Article by Narelle Gosstray
The Australian Women’s Baseball Team, the Emeralds, have recently received a significant boost in their campaign to win the 2014 Women’s World Cup to be held in Miyazaki, Japan in early September.
The Emeralds have secured the support of the Australia Japan Foundation (AJF), which was established by the Australian Government in 1976 to expand and develop contact and exchange between the people of Australia and Japan and to help project positive images of Australia and Japan in each other's country.
The Emeralds will undertake a cultural exchange with the Riseisha College of Medicine and Sport in Osaka, prior to the 2014 Women's World Baseball Cup, which will be held in Miyazaki, Kyushu. The visit will include friendly games against the University team, school visits, cultural activities (including visiting temples and a sumo school) plus the exchange of coaching techniques and ideas between coaches.
The AJF Chair Murray McLean AO was pleased to support the Emerald’s application saying it “represents a great sports diplomacy opportunity to extend people-to-people links between our two countries”. Emerald’s Head Coach, Simone Wearne, was excited by the boost to the Emeralds campaign. “Baseball is huge in Japan, and this exchange will provide a platform that transcends language and cultural differences, bringing Japanese and Australians closer on a personal level through common interests and values”.
Wearne was respectful of the skill, professionalism and success of Japanese baseball, “as the reigning champions, Japan have set the benchmark for performance on the world stage. Whatever the result at the World Cup, the exchange will achieve the AJF’s goals of increasing understanding in Japan of shared interests with Australia and increase recognition in Japan of Australian excellence and expertise".
Wearne continues “We believe the Japanese will enjoy the exchange with both the players and the coaching staff. The team includes Shae Lillywhite, who is the only foreign player to have ever played in the Japanese Women’s Professional League, and two time World Series winner with the Yankees, Graeme Lloyd".
We have recently been able to add even more experience to our coaching line up with the addition of Luke Hughes, who played for the Minnesota Twins and Oakland Athletics in the MLB, debuting in style with a home run in his first at bat with the Twins. Hughes is a veteran of the Australian team, and a member of the 2014 Perth Heat team that won the Australian Baseball League Championship. Hughes’ experience as a hitter, infielder and outfielder will be invaluable to the team.
To follow the Emeralds journey to the World Cup visit emeralds.baseball.com.au or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.