We had some more washouts this weekend but still plenty of baseball action. Thanks to all our clubs and grounds crew for their efforts to get games in despite the rain!
Make sure to follow VSBL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, while 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 8
Springvale won 25-1 at Footscray in Women’s Division 1 while a close one between Essendon and Doncaster ended with the Bombers up 10-9.
In Women's Division 2, ladder leader Springvale got the job done once again, winning 29-1 at Newport 2. The other Rams side picked up a 24-2 win at Footscray. Melbourne recorded a 20-1 result vs. North Western as Doncaster beat Geelong 12-3.
In Women's Division 3 East, Waverley Red kept things moving on the way to a 16-4 win at Preston. Research Lower Plenty outlasted Waverley Black 8-4 as Malvern scored in every inning for a 13-6 victory at Upwey Ferntree Gully.
South East Warriors remain undefeated in Women's Division 3 South after a 13-4 victory over Pakenham. St Kilda came back for a 12-3 win against Springvale and Moorabbin overpowered Cheltenham 15-8.
Port Melbourne shut out Essendon 17-0 in Women's Division 3 West while Fitzroy stayed unbeaten with a 21-4 performance vs. Newport. Geelong also maintained a perfect record after an 8-2 result at Mitchell Majors, while Alfredton hung on for a 13-12 win at Werribee. North Western pulled in front for a 14-10 win over Williamstown.
Seniors Week 8
Division 1 Firsts: Sandringham held the lead until the final frame when Moorabbin rallied for a 5-4 win. Melbourne overpowered Mulgrave 18-2 and Geelong narrowly beat Upwey Ferntree Gully 11-10.
Division 2 Firsts: Newport broke through with a run in the ninth for a 1-0 victory at Port Melbourne. Doncaster won 15-6 over Preston and St Kilda claimed a 6-3 victory vs. Bonbeach. North Western held on for a 7-6 win against Ormond Glenhuntly.
Division 3 Firsts: Pakenham got the job done, finishing 4-2 in front of Footscray.
Division 4 East: Melbourne Red scored 16 runs and gave up just one to Doncaster while Melbourne Blue battled hard for an 11-10 win against Research Lower Plenty Gold. Waverley Red beat Waverley Black 11-10 and Research Lower Plenty Maroon won 11-4 over Blackburn. Monash University won 7-6 against Research Lower Plenty Black.
Division 4 North: A back-and-forth battle ended with Greensborough up 11-7 at Newport.
Division 4 South: Pakenham White outlasted Chelsea White 8-5 while Pakenham Black scored six late runs to earn a 7-4 victory vs. St Kilda.
Masters Week 8
In Masters 38+ East, Upwey Ferntree Gully Black shut out Research Lower Plenty 10-0 while the Gold Tigers lost 11-5 to Melbourne. Blackburn racked up runs in a 15-3 victory at Ormond Glenhuntly.
Masters 38+ North West saw Werribee win 10-7 over Pivot City as Williamstown overpowered Sunshine White 21-2.
In Masters 38+ South, Bonbeach Blue scored late for a 6-2 win vs. Cheltenham. Pakenham/Berwick opened with seven runs on the way to a 16-7 win at Bonbeach White.
Juniors Week 7
U14 East Metro: Bonbeach/Chelsea played Doncaster on the Melbourne Ballpark back diamond, winning 16-5. A neck-and-neck race ended with Melbourne up 12-11 over Cheltenham.
U14 West Metro: Essendon overpowered Research Lower Plenty 16-11 as North Western outlasted Sunshine 16-6.
U14 East State: Moorabbin came back to win 10-4 against Sandringham while Melbourne beat Blackburn 7-4. Waverley picked up a 7-2 victory at Chelsea.
U16 Metro: Research Lower Plenty/Preston scored 19 runs and kept Fitzroy Blue off the board while Port Melbourne won 13-3 vs. Williamstown.
U18 State: Essendon improved to 3-3 with a 7-0 victory at Melbourne.
Under 12s Week 6
U12 A State East: Chelsea jumped on the board early to secure an 8-3 win vs. Waverley.
U12 A State West: The Baycats were busy on the bases as Geelong won 21-7 against Research Lower Plenty Gold. Research Maroon won 14-7 vs. Port Melbourne and Newport got the job done 15-5 at Sunshine.
Under 12 B West: Preston came away with an 18-10 win over Williamstown.
U12 Baycats: Geelong Riverdogs won 8-5 over Lake Monsters and Firefrogs beat Mudhens 15-6.
