Baseball Victoria, Author at Baseball Victoria

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

As further recognition of the emerging baseball talent in this country, twenty-six promising young ball players are one step closer to chasing their big league dream, having been invited by MLB to attend Spring Training in the US later this month. With over 20 Australians currently affiliated with MLB organisations this is a great opportunity for our best talent between 15-18 years old to perform under the gaze of scouts from The Majors.

The squad of 26 was selected following wide consultation across the baseball fraternity, with over a dozen locally based scouts voting on the final list, with players also needing to meet specific criteria set out for participants by MLB as part of this initiative. The Training Camp and exhibition matches are funded by MLB, and will provide our young elite baseballers a great opportunity for exposure.

Baseball Australia's Head of High Performance Glenn Williams, was delighted to announce the initiative, which further strengthens the relationship between MLB and Australian Baseball.

“The training camps are hopefully the first of many such trips, which will allow Australia’s next generation of ball players to not only experience what Spring Training is all about, but also showcase their talent on the biggest stage,” said Williams.

“To have an opportunity to pit their skills against some of the best in the world, in this unique format, will be a great accelerator in our National High Performance program.”

Several members of the Aussie squad attending the 12-day Spring Training program in St Petersburg, Florida, have already committed to Baseball programs next autumn (Northern Hemisphere) at various Junior Colleges in the US.

The tour will also provide an opportunity for current senior members of the National Team, the Southern Thunder, to assist in the development of Australia’s next generation of baseball talent.

Luke Hughes (Manager) and Trent Oeltjen (Assistant Coach) fresh from their victory over South Africa at the World Baseball Classic Qualifier, will be joined by Sydney Blue Sox Manager Jason Pospishil (Assistant Coach), Australian Baseball Hall of Famers Graeme Lloyd (Pitching Coach) and Glenn Williams (Executive Officer) and Todd Hutcheson (Trainer) as the coaching staff for the tour. The Australian squad will come up against some of the best talent in the US, and also play in exhibition games against the European Academy and Canada.

Australian 26 Man Roster

SURNAME	FIRST NAME	STATE	POS	AGE
AMOS	Jacob	NSW	C / OF	16
BARRETT	Max	VIC	RHP	18
BEDGGOOD	Joshua	QLD	LHP	17
BOJARSKI	Ulrich	WA	C / 1B	17
CALLIL	George	VIC	SS	18
COOPER-VASSALAKIS	Brodie	ACT	RHP	15
DALE	Jarryd	VIC	SS	15
DEEBLE	Jye	QLD	LHP	18
DUNN	Oliver	VIC	RHP / INF	17
FREW	Dean	NSW	2B / SS	18
FULLERTON	Harrison	NSW	RHP / INF	17
HENDRICKSON	Joshua	WA	LHP	18
HOLDING	Mitchell	VIC	C	18
JONES	Samuel	QLD	RHP	18
MCARDLE	Jordan	SA	C	18
MCCALLUM	James	NSW	1B/ OF	18
NEUNBORN	Mitchell	WA	RHP / INF	18
O'LOUGHLIN	Jack	SA	LHP	16
PERCIVAL	James	NSW	OF	18
PICKARD	Mason	SA	OF	18
POWER	Jordan	WA	RHP	17
RAWLINSON	Joshua	WA	RHP / INF	17
ROBINS	Joshua	NSW	RHP	17
SEIGNIOR	Brody	QLD	LHP	18
TSUI	Benjamin	NSW	OF	17
VANKAN	Nathanael	QLD	OF	17

The squad will depart for the US 15 March 2016.

In a potential first step toward recognizing their dreams of playing in the Majors, five Victorians have been invited to attend Spring Training later this month.

Among the squad of 26 ages 15-18, Max Barrett, George Callil, Jarryd Dale, Oliver Dunn and Mitchell Holding will represent Victoria.

Barrett (18 years old) and Dunn (17) are right handed pitchers, Holding (18) a catcher and Dale (15) and Callil (18) shortstops. The latter is currently starring for Cheltenham in the Division 1 Grand Final.

