Three new Australian Baseball League (ABL) signings and a Major League Baseball (MLB) contract, a result of the age change from U23 to the first ever Under 25 National Championships.
The Championships, held in Cairns from 29 September to 4 October, are an evolution of Australia’s playing pathway to open up and extend opportunities. The change in age group provides further opportunity for players to represent their State, but more significantly it opens the event to players returning from College and professional tenures in the US, and allows players a gateway into the ABL.
The players from the U25 Championships that will play in the ABL have not been officially announced. Stay tuned to find out names when the the final rosters of the 2014/2015 ABL teams are released.
A Major League contract with MLB franchise Cincinnati Reds was the unexpected outcome of the Championships for twenty-two year old LHP Travis McDonald from North Rocks in New South Wales. Although not much information is known yet of Travis’ signing, he was also named in the Australian team for the U21 Baseball World Cup in November, capping off an obviously stellar month for the lefty.
New South Wales Back-to-Back
For the second year in a row the New South Wales Blue Sox are the defending champions, beating the Western Australia Heat 5-0. Queensland also defeated South Australia to take home the bronze medal 5-4.
To see a list of tournament awards and the players named to the All-Star team click here.
Cairncross and Roneberg on hand to close the Championships
Two Australian baseball legends, Brett Roneberg and Cameron Cairncross, were in Cairns and kind enough to present both the tournament awards and the All-Star team to close the Championships.
Collectively they hold Olympic Silverware, a Big League stint with the Cleveland Indians and over a decade representing Australia – a real honour for the players of this Championship.
Brett Roneberg represented Australia for nine years, during which he played at two Olympic games, three Baseball World Cups and two World Baseball Classics. His father Geoff Roneberg, who has been an influential individual in the sport of baseball in North Queensland, was also honored with the re-opening and dedication of the Geoff Roneberg field at the host venue for the event.
Cameron Cairncross, a Cairns native, also represented Australia at Baseball World Cup, as well as had a impressive career in Major League Baseball, check it out in 31 AND COUNTING .
Tee Ball Smash is the newest activity to hit Victoria and is a fun, inclusive program for everybody.
Tee Ball has a long history in Australia and is played in many schools across Victoria, with a state championship won every year.
This 90 minute program targets participants of all abilities and backgrounds between the ages of 6-12 catering to everybody wanting to learn some fundamental skills, play with friends and most of all have a lot of fun doing it.
Baseball Victoria will be launching this program in the northern region of Melbourne (Parade College, Plenty Rd, Bundoora) in October and are urging all participants and parents in the area to join us on the opening night for our FREE SUPER CLINIC.
Included in this 8 week program is a pack with a glove, hat, ball and shirt as well as quality coaching from some of the best coaches in the region.
First session is:
Article by Trish Quayle
Update 15 October 14: The amount of pros on the team increased to eighteen (18) with the news of LHP Travis McDonald signing with the Cincinnati Reds.
24 October 14: Jacob Younis replaced Sam Kennelly in the roster due to injury.
30 October 14: Aaron Thompson replaced Travis McDonald in the roster due to injury.
Baseball Australia are pleased to announce the roster for the 21U national men’s team that will represent Australia at the first ever 21U Baseball World Cup. The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) event will take place from 7 to 16 November in Taiwan, Taichung, with eleven (11) nations competing.
Australia’s twenty four (24) man roster features eighteen (18) players who are currently under professional contract with Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs, including 2012 Youth Player of the Year Zac Shepherd (Detroit Tigers), and the youngest of the talented WA Kennelly family Sam (Pittsburg Pirates).
Although named a 21U event, the rules allow teams to carry six (6) players aged twenty-three (23) and under on the rosters, but can only have a maximum of three (3) in the line-up at the same time.
Australia has taken advantage of this rule by bringing in five (5) older pitchers; Aaron Sookee, Wilson Lee, Travis McDonald, Sam Street, Todd Van Steensel, and outfielder Ben Lodge, to stabilise the young club.
Manager Tony Harris said this is an exciting ball club that has come together for this new event:
“These ball players are young but we have a depth of pro ball guys that will help to build our game around pitching and defense. Our best players have made themselves available and as a team we have the opportunity to position ourselves well and be competitive at this event” said Manager Harris.
