Werribee Giants Baseball Club is gearing up for a big summer of baseball with Bronwyn Gell appointed as women’s head coach for the 2023/24 VSBL season.

As a dedicated athlete with 20 years of baseball experience in the books, Gell brings a lot to the table as she continues her coaching career.

The Werribee baseball community is thrilled to have such a talented baseballer take the reigns as the Giants look to grow their women’s program.

“This significant step reflects our unwavering commitment to the development and growth of our women's program at the club,” Club President David Bishop-Worn said. “We are genuinely excited about the opportunities this brings to challenge and nurture our players, with the aim of entering teams in higher divisions in future seasons.”

“Our club takes pride in being a welcoming and inclusive community that values and embraces all abilities. We wholeheartedly encourage the expansion of our women's program and are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered.”

“Together, we look forward to a bright future for our women's baseball program, driven by the passion and dedication of our players, coaches, and supporters. Bron’s experience and baseball knowledge are something we can all learn from, and we are very excited to have her with us. We will work collaboratively to make positive strides and propel our club to even greater heights.”

Gell shares in the excitement as she takes what she learned as a Victorian and Australian representative to help players find their strengths on the field.

“It's an honour and privilege to take on the role of women's coach at Werribee. I feel a sense of pride being entrusted with such an incredible opportunity and responsibility,” Gell said. “I feel very grateful for the opportunity to grow as a leader and person.”

She hopes the Giants get to enhance their skills and reach new levels through competitive competition.

“I hope the season can provide a safe and welcoming environment for any level of player to grow and enjoy the game and therefore grow the number of females playing baseball in the west. I'd be lying if I wasn't wanting a premiership, however, it's most important for me to see the program grow and to see players improve throughout the season.”

New players are welcome to join Werribee Giants at an open training session planned for Saturday 16 September from 10am-12pm. Follow the club on Facebook for more updates going into the season.

What an awesome experience for Team Australia at the 2023 WBSC U12 Baseball World Cup!

They made amazing memories on and off the field and continued to improve their baseball skills every game.

Overall, they played eight games, scored 25 runs, and recorded 37 hits, picking up a decisive win over New Zealand while battling hard against tough competition from around the globe.

We are especially proud of Victorians Ollie Allen, Maisen Ricketts, Jacob Tayler, and Bodhi Evans - we can’t wait to see what they do next!

Special shoutout to EO Val Langworthy for all her support throughout the tournament, too.

Baseball in Victoria is built on the remarkable service of volunteers who dedicate countless hours to supporting and improving our grassroots sport. Baseball Victoria is committed to celebrating our amazing community and the contributions of hardworking volunteers at clubs and programs across the state.

Moving forward, significant and lasting contributors to baseball in Victoria will be recognised at the BV Annual General Meeting each year. Nominations are now open for Outstanding Contribution and Service to Baseball Awards.

2023 baseball participants and affiliated clubs of Baseball Victoria are invited to nominate individuals for these awards, which you can read more about HERE.

Nominations close Monday 4 September and can be submitted online via these links: Outstanding Contribution and Service to Baseball Awards.

The 2023 U16 State Winter Championship wrapped up with a great day of finals in Latrobe City, as Diamond Valley (Pool 1) and Latrobe Valley (Pool 2) came away with grand final glory.

Well done to all participants on an awesome weekend of baseball and thank you to the volunteers at Traralgon and Morwell Baseball Clubs for the warm welcome.

A special mention to the MVPs:

• Pool 1 - Ethan Kent (MWBL Diamond Valley), Angus Saggers (MWBL Ringwood), Miles Paulley (Geelong), Cooper Bishop-Worn (MWBL City West), Takuma Yamane and Angus Walsh (Dandenong)
• Pool 2 - Ryan Kinkade (Bendigo), Kayden Hicks (Latrobe Valley), Marcus Murphy (MWBL Diamond Valley), Ollie Chambers (North Eastern)

Head to GameChanger for full results and check out recaps below.

