Myles Foreman President of Baseball Victoria said; “Ensuring the Baseball Victoria Board maintains a mix of baseball experience and skills is well a truly achieved by the appointment of Geoff given his extensive experience with Baseball Australia, the Australian Baseball League and baseball in general. The appointment of James brings other diverse sporting experience gained at two AFL Club’s as well as very extensive financial experience”.
Baseball Victoria Board
Myles Foreman Director of Baseball Australia, Australian Baseball League & Associations (President)
Stephen Thomson Director of Facilities, Government & Aces (Vice President)
Vacant Director of Membership Services (Secretary)
James van Beek Director of Finance
Scott Dawes Director of Pathways, Competitions & Tournaments
Sheila Nguyen Director of Marketing & Communications
Geoff Pearce Director of High Performance
Baseball Victoria is seeking volunteers to assist with the following positions:
Pre Finals Rap
Division 1
With two games to go the playoff participants in the premier competition have been decided. With no midweek games left to play the only outstanding question is, who will finish on top in the Eastern Conference? Melbourne took top spot with a midweek win over Waverley whilst Blackburn lost in a shootout with Cheltenham 15-19 and now sits second.
As there are only two remaining weekend games, the playoff teams will have a couple of weeks with longer breaks to rest their starters and their bullpens before the intensity of final series play. Blackburn plays Sandringham and Preston whilst Melbourne sees the same teams in reverse order. A loss for either in those games could see them lose top spot in the eastern Conference.
In the Western Conference Essendon have top spot cemented being four and a half wins ahead of Geelong. The Baycats have second spot, as they are four games clear of Preston.
The first week semi-final series will be played between the two top teams in each conference as a best of three. The higher club on the ladder gets two games as the home team. With the batting line-ups we have in Division 1 having that walk-off possibility could be a real advantage.
The two winners of the conference finals will then play off in a grand final, three game series.
In the next couple of weeks we should expect to feel the calm before we look forward to the intensity of another intriguing finals series.
Division 2
Sunshine has been powering on top of the ladder all season and is currently sitting two games clear of Werribee. The Eagles suffered a pressure loss, midweek to fourth placed Malvern while Werribee got over Moorabbin. Meanwhile, the Braves need to win one out of two remaining games in order to fend off the fast finishing Springvale who are currently fifth.
Werribee and Moorabbin are currently battling for second place on 18 wins each and they play each other at Moorabbin on Sunday the 15th of February. That game follows the midweek match that Werribee won by one run. Both teams have pitching options and good hitting so that should be a late season event.
In Division 2 the finals will be played in three game series. First will play fourth and second will play third then the winners of both series will play off in a grand final series, also of three games.
Women’s Division 1
The regular season has come to an end with Springvale being the clear ladder leaders. The Lions lost one game during the season to Doncaster, their opponents in this Saturday’s Semi at Wearne Reserve. The winner of that game goes directly into the grand final whilst the loser gets another go in the preliminary the next week.
Meanwhile Footscray and Essendon face each other in a knockout game, the winner of which progresses to the preliminary final. All teams will be looking to show their best, as the last weeks haven’t made much difference to ladder positions. With the return of representative players the competition should be well prepared and fierce.
See you round the grounds.
Cam Gleeson
The Heathmont Baseball Club is ideally looking for a club coach with previous National, State or Div 1/A Grade coaching experience.
Relevant Qualifications are Mandatory (Level 3 or above)
The role is a paid position, remuneration will be agreed upon dependent on experience, qualifications and attendance as required.
All interested applicants to email – heathmontbaseballclub@gmail.com by Sunday 15th February 2015. Applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Requirements- A working with children check certificate is mandatory, Level 1 minimum certification for Baseball coaching required, a strong attitude for Club coaching role, the ability to lead a Senior first side team on game days as well as entire Club Coaching through to the 3rds side on our weekly Wednesday training nights from 6pm-8pm. Some Junior participation/ Leadership role & training earlier on Wednesday nights will also be required throughout the season from 5pm on occasion where possible.
