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”.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | R | H | E | |
| Australia | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Korea | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
Olivia Bannon was also awarded the homerun award and Georgia Bower was named the Most Valuable Player for Australia.
For more team and Women's Baseball updated follow us on Facebook/baseballaustralia, Instagram @BaseballAustralia and Twitter @AustBaseball
For more team and Women's Baseball updated follow us on Facebook/baseballaustralia, Instagram @BaseballAustralia and Twitter @AustBaseball
In their fourth game of the 2015 Phoenix Cup, the Australian U18 Women’s team defeated Taipei Yu-Sheng HighMatch Women's Baseball Team from Taiwan 19-10.
With Elarna Spinks on the hill, Taipei came out swinging in the first inning, scoring five runs. The Aussies fought hard and responded with eleven of their own runs in the first, a result of some great at bats.
Keeping the girls scoreless in the second, Taipei kept the competition tight and by the top of the third the score was 10-11. Australia switched on their hitting in the third, including a huge hit from Kelsey Brennan and an in the park home run from Olivia Bannon. The Aussies took out the win with a 19-10 scoreline, finishing them in second place in their pool.
They will play for the Bronze medal today at 11:30 am Hong Kong time (2:30 AEDT) against Guri-City NineVics from Korea.
Follow the team on Facebook/baseballaustralia, Instagram @BaseballAustralia and Twitter @AustBaseball
The Australian 18U Women's Phoenix Cup team has played three games at the four day 2015 Asia Insurance Phoenix Cup in Hong Kong.
Game 1: Australia v Bulsajo Korea
A great start for the 18U Women’s team at the Phoenix Cup with a 25-0 win over team Bulsajo from Korea. The Aussies started the game with nine runs in the first inning with a triple from Georgia Jones and a double from Grace Zylstra. Defensively Elarna Spinks kept Bulsajo scoreless for two innings, and Lauren Donnellan and Kaitlin Barnes each pitched an inning with only two hits given up the entire game.
Game 2: Bravo Hong Kong v Australia
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | R | H | E | |
| Bravo | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Australia | 7 | 5 | 3 | X | 15 | 6 | 2 |
Australia with their second win at the Phoenix Cup, 15-1 over team Hong Kong Bravo. The team came out with bats swinging, Vanessa Clifford had two massive doubles, Grace Zylstra and Georgia Bower with a double each and Abbey Kelly with two hits and three RBI’s. Emma French was strong on the mound pitching two scoreless innings, with Amy West and Lauren Donnellan closing out the game.
Game 3: Australia v Osaka University
Australia with their second win at the Phoenix Cup, 15-1 over team Hong Kong Bravo. The team came out with bats swinging, Vanessa Clifford had two massive doubles, Grace Zylstra and Georgia Bower with a double each and Abbey Kelly with two hits and three RBI’s. Emma French was strong on the mound pitching two scoreless innings, with Amy West and Lauren Donnellan closing out the game.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E | |
| Australia | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Osaka | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 13 | 10 | 1 |
Osaka University proved to be tough competition for the Australians, shutting them down in five innings 13-3. Grace Zylstra started the game strong with a lead off single, but Australia didn't put their first run on the board till the third. The bats started to swing in the fourth with another single from Zylstra, a single from Megan Molles, a double from Vanessa Clifford, and a huge triple from Georgia Bower, but the girls only managed an additional two runs. Australia played some great defensive baseball turning three double plays and a standout diving catch from Bower but Osaka University was just too strong in the end.
Australia will play Taipei Yu-Sheng Women's Baseball Team from Taiwan today at 9:00am (12:00pm AEDT) in a must win game.
Follow the team on Facebook/baseballaustralia, Instagram @BaseballAustralia and Twitter @AustBaseball
Interview with Shae Lillywhite of Springvale. Can't see the player, click here.
Match Report- Women’s Division 1 Springvale @ Essendon
Saturday 7th Feb 2015
Starting batting line-up for Essendon- Foura 6, Pedersen 8, Gell 2, Page 1, Kline 9, Collins 5, Deeble 4, Garaofolo 3, Megan Kelly 7.
Starting batting line-up for Springvale- Lillywhite 6, Manzie-Novotney 4, Hough 5, Stephenson 2, Row 1, Matsuo 7, Jackson 9, Brown 3, Loon 8.