Pool 1

MWBL Diamond Valley 16, MWBL City West 3

City West watched the game slip away early and couldn't recover in a 16-3 loss to Diamond Valley on Sunday. Diamond Valley took the lead on a Kycen Dowling groundout in the first inning.

City West notched three runs in the fourth inning with RBIs for Fletcher Wilson and Luke Overington.

Diamond Valley scored five runs in the fourth inning. The offensive onslaught was led by Roman Coote, Ethan Kent, Windsor Breckenridge, Brody Stokes, and Lachlan Brennan, all driving in runs in the frame.

Coote led things off on the pitcher's mound for Diamond Valley. The hurler went four innings, allowing three runs on one hit with five strikeouts.

Finn O' Neill toed the rubber for City West. The pitcher surrendered six runs on five hits over one inning, striking out two. Rhys Rayner and Overington entered the game from the bullpen, each throwing one-third of an inning.

Hunter Mudford led City West with one hit in one at-bat.

Diamond Valley tallied ten hits, including two apiece for Breckenridge, Coote, and Lincoln Grech.

The winning side didn't commit a single error in the field. Grech had six chances, the most on the team, and also led with three of 11 stolen bases.

Geelong 10, Dandenong 6

Geelong nabbed the lead late in the game in a 10-6 victory over Dandenong on Sunday. The game was tied at five with Geelong batting in the bottom of the fourth when Ash Kaberry singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run.

Dandenong scored five runs in the fourth inning, but Geelong still managed to pull out the victory. William Ferguson, Hunter Richardson, Jesus Camacho, and Takuma Yamane all sent runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

Geelong fired up the offense in the first when Riley Peoples doubled on a 1-0 count to score two runs.

Peoples led Geelong to victory on the pitcher's mound. Peoples surrendered one run on zero hits over one inning, walking one. Peoples recorded the last three outs to earn the save.

Aonghus Walsh took the loss for Dandenong. Walsh lasted three innings, allowing six hits and ten runs while striking out four.

Miles Paulley started the game for Geelong. The fireballer allowed six hits and five runs over three and a third innings, striking out two.

Peoples went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Geelong in hits.

MWBL Diamond Valley 13, Geelong 3

Geelong scored three runs in the third inning with a walk by Brandon McDowall and an error on a ball put in play by Miles Paulley.

Diamond Valley had a big third inning as well, scoring five runs with RBIs for Bailey Stewart, Windsor Breckenridge, Lachlan Brennan, Brody Stokes, and Andy Zdihan.

Patrick Matthews was on the mound for Diamond Valley. The pitcher lasted two innings, allowing three hits and zero runs while striking out one and walking zero.

Thomas Rome led things off on the mound for Geelong. Rome allowed four hits and eight runs over one and one-third innings, striking out one. Patrick Johnston threw one-third of an inning in relief.

Riley Peoples, Johnston, and Allistaire Lang each collected one hit to lead Geelong.

Diamond Valley tore up the base paths, as four players stole at least two bases. Brennan led the way with two.

Dandenong 10, MWBL Ringwood 1

Ringwood watched the game slip away early and couldn't recover in a 10-1 loss to Dandenong on Sunday. Dandenong scored on a single by Brooklyn Riwaka-Kinney and a single by Jesus Camacho in the first inning.

Dandenong scored five runs in the fourth inning with singles by Riwaka-Kinney and Kai McDonald and a double by Hunter Richardson.

Takuma Yamane got the start for Dandenong. Yamane lasted five innings, allowing five hits and one run while striking out six and walking zero.

Jonathan Park was on the mound for Ringwood. The bulldog lasted three and a third innings, allowing 12 hits and ten runs while striking out three and walking zero. Angus Saggers threw one inning in relief.

Saggers led Ringwood with two hits in three at-bats.

Dandenong saw the ball well today, racking up 13 hits in the game. Harry Brodie went 3-for-3 as Richardson, Aonghus Walsh, and Riwaka-Kinney had multiple hits, too.

