Baseball Victoria, Author at Baseball Victoria

Peter Giles is hosting a US college pathway information session on Sunday the 29th of May at the Sandringham Baseball Club.

This session is to provide players and parents with the necessary steps needed to gain exposure to College coaches and the process involved.

This information session is available to anyone.

Please contact Peter Giles on 0415 283 806 if you have any questions.

This is not a Baseball Victoria event.

Please find the attached flier below for all the information you will need.

This session is to provide players and parents with the necessary steps needed to gain exposure to College coaches and the process involved.

This information session is available to anyone.

Please contact Peter Giles on 0415 283 806 if you have any questions.

This is not a Baseball Victoria event.

Please find the attached flier below for all the information you will need.

CONSOLATION GAME – 10am – Diamond 2

Eastern Athletics vs. Central Coast
In a re-match of the opening game of the tournament, Central Coast and the Eastern Athletics match up on Diamond 2. Central Coast took that game 7-6 and will look to bounce back after dropping their qualifying final against Eastern Phantoms.

SEMI FINAL – 10.15am – Diamond 1

Adelaide Titans vs. Southern Mariners
Jack O’Loughlin lead the Adelaide Titans to victory in their qualifying final after throwing six innings for one earned run. They will be have to be at their best though, as they take on the Southern Mariners, who are one of two undefeated teams in the tournament. The Mariners took care of Cronulla 9-1 in today’s qualifying final.

CONSOLATION GAME – 12.15pm – Diamond 3

Manly vs. Adelaide Armada
Manly secured their first win of the tournament in a dominant 11-1 performance over Eastern Athletics in the opening game of day four. The Adelaide Armada fought tooth and nail in their qualifying final loss to their SA counterparts, the Adelaide Titans.

CONSOLATION GAME – 12.45pm – Diamond 2

Cronulla vs. Brisbane South
Cronulla were beaten 9-1 by the Southern Mariners in today’s qualifying final, and will look to lift their offensive output. Brisbane South’s pitching staff will be fresh after a complete game from Duane Johannsen yesterday. Brisbane South took a narrow 2-1 loss against Hills in the qualifying final today and will be out to prove their worth in their consolation game.

SEMI FINAL – 1pm – Diamond 1

Hills vs. Eastern Phantoms
Eastern Phantoms took care of a tough Central Coast side to qualify for the semi final and maintain their undefeated record in the tournament. Hills will have some pitching left after Liam Holm threw a complete game in their semi-final victory.

SEMI FINAL – 10.15am – Diamond 1

CONSOLATION GAME – 12.15pm – Diamond 3

CONSOLATION GAME – 12.45pm – Diamond 2

SEMI FINAL – 1pm – Diamond 1

Eastern Athletics vs. Manly
In the opening game of the day on Diamond 3, Manly took on Eastern Athletics in the early morning chill, and it was the Eastern Athletics who came out hot, defeating Manly 11-1. Blake Townsend weaved a web on the mound for the Athletics throwing a complete game, conceding no earned runs and striking out five. James Wosltencroft continued his strong tournament, driving in another two RBIs for the Athletics. Josh Gessner threw his heart out for Manly, throwing a mammoth 99 pitches in four innings of work. Thomas Amir’s patience at the plate was notable, drawing two walks for Manly.

Brisbane South vs. Hills
In the first of the qualifying finals, an old school pitchers duel ensued, with Liam Holm’s Hills side just getting the better of Brisbane South 2-1. Holm threw a complete game, only conceding three hits and striking out eight Brisbane South batters. His opposite number, Brisbane’s Duane Johannsen also threw a complete game, striking out five batters in a tight tussle worthy of a final. Hills’ Lachlan McCarthy was the only player to have a multi-hit game, going 3-for-3 with an RBI.

Southern Mariners vs. Cronulla
The undefeated Southern Mariners took on Cronulla on Diamond 1, and the Mariners proved too strong, taking out Cronulla 9-1 and qualifying for the Semi Finals on Wednesday. Lead by a strong starting pitching outing from Jayson Arthur (5IP, 6K, 0ER), the Mariners offence was rolling, with eight of the nine hitters in the starting lineup picking up a hit. Batting in the nine hole, Rydge Hogan proved tough to handle, picking up two hits and three RBIs for the Mariners. 2.2 innings of strong relief from Cronulla’s Simon Parker wasn’t enough though, as the consistency from the Mariners shone through.

