Ballarat 8, Berwick City 3
Pitching his first game for the Ballarat Brewers, southpaw Ricky Howell spun a quality start against a visiting Berwick outfit that opened the scoring but was unable to withstand an offensive assault that delivered the home side a decisive break with a four-spot in the fourth. Scattering five hits over seven innings of work, Howell conceded a solitary earned run before handing the ball to Seth Haehl in the set-up role before Tom Harrington closed out the last, with the Brew Crew having stretched the lead with a flurry of late runs.
A progressive club with a wealth of emerging young talent, Berwick entered this contest undefeated after two rounds and with a reasonable expectation of producing the goods against the new kids on the Division 2 block. It was never going to be easy for the Cougars, however—playing on an unfamiliar field against a vastly experienced opposition approaching full strength after a poor showing in its loss to Williamstown last Sunday.
While Berwick starter Mark Surtees went scoreless through the first three, he ran into strife in the fourth, when Ballarat mounted a two-out offensive assault that resulted in four runs and what translated into an insurmountable lead. Despite not having pitched in a game for seven weeks, Howell appeared to get stronger through the contest to post an impressive win—one that his club will be hoping is the first of many for a multi-skilled player already with a solid existing record at Division 1 level.
Looking to its relievers in Matt Chilcott and the rangy Cameron Gibbens, Berwick remained an ever-present threat but was unable to hold off a Brewers offence that amassed 13 hits to seven as it edged away in the seventh and eighth innings.
Eight players posted hits for the Brewers in a strong team effort, with Ethan Etheridge, Stewart Jeffery, Scott Kerr, Scott Jones and Haehl among the multiples while Leigh Ashmore and Matt Jones both drove in two of their side’s runs. Berwick City, meanwhile, was paced by Ryan Shane (scored two runs) and six other players who contributed singles to the cause. Sam Beasley and Andrew Gibbens also knocked in runs for the Cougars.
Now at 2-1—and still finding their legs in the higher division—Ballarat will start Seth Haehl against Williamstown at Altona on Wednesday evening before making the trek to Werribee for what shapes as a blockbuster against the Giants next Saturday.
Moorabbin 10, Williamstown 0
Consistent in all facets of the game, Moorabbin tallied once in the first, five times in the fifth, added another in the sixth, and completed their bravura performance with three runs in the seventh to shutout Williamstown 10-0 in a mercy-rule shortened contest.
Fitzroy 5, Port Melbourne 1
The host Lions scored once in the first, twice in the fifth, and added two more in eighth to combat the Mariners only marker in the top of the sixth inning. In a losing effort, Port Melbourne’s Nicholas Coy had two hits (including a double and the lone run batted in) and Will Musson and Jordan Osborne also contributed two baggers.
Werribee 2, Upwey FTG 1
In a nip-and-tuck back-and-forth affair the Giants eked past the Tigers, 2-1. With the victory, Werribee improved to 2-1 on the season while Upwey fell to 1-2. In mid-week tilts, Werribee and Malvern square off on Wednesday and Upwey takes on Fitzroy on Thursday. Both games will be held at the Melbourne Ballpark with first pitch slated for 6.30 p.m.
Bonbeach 4, Malvern 2
It took an extra inning, but the Bonbeach Blue Jays outlasted the Malvern Braves, 4-2, in a spirited contest. The winning runs were scored on a bases loaded hit and the victory secured when hurler Jon Bannister (who earned the win) struck out the side to end the game. Despite leadoff men reaching base in both the fifth and sixth innings, Bonbeach couldn’t push a run across.
Instead it was Malvern who struck first, scoring once in the bottom of the sixth. The Blue Jays answered in the seventh with a double by Ben Donald (one of two in the game) plating Andy Webber before coming home himself on a sacrifice fly. The Braves tied it in the bottom of the seventh before the extra innings heroics.
Footscray 13, St Kilda 9
On a beautiful afternoon at Tom O’Halloran Field in St Kilda, the Bulldogs defeated the Saints, 13-9, in a game that lasted three hours and 11 minutes. Footscray started quickly, plating multiple runs in the first three innings. The Saints answered back in the second and third, tallying twice in each to cut the deficit to 9-4. St Kilda hurler Robbie Lewis finished strong, holding Footscray scoreless his last three innings. Overall he pitched very well, dealing admirably with both a tight strike zone and a suspect defence. The Saints trimmed the lead to 9-5 before surrendering four runs in the top of the seventh. Though they rallied for four in the eighth, their comeback ultimately fell short. After turning three more double plays on Sunday the Saints now have six twin killings through the first 17 innings of the season. With the win, Footscray evens their record at 1-1 while St Kilda falls to 0-2.