MWBL City West 9, Dandenong 8

Dandenong stayed in it until the end, but City West pulled away late in a 9-8 victory on Saturday. The game was tied at seven with City West batting in the top of the fifth when an error scored one run for City West .

Dandenong collected eight hits and City West had nine in the high-scoring affair.

Dandenong got their offense started in the first inning when Jesus Camacho tripled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs.

City West scored five runs in the fourth inning. Finn O' Neill, Cooper Bishop-Worn, Fletcher Wilson, and Charlie Dolan all sent runners across the plate with RBIs.

Hunter Richardson led things off on the pitcher's mound for Dandenong. The hurler surrendered two runs on three hits over three innings, striking out two. Harry Brodie and Brooklyn Riwaka-Kinney entered the game from the bullpen, throwing one inning and one-third of an inning, respectively.

Dandenong collected eight hits on the day. Brodie went 3-for-3 and Riwaka-Kinney had two hits and three of the team's stolen bases.

City West racked up nine hits in the game. O' Neill, Parks Halasz, and Christopher Woodney all collected multiple hits.

Grand Final: MWBL Diamond Valley 4, Geelong 2

Diamond Valley took home a 4-2 victory over Geelong in the grand final. The winners fired up the offense in the first inning as Windsor Breckenridge doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.

Breckenridge pitched Diamond Valley to victory. The fireballer went four and two-thirds innings, allowing one run on three hits and striking out nine. Ryley Shanks and Kycen Dowling entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.

Riley Peoples took the loss for Geelong. Peoples surrendered four runs on four hits over five innings, striking out seven and walking zero.

Lachlan Brennan went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Diamond Valley in hits. The team was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error as Liam Campbell made the most plays with 12.

Allistaire Lang led Geelong with two hits in three at-bats.

Pool 2

Semi-Final: MWBL Diamond Valley 7, North Eastern 3

Diamond Valley won 7-3 against North Eastern on Sunday, although the latter got things started first when Michael Nistico grounded out, scoring one run.

Diamond Valley evened things up at two in the bottom of the first inning. Josh Antonacci grounded out, scoring one run.

Diamond Valley pulled away for good with two runs in the second inning. Ollie Chambers induced Fynn Murphy to hit into a fielder's choice, but one run scored.

Marcus Murphy led things off on the mound for Diamond Valley. The hurler surrendered two runs on one hit over one inning, walking one.

Chambers was on the hill for North Eastern. The pitcher went three and a third innings, allowing seven runs on five hits and striking out two.

Murphy, Antonacci, Xavier Gardner, and Zac Locklier each managed one hit to lead Diamond Valley. Murphy led Diamond Valley with two of the team's eight stolen bases.

Angus Weal led North Eastern with one hit in three at-bats.

Semi-Final: Latrobe Valley 10, Bendigo 3

Latrobe Valley coasted to a 10-3 victory on Sunday, pulling away for good with five runs in the third inning.

Connor McKenzie drew a walk, scoring one run, Alexander Smith singled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring two runs, Ryan Glass grounded out, scoring one run, and Logan Maier singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

Latrobe Valley added five runs in the fourth inning, led by Jack Thomas, Kaden Hicks, Harrison Kus, Smith, and Glass all with RBIs.

Smith got the start for Latrobe Valley. The bulldog allowed four hits and three runs over four and two-thirds innings, striking out eight and walking one.

Ryan Kinkade was on the pitcher's mound for Bendigo. He allowed two hits and zero runs over one and one-third innings, striking out two and walking one. Alaric Tibbett threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Latrobe Valley collected six hits with two apiece for Hicks and Smith. Latrobe Valley stole 15 bases during the game as five players stole more than one. Hicks led the way with three.

Kinkade went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Bendigo in hits.

Grand Final: Latrobe Valley 8, Diamond Valley 2

Diamond Valley lost the lead late in an 8-2 defeat to Latrobe Valley on Sunday afternoon. The game was tied at two with Latrobe Valley batting in the top of the third when Xavier Gardner induced Tom Duncan to hit into a fielder's choice, but one run scored.