“This initiative is a fantastic achievement for our high performance pathway in Australia,” said Damian Shanahan, Baseball Victoria’s High Performance Manager.

“The international exposure and opportunity to work with such a fine coaching staff is a vital component of their continued development. Congratulations to all the Victorian players on their selection. It’s well-deserved and a testament to the dedication they have shown in their pursuit of excellence.”

This prestigious squad was assembled based on the recommendations of many knowledgeable baseball people in Australia, including over a dozen professional scouts stationed here.

They will play against MLB academy teams from Canada and Europe before graduating to testing their talents on rookie-league competitors from the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins.

Said Glenn Williams, Baseball Australia’s Head of High Performance:

They will be managed by Luke Hughes, with Trent Oeltjen and Jason Pospishil serving as assistant coaches, Graeme Lloyd as pitching coach and Williams as the executive officer.

The contingent will decamp for the U.S. on 15 March.

It was a tale of two half innings.

Save a throwing error by their pitcher, four time defending champion Essendon looked calm, cool and collected to begin yet another title defense.

After they held Cheltenham off the board for the first three frames, they did what they always do: make the most of their opportunities.

In his second at bat of the game, leadoff hitter Scott McIntyre walked on five pitches to start the inning and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Brett Tamburrino. The Rustlers pitcher, Max Barrett, had a chance to get McIntyre at second but instead threw the ball over his shortstop’s head.

Second baseman Tom Dicker then stepped to the plate. After two unsuccessful bunt attempts, he fought off a pitch, took a close one for a ball and then singled to center, his second hit of the game.

With the bases loaded, Peter Stokes grounded into a double play (shortstop to first), scoring Scott McIntyre for the first run of the Grand Final.

An error by Cheltenham shortstop George Callil off a broken bat chopper by Tamburrino put the Bombers up two after three.

A scoreless fourth preceded the epic middle frame.

The fifth inning featured 20 plate appearances—an even 10 for each team—nine runs and three pitching changes.

When it began, Essendon led 2-0. When it finished they were on top 6-5.

Third baseman Sam Trend-Beacom started off the Rustlers rally with an infield hit on a high chopper. Jarrod Hoff then worked the count full (after being down 0-2) and reached on an error by Bombers shortstop Sam Moon.

Catcher Brad Kmet, attempting to sacrifice himself, laid down a perfect bunt for another single that didn’t reach the outfield, loading the bases.

The next batter, leadoff man Dylan Trevorah, didn’t waste any time when he took hurler Gareth Formisano’s first pitch and lined it to right, scoring Trend-Beacom and Hoff to tie the game.

That was the end of the Essendon hurler’s night as Kyle Bedford relieved him.

One of their best players all year, shortstop George Callil had a fantastic at-bat. Though he didn’t succeed on getting two bunts down, he worked the count full before being hit by a pitch.

Lanky left hander Ben Leslie then walked to score Kmet, giving their Rustlers their first lead of the game.

Bedford, who didn’t retire a batter, was then replaced by Russell Spear, who promptly gave up a two run double to left center by Paul Rutgers. The two-bagger scored Trevorah and Callil and gave Cheltenham a 5-2 advantage.

Right fielder Andrew Gribbin then walked on six pitches, loading the bases once again.

Mitch Holding then struck out swinging before Sam Trend-Beacom, in his second at bat of the inning, grounded into a nifty 4-6-3 double play on the first pitch he saw, ending the inning.

The Rustlers had all the momentum.

But there’s a reason the Bombers have won four straight championships

Already 2-for-2, Tom Dicker began the frame with an infield hit on a high chopper to shortstop.

Peter Stokes followed with a tailor-made ground ball to third, but Trend-Beacom—superb all game—rushed himself and retired no one.

After Tim Sullivan flew to center, Josh Davies crushed a two run double to right center, scoring Dicker and Stokes and cutting the deficit to one.

