Want to learn how to umpire or update your umpiring skills?
The Baseball Umpires Association of Victoria (BUAV) are conducting a Level O Umpire training course at Malvern Baseball Club on Tuseday 17th December 2013.
All Clubs are encouraged to send intereseted people along to the training session.
For $30, attendees will receive a Rule Book, Umpiring Manual and 3 hours of specialised training.
Location: Malvern Baseball Club
Wadsworth Field, Kooyong Park
Glenferrie Road, Kooyong
Date: Tuesday 17th December 2013
Time: 6.00pm
To register your interest please email Phil Box at phillipbox@optusnet.com.au by no later than Sunday 15th December 2013.
School Sport Victoria Team Vic 17 years and Under Baseball Trials are open for Registration,
Unless otherwise informed, participants will be required to trial on all three days.
1st Trial: Saturday 22nd February, 2014
Venue: Essendon Baseball Club: Boeing Reserve, Boeing Road, Strathmore 3040 (Melway Map 16 C-4)
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
2nd Trial: Saturday, 1st March 2014
Venue: Essendon Baseball Club: Boeing Reserve, Boeing Road, Strathmore 3040 (Melway Map 16 C-4)
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
3rd Trial: Saturday 8th March, 2014
Venue: Essendon Baseball Club: Boeing Reserve, Boeing Road, Strathmore 3040 (Melway Map 16 C-4)
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Age Eligibility: 17 years and under as at 1 June, 2014
Trial Levy: $15-00
To Nominate: CLICK HERE
Nominations close: Thursday, 20 February 2014
Selection Guidelines: Please click HERE to view the selection guidelines for this team.
Championship Venue and Dates: Wollongong, NSW. 4 - 10 May, 2014
A MAXIMUM OF 17 PLAYERS WILL BE SELECTED IN THE TEAM
For the fledgling league to be successful in the longer term, it is generally acknowledged that baseball needs to be presented as an attractive sporting option for our young people.
Kids, as we know, need heroes. Mentors. Quality people to look up to and aspire to emulate.
For the sixty-two youngsters, a couple of club officials and some supportive parents from Ballarat City Brewers Baseball Club, their experience of last Sunday was indeed memorable - not only because they were witness to Melbourne delivering a convincing win to sweep the Adelaide Bite, but also for the welcoming manner in which they were received by the Aces organisation and players.
"It was just a fantastic day all round," said Brewers Junior Coordinator Dave Myers, who has been overseeing a rebuild of a junior baseball programme in the begonia city.
"The coaches and players were just so friendly and generous with their time while they were preparing for an important game," he said. "It was an absolute buzz for the kids to be allowed on the ground, to hang out with the players and get autographs."
"We can't thank coaching staff and the players enough. The kids didn't stop talking about their day all the way home. They - and their parents - are already planning their next visit to an ABL game."
"The spin-off effect can be enormous for our junior programme - especially when word gets around among mates and families about what fun baseball can be," Myers said.
With a hectic playing schedule in prospect prior to the Christmas break, the two-conference system that applies in DIVISION ONE is beginning to show trends that may – barring major surprises and form reversals – be giving us some inkling of post-season prospects for Summer League.
But it is a funny old game, as they say. We should expect the unexpected.
Blackburn (9-2) assumed leadership of the East Group with an emphatic win over West Group pacemaker Geelong (8-3), which holds a slender break over Essendon (7-4) after the Bombers dealt a narrow loss in its crossover clash with Melbourne (8-2-1).
Lurking behind the Orioles and Demons is Cheltenham (7-3-1), which shook off a gallant Sunshine (1-9), for the Eagles to remain sixth in the West Group only marginally behind Doncaster (2-9) after the Dragons copped a narrow loss at the hands of Sandringham (4-6).
Third in the west, Newport (5-5) posted a cricket score against Upwey Ferntree Gully (4-7) – whose form has been inconsistent – while Preston (4-7) broke through against an evenly-matched eastern opponent in Waverley Wildcats (4-6).
Of the two conferences, there is considerably less separation in the eastern group, where all six clubs still have at least some chance of a top-two finish. In the western group, Doncaster and Sunshine have fallen off the pace and will be striving for a momentum shift with a couple of wins before the break.
Division One and Division Two have midweek games scheduled for this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST SUMMER LEAGUE NEWS
Convincingly blanking Adelaide in the Friday night opener, the Aces backed up with a narrow win in the first of the Saturday double-header and an extra-innings thriller that delivered a third consecutive success before capping off the series with a resounding result in the Sunday finale – just the club’s second sweep in the history of the new league.
The four-game winning streak has propelled the Aces into third placing behind Canberra and Perth and it comes as a result of belligerent offence, quality pitching and consistently solid defence that has often bordered on the mercurial.