Ormond Glenhuntly 6, Chelsea 4
Imposing their will as the host team, Ormond Glenhuntly tallied twice in the second to take a 2-0 lead. Undaunted, the Chelsea Dolphins answered back with one in the third and three in the fifth to lead 4-2 halfway through the game. The Hunters, however, scored four in the bottom of the seventh to grab a lead they would never relinquish. Trent Wilford pitched well for Chelsea in defeat, allowing just two runs in six strong innings, and he also contributed the only multi-hit game for his side on a windy afternoon in Caulfield South.
Mulgrave 6, Pakenham 5
Following their stellar performances the previous two weeks, the Mulgrave Rebels looked to continue their winning streak against the competitive Pakenham Pumas. The Rebels got off to a slow start, trailing 2-1 after the first frame. In the middle innings, however, they vaunted back on top, 3-2. On the mound, winning hurler Stuart Phillips pitched well for the first six innings before Matthew Young earned a three inning save. Young’s efforts were buoyed by a clutch three run double in the top of the eighth that pushed the Mulgrave lead to 6-2. The Pumas responded immediately, narrowing the lead to 6-5 going into the ninth. In the end, though, Mulgrave (and their defence) stood tall, ending the game on a slick double play.
The two teams combined for 27 hits—including three doubles by Mulgrave batters and a triple for Pakenham’s Andrew Sullivan—and Scott Dale pitched eight strong innings for the Pumas.
Research had a bye this weekend.
Springvale 17, Footscray 0
Can Springvale be stopped? More pressingly: Will Springvale ever give up a run? After blanking Malvern 13-0 last week, the Lions did the same to the Bulldogs on Saturday, whitewashing Footscray, 17-0. Up next trying to score a single run: a showdown with visiting Doncaster on 31 October after this weekend’s bye.
Doncaster 18, Malvern 12
In a wild back-and-forth affair on a perfect Saturday afternoon, the Lady Braves took on last year’s Grand Final runner up, Doncaster, in a spirited game. After four innings, Malvern held a four run lead but a disastrous fifth frame saw eight Dragons cross the plate—many thanks to a series of miscues—and the game turn inevitably toward a Doncaster victory.
Essendon had a bye this week.
This week Division 1 featured five tight games that were dominated by good pitching and timely hitting. And then there was Blackburn and Springvale who combined for 44 runs in a 23-21 barnburner that saw the host Orioles prevail after tallying seven runs in the seventh inning. Each team used five different pitchers, none of whom lasted more than three innings.
Elsewhere around the league, although all of their games have been close Essendon remains unbeaten. Melbourne and Waverley too. Sunshine got their first win after some close games, while Doncaster and Springvale have yet to see any tangible reward for their efforts.
Sunshine 2, Geelong 1
Looking to rebound after starting the season with two tough losses—including dropping an extra innings affair with reigning premiers Essendon—Sunshine finally got that elusive victory, downing Geelong 2-1 in 10 innings. Hurler Rory Meddick pitched well (eight innings, five hits, three walks, 10 strikeouts and 79 strikes out of 121 total pitches) for the host Eagles as he kept the Baycats in check. Griffin Weir got the win in relief, pitching two scoreless frames. For Geelong, Christopher Durston got two hits, the only player who accomplished the feat.
Melbourne 7, Doncaster 0
Doncaster came into the match against last year’s preliminary finalist hoping to get some runs on the board after being blanked in the first two games. Ah the best laid plans . . . while the host Dragons were again unable to push across a run, the Demons scored first in the second inning when Nathan Aron, who had reached on a leadoff single, scored on Tristan Field’s sacrifice fly.
Simon Fitzmaurice pitched the first six innings for Doncaster, allowing only a single run on four hits and a walk, striking out one and throwing 45 strikes amongst his 75 pitches.
“The offence let Fitzmaurice down,” said Dragons second baseman Nic Unland. “Our pitching today was absolutely outstanding, Fitzmaurice commanded the hill, but our hitters let him down, we didn’t back him up. We had too many soft at bats all day and when we did get runners into scoring position we left them stranded.”
Marcel d’Avoine then took over for two innings, giving up a couple runs. In the top of the ninth, though, things fell apart as five walks led to an additional four Demons crossing the plate.
Matthew Blackmore then closed out the ninth with three up and three down including two strikeouts to seal the victory for Melbourne.
Ben Utting got two of Doncaster’s three hits. Another positive for the Dragons was Brendan McDonald’s performance in left field. He again made five putouts, including a running catch down the line at the top of the sixth inning.