Head coach Adam Blackley replaced Barrett and then the wheels began to come loose on the Rustlers train.

After running a great distance to track down a foul ball down the left field line, Callil inexplicably—one has to assume his left fielder Rutgers called him off—didn’t offer at the ball and it fell to the grass untouched, but not harmlessly.

As it always seems to happen in baseball, the next pitch was crushed to right center by Liam Bedford, scoring Davies.

Sam Moon, intent on bunting, walked. Then the number nine hitter, Dean McIntyre, caught everyone by surprise and put down a great bunt up the first base line on a 2-1 count to load the bases.

Dean’s brother Scott then worked a full count walk, plating Bedford. Dicker, the tenth hitter in the inning, struck out with the bases loaded to end the threat.

Nearly an hour later the fifth inning finally finished.

Like great teams usually do, Essendon retook the momentum and never gave it back.

Cheltenham went 1-2-3 in the sixth and then the Bombers converted a duck snort to right, a balk, a deep fly to center, a walk, and a frozen rope to left to add an insurance marker. After another bunt single, a superb 6-4-3 double play ended the inning.

The seventh started well for the Rustlers but after getting runners on at first and second with one out, they failed to score.

The Bombers, after a ground out to short to start the inning, put together a single, an out, hit by pitch, and then three straight singles to add four more runs to their total.

After seven complete: Essendon 11, Cheltenham 5.

A scoreless eighth by the Rustlers begat another two runs in the bottom of the frame by the Bombers.

Essendon then closed them out in the ninth in order to secure a come-from-behind 13-5 win.

Game 2 of the series is at Melbourne Ballpark on Saturday afternoon.

Tonight the first pitch will be thrown in a Division 1 Grand Final without precedent. No matter who wins the best-of-three series, history will be made.

Down the third base side you have Essendon. The Bombers have won four straight Ross Straw Trophies, equalling Waverley’s feat from 1989 to 1993. A fifth consecutive title would put them in a league all of their own.

Across the diamond, upstart Cheltenham is seeking their first ever Division 1 crown. Winning two of the next three games would be the biggest upset the Victorian Summer Baseball League has seen in quite some time.

What, then, is the Rustlers recipe for success?

Led by first year club coach and player/manager Adam Blackley and pitching coach Matt Gourlay, Cheltenham is a very young team augmented by sage veteran talent.

Second year import Bryan Kloppe leads a strong starting rotation, which also features dynamic hurlers Jack Enciondo, Lochy Madden, Max Barrett and Blackley.

Anchoring their team is catcher Mitch Holding. They also feature talented young guns in both the infield (George Callil) and outfield (Sam Trend-Beacom).

Ex-professional players Ben Leslie (21 years of age) and Paul Rutgers (32) round out a dynamic starting nine.

Cheltenham plays the game hard and are renowned around Division 1 for their relentless competitiveness and never-say-die attitude.

Their opponent, Essendon, has very few apparent weaknesses.

Strong pitching rotation? Check. Led by Gareth Formisano, Dean McIntyre and featuring stalwarts Kyle Bedford, Russell Spear and Shane Lindsay, the pitching staff rivals any in the VSBL.

Solid starting nine? Yes. Extremely experienced and all tough outs, the Bombers lose little from the top to the bottom of their batting order. Brett Tamburrino, Tim Sullivan and Josh Davies are all top-flight hitters and if Peter Stokes, Liam Bedford and McIntyre are spraying the ball to all fields and getting on base consistently, Essendon is tough to beat.

They also feature Most Valuable Player candidate Tom Dicker who is enjoying a season for the ages.

Their defense is above average and their coaching—led by Peter Giles and Richard King—is top notch.

And, of course, they are battle tested. There is nary a scenario on the diamond they haven’t yet confronted individually or as a group.

While Cheltenham is going for their first ever Division 1 championship, Essendon is chasing their seventh. Already second since the current structure began in 1973, a best-of- three series victory would bring them within five titles of Waverley.