“We are really starting to gel as a team,” Melbourne Aces Hitting Coach Phil Allen told Baseball Victoria.
“Offensively we were terrific this weekend. The guys have showed real strength of character and have been playing unselfish baseball,” he said.
“Casteel, Harman and Schlehuber have been smashing the ball, although everyone has been contributing with situational hitting and moving the runners across.”
“Our pitching has been great,” Allen said. “We saw some outstanding starts this weekend and the series was really capped off by young Lewis Thorpe in the last game. He was a bit shaky last time, but was very impressive this week – touching 93 mph and still up around 89-90 in the seventh.”
“Eric Marzec has added another dimension to our pitching options. He is a real competitor.”
“There’s plenty of baseball still to come in the season, but we’re certainly happy with how this series worked out,” Allen said.
“Things are going along nicely.”
GAME ONE: MELBOURNE ACES 7 defeated ADELAIDE BITE 0
Well-performed Aces southpaw Joe Burns took the start against David Holman - who threw a pearler at the ballpark a fortnight ago – in what shaped as a pitching duel.
Starting aggressively, the Aces put up a five-spot in the bottom of three, with catcher Ryan Casteel doing the bulk of the damage with a three-run bomb after Justin Trapp tripled and Brad Harman doubled.
When Scott Wearne singled in the bottom of four it was curtains for Holman and he was relieved by veteran Darren Fidge, who applied the clamps until running out of steam in the seventh – when the Aces mounted a two-out challenge that gleaned another two runs for the home club.
Scattering three hits over six, Burns gave his side another superb start before first-gamer Eric Marzec, Andrew Russell and Yasuhiro Tanaka blew out the cobwebs with an innings of work each that was capped by an infield double to ice the game.
A comprehensive all-round win by a Melbourne Aces outfit that hit the ball hard in amassing twelve hits to four, led by Casteel’s outstanding three hits for four RBIs as his side continues to gather momentum.
GAME TWO: MELBOURNE ACES 3 defeated ADELAIDE BITE 0
It was an abbreviated first of the Saturday doubleheader, decided in seven innings in just over an hour and a half while producing another stunning display by the home club.
Starter John Hussey spun a mesmeric stint for the Aces to scatter five hits with one walk into the seventh, when a potentially threatening situation drew Brent Zawacki from the pen to snuff out the challenge with two strikeouts and a fly ball.
Hussey (below) threw just sixty-nine pitches in setting up the win, which kept the visiting Bite scoreless over two games played.
While Fu-Te Ni and Min-Sih Chen were solid for the visitors, Ryan Casteel again showed the way for the Aces by clubbing a solo home run in the fifth before an Adelaide throwing error was instrumental in enabling another two to cross the plate in the bottom of the sixth as the home club made the most of its scoring opportunities in a high-standard game.
The game was a milestone for Geelong baseball identity Michael Lyons, who was at the centre of the action in plating his first game at Australian Baseball League level. Well done, Michael. May there be many more.
GAME THREE: MELBOURNE ACES 5 defeated ADELAIDE BITE 4
Looking to take a series lead, Melbourne Aces traded scoring blows against Adelaide through the first two innings, with Freddy Flores matched on the hill beside Blake Holovach.
After Adelaide edged ahead in the top of four, the Aces took the lead when catcher Komei Fujisawa lined a two-out triple to score Scott Wearne and Ben Leslie.
Using Trevor Holder in short relief, the Aces went to Corey Kimes, who allowed a couple of runners on base in the seventh, drawing sidewinder Andrew Russell to the fray as the Bite played small ball to effectively force the tying run across the plate.
Giving his club great service towards the end, Justin Erasmus – who earned the win - held Adelaide at bay by picking off a runner at second base in the tenth, and neither side was able to break the deadlock until the bottom of eleven, when Tyler Massey stroked his third knock for the game to score Justin Trapp after the outfielder was walked and advanced on a Brad Harman sacrifice bunt.
Its win delivered Melbourne (8-9) a one-game break over the Bite on ABL standings as the Aces continued to surge.
GAME FOUR: MELBOURNE ACES 4 defeated ADELAIDE BITE 1
Melbourne completed the sweep with another stunning win over the visiting Bite, which was strangled to the tune of just five runs over four games – testament to the dominance of the Aces pitching staff.
Eighteen year-old Lewis Thorpe was untouchable over seven scoreless innings that saw him face just twenty-two hitters – for eight strike outs and the solitary hit – before handing the pill to Eric Marzec to close out the game.
Between them, Thorpe and Marzec conceded just four hits and no passes in striking out eleven, with the Bite plating its solitary run in the top of nine.