As for what ails him and his mates:
“Discipline at the plate is one thing,” Utting said. “Getting good pitches to hit, some of the guys are blazing away at pitches out of the strike zone or just not at hitter’s pitches.”
Blackburn 23, Springvale 21
Hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sport. If you polled the 10 hurlers who threw in this tilt, though, they may beg to differ as the Orioles and Lions batters combined for 37 hits and 44 runs. Host Blackburn’s David Tierney and Nick Rossell each collected four hits apiece; ditto for Glenn Mascoll and Scott Wearne of Springvale. Four other Orioles collected three hits.
Springvale scored four in the first but then gave up three in the bottom half and four in the second before fighting back for two in the third. Undaunted, Blackburn then added six in the third to take a commanding 13-6 lead. The Lions trimmed it to one in the fourth and then went ahead three in the fifth before the Orioles tied it at 16 in the last of the middle frame.
No runs in the sixth was the calm before the seventh inning storm: Springvale added two more and Blackburn erupted for seven to open up a four run margin. Valiantly, the Lions added another couple but it was not enough to win this crazy game.
Newport 6, Preston 0
Some impressive pitching from Gabriel Sandersius for Newport and Edward Buzachero of Preston made this a tighter contest than the score suggests. Additionally, an impressive appearance by Cameron McNish on the mound in relief for the Rams helped earn the road win. Three hits from Newport playing manager Matt Lawman, including a long double, really helped his team secure the victory. For more information on this game and to listen to a podcast with Lawman go to the match of the round link.
Essendon 8, Sandringham 6
Essendon scored three runs in the first and the scorers weren’t bothered again until the fourth frame. That was when the Royals scored two and added three in the fifth (after the Bombers tallied once) before Essendon evened it up in the sixth, 5-5. After trading single runs in the eighth, Essendon tallied twice in the top of the ninth to move to 3-0 on the season. Luke Abels started for the winners before he passed the ball to Ross Hipke, who was then followed by Gareth Formisano before Dean McIntyre secured the save. The Royals started Kynan Wilcox who vacated the mound for Spencer Jack, before Jake Cole-Sinclair closed the game out.
Waverley 4, Cheltenham 2
Superb pitching led to four-and-a-half scoreless innings before the Rustlers scored in the bottom of the fifth. Unfazed the Wildcats answered with one in sixth to tie the game. After giving up another run in the last of the seventh, Waverly pulled ahead for good with three runs in the eighth to provide the winning margin. With the victory, the Wildcats move to 3-0 early in their campaign while the Rustlers fall to 1-2.
Greensborough Baseball Club is seeking the services of an experienced baseball coach to head its coaching program for the 2016 season.
Entering teams in A, A Reserve, A3 and A4 grades of the MWBL, the Club has been successful in the past and is seeking a suitably qualified and motivated person to lead the way forward.
Position Responsibilities:
1. Plan and run effective mid-week Club training sessions during the season (March to September) at Elder Street Reserve.
2. Coach and manage the Firsts on game day each week.
3. Provide support and guidance to duly appointed team coaches to assist them in the achievement of set goals.
4. Design and deliver a comprehensive pre-season training plan for the Club.
5. Conduct selection meetings once a week (usually after training).
6. Liaise with the Junior Co-ordinator and play an active role in developing training strategies for the Club's junior players.
7. Advise the Club Committee on baseball playing matters, selection, long-term Club strategies and other matters where appropriate.
8. Attend monthly Club Committee meetings to deliver the "coaches report” for the clubs on-field performance.
9. Attend all Club functions and play an active leadership role within the Club.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Desirable:
- Appropriate formal coaching qualifications.
- Experience in coaching juniors or beginner players.
- Distinguished playing record and reputation at top-grade level.
- Highly developed communication skills.
- Proven ability to motivate players and inspire confidence and respect.
- A mature and professional attitude focusing on the development of players.
- Ability and willingness to introduce a fresh and dynamic training ethos to the Club.
- Reputation for integrity within baseball circles.
- Willingness to act as a “Club ambassador” to bring further benefits to the Club.
- A true “clubman” with a passion for baseball and baseball club life.
Greensborough Baseball Club is a club with a proud history of 60 years. We are a friendly, family based club with a well-run, progressive Committee, which respects and supports its coaches.
The position would be subject to a one-year contract, remuneration to negotiated with the selection committee.
Please forward your application addressing the Key Selection Criteria together with your CV detailing relevant baseball experience to E-mail: Secretary@burrasbaseball.com.au or contact Club President Grant Fittock on 0413421665 for further details.
