With the summer season in full swing, the BV Technical Operations Committee is focused on administration for existing umpires and pathway development for all umpires. We hope to grow our umpiring fraternity to ensure as many games can be covered as possible while promoting a safe, enjoyable, and fair competition for all.

Thank you to everyone who has attended our recent umpire info/training sessions and stepped up to join our umpiring crew. BV Umpire Officers have enjoyed working with beginner officials at North Western, Melbourne, and Williamstown Baseball Clubs in recent weeks.

We have another session on Saturday 17 December at Geelong Baseball Club from 11am-2pm. New and current umpires are welcome to attend - topics will include umpire procedures, insurance, positioning, responsibilities, and washouts.

Please contact umpiringpw@baseballvictoria.com.au for more details on upcoming umpire sessions and the BV Umpiring Pathway.

Former Victorian State Team and National Showcase Series athlete Adam Jirik has taken the next step in his baseball journey, committing to Lebanon Valley College for 2023.

The infielder will head to Annville, Pennsylvania next August, ready to build on the skills he's learned through club ball and representative opportunities. He first took the field as a junior at Essendon before relocating to Ballarat and playing with East Belmont Saints. He currently plays for Geelong Baycats in the summer and Ballarat Royals in the winter.

Over the years, Jirik earned a spot on the 2020 Victorian State Team, playing for U16 White, as well as the 2021 and 2022 National Showcase Series rosters. He also played for School Sport Victoria's Team Vic.

All of these experiences helped Jirik develop his skills and prepare for college, where he plans to study actuarial science with a potential minor in exercise science.

"The success of the baseball program under Coach Fester, and the academic nature of the school made it an easy choice to go with LVC," Jirik said. "I’m looking forward to working hard on my baseball and academically, having a fun college experience, and meeting new people."

Representing Victoria prepared him for this next step and gave him some of his best memories from junior baseball. He's thankful for the lessons he learned along the way, such as putting his best foot forward during the showcase.

"To play with, and therefore learn from, so many good players and get advice from so many coaches was invaluable," Jirik said. "Getting video and stats helped in making contact with coaches in the US, too."

As a Victorian representative, he learned that high-quality baseball leads to development and that it's important to always work hard and make the most of every chance. He encourages other aspiring college athletes to embrace their love of the sport and team spirit.

"Always give your best, and pretend someone is watching. Do your homework - there are college coaches that will want you."

Welcome to The Valley, Adam! pic.twitter.com/f9TZHhKqU9

— LVC Baseball (@LVCBaseball) November 17, 2022

There are just a few weeks to go before the break as VSBL seniors, juniors, and masters make the most of their time on the field.

Catch up on the latest results below and don't forget to follow VSBL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. The latest fixtures, results, and standings can be viewed HERE.

Women's Week 10

Doncaster picked up an 18-6 victory at Footscray in Women’s Division 1.

In Women's Division 2, Essendon overpowered Footscray 18-7 while Springvale came back to win 7-4 at Geelong. Melbourne scored first but Newport quickly responded, eventually finishing up 11-2. Sandringham won 11-5 against the second Rams side.

A seven-run first propelled Research Lower Plenty to a 15-4 win against Upwey Ferntree Gully in Women's Division 3 East. A Waverley battle saw Black edge Red 13-12 as Malvern recorded a 17-5 victory over Preston.

In Women's Division 3 South, Chelsea tacked on runs each inning for a 15-6 victory against Springvale. Moorabbin bats stayed busy in a 15-4 outing vs. Berwick while Pakenham also scored 15 runs, giving up just three to Cheltenham. Undefeated South East Warriors beat St Kilda 19-6.

In Women's Division 3 West, Port Melbourne handed the Baycats their first loss of the season, finishing 14-9. Werribee defeated Essendon 15-12 while Fitzroy won 27-4 at Mitchell Majors. Alfredton outlasted North Western 23-11 as Williamstown made it a 14-all draw with Newport in the last inning.

