Baseball Victoria, Author at Baseball Victoria

By Nina Zimmerman

FLORIDA, USA – Two weeks and approximately 16500 kilometers later, 26 young Australian athletes are further along their path to professional baseball, after completing an MLB-backed exhibition game tour of Spring Training.

“Our main aim was to be professional on and off the field and respect the magnitude of the opportunity,” said Glenn Williams, Baseball Australia’s Head of High Performance and the Executive Officer for the team. “The players lived up to those lofty expectations and we had very positive feedback from MLB, the clubs we played against and the hotels and restaurants we went into.”

The team’s 6-3 victory over a Boston Red Sox side in the third game of the tour served as one of the key highlights for the boys and for the sport’s growth Down Under.

“To beat a professional club was an excellent result and provided credibility for our programs and will make people take notice of what we are achieving in Australia,” Williams said.

Throughout the trip, the players had the opportunity to meet with past and current Australian baseballers, including former MLB All-Star Grant Balfour, former Major Leaguer John Stephens and Detroit Tigers prospects Warwick Saupold and Zac Shepherd.

“Highlights of the trip were the Aussie contingent based in Florida coming to eat with us and spending time with our boys when we went to their professional homes,” Williams said. “It was a blast to see so many Aussies over there and great to catch up with them.”

In addition to giving the players a sense of what lies ahead on the pathway to the professional ranks, the tour also served as a barometer for Baseball Australia’s High Performance programs, according to Williams.

“The velocity on the pitchers we faced was often mid 90’s, which highlighted an area where we need to improve,” Williams said. “Measures are being taken now to design programs that will assist in improving velocity.”

Here are the results and game recaps from the team’s final four games in Florida. For more photos of the tour and game-by-game box scores, visit Baseball Australia on Twitter (@BaseballAust).

Game 4: Twins 11, Australia 3

Australia took an early 3-0 lead over the Twins’ Extended Spring Training squad, led by Victorian Jarryd Dale’s two-out, two-run single in the top of the fourth inning. However, the Twins rallied in the later frames, capped off by a five-run seventh inning that allowed them to cruise to an 11-3 win. Max Barrett (VIC) had a solid start in the loss, tossing five innings of three-hit baseball and allowing one earned run while striking out five batters.

Game 5: Orioles 2, Australia 0

Lefty Alex Wells, who represented Australia at the U18 Baseball World Cup in Osaka last year, pitched a gem for the Orioles Extended Spring squad and led them to a close shutout win over Australia. Despite the loss, the Aussie hitters showed maturity at the plate, working deep into the count, and the defence was significantly improved from a four-error day in the team’s previous game against the Twins.

Game 6: Twins 8, Australia 0

The team’s second-to-last game in Florida saw them face off against another familiar pitcher, Twins’ No. 30-ranked prospect Lachlan Wells. Minnesota put five runs on the board in the first inning and added another run in the second to take an early 6-0 lead. Ben Tsui (NSW) and Ulrich Bojarski (WA) tallied Australia’s lone two hits of the day, and the game was a great learning experience for the Aussies, as they faced pitchers who threw in the upper 90s over the course of the nine innings.

Game 7: Tigers 7, Australia 1

The team was joined by Craig Shipley, Andy Graham and Zac Shepherd for the game, and, boosted by the extra support, were more aggressive at the plate than in previous games. Ulrich Bojarski (WA) had a monster day at the plate for Australia, going 3-for-4 with a double and a solo home run to left-centre field in the fourth inning that represented Australia’s lone run of the day. The team’s pitching, led by a four-strikeout performance from starter Mitch Neunborn (WA), also finished the tour on a strong note.

By Nina Zimmerman

The team’s 6-3 victory over a Boston Red Sox side in the third game of the tour served as one of the key highlights for the boys and for the sport’s growth Down Under.

“To beat a professional club was an excellent result and provided credibility for our programs and will make people take notice of what we are achieving in Australia,” Williams said.