Applications close Friday 4 December 2015
Greensborough Baseball Club is seeking the services of an experienced baseball coach to head its coaching program for the 2016 season.
Entering teams in A, A Reserve, A3 and A4 grades of the MWBL, the Club has been successful in the past and is seeking a suitably qualified and motivated person to lead the way forward.
Position Responsibilities:
1. Plan and run effective mid-week Club training sessions during the season (March to September) at Elder Street Reserve.
2. Coach and manage the Firsts on game day each week.
3. Provide support and guidance to duly appointed team coaches to assist them in the achievement of set goals.
4. Design and deliver a comprehensive pre-season training plan for the Club.
5. Conduct selection meetings once a week (usually after training).
6. Liaise with the Junior Co-ordinator and play an active role in developing training strategies for the Club's junior players.
7. Advise the Club Committee on baseball playing matters, selection, long-term Club strategies and other matters where appropriate.
8. Attend monthly Club Committee meetings to deliver the "coaches report” for the clubs on-field performance.
9. Attend all Club functions and play an active leadership role within the Club.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Desirable:
- Appropriate formal coaching qualifications.
- Experience in coaching juniors or beginner players.
- Distinguished playing record and reputation at top-grade level.
- Highly developed communication skills.
- Proven ability to motivate players and inspire confidence and respect.
- A mature and professional attitude focusing on the development of players.
- Ability and willingness to introduce a fresh and dynamic training ethos to the Club.
- Reputation for integrity within baseball circles.
- Willingness to act as a “Club ambassador” to bring further benefits to the Club.
- A true “clubman” with a passion for baseball and baseball club life.
Greensborough Baseball Club is a club with a proud history of 60 years. We are a friendly, family based club with a well-run, progressive Committee, which respects and supports its coaches.
The position would be subject to a one-year contract, remuneration to negotiated with the selection committee.
Please forward your application addressing the Key Selection Criteria together with your CV detailing relevant baseball experience to E-mail: Secretary@burrasbaseball.com.au or contact Club President Grant Fittock on 0413421665 for further details.
Applications close Friday 4 December 2015
Greensborough Baseball Club is seeking the services of an experienced baseball coach to head its coaching program for the 2016 season.
Entering teams in A, A Reserve, A3 and A4 grades of the MWBL, the Club has been successful in the past and is seeking a suitably qualified and motivated person to lead the way forward.
Position Responsibilities:
1. Plan and run effective mid-week Club training sessions during the season (March to September) at Elder Street Reserve.
2. Coach and manage the Firsts on game day each week.
3. Provide support and guidance to duly appointed team coaches to assist them in the achievement of set goals.
4. Design and deliver a comprehensive pre-season training plan for the Club.
5. Conduct selection meetings once a week (usually after training).
6. Liaise with the Junior Co-ordinator and play an active role in developing training strategies for the Club's junior players.
7. Advise the Club Committee on baseball playing matters, selection, long-term Club strategies and other matters where appropriate.
8. Attend monthly Club Committee meetings to deliver the "coaches report” for the clubs on-field performance.
9. Attend all Club functions and play an active leadership role within the Club.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Desirable:
- Appropriate formal coaching qualifications.
- Experience in coaching juniors or beginner players.
- Distinguished playing record and reputation at top-grade level.
- Highly developed communication skills.
- Proven ability to motivate players and inspire confidence and respect.
- A mature and professional attitude focusing on the development of players.
- Ability and willingness to introduce a fresh and dynamic training ethos to the Club.
- Reputation for integrity within baseball circles.
- Willingness to act as a “Club ambassador” to bring further benefits to the Club.
- A true “clubman” with a passion for baseball and baseball club life.
Greensborough Baseball Club is a club with a proud history of 60 years. We are a friendly, family based club with a well-run, progressive Committee, which respects and supports its coaches.
The position would be subject to a one-year contract, remuneration to negotiated with the selection committee.
Please forward your application addressing the Key Selection Criteria together with your CV detailing relevant baseball experience to E-mail: Secretary@burrasbaseball.com.au or contact Club President Grant Fittock on 0413421665 for further details.
Applications close Friday 4 December 2015
Match Report
Newport 6 Defeated Preston 0
#vsbl Division One at Newport
Sunday 18 October 2015
It was a pitcher’s duel from the start as imports Sanderius (Newport) and Buzachero (Preston) kept the batters quiet for the first five innings.
Newport got the first run of the game in the third when Seipolt was hit by a pitch and then batted around on an error and two ground outs.
In the sixth inning, the Rams strung together three hits when Lawman, in the clutch, got his third for the day with a double that went over the left fielder’s head. They then led 5-0 and never looked back.