Enjoying a remarkable run with the stick, Jared Schlehuber smashed a three-run bomb in the third to set the Bite on their heels, although he had great offensive support from the likes of Brad Harman (two doubles) and Josh Davies (two hits) as the Aces played impeccable defence against a visiting club that was comprehensively outplayed over what may be a pivotal ABL series.
ABL STANDINGS: Canberra (12-7), Perth (12-7), Melbourne (9-9), Sydney (9-9), Adelaide (7-11), Brisbane (6-12)
Now well in touch with the leaders, Melbourne Aces will head north next week for a four-game set against Brisbane Bandits starting at Holloway Field on Friday night. The final round before the Christmas break will be a pivotal four-game set against Sydney Blue Sox starting at Melbourne Ballpark on Friday 20 December.
We are pleased to announce that Baseball Victoria was one of the successful sports to receive significant funding from the Victoria State Government with a $100,000 commitment over 2 years to deliver Access For All Abilities Initiatives.
In a media release on Sunday, 13th October 2013, the Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty announced a $1.84 million boost for sport and community organisations from Access for All Abilities program. 29 sport and community organisations will share $1.84 million in Victorian Coalition Government funding delivering targeted sports programs and services for Victorians with a disability.
Access for All Abilities is a Victorian Government initiative coordinated by Sport and Recreation Victoria. The program supports and develops inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people with a disability throughout Victoria.
Families, friends, care givers, clubs, sporting associations, leisure centres and community groups can get involved. Everyone involved benefits from Access for All Abilities. Not only are there health and wellbeing benefits, but there are opportunities to meet new people, make new friends, learn new skills, have fun, or even build a whole new sporting career.
On 24 April 2013 the Government announced changes to the Access for All Abilities program so that we can do more to build lasting capacity in local sporting clubs, and provide better sport and recreation outcomes for people with a disability.
Over the course of 2013, changes to the Access for All Abilities program included funding on a competitive basis to State Sporting Associations (SSAs), who lead the development of particular sporting codes in Victoria. Through the funding SSA’s will build the capacity of their clubs to provide opportunities for active participation by people with a disability. Funding on a competitive basis to disability sports and community-based organisations, is to support the delivery of targeted programs and services that complement work by SSAs and RSAs, with community sport and recreation clubs.
Baseball Victoria believe that as a community we cannot underestimate the importance of baseball as an inclusive and accessible sport, leisure and recreation activity irrespective of age, gender, race or ability and the contribution it makes to the quality of life of those who participate. We are passionate about this concept.
Baseball Victoria were recognised as one of the standout sports in our approach and were fortunate enough to be successful in our bid to secure Access For All Abilities funding for 2013/14 – 2014/15! We are now in the process of establishing Baseball Victoria’s - Baseball For All Initiative.
This funding will enable the appointment of a dedicated resource, the Baseball Victoria Inclusion and Participation Officer, to coordinate, activate and drive the implementation of the Baseball For All Initiative across a targeted network of baseball clubs in Victoria.
“The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring everyone has a chance to not only get involved in sport but reach their potential.
“That’s why this latest investment is so important. The funding will go towards making sport accessible and inclusive for all, regardless of ability.
“There are 25 sports and four community organisations sharing in the $1.84 million which aims to provide the necessary resources needed so that all people can tap into local sporting opportunities,” Mr Delahunty said.
Baseball Victoria currently have three active inclusive program providers across the Victorian club network (located at Upwey, Doncaster and Essendon), providing participation opportunities for approximately 25 participants representing children under 10 years, teens and adults up to 45 years.
Programs are tailored to the needs and skills of the participants they attract and are represented by people with a diverse range of disabilities.
Historically, each program was run solely by club volunteers with the support of Baseball Victoria’s Participation Manager (delivery and volunteer support) and assisted by Local Government AAA Coordinators (information distribution channel and primary connection with participants), that are no longer available.
Introducing the Baseball For All Initiative 2013 - 2015
Baseball Victoria is committed to creating opportunities for active participation for people with a disability, creating awareness and promoting inclusiveness, building club capacity and resources, ensuring consistent and sustainable delivery models and linking key populations to targeted programs.
Baseball Victoria recognise our primary role and responsibility is to lead, initiate, activate and facilitate our clubs and associations in providing direct opportunities for increased and inclusive participation in sport and recreation activities (on and off the field).
To achieve this and other important inclusive community sport outcomes, Baseball Victoria is proposing the development and implementation of the Baseball For All Initiative.
A core focus of the Baseball For All Initiative is to build and maintain club capacity and develop a sustainable community sport program delivery model, with an emphasis on engaging people with a disability, across the Victorian Baseball Club network.