Here are the results and game recaps from the team’s final four games in Florida. For more photos of the tour and game-by-game box scores, visit Baseball Australia on Twitter (@BaseballAust).

Game 4: Twins 11, Australia 3

Game 5: Orioles 2, Australia 0

Game 6: Twins 8, Australia 0

Game 7: Tigers 7, Australia 1

By Nina Zimmerman

26 of Australia’s best young talent continue to impress at Spring Training in Florida.

The team won their opening two games against the European All-Stars. Starting pitcher Max Barrett allowed one hit in his five innings on the mound as Australia shut out Europe 7-0 in the first game. The Aussie side continued to dominate the European All-Stars in the second game, winning 7-3. Western Australian lefty Josh Hendrickson struck out six batters in five innings of one-hit shutout baseball, and NSW's Ben Tsui led the offence with a two-out bases-loaded double in the eight inning that put the game out of reach for the Europeans. The Aussie Young Guns were rained out of Game 3 against Canada.

A days rest saw the opportunity to catch up with several Australian MLB Alumni - including All-Star closer Grant Balfour and current Detroit Tigers prospect Warwick Saupold - over dinner (pictured), providing the U18 team with a great chance to learn from Australia’s best at how to prepare yourself for the Big Leagues.

Then the highlight of the trip so far, Game 3, resumed with a trip to Fort Myers to take on the Boston Red Sox Extended Spring Training squad. With several pitchers throwing 95 plus mph, Australia jumped ahead to an early 3-0 lead by the fourth inning. WA's Mitch Neunborn got the starting nod for the Aussies, tossing six shutout innings and allowing two hits while striking out seven batters.

On the mound for Australia, Neunborn, Josh Robins, Brodie Cooper-Vassalakis and Jack O'Loughlin allowed just five combined hits and walked none over the course of the nine-inning ballgame. In the end the Young Australian side grafted out a 6-3 win in a gritty display.

To view full score sheets and other game updates, follow Baseball Australia on twitter @BaseballAust.

Fresh off a very successful summer season, the focus of the Victorian baseball world now shifts to the juniors and their premier tournament: the Little League State Championships.

The first pitch of the annual extravaganza takes place at 10 a.m. on Friday 1 April and concludes with the Grand Final at 2.15 on Sunday afternoon.

In between there will be 18 teams competing—ranging from the minors, development shield, girls and all-stars—in 52 games on eight different diamonds over the three days. And there will be a home run derby!

All games will be contested at the Waverley Softball Association in Jells Park.

The top three teams will move on to compete in the 2016 Australian Little League Championships in New South Wales in mid-June.

For more information on the Little League championships—including results, rosters, schedule and photos—please visit the Baseball Victoria website.

The EBC Committee is delighted to announce that Peter Giles has re-signed as EBC Club Coach for the 2016/17 Summer League season.

Fresh off the back of the club’s history making, fifth successive Division 1 premiership, Giles’ signing is a clear indication that the club is determined to continue to grow every aspect of its operations.

In announcing the appointment, EBC President Tony Cornish said, “The Committee is determined to ensure EBC’s long term future by having the best possible people around the club in every position. Peter is a key part of our recent on-field success and has helped build a family friendly environment at the club. Together with a dedicated and talented playing and volunteer group we have every opportunity of taking EBC into a whole new era of success on and off the field.”

Joining Giles for their sixth consecutive year at the helm is EBC stalwart, Richard King.

EBC also has much to look forward to off the field with plans well underway for:

· New clubrooms to be built

· Creation of the Chris Lane Field

· New electronic scoreboard being installed this Autumn

· Installation of an automatic sprinkler system on the main field

· Continued upgrade of the second field facilities

“The next two to three years will see a raft of major projects at Boeing Reserve. We have an incredibly supportive local Council and sponsor group that are helping us to achieve our goals”, said Cornish.

Further information please call Tony Cornish on 0411 055 050.