Seniors Week 10

Division 1 Firsts: Sunshine got the first run but Geelong came back for a 5-1 win, while Melbourne beat Sandringham 11-1. Moorabbin walked off Berwick 5-4 and Upwey Ferntree Gully got the job done 8-2 vs. Essendon. Waverley won 3-1 against Malvern as Blackburn overpowered Mulgrave 10-2.

Division 2 Firsts: Ladder leaders Cheltenham picked up an 11-1 win against North Western while Doncaster beat Bonbeach 17-7. Fitzroy finished 14-4 in front of Preston while Newport held off Williamstown's rally for a 14-11 victory. Ormond Glenhuntly defeated Port Melbourne 6-3 and a pitcher's duel in St Kilda went the Saints' way 2-1 over Werribee.

Division 3 Firsts: Geelong scored 17 runs and gave up just one to Port Melbourne as Sandringham beat Essendon 15-7. Pakenham's hot streak continued in a 14-8 outing at Mornington.

Division 4 East: Blackburn defeated Monash University 14-3 as a Melbourne battle saw Blue win 11-8 over Red. In Waverley vs. Research Lower Plenty matchups, Wildcats Black won 18-1 and Wildcats Red prevailed 13-5.

Division 4 North: Alfredton pulled off a late comeback for an 11-10 victory over Greensborough as Essendon won 13-1 vs. Footscray. Newport held on for a 10-8 win against Fitzroy Blue and Mitchell Majors overpowered North Coburg 12-4.

Division 4 South: Pakenham White earned a 17-6 victory at St Kilda while Springvale shut out Chelsea Blue 11-0. Mornington edged Chelsea White 5-4 as Upwey FTG Black won 7-4 over South East Warriors. Pakenham Black prevailed 11-5 at Upwey FTG Gold.

Masters Week 10

In Masters 38+ East, Upwey Ferntree Gully Black stayed undefeated with a 12-2 victory over Ormond Glenhuntly. Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold beat Monash/Ormond GH 7-5 and Melbourne outlasted Research Lower Plenty 11-5. A busy final inning saw Blackburn and Waverley draw 5-5.

Sunshine Blue shut out Essendon Bombers 4-0 in Masters 38+ North West. Werribee overpowered Sunshine White 17-9 and Newport held on for a 6-3 win at Williamstown. Fitzroy beat Pivot City 15-11 and Port Melbourne rallied to defeat Essendon Jets 5-3.

In Masters 38+ South, Chelsea came back for an 11-9 victory over Pakenham/Berwick while Springvale Tomatoes defeated Bonbeach White 9-4. Sandringham got the job done 13-2 at Springvale Bigcats.

Blackburn's streak continued with a 13-3 result vs. Malvern while Melbourne edged Sandringham 7-6 in Masters 45+.

Juniors Week 9

U14 East Metro: Melbourne defeated Malvern 8-3 and Waverley won 13-3 vs. Upwey Ferntree Gully. Cheltenham went back and forth with Bonbeach/Chelsea, eventually winning 11-8. Pakenham overpowered Doncaster 16-2 and Berwick/Mulgrave held on for a 15-13 victory at Sandringham.

U14 West Metro: Research Lower Plenty picked up a 15-8 victory over Sunshine at Melbourne Ballpark, while Port Melbourne beat Essendon 16-8. North Western and Newport Footscray battled hard but the Titans ultimately pulled in front 16-13.

U14 East State: Chelsea scored 19 runs and kept Sandringham scoreless while Waverley also picked up a shutout victory, winning 18-0 at Upwey Ferntree Gully. Melbourne beat Malvern 10-3 and Moorabbin pulled ahead of Essendon 11-6.

U14 West State: Essendon had the edge in a 12-6 outing against Sunshine while Research Lower Plenty held on for a 9-7 victory vs. Werribee. Newport put the game out of reach 7-4 in Geelong.

U16 Metro: Fitzroy Blue finished the game on a high note, winning 10-9 against Essendon. Malvern also sealed the deal late in a 9-8 victory over Sandringham, while Research/Preston bounced back with seven runs in the third to beat Port Melbourne 8-6. Waverley kept up the pressure in a 27-3 outing vs. Fitzroy Maroon and Williamstown did the same, winning 19-2 against North Western.

