• Daniel Schmidt (Mel); Matthew Sibley (Per); Liam Baron (Gos); Adam Courcha (Gos); Chris House (Mor); Matthew Kennelly (Mel); Jason Smit (Wan); Liam Hendriks (Wan); Brendan Wise (Mel).

Congratulations and best of luck to all players.
 

JUNIORS

Under 16: Division 1 Melville Braves d South Perth Division 2: Swan Districts 11 Carine 7; Division 3 North: Perth 15 West Stirling 2; Division 3 South: Mandurah 17 Kalamunda 2; Division 4: Rockingham 16 Cockburn 15.	U/16.3 Premiers - Perth	U/16.1 Premiers- Melville
Under 14:
Division 1: West Stirling 8 Morley 5; Division 2 Perth 7 Willetton 4 Division 3 North: West Stirling 15 Wembley 9; Division 3 South: Cockburn 7 South Perth 6; Division 4 North: North Coast 13 West Stirling 6
Division 4 Gold: Eastern Hills 3 Melville 2.	U/14.4 Premiers - North Coast	U/14.2 Premiers -Perth

Congratulations to all teams!!!!!!!
 

Gosnells Hawks Baseball Club,
C/o The Club Secretary,
PO Box 362,
Gosnells WA 6990

[8 Mar]
Congratulations to all the clubs that competed so well at the Championships over the weekend.  Final results were:

•        Development Shield - South Perth 8 West Stirling 6

•        Championship Cup - Melville 4 Carine 2

Come early and secure the best viewing from one of our 500 new seats just installed.
 

Also showing that our future in baseball is bright, the WA Under 14 team finished second to NSW in the DrugFree 'A' National Championship in Perth. WA were the red hot favourites to take the title, losing only 1 game in the preliminary rounds but NSW were just too strong in the pressure cooking of the big one. Game details.

In the Under 18 division in Geelong, WA finished strongly when they defeated Victoria Provincial 5-3 in the play off for 5th spot. In the final, NSW defeated Victoria 3-2 in 10 tight innings.

Congratulations to all teams.

WA support now focuses on the Western Heelers, who depart Friday for Sydney's Blacktown Olympic Stadium and their tilt at the 2005 Astarra Claxton Shield.
 

Click here to download a information sheet and registration form in a Word Document

Click here to download a information sheet and registration form in a Adobe Document

Please contact Development Officer, Stuart Johnson for any details on 0403 878 338 or by email dev@baseballwa.asn.au
 

Friday, 10th December 2004
Baseball Park,
Tom Bateman Reserve, Wilfred Road, Thornlie
Game Time: 7:00pm

Ticket Prices:
Adults $8
Children (6-15) $4
Children 5 and under FREE
Kids come in your uniform and get in free!

Pre-selling of the tickets is now available by downloading the Ticket Order Form filling it out and sending it back to Baseball WA, PO Box 57, Claremont WA 6910.

BASEBALL PARK IS A SMOKE FREE VENUE
Baseball's Back!
 

• A bobcat to level off the 1st and 3rd baseline embankments before the grass goes on;

• A carpenter to frame up some sponsor boxes to go on top of the dugouts;

• A brickie to knock a BBQ;

Grassing up the infield	The entrance concourse

Full clay in field	Home run fence going in

When? This Sat, 23 Oct at 8:00am. If anyone has a bobcat, that would be very handy so please bring it along. Principle tasks we'll be tackling this week include:

• Top dressing the third base viewing terrace

• Painting what's left of the home run fence panelling;

• Fixing finished panels to support frames

• Welding (we can hire the gear if you know how to use it!!)

Here's another opportunity for all those who haven't been able to get down to Baseball Park for our two previous busy bees to come down this Sat, 9 Oct at 8:00am to see how far we've come and lend a bit of elbow grease. 

Principle tasks we'll be tackling this week include:

• Clearing the field of all remaining excess dirt and turf;

• Painting what's left of the home run fence panelling;

• Fixing finished panels to support frames (bring your power drill if you have one!!)

• Welding (we can hire the gear if you know how to use it!!)

• Hand watering the turf already relocated to the terraces (retic due to be connected next week)

UWA TO GO FOR THE BRONZE [1 Oct]

UWA will play off for the Bronze Medal in the 2004 Australian University Games today after going down to Edith Cowan University 12-7 in seven innings yesterday. 