Adelaide Armada vs. Adelaide Titans
After their victory over the Adelaide Armada, the Adelaide Titans will take on the Southern Mariners in the second semi final after a 3-1 win. Jack O’Loughlin threw six strong innings for the Titans, striking out nine and only conceding one earned run. In another tough game for the hitters, only six total batters managed hits. Austin McClure threw extremely well for the only giving up two hits in six innings of work.

Eastern Phantoms vs. Central Coast
The Eastern Phantoms took care of Central Coast 4-1 on the main diamond in the second qualifying final. After a near perfect performance in pool play, short stop Jess Williams had two RBIs and showed plenty of speed around the base paths to claim two triples. Proving his all-around ability on the mound, Williams also struck out five Central Coast hitters in the most complete performance of the tournament so far. Central Coast’s Thomas Holland gave it all he had on the mound, throwing a complete game and picking a hit and an RBI as well.

Adelaide Titans take on the Southern Mariners at 10am today in the first semi final, while the Hills will look to ruin the Eastern Phantoms undefeated run in the second semi final at 1pm.

Stay up to date with everything #AustSLChamps by keeping connected through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The 2016 Girls and Women’s Winter Academy is set up for success with a fantastic array of coaches having committed to the program. The three head coaches of the academy are Samantha Hamilton, Simone Wearne and Dean Anglin. Together the three bring a wealth of experience and are excited for the opportunity to pass on their knowledge to all the participants involved in the program. Beyond these three Baseball Victoria are privileged to have gained access to an exceptional group of assistant coaches to pass on their knowledge and provide guidance to the participants of the 2016 Women’s and Girls’ Academy.

Ashley Blair, General Manager of Baseball Victoria is thrilled with the announcement.

“The experience, knowledge and skills these coaches will bring to the academy will prove invaluable to the large number of women and girls who have expressed interest in taking part. The baseball community in Victoria is lucky to have access to such a fantastic mix of coaches in all levels of the sport.”

Eighty women and girls have expressed an interest and due to such high demand and spread of players, we have divided the academy into 3 locations to be inclusive to all. The three locations are La Trobe on a Monday night, Springvale on a Thursday night and Melbourne Ballpark on a Friday night. At each of the locations Youth girls will train from 5.30-7.30pm and then senior Women will work out from 7.30-9.30pm.

The aim of the academy is to support each participant along a player pathway addressing all areas of the game over an eight week period. Each location will follow the same structure designed to provide all female baseball players in Victoria with the opportunity to develop individual skills through a deliberate volume based program. Baseball Victoria hope to see participants take their new knowledge and skills back to clubs, into the state program, and look forward to seeing many Victorians to go on to represent their country.

Please see below for biographies of each coach:

Samantha Hamilton:

A member of the inaugural Australian team in 2001, Hamilton competed in every World Series (2001-2004) and was one of just six players worldwide to have contested at all five IBAF World Cups (2004-2012). At a state level, she has claimed 11 national titles with Victoria in 16 years (1999-2014). In 2005, Hamilton also received a college scholarship to play Baseball for Wellness College in Tokyo, Japan. Hamilton has not only made her mark in the baseball world as a player but also as a coach being the Head Coach for the Doncaster Women’s Program for the past 13 years. This year Hamilton is again an assistant coach for the Diamond Valley U18 team, and was an Assistant Coach for the 2014 and 2015 Australian U18 Women’s Teams. In 2011, Hamilton was voted by the Victorian baseball community as Coach of the Year.