U16 State: Williamstown battled hard but Newport kept the lead for a 10-8 victory. Sandringham's bats were busy in a 22-9 contest with Geelong, while Moorabbin shut out Doncaster 11-0. Waverley took control late in the game for an 8-3 win against Research/Preston.

U18 Metro: Sandringham struck first but Cheltenham ultimately prevailed, winning 10-8. Essendon beat St Kilda 12-1 and Doncaster defeated Sunshine 15-5. Both sides scored six runs in the fourth as Mulgrave edged Pakenham 11-9.

U18 State: Blackburn Upwey FTG got the job done 18-4 over Bonbeach Moorabbin while Sandringham cruised to a 9-2 win vs. Geelong. Malvern recorded an 8-3 result at Melbourne and Preston used a six-run comeback to claim a 9-8 victory over Newport. Waverley defeated Werribee 4-2.

Under 12s Week 8

U12 A State East: Chelsea won a close game in the last inning, beating Blackburn 6-5. Waverley won 15-1 vs. Cheltenham/Moorabbin and Malvern rallied for a 17-14 victory at Bonbeach. Melbourne defeated Sandringham 3-1.

U12 A State West: Newport broke through late for a 5-2 result vs. Geelong while a back-and-forth battle between Essendon and Port Melbourne went the Bombers' way 13-11. Research Lower Plenty Maroon prevailed 14-6 at Sunshine as Werribee kept up the pressure, winning 13-5 over Research Gold.

U12 B East: Chelsea and Berwick faced off at Melbourne Ballpark with the Dolphins picking up a 12-4 victory. Sandringham was down by three but came back to win 7-5 at St Kilda while Springvale defeated Melbourne 15-5.

U12 B West: Essendon claimed an 11-10 victory over Fitzroy Blue in the final frame while Fitzroy Maroon edged Newport Red 14-13. Williamstown scored every inning for a 15-5 victory at Research Blue.

U12 Baycats: Geelong Riverdogs prevailed in a close 15-12 battle with the Firefrogs.

Eastern Athletics Metro A: Blackburn Black won 16-1 vs. Ormond Glenhuntly while Blackburn Grey shut out Melbourne 21-0. Blackburn White scored early on the way to a 10-3 victory over Malvern Red as Doncaster Green defeated Greenhills Monty White 3-0. Malvern Blue secured a 10-9 comeback win over Monty Black and Upwey FTG blanked Doncaster Gold 6-0.

Eastern Athletics Metro B Gold: a high-scoring matchup between Malvern Blue and Ormond Glenhuntly ended in the Braves' favour 23-19. Malvern Red defeated Melbourne Stars 21-13 and Melbourne Blue won 21-14 at Blackburn.

Eastern Athletics Metro B Green: Upwey FTG White finished 30-16 in front of Doncaster while the Gold Tigers won 19-11 over the Black Tigers. Waverley matchups saw the Panthers beat the Blackcats 24-19 and the Wildcats defeat the Cougars 21-11.

Southern Mariners Intermediate: Bonbeach/Chelsea scored the go-ahead run in the final inning for a 14-13 win over Ormond Glenhuntly. Sandringham won 19-1 at Cheltenham Blue and Moorabbin beat Cheltenham White 13-3.

The Victorian Government recently relaunched 2022 Fair Play Code, an update of the 2018 blueprint that sets out the standards of behaviour expected of everyone involved in sport and active recreation.

At the heart of the Fair Play Code (FPC) are five principles of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Safety and Fairness. These principles apply to everyone involved in sport in Victoria, no matter what role they play. Bad behaviour, violence, cheating and intimidation has no place in sport and active recreation in our state.

With around 2.2 million participants, 980,000 paid staff and volunteers, 12,000 sports clubs, 9,500 community sports facilities, sport and active recreation is an integral part of Victoria's social life, and we need your help to promote the important messages of the FPC.