Click here for photos
 

• Turf laying;

• Painting;

• Spreading of top soil;

• Welding (we can hire gear if you know how to use it!!)

Whilst a range of equipment will be on hand, if you have a wheelbarrow, shovel or paint roller please bring them along.

If we can get a good number of volunteers turning up, hopefully we can be done by mid-morning and enjoy a sausage and coke together and talk about how we can all get together to ensure that Baseball Park becomes a facility of which all of us can be justly proud. 

For those who might have been in a coma over the last year, Baseball Park is located at Tom Bateman Reserve, Wilfred Rd (near the corner of Nicholson Rd), Thornlie.

Oh, and if you're not in a position to help with any manual labour, feel free to wander down anyway to check out the progress and have a bite.
 

WHERE:      Merlin Street Reserve, Merlin St, Falcon
WHEN:        Sat, 11 Sep at 1:00pm and 3:30pm

Full canteen facilities will be provided and chance to meet and talk to players after the games.
 

Auslink Food Distributors, Captain Cook Cruises, E Newsletters Online, Fielders Choice, Healthway and the DrugFree message, Jim Kidd Sports, Major Motors - Isuzu Truck Division, NGIS Australia,  SA-KA-TA, Sports Medicine Australia, the South Perth Baseball Club, Tintagel Wines, The Vines Resort (and Rhonda!), WA Fork Trucks.     

John McGarry, Kane Parker and Jamie Cant	The calm before the storm.			Off they go ...
... and down she comes!!!	Laurie Kelly teeing off			The guys from WA Fork Trucks: John Morrison, John Purves, Steve Koch and Ron Cunningham
Kevin Sorenson lines up a putt	The NGIS team - Richard Bentley, Paul Gibson, Ian Berry and Roland Lockhart			The Mills crew - Joe and father Nigel with Andy Hamilton and Mike Jones
Brendon Thomas, Adam Holt, Justin Stillitano and Bruce Holt	Just like they do it on the telly ... PGA pro Mike Kennelly checks the rub of the green			Brian Tander lets rip
Before: Pete Ferguson bunkered down and in trouble ...			After: ... and Pete's suddenly thinking a career on the Masters circuit may not be out of the question.

• The warning track along both base lines bogged out (a big thanks to Barry Rocheford for donating his time and loader to undertake this crucial task - anyone else with a machine available who can pitch in next Sat as we attack the track along the home run fence line is asked to contact Damian O'Donnell);
• Steel framework for the public toilets (upper floor of the 1st base change rooms) erected;
• Formwork and steel rods put in place in advance of the 3rd base dugout, tunnels and change room cavity and ceiling pour;

Other developments over the last week included:

• Installation of a heavy duty electrical transformer capable of servicing the facility's high electricity requirements;
• Pouring of the 1st base dugout, tunnel and change room ceiling;
• Completion of internal brickwork for 3rd base change room areas;
• Completion of terrace retaining wall;
• Earthworks to create the terrace viewing areas behind home plate formed up;
• Earthworks to backfill over the now cured 1st base access tunnel completed.

Barry Rocheford rips into what will become the 3rd base warning track	Earthworks to form up the terraces behind home plate	Rear view of 3rd base change rooms

Don't forget the Golf Day to raise funds for the Rebuilding Home Base campaign is on this Wed at the Vines Resort so if you and / or your friends have been talking about playing you need to lodge your rego form asap.  

PGA golf pro Mike Kennelly has generously agreed to be the "Driving Range Professional" for the day and will be available from 9:00am to offer FREE instruction to all participants in the lead up to the noon hit-off so if you're a good golfer, this will be an ideal opportunity to get that little bit better.  And if you're a bad one, it will be even better value because this will be your best chance to ensure you don't look quite as funny when you try to hit a ball in front of your mates (you'll still look funny, just less so).

To register either yourself or a team for what is sure to be a great day, click 

Barry Rocheford makes a bird of bogging out the 3rd base warning track	Framework for the public toilets above the 1st base change rooms going up	3rd base dugout roof ready to be poured

Rest assured everything that can be done is being done to get the facility ready for this season so if you've been thinking about doing something to help, now's the time to put your hand up.  Keep checking back to this page for regular progress updates.
 