The stakes are somewhat higher for Australia, currently ranked fifteen (15) in the World, as this is the final competition to determine the twelve (12) qualifying teams for the "Premier 12" flagship pro-player international event to be launched in 2015. Only seventy-two (72) points separate No. 11 Italy from No. 15 Australia, and with 100 points awarded to the 21U champion, teams will be looking for top performances to secure their “Premier 12” position.
The team will go into camp in Sydney on Saturday 1 November before flying out for Taichung on 5 November. Australia opens up their round-robin play against World ranked number two (2) Japan on Friday 7 November at 12:30pm (local time), 2:30pm AEST.
For updates on the team at the World Cup visit baseball.com.au or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Being a part of Aussie T-Ball provides more than just a fun activity to play once a week. Take a look through this open door into the wonderful world of fun and opportunity for your kids.
WHAT IS AUSSIE T-BALL?
Launched in 2011 and backed by Baseball Australia, Major League Baseball and the Australian Sports Commission, Aussie T-Ball is the entry point program to introduce children to the game of baseball. A six-a-side, bat and ball game that is all about being active and having fun. In a traditional game of baseball and/or T-Ball there are nine players per side consisting of both an infield and an outfield. Aussie T-Ball's condensed version allows for maximum involvement and fun, giving all children an equal chance to participate.
AUSSIE T-BALL AT THE OPENING SERIES
At the 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Aussie T-Ballers had the opportunity to interact with Major League baseball players. Patrick Corbin (Arizona Diamondbacks) and AJ Ellis (Los Angeles Dodgers) at an Aussie T-Ball clinic on Manly Beach. The kids got some tips from the pros and learnt about a future in baseball. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for these young baseball players who only ever dreamed about meeting a professional baseball player. Did you know that Australian Cricket legend Alan Border is also a HUGE baseball fan? Check out the clip!
IT GETS BETTER
A group of Aussie T-Ballers also had the opportunity to play on the historic grounds of the Sydney Cricket Ground prior to the Thunder playing the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The players even formed a guard of honour to welcome the Thunder and MLB teams onto the diamond!
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Aussie T-Ball is a great way for kids to be introduced to the game of baseball and open up a world of fun for now and the future. With over 150 clubs offering Aussie T-Ball around the country, find your local club and get involved NOW.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of James van Beek to the Baseball Victoria Board. James brings an impressive 12+ year record of success in financial management and elevating operational efficiency in high level professional sporting organisations.
James’ experience encompasses strategic planning and operational implementation in two AFL clubs as well as the racing and wagering industry. In addition his background also includes international experience in a publicly listed merchandising company, incorporating complex stakeholder management with an imperative to deliver profitable results.
Further to a comprehensive financial background, James has an a proven understanding and insight into sponsorship, membership, events and hospitality sectors, the benefits of community engagement and the interactions between business functions to drive commercial success.
James will take responsibility for the Finance Portfolio as well as heading the Audit Sub Committee.
The Board will be seeking formal ratification of James’ appointment at the Annual General Meeting.
Your Sincerely
Clayton Crameri
President & Chairman
Match Report October 12th 2014. Moorabbin vs Port Melbourne. Div 2.
Interview with Ben Loux, Moorabbin Baseball Club. Direct Link.
Interview with Kile Rogers Port Melbourne Baseball Club. Direct Link.
Port Melbourne went into their home opener, after a 1st round win last week against St.Kilda. Meanwhile, Moorabbin who had added a few players to their finals team of last year were coming off a 1st game loss to Berwick City.
In the Top of the 1st Geoff Holland was hitting his spots on the mound for the Mariners. Laux got on with an error and Musson drew a 7 pitch walk but they were left on base as Port steadied.
Into the bottom of the 1st Josh Mulherin started on the hill and was on target for the Panthers. However, that didn’t stop Geoff Holland of the Mariners as he beat out an infield hit showing great leadership in both defence and offence. Kile Rogers hit a hard line drive single to centre and Desmeott forced an error to the infield, to push Holland across the plate and get safely to 1 himself. Mulherin then took his turn to steady and closed the frame with 2 runners on base.