Baseball Victoria understand that it will be important to:
• Foster and develop partnerships and networks to enhance equity of access and inclusion in baseball activities,
• Promote awareness of the availability and benefits of active participation and inclusion in whole of club life,
• Influence the planning and development of accessible and inclusive baseball environments, policies, strategies, tools and resources, and
• Develop a sustainable delivery model for community sports programs across the Victorian club network.
A critical requirement of the Baseball For All Initiative is to drive key actions and focus on priority delivery outcomes. The Baseball For All Initiative will:
• Build awareness throughout the Victorian Baseball community regarding inclusiveness, and other key messages identified by key stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaboration between key stakeholders and delivery partners.
• Establish a Program Working Group with representatives from (but not limited to) RSA’s, LGA’s, vicsport, Vic Health, First Point of Call disability agencies, disability organisations and other sports delivering inclusive programs and activities.
• Develop a suite of resources and toolkits based on best practice models for the implementation and support of community sports programs.
• Strategically develop, activate and deliver inclusive programs in each Baseball Victoria Planning Zone with a focus on Metropolitan Melbourne.
• Build the capacity and capability of regional and district level clubs to engage and provide inclusive programs and initiatives.
• Empower big brother clubs to provide training and support to satellite clubs within their wider catchment.
• Measure (qualitative and quantitative) and report Baseball For All Initiative outcomes.
• Establish a system for communicating program progress, learnings and outcomes to key stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in our inclusive policies, programs and practices to better provide for priority populations.
• Ensure long term sustainability and flexibility of the Baseball For All Initiative beyond initial funding and support.
Baseball Victoria aims to develop and build the capacity of our club network to deliver community sports programs. For this reason Baseball Victoria are combining resources to apportion the role, to provide a Baseball Development Officer to assist in the delivery of key participation outcomes also.
Driving Participation
Inclusion and Participation Officer
Working directly with Target Clubs and RSA’s to drive the successful implementation of a sustainable community sports program delivery model.
The Baseball Victoria Inclusion and Participation Officer position is required to coordinate, activate and drive the implementation of the Baseball for All Initiative across a targeted network of baseball clubs in Victoria.
The position is considered an intermediate role within the sport and recreation industry and will require a candidate with extensive relationship building skills and ability.
The role will deliver on the strategic planning for, and roll-out of Baseball for All initiatives. The role requires a forward planning focus as opposed to supporting the day-to-day work carried out by local clubs.
The Research Lower Plenty Baseball Club currently competes in the A Grade competition of the Melbourne Winter Baseball League.
The club will have five Senior teams and numerous junior sides competing across several grades within the Melbourne Winter Baseball League in season 2014.
The club over the last few years has been more than competitive in all grades with several appearances in Grand Finals and Finals across all grades. The club has a great mix of experienced senior players that have played at the highest level along with several younger players coming through.
The Role as Club coach of the Research Lower Plenty Baseball Club includes tasks:
The Role will be renumerated accordingly, with any applicants being interviewed by a coaching selection committee to be determined by the current Research Baseball Club Committee.
We ask that anyone interested or who has any additional questions please contact David Dicker on 0478 320 017 or david.d@tabcorp.com.au before Friday December 6th 2013.
Plans are well underway for the 2013/2014 Little League Program. The Little League State Championships will be held from 11 - 13 April 2014 with the National Championships being held on the Gold Coast from 4 - 9 June 2014.
There has been some major changes to the way the charters are formed across Australia. This is due to the change of rules in Australia that all states must follow to ensure they are eligible to participate in the Australian Little League Championships and the Little League World Series.
For the 2013/2014 Little League Program, eligibility for a League Charter will be based on the summer club the player is registered with, not their residential address.
For winter baseball players that do not play summer baseball, their eligibility will be based on the winter club they were registered with in the 2013 Winter Season.
Set out below is the list of clubs that belong to each charter.
Metropolitan Charters
Northern Diamondbacks
Country associations will also be invited to participate in the State Little League Championships which will provide them the opportunity to qualify for the National Little League Championships.
Shortly all eligible players will receive notification of trials for the charter they are eligible for.
Player Eligibility
For players to participate in the State Little League Championship, the following criteria must be met:
Coach appointments and requirements
Baseball Victoria will call for expressions of interest for each of the Metropolitan League's coaching positions. Once nominations have been submitted, Baseball Victoria will advise applicants of their selection.
This year Baseball Victoria will also be appointing a Charter Coordinator for each Charter. The Charter Coordinator will work with Baseball Victoria, the clubs within the Charter and the Coaching Staff to promote, administer and Coordinate the Little League Program within the Charter.
The Charter Coordinator will also act as team EO during the State and National Championships.
Applications for coaches will be advertised later this week.
All coaches and EOs (from all Country and Metropolitan Leagues) MUST meet the following requirements:
If after reading this you have any questions, please feel free to contact Baseball Victoria on 9645 8000