Baseball Victoria’s VSBL Pat Cronin Round took place this past weekend and it was a big success, with many teams coming together in support of the movement to end the coward punch and unnecessary violence.
The Pat Cronin Foundation, established in 2016 following the devastating death of a beloved son, brother and friend, is on a mission to prevent coward punch attacks through awareness, education and research. Matt and Robyn Cronin are doing their best to honour their son while encouraging others to get involved and spread the word about unprovoked violence and how it can be avoided.
This special VSBL round presented a perfect opportunity for Victorian baseball clubs to show their support for a worthwhile cause. The Pat Cronin Round followed an education session at Newport Baseball Club last month, as the local baseball community took the time to learn about this issue and how it can affect anyone. Over the weekend, VSBL clubs sold Pat Cronin wristbands to collect donations and demonstrated respect for one another by shaking hands before the game as well as after. Despite the intense summer competition, many teams paused for group photos to show good sporting conduct and courtesy for one another is what makes the game so special.
Matt Cronin is hopeful that by displaying respect and care for others in all areas, from sport to social settings and everything in between, there will be less unnecessary and dangerous violence. “To know that our Be Wise, End the Coward Punch message is reaching new people all the time is really encouraging and with VSBL clubs supporting this, we all have hope for a better future free from violence,” Matt said.
The Pat Cronin Foundation is very thankful for all VSBL clubs that participated in the initiative. “The support of the VSBL clubs sends a strong message to the broader community of the need to end senseless acts of cowardly violence,” Matt said. “Secondly, for everyone who bought a Be Wise, End the Coward Punch wristband or put a coin in one of our collection tins, thank you as all the money raised will help us to fund our programs in education, awareness and research. Our message is simple – Be Wise and together we can End the Coward Punch.”
VSBL clubs can still sell wristbands and collect donations through the end of January. If your VSBL club would like to host an education session with the Pat Cronin Foundation, or you’d like to learn more about the organisation, please visit the official website https://www.patcroninfoundation.org.au and the official Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/patcroninfoundation/