Diamond Valley got their offense started in the first with a Marcus Murphy single.

Jarrod Thomas led things off on the pitcher's mound for Latrobe Valley. The fireballer surrendered two runs on three hits over four innings, striking out five.

Zac Locklier led things off on the mound for Diamond Valley. The bulldog surrendered one run on two hits over two innings, striking out two. Josh Antonacci threw one inning in relief.

Murphy, Tom King, and Locklier each managed one hit to lead Diamond Valley.

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The 2023 U16 State Winter Championship is off to a fantastic start in Latrobe City after a busy Saturday at Traralgon and Morwell Baseball Clubs.

Head to GameChanger for full results/fixtures and check out recaps below.

Pool 1

Geelong 8, MWBL City West 1

City West fell behind early and couldn't come back in an 8-1 loss to Geelong on Saturday. Geelong scored on a single by Patrick Johnston and a stolen base by Charlie Davenport in the first inning.

Geelong scored five more runs in the fourth inning with RBIs from Riley Peoples, Miles Paulley, Aidan Wallace, and Alexandros Papadopoulos.

Peoples got the win for Geelong. The fireballer allowed zero hits and one run over one inning, striking out two. Paulley threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Fletcher Wilson took the loss for City West. Wilson lasted one inning, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out one and walking zero.

Geelong totaled eight hits in the game as Peoples went 3-for-3 and Paulley had multiple hits, too.

MWBL Diamond Valley 9, Dandenong 1

Dandenong fell behind early and couldn't come back in a 9-1 loss to Diamond Valley on Saturday. Diamond Valley took the lead on a sacrifice fly in the first inning.

Diamond Valley's offense started in the first when Windsor Breckenridge grounded out, scoring one run. They added four runs in the fifth with RBIs from Lachlan Brennan and Roman Coote.

Ryley Shanks led things off on the mound for Diamond Valley. The pitcher allowed one hit and one run over three innings, striking out three and walking zero.

Kai McDonald started the game for Dandenong. The hurler went three innings, allowing five runs on five hits and striking out three. Jesus Camacho, William Ferguson, and Harry Brodie each contributed in relief for Dandenong.

Aonghus Walsh went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead Dandenong in hits.

Diamond Valley saw the ball well today, racking up nine hits in the game. Brody Stokes and Coote had two hits apiece.

Coote had six chances in the field for the most on the team, which didn't make any errors. Shanks led Diamond Valley with four out of 12 total stolen bases.

MWBL City West 5, MWBL Ringwood 0

City West opened up scoring in the first inning when Cooper Bishop-Worn singled, and they kept up the pressure from there for a 5-0 victory.

One bright spot for Ringwood was a single by Lachie Kilmartin in the first inning. Ringwood's Archie Shorland-Hooper allowed two hits and three runs over one-third of an inning, striking out one. Cassius Matthews threw three and two-thirds innings out of the bullpen.

City West racked up seven hits in the game, including two apiece for Bishop-Worn and Charlie Dolan. City West tore up the base paths, as two players stole at least two bases. Bishop-Worn led the way with four.

Kilmartin led Ringwood with two hits in two at-bats. Ringwood didn't commit a single error in the field as Cooper Holloway had four chances for the most on the team.

Geelong 14, MWBL Ringwood 2

Ringwood watched the game slip away early and couldn't bounce back in a 14-2 loss to Geelong on Saturday. Geelong scored on a single by Miles Paulley, a single by Alexandros Papadopoulos, and a groundout by Toby Arnott in the first inning.

Geelong got things started in the first inning when Paulley singled on a 2-2 count, scoring one run. They scored five runs in the fourth inning with RBIs for Allistaire Lang, Brandon McDowall, Riley Peoples, and Paulley.