Simone Wearne:

A 9 time Victorian representative with 8 national titles, Wearne brings a great amount of experience and knowledge to the 2016 Victorian Women’s Girls’ Academy. Including, a Gold Medal at the 2002 World Series in Florida, Wearne earnt her appearance in the Green and Gold 11 times throughout her playing career. In 2012, Wearne was inducted into the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame shortly after hanging up the boots. Not long after, Wearne was back in the Green and Gold making her impact off the field as part of the coaching staff. Wearne was the pitching coach of the 2012 Australian Women’s team and has gone on to be Head Coach of the 2014 and current Australian Emeralds, managing the team to a Bronze medal at the 2014 IBAF World Cup. Wearne is a long-time Coach and Tour leader with Aussie Hearts, since it began in 2005, providing opportunities for girls and women of all abilities to travel the world to train and play baseball.

Dean Anglin:

Current Victorian Women’s Head Coach, Anglin has been involved with the Victorian Women’s Baseball Team for the last 8 years, and counting. Anglin coached the team to two Bronze medals, three Silver medals, claimed 2 Gold medals as assistant coach and most meaningfully managed the team to a National Title in 2011. Anglin is involved at Newport Baseball Club where he plays and coaches division one baseball. Anglin is a great advocate for women’s baseball and sport, being the CEO of Basketball Geelong, Anglin tirelessly provides opportunities for females within baseball to excel to their full potential. Anglin has been coaching baseball for 20 years now and made a significant impact at the grassroots level when Victoria held their very first Junior Girls Baseball Interstate Tournament in 2007.

Other coaching staff that Baseball Victoria are privileged to have involved are:

- Shae Lillywhite, Amy McCann, Alex Da Silver, Ursula Howard, Erin Peterson, Abe Reiko, Risa, Tanaka, Joe Michaud, Abbey McLellan and Miffanwy Smith.

Shae Lillywhite is the Head Coach of the Springvale Women’s Program and an infielder with the Australian Women’s National Baseball Team. In 2006, Lillywhite was named in the All-Star team as the second baseman. Shae most recently managed the Girls Southern Mariners team to victory at the first Girls Charter State Championships this year. Amy McCann is an Outfield and hitting specialist, being the Australian starting Centerfielder for many years. In 2004, McCann was named in the Women’s World Series All World Team and was named in the 2006 All-Star team as an outfielder. McCann was named Baseball Australia's Female Player of the Year in 2006. Alex Da Silver played in the ABL with the Melbourne Aces and signed professionally as a pitcher with Los Angeles Angles in 2011.

Ursula Howard has played and coached at the state level for nine years. Howard was the Head Coach of the Girls Eastern Athletics team who represented at the first Girls Charter State Champs. Erin Peterson is a Victorian women’s baseball representative, claiming National Titles in 2011 and 2013. Peterson debuted for Australia in 2014 at the IBAF World Cup in Canada. Paul Hung was a former Assistant Coach of the Victorian Youth Women’s Team and member of Baseball Victoria’s Women and Girls Working Group. Abe Reiko is a left handed utility player visiting Australia from Japan to play baseball and study. Reiko is very keen to help the growth of baseball here in Victoria.

Risa Tanaka moved from Japan to Australia to live up her international baseball dream.Tanaka has been a member of the Victorian Women’s Team for the past 2 years as a pitcher and infielder. Joe Michaud is a former Victorian Women’s pitching coach and long-time utility player. Bronwyn Gell represented Australia at 3 IBAF Women’s World Cups (2010-2014) as the starting short stop. Gell has been selected in the 2016 Emeralds training squad. Abbey McLellan is a current member of the 2016 Emeralds training squad. Lynn Fraser has been involved in Women’s baseball since it established in 1994. President of Footscray Baseball Club and member of Baseball Victoria’s Women and Girls Working Group. Miffanwy Smith is a former Victorian Youth Women’s assistant coach.

If you have not confirmed your registration or did not receive the registration form to accept a place in the 2016 Women’s and Girls’ Academy, please click the link below and you will be able to download it.

Please send the registration form to bronwyn.gell@baseballvictoria.com.au to secure your place.

The pool play has finished, and it's time to get down to finals play at the 2016 Australian Senior League Championship. Check out the match previews below;

CONSOLATION GAME 1
(9) Eastern Athletics vs. (10) Manly - 9.15am

After a tough few days of pool play, Eastern Athletics and Manly face off in the first game of the day on Diamond 3. Both teams went through the pool play winless and will be keen to bounce back on the first day of finals. Eastern Athletics' pitcher Blake Hodgson struck out 10 in his outing earlier in the week and may see some action on the mound, and look for both teams to show some speed on the base paths, with Manly's Ryan Haworth (4) and the Athletics' Luke Cartwright (3) both in the top 10 for stolen bases.