On Friday Baseball Victoria held its annual soirée to fête those who rose above all others during the recently completed Victorian Summer Baseball League season.

Victors were crowned from 12 different clubs, with Division 2 champion Moorabbin outpacing everyone with four awards.

Five-time Division 1 winners Essendon brought home three—including a coveted Life Membership for all-everything Julie Jones—as did Springvale and VSBL-newbie Pakenham.

Fitzroy, who like Moorabbin is set to move to Division 1 next season, nabbed two awards; ditto for Mulgrave from Division 3.

Melbourne, Doncaster, Research, Blackburn, Preston and Sandringham rounded out the clubs with winners.

The night’s highlight was undoubtedly Jones and her heart-warming acceptance speech.

But the two stars were the American pitchers who had perfect seasons: they won their division’s pitching award, were named Most Valuable Player and won championships.

Moorabbin’s Franco Vanderka and Pakenham’s James Mills shone brightest on Awards Night.

But the two stars were the American pitchers who had perfect seasons: they won their division’s pitching award, were named Most Valuable Player and won championships.

Moorabbin’s Franco Vanderka and Pakenham’s James Mills shone brightest on Awards Night.

The other MVPs went to Jake Tuck of Blackburn and a Division 1 Women’s tie had Doncaster’s Belinda Cannington and Springvale’s Victoria Brown share the tremendous honor.

Springvale also had the women’s pitching winner, Simone Wearne, and their very own Mandi Avent took home the coveted accolade as Volunteer of the Year.

Speaking of Lions, Fitzroy was also well-represented with Taylor Eichhorst winning the Division 2 home run championship and—in the toughest race across all competitions—John Peterson was honored as the Baseball Victoria Coach of the Year.

The other home run kings were Tom Dicker from Essendon and trio in Division 3: Travis Hough (Pakenham), Nicholas Thompson (Mulgrave) and Ashley Grove (Research).

Staying at the plate, Dean Marnell from Preston captured the Division 1 batting title. Moorabbin’s Cain Bumpstead led all Division 2 in hitting while Caleb Poole from Mulgrave paced Division 3. Essendon’s Bronwyn Gell took home the Division 1 Women’s highest average.

The Division 1 pitching award went to Sam Street from Sandringham.

The Melbourne Aces also announced their award winners. Offensive Player of the Year went to Tanner Vavra and Defensive POY was won by Logan Moon. Matt Larkins was their Pitcher of the Year and Nick Rossell took home rookie honors.

For his outstanding contributions in every facet of the game, Darryl George was named the Melbourne Aces Most Valuable Player.

The Umpire of the Year went to Taka Matsuda.

And the 2015/16 Club Champions were the Melbourne Baseball Club in Division 1 and—fittingly how the season and night played out—the Moorabbin Baseball Club in Division 2.

The Australian Baseball League, Baseball Australia and the Brisbane Bandits are saddened learn of the passing of former Bandit and longtime Queensland baseballer Trent Baker.

“Our thoughts are with Trent’s family and friends, and the entire baseball community at this time,” ABL General Manager Ben Foster said. “Trent personified what it means to be part of the very close-knit fraternity and he influenced almost all levels of the sport in Australia. He was a loyal club member and teammate, he was involved in the national Academy program, signed professional contracts with two different Major League organisations, was an integral member of the Brisbane Bandits, and had the honour of representing his country.”

“More than that, having known Trent personally for more than 10 years, he was an amazing young man, and we will miss him immensely,” Foster added.

Baseball Australia CEO Brett Pickett also extended his condolences to Trent’s family. “Trent’s family and close friends, in particular, are in our thoughts,” said Pickett. “The entire Baseball family is saddened by the news of Trent’s passing; he was a great competitor and he will be greatly missed,” added Pickett.

“Trent loved everybody and everybody loved Trent,” Bandits CEO Mark Ready said. “Our franchise is a very tight-knit unit and we’re devastated by the loss of Trent Baker. Our condolences go out to his friends and family.”