In the top of the 2nd the pitchers took control for both teams. Holland threw his 2nd strike out of the day then Jeremy Katz got on after an error but left Nick O’Shea at the plate when Kile Rogers, in the dish, caught him well short, trying to steal 2nd.
In the bottom of the 2nd Stuart Holland of Port wasn’t going to be outdone and singled but Mulherin was dealing and left him stranded.
In the Top of the 3rd O’Shea of Moorabbin got on after catcher’s interference, but was put out on a fielder’s choice at 2nd. Then an errant pick off at 1st put a runner in scoring position and Ben Laux got a free pass. Holland lost his control slightly and Moorabbin were looking to make the most of it. Will Musson and Wheeler showed patience and walked after lengthy at bats and the middle order were due up. Port got 2 out to put the pressure back on the Panthers with bases loaded. Andrew Katz was at bat when 2 wild pitches scored Mulherin and Laux as Moorabbin took the lead 2-1.
In the bottom of the 3rd Port Melbourne looked set to equalise when Geoff Holland got his 2nd hit for the day and Desmeott looked ready to hit with 1 out but was deceived brilliantly with an inside pitch by Mulherin. The Mariners went back to the dugout with no change to the score.
In the top of the 4th Staci Rogers took the mound for Port. Grant Karlson batting in the 6 hole opened his account with a single to left but Rogers was on target and looked like he might shut the Panthers down. However, Moorabbin worked the short ball and with 2 fielder’s choice plays Jansen stayed ahead of things and scored a run. Moorabbin leading 3-1.
In the bottom of the 4th Ashley Meyers of the Mariners singled to centre but Mulherin was dealing on the mound and left him stranded.
In the Top of the 5th Mulherin added to his stellar outing when he hit a long double to lead off. Nothing came of it though as Staci Rogers had settled in on the mound and was ready for the Panther’s middle order and left him on base. In the Top of the 6th Moorabbin teamed well for a delayed steal; with 1st and 3rd occupied they sacrificed an out in a run-down between 1st and 2nd to let the runner in from 3rd. The Panthers went into the bottom of the frame leading 4-1.
In the bottom of the 6th Desmeott walked then Niddrie, Ross and Meyers all hit but Mulherin kept control and his cool to leave them stranded again.
In the top of the 7th Desmeott came in to pitch for the home team after Staci Rogers had held the visitors well. Then the batters started to get some control of the game. Musson scored Laux after the Panther’s captain lead off with a double, then Musson came in on a wild pitch. Moorabbin were then leading 6-1.
Port Melbourne showed great determination after some surgical pitching from Mulherin and they lead off the bottom of the 7th with 3 hits. This created some action in the Panther's pen with 1 out and the middle order up. Tyson Niddrie put the ball in play with 2 out, forced an error on the infield and 2 runs came home. The Mariners felt buoyed but were running out of time, still trailing 6-3 when they went back into the field.
In the top of the 8th it looked like Port might be back in it when Desmeott found his zone and struck out the side looking, in order.
Brad Adams pitched the 8th for Moorabbin and Geoff Holland flew the flag again with a hit to right, but Moorabbin were too strong and they fought off a good hitting and determined Port side. Musson closed out the last innings showing class and velocity that looks like it will be used more often on the mound as the season goes on.
This was a great contest to watch between two clubs who are on their way up. Geoff Holland was a stand out, pitching the first half and getting 4 hits for the Mariners. His effort was matched by Josh Mulherin of Moorabbin, who threw 123 pitches for 3 runs with 9 strike outs and got 1 hit with the bat.
Hits Moorabbin 6- Mulherin, Laux 2, Musson, Karlson and O’Shea.
Hits Port Melbourne 11- Staci Rogers 1, Geoff Holland 4, Kile Rogers 2, Niddrie, Meyers 2, Stuart Holland.
In other Div 2 games. Berwick won their 2nd game over Bonbeah St. Chads 10-3. Springvale jumped Malvern early with 5 runs in the 1st innings and won 8-5. Werribee opened their account with a 5-2 win over St.Kilda and Sunshine came from behind to defeat Fitzroy 7-3.
