Baseball Victoria Hall of Fame Administrators: Paul Collins

Paul Collins held many and probably most executive positions within the Victorian Baseball Association throughout his career.

His contribution to the sport of baseball was immense. He was Pennant Committee member for Baseball Victoria from 1973 and Chairman since 1975 to 2006 during which time he was also an executive for Williamstown Baseball Club as Assistant Secretary, Secretary and Treasurer and President 1976 to 1978. 

From 1973 into the 1980’s Paul was the Executive Manager for Victorian State and Claxton Shield teams and the Manager of the Australian Team for the Baseball Federation of Asia Championship Perth in 1985. He also managed the upgrade of the lights at South Melbourne Cricket Ground to host the Super Six Series and Claxton Shield game. This initiative significantly raised the profile of the game in inner city Melbourne.

Paul played the leading role in establishing the location and managing the politics that surrounded the choice of the site. Altona, was the only place to build the stadium because it was Crown Land. He oversaw the construction of the Melbourne Ball Park that now provides Victoria with a flagship stadium that meets the standards required to host international games against visiting Asian sides and ABL games. 

Paul served on the Ballpark’s Committee of Management initially as the Secretary and then as the President for over a decade.  Paul was elected as Life Member of the Williamstown Baseball Club in 1974 and a Life Member of Baseball Victoria in 1991.

Paul received Melbourne Reds Baseball Legend Status in 1994 and his service to baseball was recognised with the award of the Australian Olympic Sports Medal in 2001. In 2002 Paul was elected as Executive Officer Victorian Claxton Shield Team of the Century.