Seven Emerald Ambassadors made the trip to Bali this week, continuing Baseball Australia’s Diamonds in the Rough program.
Funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, the latest program focused on throwing and the Ambassadors are predominately pitchers.
Abbey Kelly, Sinead Flanigan, Morgan Doty, Kaila Borgomastro, Brittany Hepburn, Amy Collins and (catcher) Abbey McLellan will be delivering this round of DITR working with many of the girls we have previously seen, including the Dyatmika International School.
The throwing focus has evolved over previous trips, with an aim of developing strength both in the Indonesian girls arms and their spirit. We have seen in our previous trips that many of the most popular activities have been those that involve throwing, especially those with targets or asking the girls to say “yes” in their biggest voice as they throw.
DITR is all about empowering Indonesian girls and developing Australian female leaders and this program will continue to build the confidence of the Indonesian girls.
One of the usual aspects of DITR is our women playing games against male Indonesian teams, demonstrating capability and equality. With the smaller group we are changing it up and having our pitchers throw in game like situations with a male Indonesian field behind them.
This activity provides the Indonesian men with quality practice against different pitchers which is invaluable in their preparation for selection to the Indonesian National Team who will be playing in (and hosting) the Asian games later this year. It also provides a strong visual of equality, with both men and women playing together, regardless of gender.
Australian Emeralds Head Coach Simone Wearne has been a passionate advocate of the program since its inception.
“I love Diamonds in the Rough for its ability to develop our Australian female baseballers as leaders in a unique environment," Wearne said.
"They are able to share their love for baseball with the Indonesians who genuinely appreciate the opportunity we provide.”
“The program not only teaches our players resilience and flexibility, it exposes them to the Indonesian culture well beyond that of a tourist. They connect with the Indonesian girls and are role models for the Diamonds, showing them that they have choices beyond those that society dictates.”