Baker, who passed away at the age of 25, rose through the Queensland amateur ranks as a talented two-way player. He signed with the Cleveland Indians in 2007 as an outfielder out of the MLB Australian Academy Program on the Gold Coast, and made his professional debut two years later with the AZL Indians. The same year he debuted professionally, Baker also made his Claxton Shield debut for the Queensland Rams. A rising star in Australian baseball scene, Baker also represented his country in Osaka, Japan for the 2009 Friendship Games in the lead-up to the World Baseball Classic.

He returned to the USA for the 2010 Minor League season, and spent time at four different levels that year, reaching as high as Double-A. The Indians released him after the end of the season, and he finished his Minor league career with a .200 batting average and 25 RBIs in 111 games. He signed with the Atlanta Braves in 2011, but was released in January of the following year.

A Brisbane native, Baker joined his hometown Bandits for the ABL’s inaugural 2010/11 campaign as an outfielder, and later saw time on the mound for the Bandits in parts of three seasons. He pitched for Brisbane in the most recently 2015/16, appearing in 11 games and helping the Bandits win Queensland’s first Claxton Shield title since 2006.

At this time, we ask all members of the Australian baseball community to join us in offering both their condolences and respect for Trent’s family’s privacy.

Funeral Details:
10 am (AEST), Tuesday 22 March, 2016
White Lady Funerals
270 Kelvin Grove RD
Kelvin Grove QLD 4059

The Australian Baseball League, Baseball Australia and the Brisbane Bandits are saddened learn of the passing of former Bandit and longtime Queensland baseballer Trent Baker.

“More than that, having known Trent personally for more than 10 years, he was an amazing young man, and we will miss him immensely,” Foster added.

At this time, we ask all members of the Australian baseball community to join us in offering both their condolences and respect for Trent’s family’s privacy.

Funeral Details:
10 am (AEST), Tuesday 22 March, 2016
White Lady Funerals
270 Kelvin Grove RD
Kelvin Grove QLD 4059

In late 2015 Sport Minister John Eren announced a financial boost for sport and community organisations from the Supporting Victoria Sport and Recreation Program in Victorian Labor Government funding.

The Supporting Victoria Sport and Recreation Program (SVSRP) is a Victorian government initiative coordinated by Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV). The program objective is to deliver initiatives that increase community participation in sport and active recreation by building a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive sector.

The new SVSRP Program reflects the Victorian government’s commitment to ‘put people first’. All Victorians should feel welcome, encouraged and supported in their sporting endeavours and recreational pursuits. Increasing participation and diversity in clubs and other sport and recreation organisations will have great benefits for communities.

Recently Baseball Victoria was delighted to receive news from SRV that our organization had been successful in receiving significant funding from the Victoria State government with a $350,000 commitment over three years.

Baseball Victoria General Manager Ashley Blair welcomed the news as a strong indication of the government’s confidence in baseball's ability to contribute to the community.

"Baseball Victoria recognises that one of our primary roles and responsibilities is in providing direct opportunities for increased and inclusive participation in sport and recreation activities,” said Blair. “This funding will assist to provide sustainable increases in participation, build the capacity and skills within our sport and continue to develop programs that promote equitable, diverse and inclusive ways to increase participation by underrepresented groups. All these things will make baseball sustainable and equitable into the future."

"This funding commitment is significant as it provides a strong financial base from which Baseball Victoria can fund and pursue significant strategies that will make a positive long-term difference to the sport of baseball across summer and winter throughout Victoria ,” said Myles Foreman, president of Baseball Victoria. “This funding links directly to Baseball Victoria’s strategic commitment to ‘gain, train and retain.’

“The vision for Baseball Victoria is that we will provide every Victorian with the opportunity to participate in baseball. As the peak body for Baseball in Victoria, this funding assists in making this vision possible.”

