By Nina Zimmerman
TAYLOR, Mich. — Representing Australia in our first Junior League World Series, the team from Cronulla began the tournament against Asia-Pacific Region representative Chinese Taipei. Australia fell to the three-time reigning champions by a close final score of 5-1.
‘’[The team] came in relaxed, came in and really played. It just didn’t fall for us,” Head Coach Glen Humphry said. “We didn’t have any errors and made some great plays that kept us in it. The boys did extremely well. We haven’t had much game time at all since our tournaments [in Australia].”
Blake Cavill, one of five players on the roster who played in the Little League World Series last year, started the game for Australia and allowed three runs on two hits in 2.2 strong innings of work, striking out one batter and walking three.
Chinese Taipei struck first in the bottom of the second frame, taking a 1-0 lead. Huang Chao Wei led off the inning with a double to right field and stole third base, later scoring on Chang Yu Chun’s groundout to first base. The home team tacked on a pair of runs in the next inning on a two-out single off the bat of Lee Chen Hsun.
Australia answered in the top of the fourth frame, getting one run on the board and cutting Chinese Taipei’s lead to two runs. Cavill led off the inning with a walk and, one out later, advanced to third base on Jake Burns’ ground-ball single to shortstop. Next batter Bailey Curtis grounded out to first base, allowing Cavill to score Australia’s first run of the tournament.
In relief of Cavill, Joshua Pearl tossed 3.1 innings, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out three. Both Pearl and Cavill impressed on the mound, with Pearl throwing first-pitch strikes to nine of the 14 batters he faced and Cavill doing the same for seven of his 13.
However, the home side added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to increase the lead to 5-1. Australia had two runners on with two outs in the final inning, but new Chinese Taipei pitcher Huang induced a flyout to end the ballgame.
The game’s historical significance, as Australia’s first JLWS game and part of the first year in which Australia will send teams to the Senior, Junior, and Little League World Series, wasn’t lost on the team according to Humphry.
“The more kids and coaches we can get overseas, the better,” he said. “Unless you experience the rest of the world, you don’t know how hard you have to push.”
Australia’s next game of the double-elimination tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, 16 August at 4:00pm local time, which is 17 August at 6:00am AEST. The team will face off against Canada, Panama, or Mexico, depending on the results of the next two days.
Humphry said the team will also have the opportunity go to Detroit to see an MLB game between the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City, thanks in part to tickets donated by Aussie Royals pitcher Peter Moylan.
For the full JLWS tournament schedule, click here.
After an incredible performance by their Senior League counterparts, Australia competes in the Junior League World Series for the first time ever, and representing Australia at this tournament is NSW charter team, Cronulla.
2016 marks the first year that a team from Australia has automatically qualified for the Junior League World Series, with previous Australian champions having to make their way through the Junior League Asia-Pacific Championship to have a chance of participating in the Junior League World Series.
Cronulla come into the tournament with a number of young men already with international experience. Jake Burns, Luke Krkovski and Blake Cavill all represented Cronulla at the 2015 Little League World Series, with Cavill recently representing his country at the 2016 U15 World Cup in Japan.
Cronulla’s Head Coach Glen Humphry is excited about his team heading over to Taylor, Michigan.
“The team is in high spirits and are itching to get onto the diamond to take on the world’s best Junior League sides,” Humphry said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for these young players and for some, this will be their first trip overseas. It’ll be something they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
For Cronulla, the tests don’t get much bigger than Chinese Taipei, who they match up with in their opening game of the tournament. Teams representing Chinese Taipei have won the last three Junior League World Series tournaments, and for our boys from Cronulla, it’ll be a stern test straight out of the gates.
Coach Humphry is excited about the prospect of testing his team against the best in the world.
“We really do not have any expectations going into the tournament as it is all unknown being the first Australian side to attend,” Humphry said.
“It is very encouraging to see our Senior League team do so well maybe with some luck we will be able to get there too.”
