Fitzroy Lions Baseball Club has created an exciting tradition for junior baseballers, giving dedicated young athletes the chance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the VSBL Division 1 Firsts home games and serve as batboy/batgirl.

Fitzroy's Tradition of Family Fun

U12 player Joshua Jones got the honor last month in the round 5 matchup v Waverley, marking a memorable day for the junior. "I felt really excited that I got to do it but I was a bit nervous because everyone was watching me and it’s a special thing that not many people get to do," Josh said, crediting his club for the cool opportunity.

"What I really love about Fitzroy is that they always stay really positive about everything, and they love helping kids get into baseball."

After throwing a perfect strike to catcher Alec Smith, Josh spent the day on the bench beside the seniors he looks up to, especially as he hopes to continue playing baseball far into the future.

"Right now I want to learn how to play lots of different positions, to get better at reading the ball when I’m at bat, and learn strategies," Josh said. "When I’m older I want to play college ball then make it up to the majors, hopefully playing for the Cardinals at shortstop or catcher!"

Josh's parents, Christine and Jonathan Jones, are thankful the Lions have given Josh a place to thrive in the sport he loves, whether it's by throwing out the first pitch or training with friends.

"We were really happy for Joshua and excited for him to get the opportunity, and we were especially pleased that he was so enthusiastic. We know he was nervous and we were very proud that despite that he approached it with confidence. We tried to reinforce that we hoped he had fun and that he didn't need to feel pressure to make a perfect throw, and we were so very proud of his effort."

"Really the best part was seeing how the players and coaches made him feel like he was a special part of the team, let him talk their ears off in the dugout, and presented him with a signed baseball that he'll treasure for a long time."

Bright Future For Junior Players

Overall, the Jones family is grateful for their experience at Fitzroy, especially the leadership and online catch-ups and video drills shared throughout the offseason and lockdown, helping kids like Josh get excited for the season ahead.

"It's hard to pinpoint a 'favourite' thing, but so far it's been the way they foster enthusiasm for baseball and create special opportunities for the kids."

As for Josh, his baseball-loving family only hopes he continues with his love for the game.

"It has been a lot of fun to see his energy and excitement for baseball grow over the last couple years.  If he continues having fun playing baseball, takes on challenges with a positive attitude, and applies himself to making the most of his opportunities, that will be amazing. And if he fulfills his dream of playing for the Cardinals, that will be okay too."

Fitzroy Junior Coordinator Ethan Epifanio is glad Josh and his fellow junior players are enjoying their time at the club, which celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2019 and has long been known as a family club.

"Fitzroy has always been proud of its junior program, which has evolved this season to focus more heavily on input from senior players in both coaching and mentoring capacities," Ethan said. "Our main goals for this season are to provide an immersive baseball experience for all junior players, while developing their attitudes and values towards sport, especially towards being contributing members of our club community."

This approach aligns with junior coach Tyler Trevaskis’ motto 'it takes a village" - which is very true for the club with 62 junior players across four teams and the tee-ball program, a promising increase from the last few seasons especially given the pandemic.

Ethan says club stalwart Tony Wyatt suggested the ceremonial first pitch as a way to connect the younger juniors and seniors, and it's been a big hit so far.

"This is also an excellent opportunity to showcase our commitment to junior baseball to the wider Victorian baseball community, as our opposition clubs have graciously participated in supporting our junior players when they throw the first pitch."

"This initiative will continue to serve as a tradition at all firsts home games, followed by the opportunity to join the team as batboy/girl. Junior players to throw the first pitch will be selected based upon their displays of effort and commitment to the program and their teammates."

Bringing Juniors and Seniors Together

Ethan knows first hand how important it is to bring players of all ages together to celebrate their favourite sport and make new memories.

"Having personally transitioned from a junior to senior player at Fitzroy, I can attest to the phenomenal sense of community and pride engrained at our great club. My overarching ambition and goal in my role at the club is to facilitate these senses and values being instilled in all our juniors, with an aim to channel these kids into long-term members of our club beyond their junior days."

