Two Victorian players recently signed with Major League Baseball organisations.
Congratulations to pitcher Cameron Gibbens and pitcher/infielder Mitch Ellis on taking the next step in their baseball careers. Gibbens has played with Berwick City Cougars since he started T-Ball in 1999, and he earned a spot on the Melbourne Aces roster this ABL season.
Ellis spent his junior years and many senior seasons with Doncaster Dragons Baseball Club. He also represented Victoria in state teams before attending college in the U.S. and taking the field with the Aces.
Baseball Victoria Talent Development Manager says these players should be proud of their endless determination in the sport they love.
“It’s a testament to themselves, their families and their individual clubs that they’ve got this opportunity,” Shanahan said. “Gibbens and Ellis are both examples of players who have developed a bit later in life through self-driven accomplishment.”
Gibbens acknowledges how exciting this achievement is, but also how it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his family and the Berwick baseball community. “Berwick City Cougars Baseball Club has given me so much belief in myself to perform at the highest level, and the confidence to go out there and compete no matter the outcome,” Gibbens said. “I’m looking forward to reaching my full potential.”
Regardless of what the future holds, making his childhood dream come true is something Gibbens will never forget. “It’s not every day that you get to sign with an MLB organisation, and to sign with a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers is incredible.” Gibbens said. “I want to show the world what Australians can do and make my country proud. Growing exposure of the sport for Australia would be amazing.”