WA U14 State Baseball Team TRYOUTS  [20 Aug] 
Saturday Sessions:  9:30 am  Fraser Park, Hampshire Street, East Vic Park.
Sunday Sessions:  2:00 pm Crimea Reserve, Crimea Street, Morley.

• Sat Aug 21 or Sun Aug 22 (you choose)

• Sat Aug 28 or Sun Aug 29 (you choose)

• Sat Sept 4

• Sun Sept 12

• Sat Sept 18

• Sun Sept 26 (9:30am Fraser Park)

• Sat Oct 2 (squad selected and advised of further training sessions)

Any questions should be directed to Baseball WA Operations Manager Vince Baker on admin@baseballwa.asn.au
 

• A minimum Level 1 National Coaching Accreditation certificate (baseball);
• A thorough knowledge of development programs that specifically target increased participation;
• Demonstrated ability to deliver and devise programs in line with BWA strategic goals.

The position is performance based with specific service and target outcomes. Applicants must be able to display planning and organisational ability as well as sound communication and interpersonal skills.

The position involves extended and irregular hrs working throughout metropolitan and regional WA and being away from home several times per year.

Applications close 4:00pm Thurs 26 August 2004 and should address the selection criteria obtainable from operations manager Vince Baker on 9383 7735.
 

Baseball WA Golf Day  [10 Aug] 
Don't forget registration for the upcoming BWA Golf Day at the Vines Resort closes on Fri 20 August so make sure you get your team together and do your bit to help raise funds for the new state baseball facility.

Cost is only $100 per head (teams of 4 if possible but if you don't have anyone to play with we'll slot you into a team) and here's what you get:

• 4 Ball Ambrose;

• 18 holes of golf with motorised buggies;

• Player meet and greet by the Vines staff for golf bag drop;

• Dedicated registration desk to coordinate player arrival;

• Prepared registration slips indicating player name, buggy number, starting hole & tee-off time;

• On-course briefing conducted by Vines Course Controller;

• Prepared and collated scorecards;

• Display and erection of your corporate and sponsors banners (sponsors required!!!);

• Shotgun start enabling coordinated start / finish times;

• Complimentary use of locker room, with fresh towels;

• A light pre-round gourmet sausage sizzle lunch;

• A delicious hot meal to be served in the Winners Bar prior to post-round presentations;

• Each player will receive a voucher for a return complimentary 18 holes of golf at The Vines Resort;

• Lots of prizes!

Opportunities are available to corporate supporters include naming rights to the event, the chance to sponsor particular holes, the longest drive, etc.

For further information and the Official Registration Form, click 

NOTE:  You need to have Adobe Reader to view the attached document it.  Software can be downloaded free from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

• The surveyors pegging out the playing arena and various key cut-out points;
   

• The concrete being poured for the roof of the 1st base tunnel and dugout, the floor of the 3rd base dugout, player and umpire tunnels and terrace retaining wall;
   

• Earthworks underway to build the disabled access path on the north eastern side of the main entrance steps;
   

• 167 tonnes of clay being delivered. Once bogging out of the cut-out areas has been completed this will be mixed with 205 tonnes of Gin Gin Red loam to form the running paths, bases, etc.

Now comes the fun part.  As responsibility for the playing surface has now officially been transferred to the baseball community, installation of the bases, mound, tracks, etc will happen as fast or as slow as we can organise ourselves to do the necessary bogging out.

Do you have access to a bobcat, a front end loader or backhoe that could pitch in even if it's only for an hour or two either on a week day or weekend over the next few weeks?  There's no problem doing this part of the job in piecemeal fashion as long as we get it done as soon as we can. Contact  Damian O'Donnell if you can help or have any useful leads we could follow up.
 

• 18 Holes of golf

• Motorized buggy

• Complimentary voucher for a return 18 holes of golf at The Vines Resort

• Light lunch

• Post game awards and meal

• Prizes

Opportunities available to corporate supporters include naming rights to the event, the chance to sponsor particular holes, the longest drive, etc. 
 

[28 Jul] 
An historic milestone in WA baseball was achieved yesterday when the first four light towers were installed at the new state baseball centre currently being developed at Tom Bateman Reserve, Thornlie. 