"A strong connection between juniors and seniors is important as it greatly enhances the unity and prosperity of our club. Our juniors have thrived in their integration with the seniors, soaking up valuable knowledge and experience, meanwhile the seniors have taken to their roles as leaders and mentors, reinvesting in the future of our club."

On behalf of Fitzroy Baseball Club, Ethan has an important message to share with anyone thinking of joining the sport.

"To the kids - baseball is a challenging, nuanced game that teaches you valuable life skills like perseverance and self-discipline. It’s a fantastic community setting where you will make friends and connections for life."

"To the parents - playing at Fitzroy is a welcoming, family-oriented environment where your child will be supported and developed into a mature, self-driven adult."

Follow Fitzroy Baseball Club for more updates from the summer season.

Congratulations to Victorian Nikau Pouaka-Grego, who has become the latest Australian to sign with an MLB organisation.

Baseball Victoria is saddened to hear about the passing of John Hodges, a former Victorian and Australian shortstop and nine-time Claxton Shield player.

Hodges won the Helms Award in 1981 as the MVP of the Claxton Shield and collected three Club Champion Awards in the 1970s with Preston Baseball Club. He was also named to the Diamond Anniversary Clayton Shield All Star Team as his dedication to his beloved sport spanned decades.

We send our condolences to John's family and all those who knew him across the Victorian baseball community. He will be deeply missed.

Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce the coaches for the 2022 Australian Women's Championship, which will take place from 15-21 April 2022 in West Beach, Adelaide.

Samantha Hamilton (head coach), Duane Davenport (assistant coach), Stephen Black (pitching coach), and Ursula Howard (stats/EO) will make up the coaching staff for the travelling Victorian team. Leah Trebilcock has been selected as a non-travelling development coach.

Head Coach Samantha Hamilton is excited about the upcoming event.

"After wearing the Victorian blue for 15 seasons, it gives me immense pride to pull the jersey on once again, this time as head coach," Hamilton said. "It is a really promising time for women’s baseball in the state, with a unique blend of experienced veterans and an exciting new generation of players set to to launch a new era for the sport.  I look forward to working with Damian Shanahan and the Baseball Victoria High Performance academy and assistant coaches Duane Davenport and Steven Black over the coming months as we target April’s Nationals."

Thank you to these experienced baseball leaders for stepping up to help guide the women's team to success on the national stage.

More information on the upcoming championship, including the Victorian team roster, will be made available in the coming months.

17-year-old Genevieve Beacom stole the show as the Melbourne Aces took on the Adelaide Giants in the Melbourne Challenge over the weekend. Beacom has gained recognition across the country and the world after becoming the first woman to pitch professionally in Australia.

The 2022 National Showcase Series – Victoria is underway at Melbourne Ballpark!

Best of luck to all athletes in the exciting data collection and gameplay series.

Check out rosters HERE or view the event home page HERE.

Baseball Victoria is saddened to hear about the passing of Peter McFarlane, a beloved Sandringham Royals Life Member and 10-time Victorian and 4-time Australian player.

Peter was exceptionally well-known throughout the Victorian baseball community and across Australia, having dedicated his life to the game he loved through playing, coaching, and mentoring.

We send our condolences to Peter's wife Sandy, their children Adam and Nicola, Sandringham Baseball Club, and all those who knew and loved Peter. He will be deeply missed.

Baseball Victoria is pleased to offer a free Umpire Accreditation Level 0 session on Saturday 15 January 2022 at Melbourne Ballpark from 9am to 5pm.

This course will offer an introduction to umpiring and is open to anyone aged 14 and older.

Attendees aged 16 years and over will require proof of double vaccination upon entry in line with venue requirements.

Umpires should bring a glove, pen, notepad, and food/drink.

Click HERE to register for this free umpire course.