Croydon BC requires a dedicated person that will be available from Pre-Season training commencing Sat March 7th through to Presentation night around mid-late September 2015 inclusive.
Remuneration can be discussed with the Club Coaching Committee at interview time after an initial screening process as per Croydon BC process.
We are looking for a strong personality that can lead our Club to future long term success in the MWBL Winter seasons competition.
If you are interested in applying for the role of Head Coach. Please contact Club Secretary,
Julian Powell 0458 381 745 or email j.powell71@bigpond.com
If you are interested in applying for the role of Head Coach. Please contact Club Secretary,
Julian Powell 0458 381 745 or email j.powell71@bigpond.com
The games between Essendon and Geelong in Eaglehawk were an outstanding success, and this was largely due to the fantastic support from the local Clubs, Falcons and Scots, the Bendigo Baseball Association, and the City of Greater Bendigo. Tim Lee and Amy Johnston from the Council must be thanked for their fantastic support of the hosting of the games, but also for their support of Baseball in general.
We had incredible support from Andrew Jones, the Curator, Pam Dawkins from the Bendigo Baseball Association, Julie & Bill Jones from both a Falcons and Essendon perspective, along with Ian McKenzie and the Umpires, Tim Sullivan from Essendon, Barry Mills and Leanne Gibbons from Geelong Baycats, and Jack Harrison our Barista. A very special mention to Steve Dilks for all of his photography, including the group photo in this report.
Both Essendon and Geelong should be congratulated on how well they supported the day, and it has now laid a fantastic foundation and blueprint for future games to go Regional Victoria.
Thanks also to the Essendon players who conducted a clinic for 40 local children prior to the Division 1 game. They, along with the many Volunteers who helped out across the day made this a very special event, and a great advertisement for our great game.
The 18U Women’s team finished the 2015 Phoenix Cup in Hong Kong with a strong 10-5 win over Guri-City NineVics from Korea for the Bronze. Making this their second Bronze to add to their Silver medal in three years.
The bats were alive and swinging behind stellar outings from Elarna Spinks, Emma French and Lauren Donnellan during the Bronze Medal game.
Georgia Bower led the way with three hits, one shy of the cycle, followed by Abbey Kelly with two hits and designated hitter Jordan Richardson with a hit and four RBI’s. The team was able to score ten runs from nine hits with strong bats and aggressive base running to win the game 10-5.
Head Coach Dan Hayes was “extremely happy with the girls performance during the tournament. They worked well under the pressure of the coaching staff and exceeded all expectations”.
At the Annual General Meeting of Baseball Victoria held on 10 February 2015, the Members unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the Board that John King be awarded Life Membership of Baseball Victoria.
“On behalf of the Victorian Baseball Community I congratulate John on being awarded Life Membership of Baseball Victoria. John has over many years given of his time freely to many aspects of the game at State and Club level as a player, umpire, coach and administrator. He has always put the best interests of Baseball first and has inspired many generations of players and administrators. John is a very worthy recipient of our highest award and I take this opportunity to thank John for his ongoing contribution to Victorian Baseball”; said Myles Foreman President of Baseball Victoria.
John was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in the year 2000 for services to the Fitzroy Baseball Club as a player, coach and administrator.
John has served as a Board Member of Baseball Victoria, served as a Board Member & Vice President of the Melbourne Winter Baseball League. He has been a Board Member of the Diamond Valley Junior Baseball League. John has sat on numerous Baseball Victoria Committees, coached the Victorian Provincial U14’s team been an Assistant Coach for the under 23 Victorian State Team, coached Diamond Valley Junior team and coached Kangaroos tours to San Francisco & Italy.
At Fitzroy Baseball Club, John was awarded Life Membership in 1997. He has had a huge influence in keeping the club going. John started at Fitzroy in the early 1970’s in the under 15s. John is one of only several ‘legend’s’ recognised at the club. He became Vice President of the Club in 1979 (aged 20) and for that past thirty years has been President. John has coached juniors nonstop for approximately 37 years.