FPC promotion material can be downloaded via the links below. They contain promotional material for use on social media and for printing and displaying around your organisation/facilities.

• Posters
• FPC Brochure
• Social Media Posts

With increasing instances of unethical behaviour in Victorian sport, your support is needed to ensure that the FPC and its messaging have a place in every facility across every sport in the state. It is also a requirement that the Code be actively promoted, adhered to and enforced by all Victorian Government funded sporting clubs.

Sport and Recreation Victoria has also developed a supporting survey to gain an understanding of the types of issues being experienced across the sport in Victoria to assist in targeting support for clubs and organisations. You can access the survey here.

If you have a question regarding the Fair Play Code, or would like to receive hard copy materials to display at your organisation/facility please email sportprograms@sport.vic.gov.au with your:

• Name
• Organisation/Club Name
• Postal Address
• No. of copies required

Thank you for your support in promoting safe, welcoming and inclusive sport in Victoria!

School Sport Victoria has opened Team Vic registrations for 18 Years & Under Mixed Baseball.

This representative program provides a development platform for Victorian students to challenge themselves against Australia’s best school-aged athletes at the annual School Sport Australia (SSA) Championships.

Read the full release HERE and learn more about the trial process HERE. Registration closes 2 February 2023.

It was a better weekend weather-wise for baseball with seniors, juniors, and masters taking the field. Check out results below and don't forget to follow VSBL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

The latest fixtures, results, and standings can be viewed HERE.

As a reminder, all players, coaches, and volunteers must register to be covered by insurance – please click HERE to access club registration links if you haven’t already.

Women's Week 9

Springvale held on for a 9-8 win over Doncaster in Women’s Division 1 while Essendon finished 14-4 in front of Footscray.

In Women's Division 2, Doncaster picked up a 6-2 win at Footscray as Essendon scored 15 runs and shut out Geelong. Newport recorded a 27-1 victory at North Western while Melbourne beat the second Rams team 13-4.

Malvern added runs in each inning for a 19-7 victory against Waverley Black in Women's Division 3 East. Research Lower Plenty staged a late comeback but fell just short with Waverley Red winning 8-7. Preston got in the win column with a 14-6 outing at Upwey Ferntree Gully.

A busy day at the plate in Women's Division 3 South ended with an 11-all draw between Moorabbin and St Kilda. Pakenham pulled ahead of Chelsea 8-5 and South East Warriors remain undefeated for another week after winning 9-6 at Springvale.

In Women's Division 3 West, Werribee scored the winning run in the final frame for a 25-24 victory vs. Newport. Geelong is still undefeated after overpowering North Western 16-2. Fitzroy also kept up the perfect record with an 18-2 performance at Essendon while Port Melbourne won 16-1 at Mitchell Majors.

Seniors Week 9

Division 1 Firsts: An eight-run first inning set the scene for Moorabbin's 14-9 win over Geelong while Sunshine beat Mulgrave 12-8. Upwey Ferntree Gully won 7-2 at Malvern and Essendon came away from Melbourne with a 12-4 victory. Blackburn shut out Sandringham 6-0 and Waverley came back to draw 5-5 with Berwick.

Division 2 Firsts: Werribee got the job done 14-6 vs. Newport as a back-and-forth battle between Fitzroy and Bonbeach ended with the Bluejays up 11-10. Port Melbourne snuck past Doncaster 4-3 while St Kilda won 21-3 at North Western. Cheltenham finished 25-6 over Preston and Ormond Glenhuntly won 8-3 at Williamstown.

Division 3 Firsts: Footscray picked up an 11-3 victory against Port Melbourne and Sandringham overpowered Chelsea 16-6. Mornington and Essendon finished 5-5.

Division 4 East: Research Lower Plenty Maroon won 15-5 against the Gold side while Waverley Black shut out Monash 10-0. Waverley Red scored 15 runs and gave up just one to Blackburn. Melbourne Red won 12-7 at Research Black.