Buzachero vacated the mound for Preston in the same innings with two out. Godbould stepped in and took the game into the eighth when he left the mound with two outs and the bases loaded. Hashiguchi made a brief appearance when he hit a batter to make the score 6-0 before the final defensive out of the game for Preston.
Newport had three players with multiple hits: Simpson, Lawman and T Malthouse. Meanwhile, Jordan Ley and Buzachero got two hits for the visitors who collected five in total. Bubbie also threw 83 pitches without conceding a walk.
Next week Newport travel to Sandringham on Sunday and Preston are away to Sunshine at the same time.
Pitching
Newport
1. Sanderius- Inn 7, Hits 3, Ks 9, BB 1, BFP 25, Pitches 94, Balls 29, Strikes 67, Winning Pitcher.
2. Cameron McNish- Inn 2, Hits 2, Ks 2, BFP 8, Pitches 18, Balls 3, Strikes 15.
Preston
Buzachero- Inn 6 2/3, Hits 9, Ks 5, BB 0, ER 2, BFP 30, Pitches 83, Balls 25, Strikes 59. Losing pitcher.
Godbould- Inn 2, Hits 2, Ks 2, BB 1, ER 1, BFP 9, Pitches 34, Balls 11, Strikes 23.
Hits- Newport - Lawman 3 (2 doubles, 2 RBI), Simpson 2, T Malthouse 2, Foreman 1 (2 RBI), Sandersius 1 (RBI), Seiplot 1, Anglin 1.
Preston- Ley 2, Buzachero 2, Betrand 1.
Images attached to this article kindly supplied by Darren Malthouse of Newport Baseball Club.
Match Report
Newport 6 Defeated Preston 0
#vsbl Division One at Newport
Sunday 18 October 2015
It was a pitcher’s duel from the start as imports Sanderius (Newport) and Buzachero (Preston) kept the batters quiet for the first five innings.
Newport got the first run of the game in the third when Seipolt was hit by a pitch and then batted around on an error and two ground outs.
In the sixth inning, the Rams strung together three hits when Lawman, in the clutch, got his third for the day with a double that went over the left fielder’s head. They then led 5-0 and never looked back.
Buzachero vacated the mound for Preston in the same innings with two out. Godbould stepped in and took the game into the eighth when he left the mound with two outs and the bases loaded. Hashiguchi made a brief appearance when he hit a batter to make the score 6-0 before the final defensive out of the game for Preston.
Newport had three players with multiple hits: Simpson, Lawman and T Malthouse. Meanwhile, Jordan Ley and Buzachero got two hits for the visitors who collected five in total. Bubbie also threw 83 pitches without conceding a walk.
Next week Newport travel to Sandringham on Sunday and Preston are away to Sunshine at the same time.
Pitching
Newport
1. Sanderius- Inn 7, Hits 3, Ks 9, BB 1, BFP 25, Pitches 94, Balls 29, Strikes 67, Winning Pitcher.
2. Cameron McNish- Inn 2, Hits 2, Ks 2, BFP 8, Pitches 18, Balls 3, Strikes 15.
Preston
Buzachero- Inn 6 2/3, Hits 9, Ks 5, BB 0, ER 2, BFP 30, Pitches 83, Balls 25, Strikes 59. Losing pitcher.
Godbould- Inn 2, Hits 2, Ks 2, BB 1, ER 1, BFP 9, Pitches 34, Balls 11, Strikes 23.
Hits- Newport - Lawman 3 (2 doubles, 2 RBI), Simpson 2, T Malthouse 2, Foreman 1 (2 RBI), Sandersius 1 (RBI), Seiplot 1, Anglin 1.
Preston- Ley 2, Buzachero 2, Betrand 1.
Images attached to this article kindly supplied by Darren Malthouse of Newport Baseball Club.
(courtesy of TheABL.com.au)
SYDNEY, 15 October -- Baseball is back for the summer with the sixth season of the Australian Baseball League, which begins 23 October with all six teams in action on Opening Night.
The league features an extended 56-game schedule this year, which further showcases the global talent on display in the ABL. Each club features local Australian talent and top players from Major League Baseball clubs including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins.
Every game of the 2015/16 season will be available live and free on ABLtv.com, with the ABL All-Star Game Presented by Boral and Championship Series expected to be broadcast worldwide on ESPN Australia/New Zealand, MLB Network and Fox Sports Asia.
This year's competition brings an extra international edge when Team Australia competes on home soil for a place in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, the world's premier baseball tournament. The four-day qualifying round takes place at Blacktown International Sportspark 11-14 February, and will also feature the national teams from New Zealand, South Africa and the Philippines.
