Malvern Baseball Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Dale as Head of Baseball Operations. Phil brings to the club a wealth of experience as a player, coach and scout.
Phil Dale has represented Australia as a junior and senior player and coach. He was the first Australian ever awarded a four-year baseball scholarship to an American university and was the first Victorian to be signed by a Major League club, pitching four seasons in the Cincinnati Reds organisation. He was also the first Australian to ever coach in a Major League organisation while with the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves.
Phil has been successful at every level of coaching, winning 10 Division 1 Grand Finals, a Claxton Shield, several ABL titles and a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics. He is a member of the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame and is a life member of the Waverley Baseball Club.
Phil is a long-time professional scout and is presently the Pac Rim Coordinator of Scouting for a Major League team. He is also the Club Coach at North Balwyn during the winter baseball season.
Joining Phil as one of Malvern’s club coaches is Neil Burke. Neil has a wealth of coaching experience and is a former Australian player and coach. Neil will be instrumental in both training and game day operations as well as in the growth of Malvern’s junior program.
Joining Phil as one of Malvern’s club coaches is Neil Burke. Neil has a wealth of coaching experience and is a former Australian player and coach. Neil will be instrumental in both training and game day operations as well as in the growth of Malvern’s junior program.
When asked his reasons for joining Malvern, Phil said, “The Malvern Baseball Club has had a long heritage and tradition in baseball where so many great players have played. Recently, I have noticed the successful development of the junior program through the hard work of individuals at the club. I will look to help further the abilities of both our junior and senior players and hope to provide an enjoyable playing experience for all members”. Phil went on to add that “the ground has always been a great place and location to play baseball which makes it even more fun to be involved in the game in this area. It will be a privilege to be a part of the future of this club.”
Malvern Baseball Club President Andrew Othen stated, “We are excited to have this unique opportunity to bring one of the most decorated players and coaches Australia has ever produced to the Malvern Baseball Club. Together with Phil and Neil, we look forward to seeing Malvern continue to grow and improve on and off the field and in doing our part in producing the next generation of baseball players.”
Announcements regarding other members of the junior and senior coaching teams will be made in due course.
The club wishes to acknowledge the outstanding contributions the past two years of Nic Unland and Travis Cutt. The players and committee appreciate all the work that they have put in to the club during their stint as club coaches.