Manzie-Novotney got on with an error after one out but got picked off from the dish by Gell of Essendon, trying to steal 3rd. Stephenson also got on with a tight play at 1st after an infield ground ball and that scored Hugh after she had earlier hit to right. Row cleared the centre fielder and scored Stephenson then Matsuo and Jackson both singled to score another. Brown walked on a full count to load them up but Page steadied on the hill for the Bombers and ended it there.
Springvale 3, Essendon 0.
Bottom 1st - Foura singled to start it off for the Bombers then stole 2nd on a tight play. Row struck one out as she maintained control on the hill. Gell looked confident as she singled to score a run but got caught stealing 2nd after a well executed defensive play by the Lions. Row took the run in her stride and ended it with a strikeout looking.
Springvale 3, Essendon 1.
Megan Kelly took a good catch running back in left to start it off for the Bombers. Manzie- Novotney singled to right then Hugh got on with an error, Stephenson walked and the bases were loaded with one out. Row worked the count for another walk that forced in a run. Matsuo bounced a double over the right fielder’s head to score two then Hannah Jackson lined another into the right field corner for an inside the park, three run homer.
Brown singled to centre then Loon tripled to deep right to score her. Essendon then called a conference at the mound and we were back at the top of the Springvale order. Gell came in to pitch as Page vacated the Bombers mound. Lillywhite walked and then scored after she stretched her run to 3rd on an error. Hugh singled to left and it was 1st and 2nd occupied with one out. Foura took a good catch at short to make it two out and a ground ball ended it there.
Springvale 12, Essendon 1.
Bottom 2nd- Collins got on after an error but the Lions defence was too tight and she got left on base with no change to the score.
Springvale 12, Essendon 1.
Top 3rd- Matsuo lead off with a hit then after a routine fly ball out she got doubled off when Kline made a good throw back to 1st from right.
Springvale 12, Essendon 1.
Bottom 3rd- Brown took a good catch in foul territory at 1st for Springvale then Foura walked and Pedersen singled to right. Gell continued her form and lined to left, then a force play at 3rd got the second out and scored a run for the Bombers. Kline hit with confidence over the right fielder’s head and scored two.
Springvale 12, Essendon 4.
Top 4th- Gardner came in to pitch for Essendon and Loon singled to centre to start it off. Lillywhite scored her on a deep hit to left then came in on a wild throw herself. Deeble made a good play from 2nd for the first out. Hugh joined the party and tripled to deep right then scored on an outfield error. Row walked to the vacant 1st base and Matsuo singled to centre left to score one. Jackson hit a long triple to right and scored two. Loon singled to score one then Lillywhite hit a long double to left to score another. Manzie-Novotney hit a bloop single over short and Loon came in. Another run came in after a fielder’s choice at 2nd then Stephenson doubled for another RBI. Matsuo got on with a single and the inning ended with an out at the same base.
Springvale 23, Essendon 4.
Bottom 4th- Row took control and sat the batters down in order with no addition to the score.
Springvale 23, Essendon 4.
Top 5th – Gell came back to pitch for Essendon with great accuracy then Loon beat out an infield single with two out. Deeble made a good running play on a ground ball to her left to end the dig with no addition to the score.
Bottom 5th- Pedersen hit to centre with one out as Matsua took over the mound from Row, then Springvale rolled a tight double play around 2nd to end it.
Game ended on the mercy rule.
Great hitting from Springvale and pitching by Row to end the regular season.
Final score- Springvale 23, Essendon 4.
Report by Cam Gleeson
Match Report- Women’s Division 1 Springvale @ Essendon
Saturday 7th Feb 2015
Starting batting line-up for Essendon- Foura 6, Pedersen 8, Gell 2, Page 1, Kline 9, Collins 5, Deeble 4, Garaofolo 3, Megan Kelly 7.
Starting batting line-up for Springvale- Lillywhite 6, Manzie-Novotney 4, Hough 5, Stephenson 2, Row 1, Matsuo 7, Jackson 9, Brown 3, Loon 8.
Manzie-Novotney got on with an error after one out but got picked off from the dish by Gell of Essendon, trying to steal 3rd. Stephenson also got on with a tight play at 1st after an infield ground ball and that scored Hugh after she had earlier hit to right. Row cleared the centre fielder and scored Stephenson then Matsuo and Jackson both singled to score another. Brown walked on a full count to load them up but Page steadied on the hill for the Bombers and ended it there.
Springvale 3, Essendon 0.