Adelaide Bite, proudly presented by SA Power Networks
2014/15 record: 32-16 (first place)
Manager: Steve Mintz (first season)
The Bite won the club's first minor premiership last season and reached the championship series for the first time since the league's second season, led by experienced manager Brooke Knight. This year new manager Steve Mintz, who played for the Adelaide Giants of the old ABL takes over and will try to carry over the team's 2014/15 success.
Mintz will manage a team with an even mix of returning Aussie mainstays and a new crop of MLB prospects from the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, highlighted by Travis Demeritte, who is ranked as the Rangers' No. 14 overall prospect.
Last year's Rookie of the Year and Reliever of the Year Josh Tols leads Adelaide's returning players, along with former Rookie of the Year Ben Lodge, who will take the field for the Bite after completing his first professional season abroad. Anchoring the Bite lineup is Olympic silver medallist and veteran slugger Tom Brice, who will suit up for his fifth season in Adelaide.
Adelaide hit the road in Round 1 for a championship series rematch against the Heat in Perth on 23 October at 10:05pm AEDT.
Brisbane Bandits, proudly presented by WellDog
2014/15 record: 21-25 (fifth place)
Manager: David Nilsson (third season)
Former Major Leaguer and MLB All-Star David Nilsson returns for his third season and looks to lead his hometown team to the club's first playoff appearance in the new ABL. Brisbane started strong last season before struggling mid-season and narrowly missing the playoffs.
The Bandits' strong relationship with MLB's Tampa Bay Rays continues this season. In addition to returning catcher Maxx Tissenbaum, Nick Ciuffo, Justin Williams, Bralin Jackson and Riley Unroe will take the field for the Bandits. Ciuffo and Williams rank 20 and 22 respectively on the Rays' Top 30 Prospects list, demonstrating the high calibre of talent that Bandits fans can look forward to on the field this year.
Several of Brisbane's homegrown stars, including Andy Campbell and Ryan Battaglia, led Queensland to the U25 National Championship at the beginning of September, setting themselves in the right mindset for a strong ABL campaign.
Brisbane open the season on the road in Canberra on 23 October at 7:00pm AEDT.
2014/15 record: 22-24 (third place)
Manager: Michael Collins (fourth season)
After just missing the playoffs last season, Canberra called in the Cavalry and have assembled a strong squad that includes a current Major Leaguer and several heroes from the club's 2013 Asia Series triumph.
Texas-raised Aaron Thompson, who made his MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 and pitched in 41 games this year for the Minnesota Twins, will join Canberra at the end of November and remain with the team through the end of the season. The Cavalry also receive a boost from prospects from the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies organisations.
While also working for Baseball Canberra, veteran Jeremy Barnes is coming out of retirement to suit up again in 2015/16. The right-handed infielder played in the ABL from 2012-14, and had a big role in Canberra's 2013 Asia Series win. Jack Murphy is also back for his fourth season Down Under, on the heels of his strongest ABL season to date last year. Now a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organisation, Murphy will continue to serve as a mentor for young Cavalry catcher Robbie Perkins, a prospect in the Colorado Rockies organisation.
Canberra start the 2015/16 season at home against Brisbane on 23 October at 7:00pm AEDT.
2014/15 record: 15-31 (fifth place)
Manager: Joe Vavra (first season)
Under the dual guidance of a new general manager and an MLB manager, the Aces look to make history and move forward after a last-place finish in 2014/15.
Manager Joe Vavra will be the first active MLB coach to manage in the new ABL. Vavra currently serves as the bench coach for the Minnesota Twins, and previously managed the Adelaide Giants of the old ABL in the 1992/93 season. Vavra's two sons, both prospects in the Minnesota Twins organisation, will join their father on the Aces. Despite being blind in one eye, Tanner played his third season of professional baseball in 2015 for the High-A Fort Myers Miracle, while Trey played for Low-A Cedar Rapids.
Along with the new faces on the field, including prospects from the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals, Melbourne will see a familiar face in the front office. Aces legend Justin Huber retired from playing and moved into the front office as General Manager, and along with Vavra and the club's talented players looks bring the Claxton Shield back to Victoria.
The Aces open the 2015/16 season at home, hosting Sydney on 23 October at 7:35pm AEDT.
Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat
2014/15 record: 28-20 (second place)
Manager: Kevin Boles (first season in Perth, second overall in ABL)
In 2014/15, reigning Claxton Shield champion Perth won the ABL title for the fourth time in five seasons, and look to continue their domination thanks to the return of the team's talented Aussie core and the addition of an experienced manager.