A further two will be installed in five weeks time once terrace earthworks have been backfilled and compacted.

At 30m high and carrying 11 floodlights on each headframe, the towers will provide a 750 lux in-field illumination and 500 on the outfield.

Utilising the latest in lighting technology, the system will be flexible enough to allow alternation between a more cost effective "training" luminance and full-on competition brightness.  It has also been designed with an eye to ensuring no inconvenience is caused to local residents. Targeting of the lights is so precise there will be minimal spillage off the actual playing surface irrespective of which setting is being used.

• Brick work to tunnels and dugouts;

• Tunnel roof to Bldg 2;

• Tunnel roof formed to Bldg 1;

• Terrace retaining wall completed and terrace site works commenced;

• Footings to wing retaining walls poured.

BWA is still looking to receive handover of the playing surface in the next week or so to enable works to commence on the bases, mound, tracks, etc.  Anyone with a bobcat who can assist in this area is asked to contact chief executive Damian O'Donnell as soon as possible.

There will be a need late Aug for volunteers to assist with erecting cladding material for fence advertising signage and anyone who can help here please contact  Damian.

Thanks to all those listed in the column at right who have so generously reached into their pocket to make a donation to this historic project. It's certainly very much appreciated.

There's still much to be done though, so what can you do to help?

Rest assured everything that can be done is being done to get the facility ready for an Oct hit-off so if you've been thinking about doing something to help, now's the time to put your hand up.  Keep checking back to this page for regular progress updates.

• Dylan Peacock (Swan Districts and professional club Anaheim Angels) - pitcher;
• Kent Dixon (Wanneroo / Seattle Mariners)  -  catcher;
• Mitchell Graham (Wanneroo / Philladelphia Phillies)  - infielder;
• Timothy Kennelly (Melville / Philladelphia Phillies)  -  outfielder.

Sixteen year old Adam Courcha (Gosnells) has also been named in the shadow squad as a reserve.

The players will meet up with the rest of the team in Hong Kong on Aug 28 and depart for Taiwan and the Championships the following day.  Congratulations to Dylan, Kent, Mitch, Tim and Adam!
 

Separate change rooms and access tunnels for umpires and players

Key recent developments include:

Footing for the terrace retaining wall behind home plate	1st base change room ablution area	Trenching down the 3rd baseline to carry electricals for the outfield towers and future scoreboard

We're still shooting for an early Aug handover of the playing surface to enable works to commence on the bases, mound, tracks, etc.  Brett List from the Perth club has generously agreed to donate use of his family's front end loader to make a bird of the heavy grunt work, but we need to find someone who can donate use of a truck capable of carrying it to site and back.  Barry Rocheford has volunteered use of his bobcat to do the zippy on-field work but a second one would be very handy.  If anyone can assist with either of these two items, please contact BWA chief executive Damian O'Donnell.

The advice received from those who will be overseeing the cut-out installation is that only six manual labour volunteers will be needed as any more will tend to get in each other's way.  Most of the work will be carried out over a single weekend so anyone interested in helping with this task, please also contact Damian.

1st base tunnel ready for the concrete pour

Ditto for the 1st base dugout

Light tower conduit going in

There will be a need come mid-late Aug for volunteers to assist with erecting cladding material for fence advertising signage and anyone who can help here please contact  Damian.

Thanks to all those listed in the column at right who have so generously reached into their pocket to make a donation to this historic project. It's certainly very much appreciated.

Left field corner

3rd base dugout

Excavating the footing area for the right field tower

There's still much to be done, so what can you do to help?

• Make a tax deductible donation by downloading the Rebuilding Home Base fundraising prospectus;
   
• Get your company or business to take out one of the 3m high billboard size home run fence advertising panels being offered at the special pre-commissioning price of $1,500pa (ex gst);
   
• Support the Rebuilding Home Base Sporting Memorabilia Auction (link above);
   
• Donate use of a truck to transport a front end loader to and from site in early Aug;
   
• Donate use of a bobcat;
   
• Are you connected with the concrete game?  Because of the tight budget, the extent of concrete terracing has had to be scaled back. If we can find someone who can donate 75m3 (32mpa spec) we could take the terracing back out to the end of the 1st base dugout whilst another 75m3 would allow the same to be done on the 3rd base side.
   
