League Baseball Organisation, the Syracuse Chiefs.
Simeon takes over much of the role Christie filled last season and begins work on Wednesday 21 September.
Chelsea Newgard
Chelsea Newgard is joining the team to assist with Ticketing and Membership sales for the Melbourne Aces until the end of the 2016/17 season.
Chelsea hails from the USA and has most recently worked in Ticket Operations with the Everett AquaSox, a minor league team of the Seattle Mariners. Chelsea has also worked in Ticket Operations for the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA team) as well as at the University of Portland where she attended college and studied Global Business. This is not Chelsea’s first time to Australia as she previously studied at the University of Notre Dame in Perth in 2013.
Chelsea will start at Baseball Victoria on Wednesday 21 September.
Michelle Brewster
Michelle Brewster has taken in the role of Commercial Manager and will work across both Baseball Victoria and the Melbourne Aces.
Michelle is no stranger to Baseball Victoria or the Melbourne Aces having worked in various capacities across both Organisations for a number of years with her main role this season focussed around creating new commercial partnerships and servicing existing sponsors.
Michelle has already started work across both Baseball Victoria and the Melbourne Aces and with the new ABL season fast approaching, has created a mini-site with details about opportunities at the Melbourne Aces this season. You can view the site here.
Cheltenham’s Jack Enciondo has been nominated in the NJCCA Region 5 All-Star team to play in the Texas-New Mexico Junior College Baseball Association All Star Game in Brennan, Texas this weekend.
Injuries have unfortunately ruled Jack out of the game but that does not detract from the honour of being selected for the game.
After being selected along with two of his Hill College teammates, a niggling arm injury led to a joint decision between Jack and his coaching staff to withdraw from the game and concentrate on getting ready for the start of the College season.
Congratulations Jack and we all look forward to seeing how your progress this coming season.
After a successful pilot program in 2014 and rapid growth in 2015, two Victorian Baseball Clubs have joined forces to offer Tball Smash in 2016.
It’s great to see the program take the next step in its growth" commented head of Tball Smash, AJ Baillargeon.
"Last year Research-Lower Plenty had a fantastic year in terms of registrations, which has led to them fielding two new Little League minor teams for 2017.”
“To have an iconic club like the Fitzroy Baseball Club join the program this year demonstrates there is an appetite for clubs to work together to attract new families to the sport of baseball."
By joining the Tball Smash program, clubs enjoy the benefits of shared marketing tools such as posters, flyers, Facebook advertisements, and most importantly one central website.
"Having www.tballsmash.com.au as our go to place for our customers is a big step in increasing our visibility to "non-baseball" families in our communities" added Baillargeon.
"It's 2016: a centralised website is no longer a nice to have. If we want to be an option for families to consider for their children, it's mandatory for us to be easily found and make it as simple as possible for them to find us."
"We have also tried to create as much consistency as possible for participants, while allowing each club to have the flexibility of putting their own touches on the program."
Tball Smash includes a similar pricing structure regardless of which club families join. The programs are run at the same time of the year (but on different nights) and all participants receive the same starter pack, including Tball Smash tops and hats.
"From a club perspective, we know how much work each of us put into recruiting families at a grassroots level.”
“By having one marketing kit, it saves hours of many volunteers designing new marketing materials every year. There are also financial benefits when it comes to buying kits and uniforms when we are buying in bulk."
Baillargeon hopes that this year is yet another springboard to growing our sport across the state.
"We know we will learn a lot by working with both clubs. We hope this puts us in a better position to grow the program through more clubs in 2017."
To learn more about Tball Smash visit www.tballsmash.com.au.
If your club is interested in learning more about how it can benefit from the program, contact AJ Baillargeon on 0423 782 970 or baillargeon_aj@hotmail.com
Baseball Victoria is happy to announce the following Head Coaches to lead our U16 and U18 Victorian Aces teams into the 2017 National Championships.
In addition to the announcement, Baseball Victoria would also like to note that we are currently taking applications for two Assistant Coach roles to work with the U18 and U16 White teams for the 2017 Championships.