QUALIFYING FINAL GAME 3
(3) Brisbane South vs. (6) Hills - 10am

Both Brisbane South and Hills registered two wins during pool play, and this game is shaping up as a very interesting game of baseball. Brisbane South beat Manly in the final game of pool play to qualify, while Hills have shown a little more consistency in their performances this week. Hayden Lyberopoulos (5) and Liam Holm (5) sit in the top five for RBIs after pool play and will be a force to reckoned with for the Brisbane South pitching staff. Look for Conor Laverty to perform for Brisbane South. Laverty sits in the top five for strikeouts and RBIs, making him a dangerous two-way prospect.

QUALIFYING FINAL GAME 1
(2) Southern Mariners vs. (7) Cronulla - 10.15am

The Southern Mariners come into the finals as one of only two undefeated teams, with their hitting depth and consistent pitching a highlight. Willis, Meyer, Arthur and Lyttleton have combined for a mammoth 20 RBIs for the Mariners, and with a WHIP of 0.7, Jai Lyttleton may see some action on the mound tomorrow. Cronulla has the leaders in stolen bases (Zane Ross, 5) and hits (Darcy Edwards, 9) and as the final NSW team to qualify, have a point to prove on day one of finals.

QUALIFYING FINAL GAME 4
(4) Adelaide Armada vs. (5) Adelaide Titans - 12.45pm

Both South Australian teams match up in a mouth-watering qualifying final on Diamond 2. The Armada will be looking to bounce back after being defeated by the Titans in the South Australian Senior League Championship earlier in the year. We may see Jack O'Loughlin on the mound for the Titans, and after 11 strikeouts in four innings earlier in the week, Jack may prove the difference between the sides. Look for Mason Clavell to fire for the Armada after a massive home run on the final day of pool play, and with Harry Knuckey's speed on the base paths, this final is shaping as one of the tournament highlights.

QUALIFYING FINAL GAME 2
(1) Eastern Phantoms vs. (8) Central Coast

The highest ranked team heading into the finals, Eastern Phantoms will take plenty of confidence heading into the first day of finals. Jess Williams has been one of the tournament's best so far, with 7 RBIs (tournament leader), a home run, three stolen bases and with a .375 average, he'll be of particular interest to Central Coast heading into this game. For the Coasties, Rhys Neuhold and Anthony Moanaroa-Taylor have combined for 14 hits while Bryce Calderon has 6 RBIs, only one behind Jess Williams. Thomas Holland has struck out seven during pool play and may be seen on the mound for Central Coast.

Stay in touch with all of the finals action from the #AustSLChamps by keeping connected through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

*Numbers in brackets denotes seeding after pool play.

RBIs
7 – Jess Williams (EP)
6 - Darcy Edwards (CS)
6 - Bryce Calderon (CC)
5 - Hayden Lyberopoulos (H)
5 - Liam Holm (H)
5 - Mason Clavell (AA)
5 - Heath Fisher (CS)
5 - Aiden Willis (SM)
5 - Joshua Meyer (SM)
5 - Jayson Arthur (SM)
5 - Jai Lyttleton (SM)
5 - Callum MacDonald (BS)
5 - Jayson Miller (EP)

Hits
9 - Darcy Edwards (CS)
8 – Jack Dormor (H)
7 - Rhys Neuhold (CC)
7 - Anthony Moanaroa-Taylor (CC)
7 - Conor Laverty (BS)
6 – Alex Hall (EP)
6 - Jayson Miller (EP)
6 – Jess Williams (EP)
6 – Jayson Arthur (SM)
6 – Harrison Knuckey (AA)
6 – Liam Holm (H)
6 – Hayden Lyberopoulos (H)
6 – Luke Passmore (H)