Papadopoulos pitched Geelong to victory. The bulldog went one and one-third innings, allowing zero runs on zero hits, striking out one and walking one. Arnott, Charlie Bell, and McDowall all put in work in relief out of the bullpen, steering their team towards victory.

Patrick Watson and Marco Sriwogchai each collected one hit to lead Ringwood.

Geelong collected eight hits, with two apiece for McDowall, Ash Kaberry, and Paulley.

Dandenong 10, MWBL City West 1

MWBL City West had trouble keeping up with Dandenong in a 10-1 loss on Saturday.

Dandenong scored three runs in the fourth inning with singles by Kai McDonald and Nicholas Kain.

Hunter Richardson was on the hill for Dandenong. The hurler lasted one and two-thirds innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out three and walking one.

Hunter Mudford toed the rubber for City West, throwing two innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out one and walking zero. Parks Halasz threw two innings in relief.

Cruz Appeldorff, Christopher Woodney, Mudford, and Charlie Dolan each collected one hit to lead City West. The team was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error as Fletcher Wilson had the most chances with six.

Dandenong tallied ten hits in the game, including two apiece for McDonald, Brooklyn Riwaka-Kinney, and Harry Brodie.

Pool 2

MWBL Diamond Valley 7, Latrobe Valley 5

Diamond Valley took the win in dramatic fashion, thanks to a walk-off single at the end of the game to topple Latrobe Valley. It was tied at five with Diamond Valley batting in the bottom of the fourth when Josh Antonacci singled on a 2-2 count, scoring two runs.

Diamond Valley earned the victory despite allowing Latrobe Valley to score four runs in the fourth inning. Jack Thomas, Jarrod Thomas, Kaden Hicks, and Connor McKenzie all contributed in the big inning with RBIs.

Latrobe Valley got on the board in the first inning. Alexander Smith drew a walk, scoring one run.

Zac Locklier led things off on the mound for Diamond Valley. The fireballer surrendered one run on two hits over one inning, striking out two.

Smith was on the hill for Latrobe Valley. The pitcher lasted one and two-thirds innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out two and walking zero. Tom Duncan, Thomas, and McKenzie each contributed in relief.

Eric Webster led Diamond Valley with two hits in three at-bats.

Latrobe Valley tallied five hits on the day, with two apiece for Thomas and Hicks.

Latrobe Valley 14, Bendigo 2

Jarrod Thomas was an RBI machine on Saturday, driving in five on two hits to lead Latrobe Valley past Bendigo 14-2. Thomas drove in runs on a triple in the second and a double in the third.

Latrobe Valley got on the board in the first inning, scoring one run when Kaden Hicks singled.

Latrobe Valley tallied five runs in the third inning with a walk by Riley Duncan, a groundout by Alexander Smith, an error on a ball put in play by Logan Maier, and a double by Thomas.

Connor McKenzie was on the pitcher's mound for Latrobe Valley. McKenzie surrendered zero runs on one hit over one inning, striking out two and walking one.

Darnel Marks started the game for Bendigo. The bulldog allowed four runs on one hit. Travis Shanahan and Nate D'Atri entered the game from the bullpen, throwing one and one-third innings and one-third of an inning, respectively.

Latrobe Valley tallied six hits, including two apiece for Hicks and Thomas. The team was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Michael Coulthard made the most plays with five.

MWBL Diamond Valley 16, Bendigo 0

MWBL Diamond Valley got started early with a single by Zac Locklier and a groundout by Josh Antonacci in the first inning.

Tom King got the start for Diamond Valley, allowing no runs or hits over three innings, striking out seven and walking one.

Deon Strahan started the game for Bendigo, throwing one inning with two runs on two hits, no walks, and a strikeout. Mason Strahan, Nate D'Atri, Fabian Gray, and Riley Harrington pitched in relief.

Fynn Murphy led Diamond Valley with two hits in two at-bats.

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Baseball Victoria is excited to announce a new partnership with Aces Sporting Club, which will support baseball in Victoria through the BV Senior State Winter Championships, Victorian Summer Baseball League, Diamond Partnership Program, and Coaches Performance Pathway.