Bottom 1st - Foura singled to start it off for the Bombers then stole 2nd on a tight play. Row struck one out as she maintained control on the hill. Gell looked confident as she singled to score a run but got caught stealing 2nd after a well executed defensive play by the Lions. Row took the run in her stride and ended it with a strikeout looking.
Springvale 3, Essendon 1.
Megan Kelly took a good catch running back in left to start it off for the Bombers. Manzie- Novotney singled to right then Hugh got on with an error, Stephenson walked and the bases were loaded with one out. Row worked the count for another walk that forced in a run. Matsuo bounced a double over the right fielder’s head to score two then Hannah Jackson lined another into the right field corner for an inside the park, three run homer.
Brown singled to centre then Loon tripled to deep right to score her. Essendon then called a conference at the mound and we were back at the top of the Springvale order. Gell came in to pitch as Page vacated the Bombers mound. Lillywhite walked and then scored after she stretched her run to 3rd on an error. Hugh singled to left and it was 1st and 2nd occupied with one out. Foura took a good catch at short to make it two out and a ground ball ended it there.
Springvale 12, Essendon 1.
Bottom 2nd- Collins got on after an error but the Lions defence was too tight and she got left on base with no change to the score.
Springvale 12, Essendon 1.
Top 3rd- Matsuo lead off with a hit then after a routine fly ball out she got doubled off when Kline made a good throw back to 1st from right.
Springvale 12, Essendon 1.
Bottom 3rd- Brown took a good catch in foul territory at 1st for Springvale then Foura walked and Pedersen singled to right. Gell continued her form and lined to left, then a force play at 3rd got the second out and scored a run for the Bombers. Kline hit with confidence over the right fielder’s head and scored two.
Springvale 12, Essendon 4.
Top 4th- Gardner came in to pitch for Essendon and Loon singled to centre to start it off. Lillywhite scored her on a deep hit to left then came in on a wild throw herself. Deeble made a good play from 2nd for the first out. Hugh joined the party and tripled to deep right then scored on an outfield error. Row walked to the vacant 1st base and Matsuo singled to centre left to score one. Jackson hit a long triple to right and scored two. Loon singled to score one then Lillywhite hit a long double to left to score another. Manzie-Novotney hit a bloop single over short and Loon came in. Another run came in after a fielder’s choice at 2nd then Stephenson doubled for another RBI. Matsuo got on with a single and the inning ended with an out at the same base.
Springvale 23, Essendon 4.
Bottom 4th- Row took control and sat the batters down in order with no addition to the score.
Springvale 23, Essendon 4.
Top 5th – Gell came back to pitch for Essendon with great accuracy then Loon beat out an infield single with two out. Deeble made a good running play on a ground ball to her left to end the dig with no addition to the score.
Bottom 5th- Pedersen hit to centre with one out as Matsua took over the mound from Row, then Springvale rolled a tight double play around 2nd to end it.
Game ended on the mercy rule.
Great hitting from Springvale and pitching by Row to end the regular season.
Final score- Springvale 23, Essendon 4.
Both teams fronted up tonight hoping to get one place closer to the final four in Division 2. Fitzroy were three games behind Malvern in fourth place and Springvale were two games in the red. A win for the boys from K.H.Wearne reserve would give them a chance to chase down Malvern whilst Fitzroy really needed to win to keep their chances alive.
Starting line up for Fitzroy- Muchan 2, King 6, Turlea 4, McClean 8, Wilson C 3, Stevens 5, Hill DH, Cowley 9, Wilson T 7, Freeth Pitcher.
Springvale- Wearne 6, Mascoll 4, Price 2, Barnden 3, Poole 5, Brown 1, Richards 8, Cavanagh 7, Drummond 9.
Top 1st- Brown looked on target as he started with a strikeout swinging. Two contact outs took us into the bottom of the innings.
Score- 0, 0.
Bottom 1st- Freeth got a pop up to short to begin then got ahead quickly with the next batter for a three pitch K. A ground ball to 2nd ended the dig.
Score- 0, 0.
Top 2nd - Brown got two strikeouts and a contact out and looked in control as he sat the batters down in order.
Bottom 2nd – Freeth got three contact outs as he was also throwing with great efficiency.
Score- 0, 0.
Top 3rd- Sam Drummond took a good catch running towards the line in right for the first out. Infield grounders got the second and third outs. Tim Brown has only thrown two balls in three innings to date.