In addition to Fitzroy Baseball Club, John was coach of Greenhills Montmorency Baseball Club in the 1980’s and has been involved at Greensborough Baseball Club for over 20 years. At Greensborough John has coached at all levels particularly juniors and over the last 10 years. John was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2012.
For over 40 years John 'Kingy'King has been a player, coach, umpire and administrator across State and Club levels. Life Membership is an opportunity for the Victorian Baseball community recognise John’s contribution to Baseball and say thank you.
At the Annual General Meeting of Baseball Victoria held on 10 February 2015, the Members unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the Board that John King be awarded Life Membership of Baseball Victoria.
“On behalf of the Victorian Baseball Community I congratulate John on being awarded Life Membership of Baseball Victoria. John has over many years given of his time freely to many aspects of the game at State and Club level as a player, umpire, coach and administrator. He has always put the best interests of Baseball first and has inspired many generations of players and administrators. John is a very worthy recipient of our highest award and I take this opportunity to thank John for his ongoing contribution to Victorian Baseball”; said Myles Foreman President of Baseball Victoria.
John was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in the year 2000 for services to the Fitzroy Baseball Club as a player, coach and administrator.
John has served as a Board Member of Baseball Victoria, served as a Board Member & Vice President of the Melbourne Winter Baseball League. He has been a Board Member of the Diamond Valley Junior Baseball League. John has sat on numerous Baseball Victoria Committees, coached the Victorian Provincial U14’s team been an Assistant Coach for the under 23 Victorian State Team, coached Diamond Valley Junior team and coached Kangaroos tours to San Francisco & Italy.
In addition to Fitzroy Baseball Club, John was coach of Greenhills Montmorency Baseball Club in the 1980’s and has been involved at Greensborough Baseball Club for over 20 years. At Greensborough John has coached at all levels particularly juniors and over the last 10 years. John was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2012.
For over 40 years John 'Kingy'King has been a player, coach, umpire and administrator across State and Club levels. Life Membership is an opportunity for the Victorian Baseball community recognise John’s contribution to Baseball and say thank you.
Audio interview with Billy Gibbins of Malvern Baseball Club. Direct link here.
Division 2 Malvern vs Sunshine at MBP. Wednesday 11th February 2015.
Starting line up for Malvern- Hubert Lau 4, Jordan Liester 6, Andrew McKenzie 3, Scott Ashton 5, Gavin Woolger 9, Tom Snowden 2, Chris Wall DH, James Lewis 7, Lachlan Fuda 8,
Henry Jones- Pitcher- Not batting
Starting line up for Sunshine- Lane Kosky 8, Jaret Chatwood 6, Daniel Wilke DH, Adam Irons 5, Chad Gallloway 3, Rohan Brasher 4, Cameron Browne 9, Shannon Hornstra 2,
Roland Shaw- Pitcher- Not batting.
Top 1st- Shaw of Sunshine was throwing hard as he got two fly balls for outs to start it. McKenzie pushed one into left for a hard hit single but he was left on after a ground ball.
Score 0-0.
Bottom 1st- Jones was throwing low mixing offspeed but Kosky did well to draw a full count walk for Sunshine. He stole second on the first pitch he saw then Davis got a broken bat single into centre and it was 1st and 3rd occupied. Davis stole 2nd then Kosky scored on an infield error. The batter got called out on an interference call then Irons got an RBI on a groundout. Chatwood stole 3rd after a pick off attempt but got stranded after a strikeout swinging ended it.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Top 2nd- Chatwood of the Eagels made a good running play at short for the second out then Wall of Malvern got on after an error but got left on as Shaw ended it with a strikeout.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Bottom 2nd- Brasher hit deep into left to lead off the innings with a single. Browne bunted him to 2nd and was just out as Scott of Malvern made the first of two good plays at 1st. A groundball back to the pitcher finished the innings with no addition to the score.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Top 3rd- Shaw was in control of the Sunshine mound as he got three contact outs in order.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Bottom 3rd- Davis led off with a walk then stole 2nd after a flyball to centre was the first out. Wilke got HBP and took the vacant base then Irons made good contact but was caught in right with no advance. Jones got another pop up to centre to end the dig.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Top 4th- McKenzie drew a walk then Ashton singled with a ball that landed between the fielders behind 3rd base. Woolger bunted and McKenzie scored after an error on that play. It was then 1st and 3rd occupied with none out. Snowden walked and the bases were loaded, Chris Wall played into a fielder’s choice at the plate and there was no addition to the score with one out. Another broken bat single to Lewis and Malvern were tied. Sunshine breathed a sigh of relief as Lewis got doubled off at 1st base to end it.