The Victorian government recognises that not all Victorians have the same opportunity to participate in organised sporting activities, and believes that sport should be inclusive and accessible, regardless of socio-economic background. This is not only important for social inclusion, but also in creating a healthy society with high levels of wellbeing.

Participation in sport and recreation at the local level is a crucial aspect of healthy and happy communities. Local volunteers spend countless hours at their local sporting club, which is often a major source of social connection for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Through this program the Victorian government will work with state sporting associations and sport and recreation bodies that are striving to make a real difference when it comes to encouraging greater diversity, making sport and recreation more inclusive and building their overall capacity.

Baseball Victoria applauds the long term approach to sport funding adopted by the Victoria government under the Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program. It provides sporting organisations certainty around the funding it receives to design programs and activities that will ensure that outcomes are both positive for the sport and the community.

Baseball Australia is excited to announce, that Little League International, has today granted direct entry to Australia Region, for the 2016 Junior League Baseball World Series, to be held in Taylor, Michigan, USA, August 14 to 21. It will be the first time a team from Australia will compete in the Junior League Baseball World Series.

Australia has seen rapid growth of its Little League program since 2008, when Little League International and Baseball Australia began working together to provide a structure for children to learn the fundamentals of baseball, and have a healthy, fun experience with their friends

“The growth of Little League in Australia has been a testament to the dedication and hard work of our great volunteers and families throughout the country,” said Dan Velte, Little League Senior Director of League Development and Regional Operations. “We are excited to expand our relationship with Baseball Australia to provide more offerings for children in Australia to have a meaningful Little League experience.”

Australia will be home to one of the largest Junior League Baseball programs outside of the United States in 2016. In just five years, Australia had more chartered Little League programs than Japan and have represented the Australia Region, at the past three Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA, since receiving direct entry in 2013

“Australia is thrilled to be a part of the Junior League Baseball World Series in Taylor, Michigan,” said Mathew Sundstrom, Baseball Australia Head of Little League and National Championships. “Little League continues to provide amazing opportunities for local communities and their members.”

Australia will now have a local team representing the Australia Region at two of Little League’s nine World Series Tournaments. As Little League programs continue to expand throughout the country, Australia is expected to continue to grow its offerings with future establishment of Little League Intermediate (50/70) Baseball and Big League Baseball, as well as the Little League Challenger Division®, which provides opportunities for boys and girls with physical and intellectual challenges to enjoy the benefits of Little League participation.

The Australian Junior League Championship will be held from May 22 to 26 in Adelaide, South Australia.

Announcement of rosters and schedules will be made in the coming months.

The Australian Junior League Championship will be held from May 22 to 26 in Adelaide, South Australia.

Announcement of rosters and schedules will be made in the coming months.

The Newport Baseball Club lost an icon on 3 March 2016.

Graeme 'Dick' Murdoch passed away earlier this evening after a long and dignified fight.

Dick was awarded Life Membership in 1974; and held the position of Club President from 1980-86.

In addition, he was awarded the prestigious H 'Lal' Johnston Memorial award for 'Continuous Outstanding Service' in 1987 for his unending service to the Newport Baseball Club. Less than 10 people in the history of the club have been given this honour.

He was a long term committee member, 3rds and 4ths coach and he simply loved his club.

At the time of his passing he was still giving back to the club as a member of the Bob Milne Sub-Committe.

He was in fine form at our Heritage Day last November, he went out of his way several times to let me know that he was very proud of his club, and all of the people involved.

In addition to his club duties, he was also a Councillor with the Altona City Council/City of Hobsons Bay for a great number or years; and was Altona Mayor for a time.

I consider myself fortunate that I can call Dick a friend and mentor. Someone who was always quick with a smile and a word of wisdom. Someone I'm proud to look up to as an example of a Club great.

Sincere condolences to the Murdoch family - especially his brother Peter; himself a Life Member and former President.

Rest in Peace Dick

Ben Portelli
Club President
Newport Baseball Club