Bottom 3rd- Glen Richards started by lining a hanging curve ball up the middle for a single. Cavanagh got HBP then Drummond bunted safely to load them up and bring up the top of the Springvale order with none out. C Wilson made a good ground ball out at home on the force but Fitzroy couldn’t get the ball back to 1st in time for the double play. Mascoll scored two on a ground ball single up the middle to leave 1st and 2nd occupied with one out. Price had a long at bat for a walk but King and Turlea of Fitzroy combined to end it with a double play.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 2.
Top 4th- Brown started with a first pitch out as Drummond took another catch in right. The pitcher was in total control as he got another two strikeouts looking to end the innings.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 2.
Bottom 4th- Freeth wasn’t to be outdone and had control of the hitters as he sat them down in order with three fly balls.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 2.
Top 5th- Barnden of Springvale rescued a wild throw from short to get the first out on a tag at first base. C Wilson hit deep into centre right for a double with one out and Stevens grounded to 1st to advance him to 3rd. Brown soaked up the pressure on the Springvale mound and sat the next batter down after a ground ball to end it.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 2.
Bottom 5th- This was turning into a real pitcher’s duel as Freeth induced two ground ball outs to start it off. Wearne was up for it though as he drew a walk then stole 2nd. He then took 3rd on a hit and run play as Mascoll singled to left for the RBI. Price walked but Freeth got another ground ball to end it with two on.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Top 6th- Cowley showed good patience as he drew a walk to start it off then T Wilson hit to left to make it 1st and 2nd occupied. King played into a fielder’s choice at 3rd after a pop up back to the pitcher and it was two out. A line ball to third ended it there and left two on.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Bottom 6th- Freeth took the score in his stride and looked confident as he sat down the Springvale batters in order.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Top 7th- McClean flew the flag for Fitzroy as he lead off with a line shot single to centre right. The left-handed Stevens batted with one out and waited on one to push it into left. It was then 1st and 2nd occupied. A fly ball deep into left made the second out with no advance from the runners and a tag play at 2nd ended it. Brown was looking confident after seven.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Bottom 7th- Cavanagh drew a walk then Drummond bunted safely to create a force to 3rd situation with none out and the top of the Springvale order up to bat. Muchan picked up a bouncing bunted ball in the dish and made a play at 3rd for the first out. King and Turlea combined well around the horn but the runner was safe in a tight play at 1st making it 1st and 3rd occupied with two out. A ground ball to 2nd ended the dig.
Top 8th- Brown in his eighth innings of work drew a grounder for the first out and a pop up to the catcher for the second then finished it with a strikeout.
Bottom 8th- Poole of Springvale beat out an infield single after a flyball in deep left got the first out. Another flyball to right made it two out then Richards walked and a pop up to 2nd ended it. We went into the ninth innings with 25 minutes to play in a two hour game.
A groundball got the first out then McClean beat out a groundball and made it as the fielder was off the base. A fielder’s choice at 2nd made the next out but Wilson was safe at one as Springvale couldn’t turn the double play. Stevens singled to left but Brown made it a complete game shutout with a groundball to 2nd that ended the contest.
Final Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Springvale 6 hits. Fitzroy 5.
Pitching- Tim Brown of Springvale 20 balls, 76 strikes, total 96 pitches, 5 hits 6 strikeouts. No runs. 1 BB. 34 batters faced
Jack Freeth of Fitzroy- 44 balls, 68 strikes, 112 pitches, 35 batters faced, 8 innings, 6 hits, 2 strikeouts, 5 BB, 3 earned runs.
Hits- Fitzroy- Stevens 2, Mc Lean 1, C Wilson 1 double, T Wilson 1.
Springvale- Mascoll 2 plus 2RBI, Poole 1, Richards 1, Drummond 2.
Report by Cam Gleeson
Both teams fronted up tonight hoping to get one place closer to the final four in Division 2. Fitzroy were three games behind Malvern in fourth place and Springvale were two games in the red. A win for the boys from K.H.Wearne reserve would give them a chance to chase down Malvern whilst Fitzroy really needed to win to keep their chances alive.
Starting line up for Fitzroy- Muchan 2, King 6, Turlea 4, McClean 8, Wilson C 3, Stevens 5, Hill DH, Cowley 9, Wilson T 7, Freeth Pitcher.
Springvale- Wearne 6, Mascoll 4, Price 2, Barnden 3, Poole 5, Brown 1, Richards 8, Cavanagh 7, Drummond 9.
Top 1st- Brown looked on target as he started with a strikeout swinging. Two contact outs took us into the bottom of the innings.
Score- 0, 0.