Cronulla’s opening game of the tournament is at 2pm on Sunday August 14th (4am AEST, Sunday August 15th) against Chinese Taipei, and depending on their result in that game, could face either Europe Africa, or Latin America/Mexico in the next round.
Australia’s games are broadcast online, with the Junior League World Series Championship Game broadcast LIVE on ESPN.
Stay involved with Cronulla’s journey at the Junior League World Series at www.littleleague.org.au.
As a part of the ongoing review of the governance structure being conducted by Baseball Victoria’s (BV) Board and Management, BV would like to announce its unified “One Baseball” organisational structure which it will adopt moving forward.
BV will be divided into four main departments where professional staff will be employed as well as relying on the appointment of some key volunteer roles in each area to fully deliver and develop the sport across the state.
Corporate
General day-to-day running of the business including strategic and business planning, facilities, operations, employment, wages, finances, communications and marketing. This department is responsible for ensuring adequate strategies, processes and structures are in place to ensure the ongoing sustainability and growth of baseball in Victoria.
Game Development
The Game Development team is charged with ensuring our participation numbers continue to grow across all levels of the sport. This includes the delivery of competitions, entry levels programs, and school and community programs.
The team is also responsible for development of our people by overseeing umpiring, coaching and scorer’s courses, seminars and educational resources.
High Performance
This department will oversee the organisation and administration of Baseball Victoria’s High Performance Programs. This encompasses the Melbourne Aces but also includes; State programs, Aces Academy, Charter Academies and coach development.
Melbourne Aces
Following the recent announcement of Baseball Australia’s 100% stake in the Australian Baseball League (ABL), the Melbourne Aces have been incorporated into the BV structure. The Melbourne Aces team is responsible for game day and team operations as well as commercial revenue for the sport in Victoria.
See the full Baseball Victoria Organisational Structure
General Manager Ashley Blair says the adopted structure places BV the in the best possible position to continue to move the sport forward.
“All the changes we’ve made are for the benefit of baseball in Victoria.
“We’ve spent a number of months working through BV’s organisational structure and we feel these changes give us the best chance to continue to do that.”
The new structure will be supported by a number of Board Sub-Committees and Advisory Groups which will help shape the future of baseball in Victoria. This follows in the footsteps of the previously announced Women & Girls Advisory Group which is already start to do things out in the community.
BV President Myles Foreman says the structural changes are consistent with a whole of sport governance approach.
“We’re in the process now of taking expression of interest for a number of Advisory Groups.
“These reintroduced groups will assist in the integrations between BV and the Aces within specific operational areas of the business.
“Everything we’re putting in place is consistent with the strategic direction taken by the Board and about working collectively towards our goal of ‘Gain. Train. Retain’.”
View the full BV Sub-Committee and Advisory Group Structure
For baseball people who feel they could contribute to the ongoing development of the sport, BV is currently calling for applications for the Baseball Operations Advisory Group and Summer League Working Group.
For member Clubs and Associations and updates staff list has been provided below, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of current BV employees.
Staff LIST and contact details below:
As a part of the ongoing review of the governance structure being conducted by Baseball Victoria’s (BV) Board and Management, BV would like to announce its unified “One Baseball” organisational structure which it will adopt moving forward.
BV will be divided into four main departments where professional staff will be employed as well as relying on the appointment of some key volunteer roles in each area to fully deliver and develop the sport across the state.
Corporate
General day-to-day running of the business including strategic and business planning, facilities, operations, employment, wages, finances, communications and marketing. This department is responsible for ensuring adequate strategies, processes and structures are in place to ensure the ongoing sustainability and growth of baseball in Victoria.
Game Development
The Game Development team is charged with ensuring our participation numbers continue to grow across all levels of the sport. This includes the delivery of competitions, entry levels programs, and school and community programs.
The team is also responsible for development of our people by overseeing umpiring, coaching and scorer’s courses, seminars and educational resources.