Boston Red Sox Triple-A skipper Kevin Boles returns to the ABL to manage the Heat, after leading the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox to the team's first championship in club history in 2014, developing many of the Major League Red Sox young stars in the process.
He'll manage a Heat club laden with experienced veterans like former Major Leaguer Luke Hughes, Helms Award winner Tim Kennelly and ABL all-time wins leader Daniel Schmidt. Perth's MLB prospects this year come from the Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies, and include Rockies' No. 24 prospect Correlle Prime.
The Heat open the new campaign at home against Adelaide on 23 October at 10:05pm AEDT, in a rematch of last year's championship series.
CompassMarkets.com Sydney Blue Sox
2014/15 record: 22-24 (third place)
Manager: Jason Pospishil (fourth season)
One of two ABL teams to reach the postseason every year, the Blue Sox want this to be the year they make it past the preliminary final and advance to the championship series.
Jason Pospishil is back for this fourth season as the team's manager, backed by an experienced coaching staff. Sydney's pitchers will receive expert advice from new pitching coach Jim Colborn, a former Major Leaguer who tossed a no-hitter in 1977 for the Kansas City Royals.
After 2014's MLB Opening Series at the SCG, the Arizona Diamondbacks continue their relationship with Sydney, sending a pair of prospects this year. Players from the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies round out the Blue Sox MLB mix, while the team will also host Korea Baseball Organisation veteran Gyoung Wan Lim and German prospect Jan Stoecklin. In addition to Sydney's international players, returning team mainstays include David Kandilas, Aaron Sookee, Luke Wilkins, Jacob Younis, Josh Dean and Trent D'Antonio.
The Blue Sox open the 2015/16 season on the road in Melbourne, but return home the following week on 30 October at 7:30pm AEDT.
Complete rosters will be available early next week. The 2015/16 ABL season kicks off Friday, 23 October at 7:00pm AEDT. For the complete schedule visit theabl.com.au/schedule.
The league features an extended 56-game schedule this year, which further showcases the global talent on display in the ABL. Each club features local Australian talent and top players from Major League Baseball clubs including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins.
Every game of the 2015/16 season will be available live and free on ABLtv.com, with the ABL All-Star Game Presented by Boral and Championship Series expected to be broadcast worldwide on ESPN Australia/New Zealand, MLB Network and Fox Sports Asia.
This year's competition brings an extra international edge when Team Australia competes on home soil for a place in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, the world's premier baseball tournament. The four-day qualifying round takes place at Blacktown International Sportspark 11-14 February, and will also feature the national teams from New Zealand, South Africa and the Philippines.
Adelaide Bite, proudly presented by SA Power Networks
2014/15 record: 32-16 (first place)
Manager: Steve Mintz (first season)
The Bite won the club's first minor premiership last season and reached the championship series for the first time since the league's second season, led by experienced manager Brooke Knight. This year new manager Steve Mintz, who played for the Adelaide Giants of the old ABL takes over and will try to carry over the team's 2014/15 success.
Mintz will manage a team with an even mix of returning Aussie mainstays and a new crop of MLB prospects from the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, highlighted by Travis Demeritte, who is ranked as the Rangers' No. 14 overall prospect.
Last year's Rookie of the Year and Reliever of the Year Josh Tols leads Adelaide's returning players, along with former Rookie of the Year Ben Lodge, who will take the field for the Bite after completing his first professional season abroad. Anchoring the Bite lineup is Olympic silver medallist and veteran slugger Tom Brice, who will suit up for his fifth season in Adelaide.
Adelaide hit the road in Round 1 for a championship series rematch against the Heat in Perth on 23 October at 10:05pm AEDT.
Brisbane Bandits, proudly presented by WellDog
2014/15 record: 21-25 (fifth place)
Manager: David Nilsson (third season)
Former Major Leaguer and MLB All-Star David Nilsson returns for his third season and looks to lead his hometown team to the club's first playoff appearance in the new ABL. Brisbane started strong last season before struggling mid-season and narrowly missing the playoffs.
The Bandits' strong relationship with MLB's Tampa Bay Rays continues this season. In addition to returning catcher Maxx Tissenbaum, Nick Ciuffo, Justin Williams, Bralin Jackson and Riley Unroe will take the field for the Bandits. Ciuffo and Williams rank 20 and 22 respectively on the Rays' Top 30 Prospects list, demonstrating the high calibre of talent that Bandits fans can look forward to on the field this year.