Bottom 1st- Freeth got a pop up to short to begin then got ahead quickly with the next batter for a three pitch K. A ground ball to 2nd ended the dig.
Score- 0, 0.
Top 2nd - Brown got two strikeouts and a contact out and looked in control as he sat the batters down in order.
Bottom 2nd – Freeth got three contact outs as he was also throwing with great efficiency.
Score- 0, 0.
Top 3rd- Sam Drummond took a good catch running towards the line in right for the first out. Infield grounders got the second and third outs. Tim Brown has only thrown two balls in three innings to date.
Bottom 3rd- Glen Richards started by lining a hanging curve ball up the middle for a single. Cavanagh got HBP then Drummond bunted safely to load them up and bring up the top of the Springvale order with none out. C Wilson made a good ground ball out at home on the force but Fitzroy couldn’t get the ball back to 1st in time for the double play. Mascoll scored two on a ground ball single up the middle to leave 1st and 2nd occupied with one out. Price had a long at bat for a walk but King and Turlea of Fitzroy combined to end it with a double play.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 2.
Top 4th- Brown started with a first pitch out as Drummond took another catch in right. The pitcher was in total control as he got another two strikeouts looking to end the innings.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 2.
Bottom 4th- Freeth wasn’t to be outdone and had control of the hitters as he sat them down in order with three fly balls.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 2.
Top 5th- Barnden of Springvale rescued a wild throw from short to get the first out on a tag at first base. C Wilson hit deep into centre right for a double with one out and Stevens grounded to 1st to advance him to 3rd. Brown soaked up the pressure on the Springvale mound and sat the next batter down after a ground ball to end it.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 2.
Bottom 5th- This was turning into a real pitcher’s duel as Freeth induced two ground ball outs to start it off. Wearne was up for it though as he drew a walk then stole 2nd. He then took 3rd on a hit and run play as Mascoll singled to left for the RBI. Price walked but Freeth got another ground ball to end it with two on.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Top 6th- Cowley showed good patience as he drew a walk to start it off then T Wilson hit to left to make it 1st and 2nd occupied. King played into a fielder’s choice at 3rd after a pop up back to the pitcher and it was two out. A line ball to third ended it there and left two on.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Bottom 6th- Freeth took the score in his stride and looked confident as he sat down the Springvale batters in order.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Top 7th- McClean flew the flag for Fitzroy as he lead off with a line shot single to centre right. The left-handed Stevens batted with one out and waited on one to push it into left. It was then 1st and 2nd occupied. A fly ball deep into left made the second out with no advance from the runners and a tag play at 2nd ended it. Brown was looking confident after seven.
Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Bottom 7th- Cavanagh drew a walk then Drummond bunted safely to create a force to 3rd situation with none out and the top of the Springvale order up to bat. Muchan picked up a bouncing bunted ball in the dish and made a play at 3rd for the first out. King and Turlea combined well around the horn but the runner was safe in a tight play at 1st making it 1st and 3rd occupied with two out. A ground ball to 2nd ended the dig.
Top 8th- Brown in his eighth innings of work drew a grounder for the first out and a pop up to the catcher for the second then finished it with a strikeout.
Bottom 8th- Poole of Springvale beat out an infield single after a flyball in deep left got the first out. Another flyball to right made it two out then Richards walked and a pop up to 2nd ended it. We went into the ninth innings with 25 minutes to play in a two hour game.
A groundball got the first out then McClean beat out a groundball and made it as the fielder was off the base. A fielder’s choice at 2nd made the next out but Wilson was safe at one as Springvale couldn’t turn the double play. Stevens singled to left but Brown made it a complete game shutout with a groundball to 2nd that ended the contest.
Final Score- Fitzroy 0, Springvale 3.
Springvale 6 hits. Fitzroy 5.
Pitching- Tim Brown of Springvale 20 balls, 76 strikes, total 96 pitches, 5 hits 6 strikeouts. No runs. 1 BB. 34 batters faced
Jack Freeth of Fitzroy- 44 balls, 68 strikes, 112 pitches, 35 batters faced, 8 innings, 6 hits, 2 strikeouts, 5 BB, 3 earned runs.
Hits- Fitzroy- Stevens 2, Mc Lean 1, C Wilson 1 double, T Wilson 1.
Springvale- Mascoll 2 plus 2RBI, Poole 1, Richards 1, Drummond 2.