High Performance
This department will oversee the organisation and administration of Baseball Victoria’s High Performance Programs. This encompasses the Melbourne Aces but also includes; State programs, Aces Academy, Charter Academies and coach development.
Melbourne Aces
Following the recent announcement of Baseball Australia’s 100% stake in the Australian Baseball League (ABL), the Melbourne Aces have been incorporated into the BV structure. The Melbourne Aces team is responsible for game day and team operations as well as commercial revenue for the sport in Victoria.
See the full Baseball Victoria Organisational Structure
General Manager Ashley Blair says the adopted structure places BV the in the best possible position to continue to move the sport forward.
“All the changes we’ve made are for the benefit of baseball in Victoria.
“We’ve spent a number of months working through BV’s organisational structure and we feel these changes give us the best chance to continue to do that.”
The new structure will be supported by a number of Board Sub-Committees and Advisory Groups which will help shape the future of baseball in Victoria. This follows in the footsteps of the previously announced Women & Girls Advisory Group which is already start to do things out in the community.
BV President Myles Foreman says the structural changes are consistent with a whole of sport governance approach.
“We’re in the process now of taking expression of interest for a number of Advisory Groups.
“These reintroduced groups will assist in the integrations between BV and the Aces within specific operational areas of the business.
“Everything we’re putting in place is consistent with the strategic direction taken by the Board and about working collectively towards our goal of ‘Gain. Train. Retain’.”
View the full BV Sub-Committee and Advisory Group Structure
For baseball people who feel they could contribute to the ongoing development of the sport, BV is currently calling for applications for the Baseball Operations Advisory Group and Summer League Working Group.
For member Clubs and Associations and updates staff list has been provided below, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of current BV employees.
Staff LIST and contact details below:
Corporate
High Performance
As a part of the ongoing review of the governance structure being conducted by Baseball Victoria’s (BV) Board and Management, BV is now calling for applications to join the Baseball Operations Advisory Group.
The ongoing key responsibilities of the Baseball Operation Advisory Group will include (but not be limited to) providing strategic direction in regard to the development of players and coaches in Victoria.
The group will assist the High Performance Manager in the development of a player development curriculum and be responsible for the development of the annual state-wide competition and tournament calendar for baseball in Victoria.
The BV General Manager in consultation with Scott Dawes, Director responsible for the Pathways, Competitions & Tournament Portfolio, will assess applications based on an applicant’s skills and expertise (both within and outside of baseball), capacity to assist and ability to work collaboratively without bias.
Read the FULL Baseball Operation Advisory Group Terms of Reference.
BV Director Scott Dawes says the formation of the group is a positive step for baseball in Victoria.
“It’s all about providing better pathways and giving our players and coaches the best opportunities to develop and succeed.
“We’ve all seen the recent success of our Charters and this is the next step towards building a stronger foundation for the sport in Victoria.”
Applications for positions are due by COB Friday 19 August.
Applications can be sent via Baseball Operation Coordinator Daniel Garrood at Daniel.garrood@baseballvictoria.com.au
After a historic 2016, Victoria’s Southern Mariners went above and beyond expectation at the Senior League Baseball Series in Bangor, Maine, making the Championship game and cementing themselves as the best Senior League Baseball team outside of the USA.
After a tough 13-8 loss to Central, a team from Chicago in the opening game of the tournament, the Mariners were forced to take the long road to the championship game, and came up against a talented Southwest team in the second game. Listed as pre-tournament favourites, Southwest scored an early run, and it took until the sixth inning for the Mariners’ bats to warm up, scoring two and taking a one run lead. The final inning was not without drama though, as with two out, a line drive from Southwest’s Jalen Battles gave Matthew Castro a chance to tie the ballgame up, however an incredible throw from Aiden Willis in centrefield was picture perfect, with catcher Ciaran Palmer making the tag for the third out, sealing a famous victory for the Southern Mariners.