Several of Brisbane's homegrown stars, including Andy Campbell and Ryan Battaglia, led Queensland to the U25 National Championship at the beginning of September, setting themselves in the right mindset for a strong ABL campaign.
Brisbane open the season on the road in Canberra on 23 October at 7:00pm AEDT.
2014/15 record: 22-24 (third place)
Manager: Michael Collins (fourth season)
After just missing the playoffs last season, Canberra called in the Cavalry and have assembled a strong squad that includes a current Major Leaguer and several heroes from the club's 2013 Asia Series triumph.
Texas-raised Aaron Thompson, who made his MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 and pitched in 41 games this year for the Minnesota Twins, will join Canberra at the end of November and remain with the team through the end of the season. The Cavalry also receive a boost from prospects from the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies organisations.
While also working for Baseball Canberra, veteran Jeremy Barnes is coming out of retirement to suit up again in 2015/16. The right-handed infielder played in the ABL from 2012-14, and had a big role in Canberra's 2013 Asia Series win. Jack Murphy is also back for his fourth season Down Under, on the heels of his strongest ABL season to date last year. Now a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organisation, Murphy will continue to serve as a mentor for young Cavalry catcher Robbie Perkins, a prospect in the Colorado Rockies organisation.
Canberra start the 2015/16 season at home against Brisbane on 23 October at 7:00pm AEDT.
2014/15 record: 15-31 (fifth place)
Manager: Joe Vavra (first season)
Under the dual guidance of a new general manager and an MLB manager, the Aces look to make history and move forward after a last-place finish in 2014/15.
Manager Joe Vavra will be the first active MLB coach to manage in the new ABL. Vavra currently serves as the bench coach for the Minnesota Twins, and previously managed the Adelaide Giants of the old ABL in the 1992/93 season. Vavra's two sons, both prospects in the Minnesota Twins organisation, will join their father on the Aces. Despite being blind in one eye, Tanner played his third season of professional baseball in 2015 for the High-A Fort Myers Miracle, while Trey played for Low-A Cedar Rapids.
Along with the new faces on the field, including prospects from the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals, Melbourne will see a familiar face in the front office. Aces legend Justin Huber retired from playing and moved into the front office as General Manager, and along with Vavra and the club's talented players looks bring the Claxton Shield back to Victoria.
The Aces open the 2015/16 season at home, hosting Sydney on 23 October at 7:35pm AEDT.
Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat
2014/15 record: 28-20 (second place)
Manager: Kevin Boles (first season in Perth, second overall in ABL)
In 2014/15, reigning Claxton Shield champion Perth won the ABL title for the fourth time in five seasons, and look to continue their domination thanks to the return of the team's talented Aussie core and the addition of an experienced manager.
Boston Red Sox Triple-A skipper Kevin Boles returns to the ABL to manage the Heat, after leading the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox to the team's first championship in club history in 2014, developing many of the Major League Red Sox young stars in the process.
He'll manage a Heat club laden with experienced veterans like former Major Leaguer Luke Hughes, Helms Award winner Tim Kennelly and ABL all-time wins leader Daniel Schmidt. Perth's MLB prospects this year come from the Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies, and include Rockies' No. 24 prospect Correlle Prime.
The Heat open the new campaign at home against Adelaide on 23 October at 10:05pm AEDT, in a rematch of last year's championship series.
CompassMarkets.com Sydney Blue Sox
2014/15 record: 22-24 (third place)
Manager: Jason Pospishil (fourth season)
One of two ABL teams to reach the postseason every year, the Blue Sox want this to be the year they make it past the preliminary final and advance to the championship series.
Jason Pospishil is back for this fourth season as the team's manager, backed by an experienced coaching staff. Sydney's pitchers will receive expert advice from new pitching coach Jim Colborn, a former Major Leaguer who tossed a no-hitter in 1977 for the Kansas City Royals.
After 2014's MLB Opening Series at the SCG, the Arizona Diamondbacks continue their relationship with Sydney, sending a pair of prospects this year. Players from the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies round out the Blue Sox MLB mix, while the team will also host Korea Baseball Organisation veteran Gyoung Wan Lim and German prospect Jan Stoecklin. In addition to Sydney's international players, returning team mainstays include David Kandilas, Aaron Sookee, Luke Wilkins, Jacob Younis, Josh Dean and Trent D'Antonio.
The Blue Sox open the 2015/16 season on the road in Melbourne, but return home the following week on 30 October at 7:30pm AEDT.
Complete rosters will be available early next week. The 2015/16 ABL season kicks off Friday, 23 October at 7:00pm AEDT. For the complete schedule visit theabl.com.au/schedule.