With this naming rights sponsorship, the Senior SWC event will be renamed the Aces Sporting Club State Winter Championships.

Additionally, Baseball Victoria will introduce the Aces Sporting Club Women’s Batting Award and Pitcher of the Week Awards for the summer season as part of the partnership program.

Aces Sporting Club will also be recognised through the BV Diamond Partnership Program as a Home Run Partner, as well as a proud supporter of the BV Coaches Performance Pathway Program.

“We are thrilled to have the support of Aces Sporting Club as we look to build an even bigger and brighter future for baseball in Victoria,” BV CEO Chet Gray said. “We have a vibrant community of baseball players, coaches, and volunteers who will benefit from this support, and we encourage our senior baseballers to check out everything Aces Sporting Club has to offer.”

As a long-time sponsor of Melbourne Aces, Aces Sporting Club is pleased to expand their support of baseball in Victoria.

“At Aces Sporting Club, we are passionate about sport and the community, so this partnership with Baseball Victoria makes perfect sense,” ASC President Geoff Pearce said. “We look forward to supporting a variety of baseball programs and initiatives to help this wonderful game grow and thrive.”

Aces Sporting Club is a premium golf practice facility and function venue in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. Visit the official website for more info: www.acessportingclub.com.au/

Learn more about the BV Diamond Partnership Program HERE.

Baseball Victoria’s 2023 U16 State Winter Championship is headed back to Latrobe City after a successful event last year saw Geelong Baseball Association bring home the title.

The championship weekend is set for 29-30 July at Morwell and Traralgon Baseball Clubs and will wrap up a busy winter tournament season with teams from all across the state taking part in the fun.

Morwell Cougars and Traralgon Redsox of Latrobe Valley Baseball Association (LVBA) are excited to once again host the tournament, with 22 games across two days and grand finals slated for Sunday afternoon.

“Hosting the Under 16 State Winter Championship is a highlight of the LVBA season,” said Nicole White, Morwell Baseball Club President. “Being able to showcase the best under 16 baseball players for local audiences is a source of great pride.”

“The LVBA and hosting clubs have worked hard in preparation for this event and encourage everyone to head down to the venues and enjoy some of the best junior baseball the state has to offer.”

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan, looks forward to welcoming baseball players to Latrobe City.

“Council is proud that the 2023 U16 State Winter Championship will be hosted in our beautiful region. It is always great to welcome visitors to the area, and I hope that participants and spectators take the time to explore all that Latrobe City has to offer,” said the Mayor.

“We look forward to welcoming all baseball teams for the event and wish all competitors the best of luck for the Championship.”

Baseball Victoria is pleased to see such strong participation continue in the Under 16 age division, with MWBL City West, Geelong, Dandenong, MWBL Diamond Valley, and MWBL Ringwood playing in Pool 1. Pool 2 consists of Bendigo, MWBL Diamond Valley, Latrobe Valley, and North Eastern.

“It’s been a fantastic few months of winter tournaments, and we look forward to an action-packed weekend in Latrobe City,” BV CEO Chet Gray said. “We appreciate the warm welcome from the community and we hope everyone has a great time playing the game we love.”

Gippsland Osteopathy & Sports Medicine Centre in Traralgon will be there this weekend on behalf of Osteo Sports network, as well as BV Diamond Partners Field of View Sports Photography and Ausport. Make sure to stop by the Hugo van for all the latest baseball gear at Morwell on Saturday from 8am-2pm.

Click HERE to view the SWC event hub and follow along on GameChanger for the latest scores across the weekend.

Best of luck to our very own Ollie Allen, Maisen Ricketts, Jacob Tayler, and Bodhi Evans as they take off for Taiwan to represent at the 2023 U12 Baseball World Cup.

EO Val Langworthy is also from Victoria.

You can follow along with their journey on Team Australia socials or check out WBSC’s GameTime livestreaming platform.