Stolen Bases
5 – Zane Ross (CS)
4 – Ryan Haworth (M)
4 – Nicholas Anderson-Vine (CC)
4 – Harrison Knuckey (AA)
3 – Jack Fishburn (H)
3 – Rhys Neuhold (CC)
3 – Luke Cartwright (EA)
3 – Aiden Willis (SM)
3 – Jorden Barnett (SM)
3 – Conor Laverty (BS)
3 – Jess Williams (EP)

Strikeouts
11 – Jack O’Loughlin (AT)
10 – Blake Hodgson (EA)
8 – Conor Laverty (BS)
7 – Thomas Holland (CC)
6 – Liam Holm (H)
6 – Jake Heazle (BS)
6 – Callum Pike (BS)

WHIP
0 (1IP) – Luke Passmore (H)
0 (1IP) – Jordan Barnett (SM)
0.5 (4IP) – Jack O’Loughlin (AT)
0.5 (1IP) – Andrew Cusick (BS)
0.66 (6IP) – Conor Laverty (BS)
0.7 (5.3IP) – Jai Lyttleton (SM)
0.75 (4IP) – Jack Stead (AT)
0.85 (2.3IP) – Declan Croker (SM)
0.88 (3IP) – Mason Talbot (EP)
0.94 (5.1IP) Callum Park (AA)

Strikeouts
11 – Jack O’Loughlin (AT)
10 – Blake Hodgson (EA)
8 – Conor Laverty (BS)
7 – Thomas Holland (CC)
6 – Liam Holm (H)
6 – Jake Heazle (BS)
6 – Callum Pike (BS)

Cronulla vs. Adelaide Titans

The opening game on day three saw Cronulla take on the Adelaide Titans on Diamond 3, and it was the Titans who got the win 7-5 in an entertaining game of baseball. After an incredible pitched performance on day one, Jack O’Loughlin is proving a menace with bat in hand also, nailing two hits and picking up two RBIs in a powerful display of hitting. Jack Stead impressed on the mound for the Titans in his start, giving up only one earned run through four innings of work, and striking out five strikeouts in the process. Zane Ross showed patience and power at the plate for Cronulla, going 2-for-2 with an RBI and drawing two walks.

Southern Mariners vs. Manly

In another unique game of baseball, Manly skipped away early to a 7-1 lead against the undefeated Southern Mariners, but the Mariners pulled back the lead and then some, defeating Manly 17-7 after scoring a mammoth 16 runs in the 5th and 6th innings. Sam Hurwit struck early for Manly, and finished with three RBIs to his name. However Hurwit’s efforts weren’t enough as a determined and powerful Southern Mariners side rallied in the fifth. Jayson Arthur continued his strong tournament, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs. Arthur was ably supported by Jai Lyttleton on the mound, with the righty throwing 3.2 scoreless innings to settle the Mariners side.

Central Coast vs. Adelaide Armada

The hits came early and often for both Central Coast and Adelaide Armada, and it was the Armada who capitalised in the middle innings, pulling away to run out 10-4 winners. The Adelaide Armada have been building this week, and have been lead extremely well by Mason Clavell. Clavell has been selected in the Major League Baseball Australian Academy Program for 2016, and showed his talents against Central Coast, going 3-for-3 with four RBIs and a home run. Bryce Calderon continued his good form for Central Coast, driving in a pair of runs.

Hills vs. Eastern Athletics

A tight tussle between Hills and Eastern Athletics on Diamond 3 looked headed for a close finish, until a five run final inning blew the game wide open for Hills, who took the victory 8-3. Oliver McMahon put in a monster effort for the Athletics, throwing 3.2 innings for no earned runs and three strikeouts, as well as going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. For Hills, Liam Holm continued to maintain his form, claiming two RBIs and hustled around the bases to claim a triple. Lachlan McCarthy has also had a good tournament so far, and his 3.2 innings of relief conceding no earned runs helped Hills fend off the Athletics.

Eastern Phantoms vs. Central Coast

The Eastern Phantoms maintained their perfect start to the Australian Senior League Championship with a 9-4 victory over Central Coast. The Phantoms got off to the best possible start, with Jess Williams doubling a ball to right field to score Alex Hall, and Williams wasn’t done giving the Central Coast pitchers some trouble, mashing a home run later in the game, and finishing with four RBIs. Sam King got the win, pitching 2 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. Anthony Moanaroa-Taylor muscled three hits for Central Coast and picked up two RBIs in the process.