Eastern Athletics Metro A: Blackburn Black recorded a 6-5 win against Blackburn Grey, while Blackburn White shut out Doncaster Green 10-0. Malvern Blue came back for a 3-2 win vs. Upwey Ferntree Gully and Ormond Glenhuntly picked up a 13-4 victory over Greenhills Monty White.
Eastern Athletics Metro B Gold: Melbourne Blue finished 18-12 in front of Malvern Blue while Melbourne Red held on for a 14-13 win at Blackburn. Ormond Glenhuntly scored 30 and gave up 18 to Melbourne Stars as Malvern Red won 19-11 at Melbourne White.
Eastern Athletics Metro B Green: Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold pulled ahead of Waverley Blackcats 24-22 while Upwey FTG Black won 24-16 at Doncaster. Waverley Cougars bounced back for a 14-12 victory at Upwey FTG White as another Waverley matchup saw the Wildcats win 25-14 over the Panthers.
Southern Mariners Intermediate: Moorabbin snuck past Sandringham 7-6 as Bonbeach/Chelsea finished 15-10 in front of Cheltenham. Chelsea shut out Cheltenham White 20-0.
Maribyrnong Sports Academy is hiring a head baseball coach to lead and deliver quality coaching and support for junior student-athletes within a sports specialist environment.
The part-time role (5+ hours per week) will lead the MSA Baseball Program and report to the Senior Manager - Sports Programs with help from a team of highly skilled support staff for student-athletes academic, athletic, and personal development.
The role of head baseball coach includes the following:
- To develop and deliver a high-performance baseball program for student-athletes (Years 7 - 12) which complements and supports Baseball Australia Talent Pathway programs
- Implementation and management of individual development plans (IDPs) for all student-athletes
- To support student-athletes in balancing their sporting aspirations and their education (with the aim of all baseball student-athletes completing their VCE)
- Establish and maintain strong professional relationships and communication with all stakeholders (MSA staff, external clubs/coaches, parents, cubs, Baseball Victoria, etc)
- Manage and mentor assistant coaches who jointly deliver the program as required
- Monitor new developments in the field of coaching and sports science specific to baseball and implement where appropriate.
- Set and enforce minimum standards for the program which are consistent with the overall cultural expectations for all MSA student-athletes
- Create an environment of continuous improvement in athletes and coaches within the program
- Collaborate with MSA Support Services and Sports Science staff to ensure best outcomes for student-athletes
- Lead the baseball trial process for prospective MSA student-athletes (Year 7 - 12)
- Ensure the welfare of the athletes is maintained by making them aware of available support
- Encourage a harmonious group environment by liaising with all team members, other coaches, the college and parents.
Key Selection Criteria includes:
- Demonstrated experience in coaching, monitoring and assessing athlete learning and development
- Demonstrated experience in using data to inform coaching practice and providing feedback on athlete learning growth and achievement
- Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills
- Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships
- Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with College/Academy values
- Demonstrated personal and professional abilities to develop talented/emerging or elite baseball athletes within the system
Essential Requirements: Working with Children/Working with Vulnerable People Check
Desirable Criteria: Minimum Baseball Australia Coach Certification B (C certification level desirable)
Application instructions: please complete the application process HERE providing a cover letter, CV including 3 references with valid mobile phone numbers, and a brief response to the selection criteria. Attach your cover letter, resume, and key selection criteria responses as one PDF file only.
If you would like further information regarding the position, please contact Tania Paterson, Senior Manager - Sports Programs via email (Tania.Paterson@education.vic.gov.au) or phone (0414 590 791).
Applications close Monday 28 November 2022.
Baseball Victoria is excited to launch the BV Green Vest Program as part of our umpire development pathway.
All summer clubs have received four brightly coloured green vests featuring Baseball Victoria Volunteer Umpire across the back. Beginner umpires at the club level should wear these vests to identify them as “in training” and help build greater understanding among players, parents, spectators and coaches. 
We are looking forward to seeing these green vests in action and encourage clubs to tag us in photos on social media so we can share them.
As a reminder, all clubs are asked to step up to the plate and recommend at least three players or individuals for the BV Umpire Community Coach Program. We need to build our base and upskill current members to ensure a new generation of umpires can come through our pathway. Please submit your recommendations HERE.
View more umpire information and resources on our website, including umpire expressions of interest and the BV Umpire Pathways Program.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins on 25 November and ends on 10 December. This year’s theme is ‘Respect Women: Call it Out’.