The Mariners’ next test came against Latin America, and despite going down 6-1 in the second inning, the Southern Mariners showed their trademark grit and determination, piling on a run in each of their innings to secure a place in the Senior League Baseball World Series Preliminary Final. Jai Lyttleton was immense in relief for the Mariners after Latin America got on top early. Lyttleton threw 5.1 innings, mixed his pitches well and only gave up one earned run, a fantastic effort against a quality lineup.
As incredible as the journey to the Senior League World Series had been for the Mariners, the Preliminary Final against hometown team Maine will go down in history as one of the most remarkable Senior League World Series games ever. Down 6-2 in the bottom of the seventh, and only three outs away from elimination, the Mariners rallied and secured a 7-6 walk-off victory to seal a place in the Senior League World Series Championship game.
Following their historic Preliminary Final victory, the Mariners attended the Senior League World Series banquet, and the team was awarded the Daniel E. Clifford Memorial Sportsmanship Award. This coveted award was voted on by the umpires at the tournament, and is awarded on the criteria of ‘Play Hard, Play Fair & Have Fun’.
The Senior League World Series Championship game was broadcast live on ESPN, and despite falling 7-2 to Chicago’s Central team, will be remembered forever for the young men involved in the Southern Mariners.
It would be remiss not to make mention of Head Coach Jack Larner, who missed the Asia-Pacific and World Series tournaments with health issues. Following the Victorian Senior League Championship, Larner was diagnosed with cancer and was too unwell to travel to the tournaments. The Mariners had a photo of Larner in their dugout during each game of those tournaments, and was always present in the hearts and minds of the entire Mariners community during their games.
A massive thankyou must go to Rick Wills, the executive officer of the Southern Mariners, who provided some fantastic coverage and kept everyone in the Mariners community involved and informed during the various tournaments.
Congratulations to each and every young man that represented the Southern Mariners Baseball Charter during 2016, you have done yourselves, your community and your country proud.
After a tough selection camp for Head Coach Andy Kyle and crew on the Gold Coast last month, Australia’s U15 World Cup side headed to Iwaki, Japan for a stern test against some of the top nations in the world.
After an early loss against eventual silver medallists Japan and a disappointing defeat to the Czech Republic, Australia faced tournament winners Cuba, and put out one of their strongest performances of the tournament. Australia took an early lead through Matthew Martin’s RBI single, but Cuba struck back in the third, plating four runs. Australia went within one of World Champions Cuba in the 9th, but unfortunately couldn’t extend the game, falling 4-3 in a superb display of baseball.
A disappointing defeat to Colombia could’ve easily broken the confidence of the team heading into a crucial clash with South Korea, but in true Australian spirit, the team rallied and defeated South Korea 4-3 to claim their first win of the tournament. Jo Stevens claimed three hits and an RBI, while Maxim Watson and Blake Cavill shone out of the bullpen, combining for 6.2 shutout innings.
Australia then fought hard against 7th placed Chinese Taipei, ultimately falling 8-2. The penultimate game of the tournament for Australia game against New Zealand, and after going behind 8-5 after five innings, it seemed Australia were destined for defeat. However a remarkable comeback in the 6th saw Australia plate 14 runs to take a 19-8 lead. Another six runs came in the final few innings, with the final score reading 25-11. Caleb Shepherd had three hits and four RBIs, while Dylan Walsh and Ben Fierenzi picked up three RBIs each. After throwing two innings, Thomas Horne picked up an incredible five RBIs from his two hits.
Australia’s final game of the tournament game against Mexico, with Blake Cavill’s two RBIs and Tyson McKee’s three hits proving not enough, as Mexico scored three late runs to take an 8-5 victory.
Australia finished 11th for the tournament, and gained a valuable 73 WBSC world ranking points.