Score Malvern 2- Sunshine 2.
Bottom 4th- Brasher drew a walk to start it off then Browne again sac bunted him to 2nd after Scott of Malvern made a good play to get the out at 1st. Hornstra grounded over 2nd and Brasher scored to give the Eagles the lead. Koski tripled into the right corner to score Hornstra from 1st. Another one came in after a baulk and Davis hit a long double that rolled under the fence. Chatwood hit long to left but flied out with no advance of the runner. Wilke worked the count full for a walk then Nesbitt took the hill for Malvern and finished it with a groundout to short.
Score Malvern 2- Sunshine 5.
Top 5th- Lau started it off for Malvern with a single to shallow right and Liester bunted safely to make it 1st and 2nd occupied. A flyball to left got one out then Ashton doubled to score Lau, it was then 2nd and 3rd occupied. Woolger hit a long single that scored two runs and Chatwood came in to pitch for Sunshine. A 1-6-3 double play ended the innings with the game tied.
Score Malvern 5- Sunshine 5.
Bottom 5th- Liester came in to pitch for Malvern with just over half an hour to play and started with a strikeout. A flyball to right got the second out and another strikeout swinging sent the Braves in for another go at bat.
Score Malvern 5- Sunshine 5.
Top 6th- Campatelli had his first at bat of the game and drew a walk then stole 2nd. Chatwood got a strikeout swinging after working the batter for the first out. Fuda singled to deep short and it was 1st and 3rd occupied then the runner scored on a wild pick-off attempt at 1st. A juggled catch in right made the second out then an error let another run come in. McKenzie won a long battle and drew a walk then Irons of Sunshine took a good catch running back in foul territory near 3rd to end the dig.
Score- Malvern 7- Sunshine 5.
Bottom 6th- Campatelli made a good play from short for the first out with less than five minutes to play. Koski singled to right for Sunshine then Davis did the same, although Woolger nearly got the force play at 2nd with a hard throw. A very hard hit ball from Chatwood ricocheted off the pitcher’s hand and Malvern got the tag play at 3rd to make two out. Then a pop up to 1st base ended the game
Final Score- Malvern 7- Sunshine 5.
All photos accompanying this article were taken and kindly supplied by Micheal Jones of Malvern Baseball Club.
Audio interview with Billy Gibbins of Malvern Baseball Club. Direct link here.
Division 2 Malvern vs Sunshine at MBP. Wednesday 11th February 2015.
Starting line up for Malvern- Hubert Lau 4, Jordan Liester 6, Andrew McKenzie 3, Scott Ashton 5, Gavin Woolger 9, Tom Snowden 2, Chris Wall DH, James Lewis 7, Lachlan Fuda 8,
Henry Jones- Pitcher- Not batting
Starting line up for Sunshine- Lane Kosky 8, Jaret Chatwood 6, Daniel Wilke DH, Adam Irons 5, Chad Gallloway 3, Rohan Brasher 4, Cameron Browne 9, Shannon Hornstra 2,
Roland Shaw- Pitcher- Not batting.
Top 1st- Shaw of Sunshine was throwing hard as he got two fly balls for outs to start it. McKenzie pushed one into left for a hard hit single but he was left on after a ground ball.