Report by Cam Gleeson
Ten years service in Major League Baseball makes Grant Balfour's Hall of Fame induction inevitable. Exceptional family circumstances has led to the heartfelt decision to bring that honour forward for his father to see.
Baseball Australia is moved to announce the induction of Grant Balfour into the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame, class of 2015. In what are unprecedented special circumstances, the Heritage Committee and Baseball Australia Board have decided to bring what is the inevitable induction of Grant into the Hall of Fame forward, so that his ailing father David can see the honour.
The right-handed pitcher currently with the Tampa Bay Rays will be inducted for the special playing category for Outstanding International Career.
A cult-figure among baseball fans for his intense on-field persona, Grant has racked up ten years of Major League Baseball service, putting together arguably the finest career of any Australian in the Major Leagues. His career highlights include being selected in the 2013 American League All-Star Team and pitching in the postseason with three different clubs, including the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2008 World Series.
The Sydney native grew up in Kings Langley, New South Wales, where he began playing junior baseball. Signed by the Minnesota Twins in 1997 as a 19-year-old amateur free agent, Balfour went onto make his MLB debut with the Twins in 2001.
“Balf” as he is affectionately known by teammates, has served as a relief pitcher for a number of Major League teams over eleven seasons, including the Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays. A career 3.46 ERA over 528 games with 84 saves and 571 strikeouts in 535.1 innings, Balf also holds the Athletics consecutive save record at 44.
Speaking of his induction from Florida, US, Grant said he is grateful to be classed among his Hall of Fame peers:
"I am honored to be inducted into the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame with many other greats who have played or made a huge impact on this game. I started out playing baseball at the age of 6 and continue to play the game today. It has been my life and I am very fortunate to have made a great living from this game. I continue my passion for the game and hope to accomplish many more things to come. I want to thank my family who have been there for me my whole career and are my biggest fans".
Grant joins Trent Durrington and John Galloway as the Hall of Fame Class of 2015 inductees, to be honoured at the Australian Baseball Gala on Saturday 28 February 2015.
View Balf's full Hall of Fame Bio including video at baseball.com.au/GrantBalfour
Angove Australian Baseball Gala – celebrating the Hall of Fame and Annual Diamond Awards
Date: Saturday 28 February 2015
Time: Arrivals and red carpet from 6:00pm
Where: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Who: The largest gathering of Australian baseball past and present players, coaches and community, plus ten year reunion of the 2004 Olympic Silver Medal winning team.
Awards: Baseball Australia Hall of Fame, ABL Helms Award MVP, 2014/15 ABL Season playing categories, National High Performance and Grassroots Community Awards.
Ten years service in Major League Baseball makes Grant Balfour's Hall of Fame induction inevitable. Exceptional family circumstances has led to the heartfelt decision to bring that honour forward for his father to see.
Baseball Australia is moved to announce the induction of Grant Balfour into the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame, class of 2015. In what are unprecedented special circumstances, the Heritage Committee and Baseball Australia Board have decided to bring what is the inevitable induction of Grant into the Hall of Fame forward, so that his ailing father David can see the honour.
The right-handed pitcher currently with the Tampa Bay Rays will be inducted for the special playing category for Outstanding International Career.
A cult-figure among baseball fans for his intense on-field persona, Grant has racked up ten years of Major League Baseball service, putting together arguably the finest career of any Australian in the Major Leagues. His career highlights include being selected in the 2013 American League All-Star Team and pitching in the postseason with three different clubs, including the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2008 World Series.
The Sydney native grew up in Kings Langley, New South Wales, where he began playing junior baseball. Signed by the Minnesota Twins in 1997 as a 19-year-old amateur free agent, Balfour went onto make his MLB debut with the Twins in 2001.
“Balf” as he is affectionately known by teammates, has served as a relief pitcher for a number of Major League teams over eleven seasons, including the Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays. A career 3.46 ERA over 528 games with 84 saves and 571 strikeouts in 535.1 innings, Balf also holds the Athletics consecutive save record at 44.
Speaking of his induction from Florida, US, Grant said he is grateful to be classed among his Hall of Fame peers:
"I am honored to be inducted into the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame with many other greats who have played or made a huge impact on this game. I started out playing baseball at the age of 6 and continue to play the game today. It has been my life and I am very fortunate to have made a great living from this game. I continue my passion for the game and hope to accomplish many more things to come. I want to thank my family who have been there for me my whole career and are my biggest fans".