Division 4 North: Mitchell Majors' undefeated streak continued with an 8-2 win at Newport while Fitzroy Maroon won 11-2 at Footscray. Greensborough got the job done 13-2 at North Coburg.

Division 4 South: Mornington shut out Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold 7-0 and South East Warriors held on for a 5-3 win at St Kilda. Pakenham Black beat Upwey FTG Black 7-6 and Pakenham White pulled ahead late for a 6-3 win at Springvale.

Masters Week 9

In Masters 38+ East, undefeated Upwey Ferntree Gully Black won 12-3 at Monash University/Ormond Glenhuntly while Melbourne beat Blackburn 7-2. Waverley kept up the pressure in a 9-2 win against Ormond GH and Upwey FTG Gold did the same, outlasting Research 6-2.

Essendon Bombers' win streak continued with a 16-3 outing vs. Werribee in Masters 38+ North West. Newport won 17-4 against Sunshine White and Port Melbourne finished 6-2 in front of Williamstown. Sunshine Blue pulled ahead late for a 10-4 victory at Pivot City. Essendon Jets broke through in the seventh for a 6-4 result against Fitzroy.

In Masters 38+ South, Cheltenham cruised to a 10-1 win against Chelsea as Mornington beat Bonbeach White 18-5. Bonbeach Blue ended up 7-1 at Pakenham/Berwick and a battle of the two Springvale teams saw the Tomatoes top the Bigcats 11-2.

Blackburn remains undefeated in Masters 45+ after winning 9-3 over Melbourne while Sandringham picked up a 12-7 victory at Malvern.

Juniors Week 8

U14 East Metro: A high-scoring game between Cheltenham and Sandringham ended with the Rustlers up 17-16. Doncaster also picked up a narrow win 9-8 vs. Upwey Ferntree Gully. Bonbeach/Chelsea got on the board first but Pakenham came back to win 13-8. Melbourne beat Berwick/Mulgrave 20-13 and Waverley won 24-8 at Malvern.

U14 West Metro: Essendon scored in every inning on the way to a 15-7 win vs. Sunshine while Research Lower Plenty held on for a 14-12 victory over Newport Footscray. Port Melbourne picked up a 19-7 win at North Western.

U14 East State: Waverley remains undefeated after a 9-4 victory over Malvern, while Essendon's streak also continued with a 14-4 win at Upwey FTG. Chelsea beat Melbourne 14-2 as Blackburn and Sandringham drew with six runs apiece.

U14 West State: Research won 17-4 vs. Sunshine as Essendon held off Newport's rally for an 8-5 victory. Geelong had the edge in a 14-8 contest at Werribee.

U16 Metro: Essendon beat Werribee 3-2 and North Western won 20-8 vs. Blackburn/Doncaster. Sandringham scored 17 and gave up just one to Fitzroy Blue while Williamstown won 24-9 over Fitzroy Maroon. Research/Preston won 13-2 at Malvern and Waverley got the job done 18-5 at Port Melbourne.

U16 State: Geelong came back to beat Newport 11-10 as Research/Preston prevailed 13-3 vs. Doncaster. Williamstown edged Waverley 4-3 and Sandringham overpowered Moorabbin 14-4.

U18 Metro: Cheltenham departed Doncaster with a 10-4 win while Essendon picked up a 14-5 victory at Mulgrave. Pakenham managed an 11-10 victory despite a strong rally from Sandringham as St Kilda beat Sunshine 19-4.

U18 State: Essendon won 9-1 vs. Newport and Research Preston prevailed 12-2 against Melbourne. Sunshine's rally fell just short as Werribee won 10-7. Sandringham won 14-4 at Malvern and Bonbeach Moorabbin ended up 6-2 over Waverley. A back-and-forth contest ended in a 10-all draw for Blackburn Upwey FTG and Geelong.

Under 12s Week 7

U12 A State East: Blackburn started strong and finished 13-8 in front of Waverley. Cheltenham/Moorabbin beat Sandringham 7-4 and Melbourne won 17-5 vs. Bonbeach. Chelsea picked up a 16-4 win at Malvern.