• Are you connected with the steel industry and in a position to donate two goal post height tubes that could be used as foul posts?
   
• Volunteer for either the manual labour cut-out installation or fence cladding parties.

Rest assured everything that can be done is being done to get the facility ready for an Oct hit-off so if you've been thinking about doing something to help, now's the time to put your hand up.  Keep checking back to this page for regular progress updates.
 

Sewerage works	1st Base change rooms	1st Base access tunnel and dugout
Playing surface - a lot of work  still to be done	3rd Base change room works	1st Base dugout and tunnel

A comprehensive turf preparation program has been in place since early May and this will continue through to the start of the new season.  Thanks to John Riseborough of Turf Management Services for his great work in this area.

Now that things are really starting to move, donations are starting to flow and to everyone who's made a contribution to date, please accept our sincere appreciation.
 
Despite this positive news, the "Rebuilding Home Base" campaign is however still a long way short of its fundraising goal so all players, coaches, umpires and supporters of baseball are strongly urged to download the prospectus and make a tax deductible contribution to help secure the future of the game here in the west. Don't put it off --- baseball needs your support today!

Alternatively, if you are a business proprietor, demonstrate your commitment to the sport and promote your business at the same time by taking out a 5m x 3m high home run fence SUPER SIGN at the special pre-commissioning rate of only $1,500 (+gst) inclusive of all material and sign writing costs!

And if you're a junior or lower senior grade player don't think you won't get to play on the premier diamond in the state.  The Business Plan drafted by a committee representative of all clubs has as a guiding philosophy the principle that this will be a facility for ALL members of the local baseball community.

All donations, no matter how small, will be gratefully accepted --- so please, dip into your pocket now!
 

For further information please contact 9402 4728

DISCLAIMER: The Goodwill Series is an event sanctioned by Baseball WA but organised and operated by persons fully independent of that entity. Responsibility for all matters relating to the organisation and subsequent conduct of the event rests with the Tournament Event Committee.

SA BASEBALL SEEKING DEVELOPMENT MANAGER  [17 Jun]   
A great opportunity exists for a highly motivated, sports minded individual who will be responsible for increasing participation, improving existing programs and providing leadership to the sport of Baseball in South Australia.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Development Manager will have a broad range of responsibilities, including:-

• Developing and improving new strategies to increase participation in the sport of Baseball throughout the State.

• Maintaining and improving the quality and delivery of development programs / events.

• Maintaining and strengthening the League’s relationships with regional centres.

• The preparation of reports to Government Departments.

• Preparing and managing Development budgets.

The successful applicant will have:-

• Proven experience in providing leadership and direction.

• Proven experience in the delivery of programs.

• Excellent communication skills.

A Level 1 Coaching Accreditation will be a distinct advantage. To obtain a Position Description phone 8234 8488 or visit www.baseballsa.org.au. Applications should be marked  ATTENTION - General Manager, South Australian Baseball League Inc,PO Box 64 Torrensville SA  5031.   Applications close, Wednesday 30 June 2004.
 

BWA Drug Free Winter Baseball Program  [3 June]  
Limited places are still available for players aged 11 to 18 years to join the "Drug Free" Winter Baseball Program to be conducted each Saturday from 12 June to 14 August at South Fremantle Senior High School. 

To increase player participation this year a third game time slot has been added to the schedule that will comprise:

Game 1:   9:30am to 11:30am
Game 2:   12:00pm to 2:00pm
Game 3:   2:30pm to 4:30pm

Cost is $95 (inc gst).

At the first attendance players will be allocated to a team, assigned coaches and presented with a full schedule for the 10-week program.  Rules of the league and participation philosophies will also be outlined.  Parents are encouraged to attend to answer any questions or queries that may arise.

Players are required to wear long baseball pants and bring their glove, cap and drink bottle. Any enquiries may be directed to Stu at Fielders Choice on 9361 6117.
 

ROCKINGHAM LOOKING FOR COACHES  [19 May]  
The Rockingham Baseball Club is seeking applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the following roles for the 2004/05 season:

• AA grade coach (playing or non-playing)
   

• B grade coach (playing or non-playing)

All applications should be in writing and addressed to club president Jack Scherbarth at wroxton@southwest.com.au.  Any enquiries should also be directed to Jack on 041 892 3378.