Division 1 saw Geelong vent their loss to Willy in the 1st round with a 13-0 drubbing of Newport. Williamstown looked like they might be in for the same treatment from Essendon when they were losing 6-0, but held the Bombers and lost 7-3. Upwey won their 2nd in a row when they downed Cheltenham 7-4. Blackburn opened their account to leave Melbourne at 1-1 when they beat the Demons 7-4. Preston scored their 24th run in 2 games with a 9-0 win over Sandringham and Doncaster scored a win over Waverley to go to 1-1 when their starting pitcher threw 11 strike outs in 5 innings.
In Women's Division 1 Footscray lost to Doncaster 3-1 whilst Malvern and Essendon hacked out a slug fest with the Bombers winning 14-13. Finally, Springvale went about their business to shut Werribee out 14-0.
Report by Cam Gleeson
@valiantcam
#bvsl
Image supplied generously by Michael Adams of Moorabbin Baseball Club.
The following Victorian Baseball Summer League clubs are on Twitter. Follow them to keep up to date with everything baseball in 2014/15.
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Game reports by Neil Barrowcliff
The Australian Schoolboys have wrapped up their tour of the West Coast of the United States. After twenty games in Washington State, Oregon and California the team won 9 games, lost 9 and tied 2. The tour gave the team an appreciation of the life, expectations and workload of a baseball player in the US and they were scouted extensively through the entire tour from both professional and college scouts.
Game 19 vs San Diego City College
Inn/Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
R
H
E
Australia
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
2
5
1
San Diego City
3
0
0
0
0
0
X
3
4
3
After a couple of hard-hit balls from San Diego City College, Australia found ourselves down 3-0. D’Avoine quickly found a great rhythm and shut down the opposition. His 6Ks over 5 solid innings made sure we had a chance. In the 4th, McCallum led off with a drive to right field, he subsequently stole second and then third, and Baker’s line shot up the middle brought him in.
With runners on again in the sixth, after Frew started with a single to centre, but it wasn’t until the last that we had some real chances against some very good pitching. Here, Baker got on with a high pop-up that fell between three players in shallow right. Whitehead doubled down the left field line to bring him home, and an error at third off a hard hit shot from Whitley gave Australia a sniff. However, San Diego held on to their lead and defeated Australia 3-2.
Game 20 vs. San Diego City College
Inn/Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
R
H
E
Australia
0
0
1
2
3
0
0
6
11
1
San Diego City
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
In a double header game, San Diego City College threw a range of quality pitchers against us, seemingly aware that we would fight them all the way. Hendrickson’s great outing on the weekend at the Chandler Bat Classic earned him the honour of starting today, pitching just the one inning before the relievers took over. Hendrickson continued his stellar form, allowing just the one baserunner (who he promptly picked off!).
The first two innings were very tight for both sides, and it wasn’t until Rawlinson led off the third with a walk that hopes were high for runs. Bourke bunted Rawlinson over, then Leskiw singled to put runners in the corners (a great arm in right field for San Diego prevented Leskiw collecting the RBI). Quirk then put down the perfect bunt to score Rawlinson, making it safely to first and advancing Leskiw.
More was to come in the 4th, when Frew got on with a fastball in the back, stole second and scored on King’s line shot up the middle. King also stole second and was advanced to third by a single from Holding. Baker hit a deep shot to right field, allowing King to score on the sacrifice.
In the 5th, with DeJong continuing to work his tidy craft on the hill, Leskiw, Quirk and Nuenborn all collected hits before a double to deep centrefield by Turnbull broke the game open. This inning saw Australia rack up three runs, all but putting the game beyond San Diego’s reach.
Whitehead relieved Dejong in the sixth, and dominated their hitters to close the game out.
For more information about the Australian Schoolboys Tour visit www.schoolsport.edu.au.
With one year to go to the Australian Masters Games, one of Australia’s largest multi-sport festivals today unveiled its look, tagline and the first of a number of event ambassadors before South Australia’s sports and business community.
Olympic cycling gold medallist Brett Aitken, dual Olympic volleyballer representative Louise Bawden, Adelaide 36’s NBL champion Brett Maher and New York Yankees major league baseballer and Adelaide Bite general manager Pat Kelly committed to join the army of weekend warriors who will be participate in the 15th edition of the event next October.