Sport at all levels plays a key role in influencing positive behaviours and attitudes around gender equality, respectful relationships and the prevention of gendered violence that reaches far beyond sport into the wider community.
That’s why Baseball Victoria is pleased to join Sport and Recreation Victoria and fellow sport organisations in supporting this campaign and the 16 Days of Activism initiative.
We encourage clubs and baseballers to show their support and get involved by checking out online resources and spreading the word.
Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce the Victorian Women’s State Team coaches ahead of the 2023 Australian Women’s Championship next April.
Samantha Hamilton returns as head coach, looking to build on a strong silver medal finish at nationals earlier this year. Hamilton also coached Victoria Aces as they were crowned the 2022 Australian Women's Baseball Showcase Champions.
Hamilton is joined by assistant coaches Stephen Black and Jarryd Rogers and executive officer Ursula Howard. Together these officials will help the Victorian Women’s State Team prepare for the Australian Women’s Championship, set for the Easter holidays with dates and location TBC.
“Thank you to these trusted baseball leaders for putting their hands up to guide and support the Victorian Women’s State Team,” BV CEO Chet Gray said. “Their experience, knowledge, and expertise will be incredibly beneficial to our women’s players, and we look forward to seeing their success on and off the field.”
More information on the championship, including the venue and Victorian team roster, will be made available in the coming months.
This week's School Sport Victoria Baseball Year 7 & 8 Boys/Mixed State Finals have been postponed and rescheduled after heavy rain at Cheltenham Baseball Club.
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
This will be the first time in three years the finals have been held after COVID cancellations in 2020 and 2021.
The Victorian baseball community enjoyed another action-packed weekend for seniors, juniors, and masters.
Make sure to follow VSBL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, while 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 7
Springvale overpowered Essendon 8-2 in Women's Division 1 while Doncaster cruised to a 25-1 victory over Footscray.
In Women's Division 2, ladder leaders Springvale finished 11-2 in front of Essendon as Sandringham won 18-10 over Doncaster. Melbourne scored in every inning to beat Footscray 22-6 and Newport shut out Geelong 25-0.
Waverley Black remains undefeated after a 6-4 win against Preston in Women's Division 3 East. Malvern got the job done 16-5 at Research Lower Plenty.
In Women's Division 3 South, it was a close one between St Kilda and Cheltenham as the Saints finished up 9-8. Chelsea beat Moorabbin 7-1 as South East Warriors powered their way to a 22-1 victory vs. Berwick. Springvale picked up a 12-1 win over Pakenham.
Fitzroy and Geelong continued their win streaks in Women's Division 3 West, with the Lions taking home a 10-5 victory over Alfredton and the Baycats beating Essendon 21-4. Port Melbourne managed a 16-6 victory at Newport and Werribee won 16-9 at Williamstown. A back-and-forth battle ended with North Western up 14-13 over Mitchell Majors.
Seniors Week 7
Division 1 Firsts: Berwick beat Sandringham 7-6 in extra innings while Essendon scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth for a 5-4 victory over Geelong. Melbourne got the job done 8-1 vs. Moorabbin while Upwey Ferntree Gully hung on for a 5-3 win at Waverley. Malvern shut out Mulgrave 11-0 as Blackburn beat Sunshine by the same score.
Division 2 Firsts: Cheltenham overpowered Fitzroy 7-1 as Doncaster beat St Kilda 6-4. Port Melbourne scored late for a 5-4 victory vs. North Western while Werribee also secured a late win, finishing 13-11 in front of Bonbeach. Ormond Glenhuntly won 8-6 at Newport and Williamstown cruised to a 26-2 victory over Preston.
Division 3 Firsts: Essendon's bats were busy in a 21-3 win at Port Melbourne while Geelong's offense also delivered in an 18-5 result vs. Footscray. Mornington scored 18 runs and gave up eight to Chelsea while Pakenham outlasted Sandringham 5-3.
Division 4 East: Melbourne Blue won 12-2 at Blackburn while Monash recorded a 9-8 result vs. Waverley Red. Waverley Black stayed undefeated with a 5-4 win over Research Lower Plenty Maroon. Doncaster picked up an 8-7 win against Research Black. Melbourne Red won 13-3 at Research Gold.
Division 4 North: North Coburg beat Essendon 12-10 and Newport shut out Alfredton 16-0. In a battle of the two Fitzroy teams, Blue held on for a 4-3 win over Maroon. Ladder leaders Mitchell Majors won 14-4 at Footscray.