Grant joins Trent Durrington and John Galloway as the Hall of Fame Class of 2015 inductees, to be honoured at the Australian Baseball Gala on Saturday 28 February 2015.
View Balf's full Hall of Fame Bio including video at baseball.com.au/GrantBalfour
Angove Australian Baseball Gala – celebrating the Hall of Fame and Annual Diamond Awards
Date: Saturday 28 February 2015
Time: Arrivals and red carpet from 6:00pm
Where: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Who: The largest gathering of Australian baseball past and present players, coaches and community, plus ten year reunion of the 2004 Olympic Silver Medal winning team.
Awards: Baseball Australia Hall of Fame, ABL Helms Award MVP, 2014/15 ABL Season playing categories, National High Performance and Grassroots Community Awards.
Baseball Victoria would like to announce that the Baseball Victoria Board has appointed Myles Foreman as President of the Board with immediate effect.
Myles succeeds Clayton Crameri who, after 6 years on the Board retires at the conclusion of his current term.
Myles joined the Baseball Victoria Board in September 2013 and has served as Association Secretary and held the Directors portfolio of Membership Services.
“On behalf of the Baseball Victoria Board and the Victorian Baseball Community I express our gratitude to Clayton for his dedication to the game of Baseball over an extended period of time, most recently as President of the Board. Clayton, like all of the Board Members and many others across our Associations and Clubs are volunteers who give of their time willingly to better the game of Baseball”.
The Board also resolved at the same meeting to adopt the 2015 Business Plan which set amongst other elements a clear Objective for Baseball Victoria being:
“In order to provide every Victorian the opportunity to participate in the Victorian Baseball Community, Baseball Victoria will provide leadership, infrastructure, systems and resources which encourage and support a collaborative commitment across, BA, ABL, Aces, Government, Clubs, Associations, Players and Volunteers”.
Commenting on his appointment Myles said; “A clear plan for the next 12 months has been adopted which ensures the foundations of Baseball Victoria’s service delivery and key projects are clear and measurable. We have a Board with a diverse range of Baseball and non-Baseball skills and experience, as well as a team in the Baseball Victoria office that are committed and passionate about Baseball. Most importantly we have a Baseball Community who care about the game and want to see it succeed and grow. With the plan in place and steps in place to ensure its delivery, Baseball Victoria will focus on ensuring further collaboration between all members and stakeholders to better the great game of Baseball across all age groups, skills and aspirations”.
About Diamond Sports SA Inc.
Diamond Sports SA Incorporated (DSSA) is located at West Beach, South Australia and is the operating and maintenance body that is proudly partnering Softball and Baseball in a facility where both sports can coexist & share resources. The venue consists of a purpose built fully skinned Softball diamond, a purpose built Baseball diamond and a multi-purpose fully skinned diamond. The facility also boasts a brand new 900SqM indoor training facility with new athlete change rooms and shared administration offices.
Position Overview
The Facilities Manager (FM) is responsible for the West Beach facility, inclusive of new and existing structures, equipment, and all playing fields within the venue borders. The FM will ensure that every opportunity is sought to maximise the use of the venue to generate returns for DSSA. The FM will work alongside key stakeholders as well as business and other community organisations, to meet defined objectives of Diamond Sports SA Inc. Working directly with and through Baseball SA, Softball SA and their affiliates, the FM will have autonomy to build and maintain a sustainable infrastructure for Diamond Sports SA Inc.
Candidate Requirements
Qualifications- Sports Administration, Management/Commercial Degree or related discipline (desired)
Previous experience in ground maintenance is essential
Excellent presentation skills and customer relations
Knowledge of either Baseball or Softball by way of player or administrator
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Computer skills in MS office
Innovative and forward thinker
Demonstrated commercial success in events, marketing and or communications (desired)
A position description is available at www.diamondsportssa.com
Applications must address the key selection criteria in the Position Description and should be emailed to suetomlinson09@gmail.com to be received by 5:00pm Friday 13 February 2015.
Original article published by WBSC, edited version here by Baseball Australia.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – World governing body WBSC announced today the qualified nations and dates for the 2015 U18 Baseball World Cup – the highest and most elite competition platforms for baseball players in this age group.
2015 WBSC U18 Baseball World Cup XXVII – Japan
The 2015 WBSC U18 World Cup will be staged from 28 August – 06 September, with the "Mecca of Japanese Baseball" – historic Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya built in 1924 – serving as an iconic backdrop for the world’s best 18-year-old baseball players and future superstars.