Manly vs. Brisbane South

Manly and Brisbane South played out an extra innings ball game on Diamond 1 to finish pool play, and it was the Queensland side that came out on top thanks to two 8th inning RBIs. Manly’s Josh Gessner drove in two runs after blasting a triple to centre field in the first after Conor Laverty crossed the plate in the first for Brisbane South. Laverty was the only Brisbane South player to record two hits in the game, with Andrew Cusick also contributing well with two RBIs. Adam Smidt needed to come up clutch for Brisbane South on the mound and he performed perfectly, giving no hits and striking out three Manly hitters when it was needed most.

Day four sees the first round of Qualifying Finals get underway, with games beginning from 9.15am.

Stay up to date with everything #AustSLChamps by keeping connected through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

By Nina Zimmerman

BALTIMORE -- In front of a crowd of more than 30,000 people, including his mother who canceled a vacation and traveled more than 30 hours to be there, Perth native Warwick Saupold became just the 32nd Australian to play in Major League Baseball, making his debut for the Detroit Tigers on 14 May.

He is the first Australian to debut in MLB since Liam Hendriks, Shane Lindsay and Josh Spence all played in 2011. He joins Peter Moylan (Kansas City Royals) and Hendriks (Oakland Athletics) as the only Australians currently active in MLB. Saupold is also the 19th Australian Baseball League alum to make his MLB debut, and the fourth this season.

In his debut, Saupold tossed the final 0.2 innings of the Tigers' loss to the Orioles. The next day, he picked up his first career win in relief, entering the game in the bottom of the fifth inning and working his way out of a bases-loaded jam to end the inning. He went on to throw 2.2 innings, allowing two hits and striking out four batters.

The Major League call-up came in the midst of Saupold's best Minor League season to date. He was 3-1 with a 2.37 ERA for Triple-A Toledo, and pitched the first five innings of a combined no-hitter on 23 April.

Prior to the season, Saupold represented Australia in the World Baseball Classic Qualifier in February in Sydney, tossing three innings of three-hit, one-run baseball in the second game of the tournament and earning the win as Australia beat the Philippines 4-1. He also played for Australia in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, and has said he will play again in the 2017 version of the tournament. Saupold originally signed with the Tigers in January 2012, after going 5-3 with a 1.41 ERA in 10 starts for the ABL's Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat as the team one its second-consecutive championship.

WATCH: Saupold fans Alvarez to escape a jam

READ: Saupold gets his chance (The West Australian)

READ: Saupold tries to baffle hitters (Detroit Free Press)

SEN America in conjunction with Baseball Victoria (BV) are pleased to announce a partnership during the 2016 MLB season.

In an exciting development, BV will have a weekly segment on SEN America’s “SEN Baseball” podcast which is hosted by former ABL player Craig “Frita” Kernick and features other local Victorians baseball players and coaches such as, Justin Charles, Peter Giles, Russell Spear and Brendan Wilson.

SEN Baseball is a weekly podcast that wraps up the week in MLB and provides interviews with Australian currently playing overseas. The show will also now include a weekly segment on Victorian Baseball, covering all local programs, events, competitions, rising stars and all things Baseball in Victoria.

BV General Manager Ashley Blair said the organisation was looking forward to creating a successful working relationship with the SEN American team.

“This is a great opportunity to take baseball to the masses, to highlight all the wonderful benefits that our sport has to offer and the latest information on BV’s local competitions, programs and events”

SEN America creator and EP of the SEN Baseball Podcast Christopher Tyler agrees.

“Bringing Baseball Victoria on board is a fantastic thing for SEN Baseball. Being able to work in conjunction with the local baseball community will allow the podcast to further grow the important relationship that exists between the show and the baseball public. Connecting with those who love baseball as much as us is something that we’ve been keen to do for a very long time. Now, we’re finally able to do that.”

The weekly podcast will be able to be found on the BV website or from the SEN America page: http://www.sen.com.au/sport/us-sport#r0d374eDYLgA9fOT.97