Division 4 South: Springvale had the edge over Pakenham Black, 7-3. South East Warriors beat Chelsea White 9-4 while Upwey Ferntree Gully Black won 16-5 at Mornington. St Kilda finished 13-6 winners at Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold. Pakenham White finished 11-7 in front of Chelsea Blue.
Masters Week 7
Most of the games were washed out this week but we did get two matchups in! In Masters 38+ East, Monash University/OGH narrowly beat Ormond Glenhuntly 2-1, while in Masters 38+ South, Bonbeach Blue scored seven runs in the fifth on the way to a 9-3 win at Sandringham.
Juniors Week 6
U14 East Metro: Bonbeach/Chelsea won 13-2 vs. Sandringham while Upwey Ferntree Gully beat Berwick/Mulgrave 13-3. Waverley picked up a 12-2 win at Cheltenham as Malvern came away 14-7 winners at Doncaster. Melbourne snuck past Pakenham 10-8.
U14 West Metro: A high-scoring battle between Research Lower Plenty and North Western ended with the Titans up 17-16, while Port Melbourne scored 12 and gave up four to Sunshine. Essendon got the job done 15-10 at Newport/Footscray.
U14 East State: Waverley won 11-1 vs. Blackburn and Chelsea cruised to a 16-3 victory at Malvern. Moorabbin battled back for an 8-4 win at Melbourne and Essendon scored in all but one inning on the way to a 15-7 victory over Sandringham.
U14 West State: Essendon led the way in a 12-3 victory against Werribee while Geelong did the same, winning 15-1 at Research. Newport won 18-3 at Sunshine.
U16 Metro: Malvern won 14-1 vs. Williamstown and Port Melbourne beat Blackburn/Doncaster 14-7. Sandringham narrowly won 16-15 over Research/Preston while Werribee drew 7-7 with Fitzroy Maroon. Waverley scored 20 and gave up three to Fitzroy Blue.
U16 State: Newport won 11-4 vs. Doncaster and Waverley got the job done 5-1 over Moorabbin. Sandringham took a late lead for a 7-4 victory at Research/Preston and Geelong hung on for a 14-12 win at Williamstown.
U18 Metro: Cheltenham held off Essendon's rally for a 6-5 win while Mulgrave beat Sunshine 18-2. St Kilda used early runs to win 10-3 at Pakenham and Doncaster overpowered Sandringham 14-6.
U18 State: Sandringham pulled ahead for a 6-4 win at Essendon while Bonbeach/Moorabbin scored late to earn a 10-6 victory over Malvern. Blackburn/Upwey FTG had the edge in a 13-9 win at Research/Preston as Geelong's bats secured an 8-1 victory at Waverley. Melbourne beat Werribee 6-1.
Under 12s Week 5
U12 A State East: A fun back-and-forth battle ended with Cheltenham/Moorabbin up 14-12 over Malvern while Blackburn won 17-0 vs. Bonbeach. Chelsea was busy on the base paths, winning 14-1 at Melbourne and Sandringham scored seven late runs for an 11-6 victory at Waverley.
U12 A State West: Research Lower Plenty Maroon won 19-10 in an exciting matchup against the Gold team, while Port Melbourne finished 15-1 over Sunshine. Werribee and Newport battled hard as the Giants pulled in front 11-10 in the last inning. Geelong won 15-8 at Essendon.
U12 B East: Sandringham came off the bye strong, winning 12-1 vs. Berwick as a high-scoring game between Springvale and Chelsea ended with the Lions up 13-10.
U12 B West: An action-packed Fitzroy battle saw Maroon win 13-12 over Blue while Williamstown hung on for an 8-7 victory against Newport Red. Essendon and Preston both scored in every frame as the Bombers ended up 16-12.
U12 Baycats: Riverdogs won 11-8 over Firefrogs and Lake Monsters drew with Mudhens 10-10.
Eastern Athletics Metro A: Blackburn Black won 20-0 against Doncaster Gold while the Dragons Green side lost a close one, 4-3 to Greenhills Monty Black. Blackburn White picked up a 16-0 win at Monty White while Malvern Blue prevailed despite a Melbourne rally, finishing in front 6-5. Malvern Red and Blackburn Grey both won 7-1 against Ormond Glenhuntly and Upwey Ferntree Gully, respectively.