U12 A State West: Essendon and Research Lower Plenty were busy on the bases as the Bombers won 20-10. Port Melbourne rallied late but Geelong put the game out of reach 8-4. Research Lower Plenty Maroon prevailed 9-4 vs. Newport.

U12 B East: Chelsea pulled in front of St Kilda 15-11, with the same score in Melbourne's victory over Sandringham. Springvale beat Berwick 16-11.

U12 B West: Preston had a good day at the plate winning 18-6 against Research Blue while Essendon held off Newport Red in a fun 19-14 game. Fitzroy Maroon finished in front of Williamstown 14-6.

U12 Baycats: Geelong Lake Monsters held on for a 14-12 win vs. Firefrogs as Riverdogs came back to draw with the Mudhens 8-8.

Eastern Athletics Metro A: There were three shutouts as Blackburn Black won 12-0 vs. Greenhills Monty Black, Malvern Blue beat Doncaster Green 7-0, and Melbourne won 9-0 vs. Monty White. Blackburn Grey came away with a 7-4 victory against the White team as Ormond Glenhuntly won 12-1 at Doncaster Gold. Upwey tied it up late for a 1-1 draw with Malvern Red.

Eastern Athletics Metro B Gold: Blackburn battled back for a 13-10 win vs. Melbourne White as Malvern Red edged Melbourne Blue 15-12. Melbourne Stars prevailed 27-24 at Malvern Blue and Ormond Glenhuntly went 23-13 vs. Melbourne Red.

Eastern Athletics Metro B Green: Waverley Blackcats won 21-14 over Upwey FTG White while the Tigers Gold team won 29-16 at Doncaster. Waverley Wildcats won 20-12 at Upwey FTG Black. A Waverley battle saw the Panthers come back for a 15-14 win over the Cougars.

Southern Mariners Intermediate: Chelsea scored 20 runs and gave up just one to Cheltenham. Sandringham won 12-8 vs. Bonbeach/Chelsea and Moorabbin edged Ormond Glenhuntly 11-8.

Baseball Victoria is pleased to open trial registration for the Victorian Women’s State Team, which will compete at the 2023 Australian Women’s Championship next April.

“We will be doing everything we can to go one step further at next year’s nationals and bring the cup back to Victoria,” BV Women’s Head Coach Samantha Hamilton said. “We look forward to trials and the selection process as we work to build a strong team and make the most of an amazing opportunity to represent Victoria on the national stage.”

Selection trial dates and locations are set for:

• Saturday 10 December, 9am-11am @ Doncaster Baseball Club
• Thursday 15 December, 6pm-8pm @ Melbourne Ballpark (pitchers/catchers)
• Saturday 17 December, 9am-11am @ Doncaster Baseball Club

All interested players are encouraged to register for trials HERE.

Competing players must be 15 years of age prior to the commencement of the championship (April 2023 over Easter holidays, dates and location TBC). Please note the expected cost will be min $3,000 per person.

Victorian Emerging Talent Selections

Once the final team selection process is completed next month, the coaching staff will invite an additional number of players to be part of a 2023 Victorian Emerging Talent train-on squad.

These players (number to be determined once registrations are received and trials are complete) will be invited to train with the Victorian Women’s State Team through to the national championships.

Friendship Players

While the Victorian Emerging Talent selections should form the core of Friendship Player options, please note the following eligibility for Friendship Players:

As per the BA Technical Norms item 13.19. In order to be eligible to become a friendship player for another state, players must have registered and trialled unsuccessfully for their respective home state. Players who choose NOT to trial for their respective home states will be ineligible to be considered as friendship players.

Register Now - 2023 Victorian Women's State Team Trials

Best of luck to all players and teams participating in next week’s School Sport Victoria Baseball Year 7 & 8 Boys/Mixed State Finals! This will be the first time in three years the finals have been held after COVID cancellations in 2020 and 2021.

Please see the links below for updated event details and draws:

• Year 8 Boys/Mixed State Finals - Tuesday 29 November
• Year 7 Boys/Mixed State Finals - Wednesday 30 November