First pitch of Game 1 is slated for 7.30 p.m. this evening at Melbourne Ballpark.

What, then, is the Rustlers recipe for success?

Led by first year club coach and player/manager Adam Blackley and pitching coach Matt Gourlay, Cheltenham is a very young team augmented by sage veteran talent.

Second year import Bryan Kloppe leads a strong starting rotation, which also features dynamic hurlers Jack Enciondo, Lochy Madden, Max Barrett and Blackley.

Anchoring their team is catcher Mitch Holding. They also feature talented young guns in both the infield (George Callil) and outfield (Sam Trend-Beacom).

Ex-professional players Ben Leslie (21 years of age) and Paul Rutgers (32) round out a dynamic starting nine.

Cheltenham plays the game hard and are renowned around Division 1 for their relentless competitiveness and never-say-die attitude.

Their opponent, Essendon, has very few apparent weaknesses.

Strong pitching rotation? Check. Led by Gareth Formisano, Dean McIntyre and featuring stalwarts Kyle Bedford, Russell Spear and Shane Lindsay, the pitching staff rivals any in the VSBL.

They also feature Most Valuable Player candidate Tom Dicker who is enjoying a season for the ages.

Their defense is above average and their coaching—led by Peter Giles and Richard King—is top notch.

And, of course, they are battle tested. There is nary a scenario on the diamond they haven’t yet confronted individually or as a group.

First pitch of Game 1 is slated for 7.30 p.m. this evening at Melbourne Ballpark.

Baseball Australia will be showcasing Women’s Baseball around the country during March and April, with events planned for Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth in an exciting new approach to the Women’s game.

Recently reappointed for a second term, after winning Bronze at the 2014 World Cup in Miyazaki, Japan, Emeralds Manager, Simone Wearne, says this is the start of more pathway opportunities for female baseball players in Australia.

“We held a forum about the future of women’s baseball at Nationals, and one of the key outcomes was for more pathway opportunities to be available. This National Roadshow will provide that, by giving players access to elite training, testing and real game experience against some tough teams, which is exactly what our girls need”.

The National Roadshow, will be the opportunity for Wearne to scout the nation for players to compete at the upcoming 2016 VIII WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup, to be held in Gijang City, South Korea, September 3-11.

The Roadshow is open to all players aged 15+, who aspire to one day wear the green and gold and play for their country.

" I am hoping to see all of the players from our Bronze Medal Phoenix Cup team participate in the roadshows, and I would encourage all girls who played at Nationals to register too. I was able to see where many players were at in January, however I didn’t get to see every player, and those I did see, were not necessarily in the positions they would play on the national team, so I would incite anyone who is interested to register”, said Wearne.

And in a surprise move, Baseball Australia is also encouraging non-baseballers to register.

"We are keen to look outside the box, and will be encouraging all female athletes to attend the planned roadshows, whether they are baseball lifers, a seasoned softballer looking for a new opportunity or even a cricketer with a 'million dollar arm'." said Wearne

"Essentially we are looking for players who will display the attributes Australian's are known for, team players who play hard but fair. We want to instil a mental toughness in this team, and we want athletes that can put it all on the line. If we can do that we will be well on the road to success",

Australian Women's Baseball National Roadshow Details

· Attendance at one of the roadshow events is strongly encouraged for any player looking at selection for the 2016 Emeralds Squad for the 2016 Women’s Baseball World Cup

· Players that cannot attend for legitimate reasons and with prior notice to the coaching staff may still be considered, however attendance is strongly encouraged

· There is no charge for participating in the Roadshow

· Players should arrive early enough to ensure they are ready to go at 9am

· Previous national team representatives are requested not to wear representative apparel

· Players should bring their own lunch and snacks (some venues may have food available, this will be advised by email post registration)

· Pre-registration is essential and can be completed via the links below

· Spectators are welcomed and encouraged

Event format

· The day will run from 9am-4pm

· Morning session: training/testing

· Afternoon session: game play

· Players should wear baseball pants, shirt and hat