A massive thankyou must go to team Executive Officer Neil Barrowcliff, who provided detailed match reports and information as well as the contributors to the 2016 U15 Baseball Team Facebook page, which kept parents involved with fantastic photos and creating an identity for the team’s loved ones back in Australia.
Australia headed over to the Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, Maryland in 2016 with a couple of experienced heads, with WA boys Tyson Noel and Maddux Stivey representing the team at the 2015 edition.
Australia began their tournament with a tough 7-1 loss at the hands of New Zealand. This game was postponed due to rain, and completed a few days later than expected. Josh Beezley threw well for Australia, while Parker Robinson claimed Australia’s only RBI.
The second game saw Australia match up with Canada, and it was one of the most tightly fought games in the tournament. South Australia’s Robbie Brennan had a fantastic outing on the mound for Australia, giving up only one hit and striking out five Canadian hitters in his four innings on the mound. Brennan also claimed one of Australia’s five hits on the day. Despite out-hitting Canada 5-1, Australia couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, with Maddux Stivey nailing a double.
A slow start against Korea in the third game of the tournament proved costly for Australia, who eventually fell 8-4. Parker Robinson was instrumental in slowing down the South Korean offence, throwing three shutout innings, and striking out three hitters in a strong performance. Even though the Australia was down 8-0 heading into the final inning, they didn’t give up. Bradlee Marsh doubled to get the inning underway, and when Maddux Stivey singled to left field to drive in Josh Beezley for Australia’s fourth run of the inning, the confidence of the Australians was sky-high. Unfortunately the rally was left too late, and South Korea held on for a victory.
As the tournament continued, Australia continued to fight, but fell twice against two strong sides, one from Mexico, and the other from Ohio Valley.
Experience counts for everything at these tournaments, and from all reports, the experience for the Cal Ripken 2016 team was incredible.
A special congratulations must go to Maddux Stivey, who was named in the All-Defensive All Star Team at the tournament as the third baseman, a massive effort from a young man with a big future.
A massive thankyou to everybody providing coverage of the team’s efforts at the tournament, especially Steve Yeatman, the admin of the Facebook page ‘Cal Ripken Team Australia 2016’, who provided extensive coverage and went above and beyond to ensure the team’s experiences were documented.
The countdown is already on for the 2017 edition, where the world will come to play once again!
The Southern Mariners have capped a historic week at the Senior League World Series by winning the Daniel E. Clifford Memorial Sportsmanship Award.
The award is voted on by the umpires in attendance at the Tournament based on the criteria of "Play hard, play fair & have fun".
The Award is testament to this outstanding group of young men who have done their region, their country and their local clubs proud both on and off the field.
After qualifying for the Final in what was described as the'Game of the Tournament', the Mariners unfortunately fell short in the televised final, but not before making history as the Australian to team to qualify for the Senior League World Series and the first team representing the Asia-Pacific region to make the Senior League World Series final.
The Southern Mariners have gone down 7-2 against Central (Chicago) in a rain interrupted Senior League World Series Final.
The Mariners fell behind early, giving up four runs in the first two frames but unlike their semi-final heroics, there was to be no fairy tale comeback today.
The Mariners were able to claw one back in the third off the back off a Tim Lane sac fly and a Jack Dunn RBI single in the top of the seventh was as much offense as the Mariners could muster against a dominant pitching display from Central.
Central starter Zach Verta struck out eight hitters in his 5.2 innings on his way to the win while Jackson Boyd was charged with the loss.
The Southern Mariners are the first team from Australia to qualify for the Senior League World Series and the first team representing the Asia-Pacific region to make the final of the tournament.
Baseball Victoria Ashley Blair this morning said:
“The Southern Mariners have taken us on a fantastic journey this past week and we’ve enjoyed the ride.
“The players and coaches should be immensely proud of their efforts over the last few months as what they’ve managed to achieve has been nothing short of fantastic.
“Thank you to all the coaches who have volunteered their time to coach this team and to the parents for their support of these programs.”