Score 0-0.
Bottom 1st- Jones was throwing low mixing offspeed but Kosky did well to draw a full count walk for Sunshine. He stole second on the first pitch he saw then Davis got a broken bat single into centre and it was 1st and 3rd occupied. Davis stole 2nd then Kosky scored on an infield error. The batter got called out on an interference call then Irons got an RBI on a groundout. Chatwood stole 3rd after a pick off attempt but got stranded after a strikeout swinging ended it.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Top 2nd- Chatwood of the Eagels made a good running play at short for the second out then Wall of Malvern got on after an error but got left on as Shaw ended it with a strikeout.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Bottom 2nd- Brasher hit deep into left to lead off the innings with a single. Browne bunted him to 2nd and was just out as Scott of Malvern made the first of two good plays at 1st. A groundball back to the pitcher finished the innings with no addition to the score.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Top 3rd- Shaw was in control of the Sunshine mound as he got three contact outs in order.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Bottom 3rd- Davis led off with a walk then stole 2nd after a flyball to centre was the first out. Wilke got HBP and took the vacant base then Irons made good contact but was caught in right with no advance. Jones got another pop up to centre to end the dig.
Score Malvern 0- Sunshine 2.
Top 4th- McKenzie drew a walk then Ashton singled with a ball that landed between the fielders behind 3rd base. Woolger bunted and McKenzie scored after an error on that play. It was then 1st and 3rd occupied with none out. Snowden walked and the bases were loaded, Chris Wall played into a fielder’s choice at the plate and there was no addition to the score with one out. Another broken bat single to Lewis and Malvern were tied. Sunshine breathed a sigh of relief as Lewis got doubled off at 1st base to end it.
Score Malvern 2- Sunshine 2.
Bottom 4th- Brasher drew a walk to start it off then Browne again sac bunted him to 2nd after Scott of Malvern made a good play to get the out at 1st. Hornstra grounded over 2nd and Brasher scored to give the Eagles the lead. Koski tripled into the right corner to score Hornstra from 1st. Another one came in after a baulk and Davis hit a long double that rolled under the fence. Chatwood hit long to left but flied out with no advance of the runner. Wilke worked the count full for a walk then Nesbitt took the hill for Malvern and finished it with a groundout to short.
Score Malvern 2- Sunshine 5.
Top 5th- Lau started it off for Malvern with a single to shallow right and Liester bunted safely to make it 1st and 2nd occupied. A flyball to left got one out then Ashton doubled to score Lau, it was then 2nd and 3rd occupied. Woolger hit a long single that scored two runs and Chatwood came in to pitch for Sunshine. A 1-6-3 double play ended the innings with the game tied.
Score Malvern 5- Sunshine 5.
Bottom 5th- Liester came in to pitch for Malvern with just over half an hour to play and started with a strikeout. A flyball to right got the second out and another strikeout swinging sent the Braves in for another go at bat.
Score Malvern 5- Sunshine 5.
Top 6th- Campatelli had his first at bat of the game and drew a walk then stole 2nd. Chatwood got a strikeout swinging after working the batter for the first out. Fuda singled to deep short and it was 1st and 3rd occupied then the runner scored on a wild pick-off attempt at 1st. A juggled catch in right made the second out then an error let another run come in. McKenzie won a long battle and drew a walk then Irons of Sunshine took a good catch running back in foul territory near 3rd to end the dig.
Score- Malvern 7- Sunshine 5.
Bottom 6th- Campatelli made a good play from short for the first out with less than five minutes to play. Koski singled to right for Sunshine then Davis did the same, although Woolger nearly got the force play at 2nd with a hard throw. A very hard hit ball from Chatwood ricocheted off the pitcher’s hand and Malvern got the tag play at 3rd to make two out. Then a pop up to 1st base ended the game
Final Score- Malvern 7- Sunshine 5.
All photos accompanying this article were taken and kindly supplied by Micheal Jones of Malvern Baseball Club.