Eastern Athletics Metro B Gold: Ormond Glenhuntly kept the runs coming in an 18-4 victory vs. Blackburn, while the Braves battled it out with Malvern Red winning 23-14 over Malvern Blue. Melbourne White won a close one vs. Melbourne Stars, 23-19.
Eastern Athletics Metro B Green: Waverley Cougars scored two late runs to retake the lead and win 18-16 over Blackcats. The Wildcats won 25-18 vs. Doncaster and the Panthers beat Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold 27-20. Upwey FTG White and Black drew 14-all.
Southern Mariners Intermediate: Chelsea won 16-3 vs. Ormond Glenhuntly and a Rustlers vs. Rustlers matchup saw Cheltenham White win 10-9 over the Blue side.
Baseball Victoria would like to acknowledge the 2022 BV Development Grants Program recipients. We proudly awarded over $28,000 in grants to 17 local clubs in support of activities and events that will drive participation and the growth of our sport at the grassroots level.
These grants were made possible through the Baseball Victoria Development Fund, which consists of annual contributions collected from member fees participating in t-ball, juniors and seniors.
Successful applications in the latest round included come and try days, junior gala days, baseball equipment, female participation programs, All Abilities programs, club-driven school events and more.
Congratulations to the following summer baseball clubs on receiving BV Development Grants: Ballarat, Berwick City, Blackburn, Bonbeach St Chads, Doncaster, Essendon, Mitchell Majors, Moorabbin, Mulgrave, Newport, North Coburg, Port Melbourne, Research, Springvale, St Kilda, Upwey Ferntree Gully, and Werribee.
We look forward to seeing the success of these club initiatives, as well as the opening of Category 2 funding applications for winter clubs and associations at the start of 2023.
Baseball Victoria is excited to announce the U16 & U18 Victorian State Teams which will compete on the national stage at the 2023 Australian Youth Championships from 9-18 January in Sydney.
“We are so proud of our 2023 Victorian State Team athletes, and we look forward to a fantastic AYC campaign,” BV High Performance Officer Damian Shanahan said. “We had over 140 players take part in the tryouts which was great to see, and through our rigorous selection process, we finalised two very strong state teams with impressive roster depth.”
“It’s a huge honour for these athletes to represent their state, and we are confident they will make the most out of this opportunity. We can’t wait to get back to work on the field and train hard in the leadup to the national tournament, with dedicated coaching staff ready to guide players to on-field success.”
The championships are set for Blacktown International Sports Park, where both the Under 16 and Under 18 events will be held for the first time since January 2020.
Victoria most recently won silver at the 2022 Australian U16 Youth Championship in Queensland last July, while 10 Victorians represented on the National Junior Squad ahead of the U18 World Cup in September.
“We wish our U16 & U18 teams the best of luck and we can’t wait to see what the next few months have in store,” BV CEO Chet Gray said. “We thank all players who tried out and congratulate those selected to final team rosters. Thank you also to our head coaches, assistant coaches, and executive officers who have stepped up to the plate to lead our teams through an exciting and challenging competition against top talent from around the country.”
Stay tuned for more tournament updates as the countdown to #AYC2023 begins.
U16 Victorian State Team
- Andrew Land
- Brooklyn Riwaka-Kinney
- Cade White
- Cooper Laurie
- Devin Leahy
- Ethan Johnston
- Hamish Stone
- Hudson Pallay
- Jordan Ellis
- Mitch Langworthy
- Nathan Rumbelow
- Riley Peoples
- Robinson Smith
- Roman Coote
- Samuel Walk
- Ty Daniels
- Will Kent
- William Hardy
- Windsor Breckenridge
- Zak Stafilis
Coaching staff:
- Ben Laux (head coach)
- Trifon Stafilis (assistant coach)
- Matt Hardie (assistant coach)
- Jason Davis (executive officer)
U18 Victorian State Team
- Addison Bishop-Worn
- Aimon Dowling
- Alex Duske
- Ben Howard
- Blake Mitchell
- Cooper Drummond
- Declan Speirs
- Evan Maury
- Harper Rickard
- Jack Ratcliffe
- James Squire
- Jayden Kim
- Lachlan Amon
- Lachlan Smith
- Matthew Johnston
- Ryan Langworthy
- Ryan Williams
- Ryder Wilson
- Taran Rose
- Will Cavanagh
Coaching staff:
- Marshall Skinner (head coach)
- Simon Ratcliffe (assistant coach)
- Chris Rickard (assistant coach)
- Taryn Richardson (executive officer)
