On Saturday, March 23rd, Doncaster Dragons Baseball Club held a wonderful Baseball and Beyond Gala Day, made possible by the Victorian Government’s Change Our Game Community Activation Grants.
This initiative was put in place to honor the role of women and girls in sport and recreation, and that goal was fully achieved at Baseball and Beyond as female baseball players were celebrated for their dedication and determination.
The event began with breakfast and a panel discussion at Beau Monde Hotel in Doncaster, with 90 people attending to hear the in-depth discussion of women’s baseball. Panel speakers included:
Anna Kimbrell: Member of Team USA at World Cup 2018. University of Alabama, softball alumni.
Simone Wearne: Emerald coach, state coach and club coach. Past Emerald player.
Abbey McClelland: Emerald player 2018 World Cup.
Michael Crooks: Baseball Australia General Manager-Development and Governance
Joe Michaud artfully questioned the panelists and wrangled questions from the floor in an engaging and entertaining discussion on the future of women’s baseball in Victoria and Australia. Discussion topics ranged from grass roots level baseball to international and professional league baseball. Panelists touched on the different system of women’s baseball in the U.S. and how the selection and training for their national team occurs.
Simone Wearne shared her perspective on what makes a successful club team, commenting on coaching and club culture in a nutshell as well as sharing how a national team prepares for the big stage. Abbey McLellan had an interesting story to tell about her journey overcoming injury to achieve a place on the most recent world cup team. Her advice to the younger girls in the room around body image and work ethic was very well received. Michael Crooks provided information about current efforts surrounding the potential of a sustainable women’s professional league. His insights into the current data of women’s baseball in Australia and around the world provided a broader scope to the discussion.
Following the breakfast, everyone headed to Deep Creek Reserve where the Victorian Youth Women’s and Victorian White and Blue Women’s teams had a training session. The crowd were reminded of the day’s purpose when the women took to the training field wearing their Change our Game shirts. Training was followed by a Cap Presentation for all state players by President of Baseball Victoria Myles Foreman, Baseball Victoria Operations Coordinator Kellie Thomas and Doncaster Baseball Club President Craig Hutton.
The amazing day wrapped up with a fantastic display game between the Victorian Blue and White Women’s teams. After Saturday's strong showcase, it's safe to say the future of women's baseball in Victoria and Australia looks very bright.
Congratulations to Doncaster Baseball Club on their successful celebration of women’s baseball in Victoria!
For more details on the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants, please visit: http://sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/change-our-game-community-activation-grants-program