Maher said the Australian Masters Games is much more than about competitive sport.
“The event tagline pretty much sums it ups,” Maher said. “For the times of your life” is a good description, as it’s much more than just a sporting event for the 30-plus age group. It’s the social aspect, the comradery and the fun, in fact for most, winning and losing isn’t even a factor. It’s about just enjoying sport,” Maher said.
Brett Aitken is used to reaching high speeds around the velodrome. He will once again have the need for speed, but this time it will be behind the wheel as gets set to try his hand at Karting at the Australian Masters Games.
"It's got the best of everything - a bit of adrenalin, fast speed, and taking corners..."Aitken enthused.
Louise Bawden is currently preparing for the Rio 2016 Olympics. She has found the motivation to train for her third Olympic campaign from her experiences with sport, but is likely to try something different next October.
“I get continual motivation from my wonderful experiences in sport,” Bawden said.
"But I would love to wake up one day and be Maria Sharapova," she continued when contemplating her sport of choice for the 15th Australian Masters Games.
The 2015 Australian Masters Games is expected to attract 10,000 participants across over 60 sports and in addition to the event ambassadors the Adelaide Convention Centre was confirmed as the Games social hub and host for the opening and closing ceremonies.
Organising committee advisory board chair Chris Dittmar said it was important to assemble representatives of all the sports to celebrate the one year to go milestone.
“This time next year the Games will be underway and Adelaide will be awash with Masters Games participants,” Dittmar said.
“To confirm the Adelaide Convention Centre as the Games Village and social hub is an important step and we are excited to launch our Games poster, which sporting organisations around Australia will now use to help encourage their members and participants to come to Adelaide next year.”
“The beauty of the Games is that almost anyone can have a go and participants in 2015 will have the choice of around 60 sports – from archery to weightlifting and almost everything in between.”
“In 2015 we are looking to add some new sports, including roller derby, figure skating and precision parachuting. And the only qualification criteria is that participants must meet the minimum age requirement, which in most sports is 30 years of age,” Dittmar added.
“Some participants will be targeting fast times, and medals, but for the vast majority it is about keeping fit and active, and enjoying a sport they love. I’ll be one of those – the older we get, the better we get,” Dittmer said.
The eight day festival that will inject millions of dollars into the local economy and it’s expected that participants will come from all states and territories of Australia, with the previous edition in Geelong, Victoria also attracting entrants from 14 countries.
Minister for Tourism, Recreation and Sport Leon Bingil said Adelaide was the perfect location for the Games.
“10,000 participants across eight days will provide a significant boost for our tourism industry. We are looking forward to welcoming the Games participants to South Australia, for many of them a return visit,” enthused Minister Bingil.
“Adelaide’s sporting facilities are set for action, but importantly, our many restaurants, cafés and wineries will also be ready for them and their families and friends from around Australia and the world,” Minister Bingil said.
Entries for the 15th Australian Masters Games in Adelaide will open in early 2015, however interested participants can join the Masters Games family by signing up at www.AustralianMastersGames.com to receive Games updates and early bird entry details.
The Australian Masters Games is proudly sponsored by the South Australian Tourism Commission through Events South Australia.
When: Saturday 3 October- Saturday 10 October, 2015
Where: Adelaide, South Australia
Who: Over 10,000 people from across Australia and overseas. The event is open to anyone who meets the age requirements of their sport of choice. It does not impose qualifying standards and welcomes participants from all over the world. The only criteria to compete in the Australian Masters Games is you must meet the minimum age criteria which in most sports is 30 years.
What: A week-long festival of sport and festivities. Australia’s largest regular multisport Games will feature over 60 sports, ranging from athletics to basketball to cue sports to weightlifting. Visit www.AustralianMastersGames.com for the target draft list of sports.
Click here to watch a promotional clip on the Games.
Entertainment: As well as an extensive sporting schedule, the Australian Masters Games will also comprise a variety of social events throughout the week, including an Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony, providing a festival atmosphere for both competitors and visitors to Adelaide.