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is adjusting the Hanshin Tigers’ home schedule at the legendary 47,000-seat (Hanshin) Koshien Stadium to accommodate and further add to the prestige of the WBSC U18 Baseball World Cup – and to honour the best young baseball players in the world and help drive a magical in-stadium fan-experience.
The nations heading to Koshien Stadium have been finalised after the first-ever U18 World Cup continental qualifiers in Africa (Mera, Kenya) and Oceania (Auckland, New Zealand) concluded this past weekend.
The historic qualifiers were regarded by WBSC leadership as “key breakthroughs in baseball/softball’s global evolution that unite the U18 Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania continental championships”.
The U18 World Cup in Japan will feature seven out of the Top 10 nations in the world, and eleven out of the Top 20, making for one of the most competitive U18 World Cups on record.
The powerful bloc of U18 World Cup qualified nations represents a global footprint that spans across the entire western hemisphere, Africa, Asia, Central and Southern Europe, and Oceania:
Americas (North-, Central- and South America, and the Caribbean): Two-time defending U18 World Champions No. 2 USA, No. 3 Cuba, No. 7 Canada, No. 12 Mexico and No. 16 Brazil.
Africa: No. 29 South Africa
Asia: No. 1 Japan, No. 4 Chinese Taipei, No. 8 South Korea Europe: No. 11 Italy and No. 20 Czech Republic
Oceania: No. 14 Australia
WBSC officials are confident the 2015 U18 World Cup’s broadcast and online/mobile reach will surpass the record broadcast numbers of its 2013 U18 World Cup predecessor – which had a potential broadcast reach of 144 million homes and potential online/mobile reach of 20 million, based on reports furnished by leading media rights agency and WBSC broadcast partner MP & Silva. WBSC leaders base forecasts on the strength of the 2015 U18 World Cup nations, as well as the current positive audience growth trends for international baseball properties that feature WBSC’s Members’ National Teams.
Related articles: Australia Qualifies for the 18U World Cup
Original article published by WBSC, edited version here by Baseball Australia.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – World governing body WBSC announced today the qualified nations and dates for the 2015 U18 Baseball World Cup – the highest and most elite competition platforms for baseball players in this age group.
2015 WBSC U18 Baseball World Cup XXVII – Japan
The 2015 WBSC U18 World Cup will be staged from 28 August – 06 September, with the "Mecca of Japanese Baseball" – historic Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya built in 1924 – serving as an iconic backdrop for the world’s best 18-year-old baseball players and future superstars.
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is adjusting the Hanshin Tigers’ home schedule at the legendary 47,000-seat (Hanshin) Koshien Stadium to accommodate and further add to the prestige of the WBSC U18 Baseball World Cup – and to honour the best young baseball players in the world and help drive a magical in-stadium fan-experience.
The nations heading to Koshien Stadium have been finalised after the first-ever U18 World Cup continental qualifiers in Africa (Mera, Kenya) and Oceania (Auckland, New Zealand) concluded this past weekend.
The historic qualifiers were regarded by WBSC leadership as “key breakthroughs in baseball/softball’s global evolution that unite the U18 Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania continental championships”.
The U18 World Cup in Japan will feature seven out of the Top 10 nations in the world, and eleven out of the Top 20, making for one of the most competitive U18 World Cups on record.
The powerful bloc of U18 World Cup qualified nations represents a global footprint that spans across the entire western hemisphere, Africa, Asia, Central and Southern Europe, and Oceania:
Americas (North-, Central- and South America, and the Caribbean): Two-time defending U18 World Champions No. 2 USA, No. 3 Cuba, No. 7 Canada, No. 12 Mexico and No. 16 Brazil.
Africa: No. 29 South Africa
Asia: No. 1 Japan, No. 4 Chinese Taipei, No. 8 South Korea Europe: No. 11 Italy and No. 20 Czech Republic
Oceania: No. 14 Australia
WBSC officials are confident the 2015 U18 World Cup’s broadcast and online/mobile reach will surpass the record broadcast numbers of its 2013 U18 World Cup predecessor – which had a potential broadcast reach of 144 million homes and potential online/mobile reach of 20 million, based on reports furnished by leading media rights agency and WBSC broadcast partner MP & Silva. WBSC leaders base forecasts on the strength of the 2015 U18 World Cup nations, as well as the current positive audience growth trends for international baseball properties that feature WBSC’s Members’ National Teams.
Related articles: Australia Qualifies for the 18U World Cup