The club is also seeking players for the new season.

                                     
     1st base change room pad                                       Excavating the umpires tunnel                                    3rd base change room pad
        and access tunnel                                                                                                                                  and player and umpire
                                                                                                                                                                        access tunnels

Despite this positive news, the "Rebuilding Home Base" campaign is still a long way short of its fundraising goal so all players, coaches, umpires and supporters of baseball are strongly urged to download the prospectus and make a tax deductible contribution to help secure the future of the game here in the west. Don't put it off --- baseball needs your support today!

Alternatively, if you are a business proprietor, demonstrate your commitment to the sport and promote your business at the same time by taking out a 5m x 3m high home run fence SUPER SIGN at the special pre-commissioning rate of only $1,500 (+gst) inclusive of all material and sign writing costs.

And if you're a junior or lower senior grade player don't think you won't get to play on the premier diamond in the state.  The Business Plan drafted by a committee representative of all clubs has as a guiding philosophy the principle that this will be a facility for ALL members of the local baseball community.

All donations, no matter how small, will be gratefully accepted --- so please, dip into your pocket now!
 

BALCATTA LOOKING FOR COACHES  [17 May]  
The Balcatta Baseball Club is seeking applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the following key roles for the upcoming 2004/05 season:

• AA grade coach (03/04 Premiers)
• B grade coach
• C grade coach
• D grade coach
• E grade coach

All applications should be in writing and addressed to Paul Stephenson at paul@projectneon.com.au. 

Alternatively, Paul can be reached on  0403 346 441 to answer any queries.
 

WEMBLEY LOOKING FOR COACHES  [23 Apr]  
The Wembley Baseball Club is seeking applications from suitably qualified individuals to fill the following key positions for the 2004/2005 season: 

• State League Coach.

• AAA Coach / State League Assistant.

• A Coach.

• U18 Coach.

All applications should be in writing and include a resume outlining relevant experience and training and a covering letter detailing your goals and objectives.

All applications or enquiries should be directed to club president Tim Cooper on mob 0402 141 436 or tim.cooper@iinet.net.au
 

OFFICIALS AND COACHES BREAKFAST [16 Apr]  
The Dept of Sport and Recreation has extended an invitation to all baseball umpires and coaches to attend an upcoming breakfast focusing on a key theme of mental toughness - what is it and how do we develop it?

The address by prominent sport psychologist Sandy Gordon will also look at the issue of abuse and dealing with conflict.

WHEN:         7:00 - 8.30am, Friday 4 June 2004
WHERE:       Bill Walker Room at Subiaco Oval
COST:           $10
RSVP:          By Friday 28 May   

NOTE:  You need to have Adobe Reader to view the attached document it.  Software can be downloaded free from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

2005 State Team Executive Vacancies [5 Apr]

• Under 18:            Head, Asst and Pitching Coaches, Exec Officer

• Under 16:            Head, Asst and Pitching Coaches, Exec Officer

• Under 14:            Asst and Pitching Coaches, Exec Officer

Interested people seeking appointment to any of the above positions are requested to submit a written application to The Operations Manager, Baseball WA via either PO Box 57, Claremont 6910 or email admin@baseballwa.asn.au by 30 April 2004.  Applications should outline the relevant experience and knowledge the candidate will bring to the position.

Click here for position descriptions and selection criteria

2004 State SCHOOLBOYS TEAM [5 Apr]  
Selectors this afternoon announced the following team to represent WA at the Australian Schools Baseball Championships to be hosted by the Melville Braves Baseball Club from 9-14 May 2004:

Liam Barron, Aaron Bonomi, Ian Bradstreet, Adam Courcha, Allan De San Miguel, Liam Hendricks, Ben Floyd, Sam Jew, Matt Kennelly, Kirk Peacock, Jason Ryan, Jason Smit, Daniel Schmidt, Brett Thomas, Matt Sibley, Damien Paterniti, Rory Ainslie.

	Master of Ceremonies John Radalj thanked the members of the respective Facility Development and Operation Committees for their invaluable assistance on the project during the past year before handing over to BWA chairman Nigel Mills and project manager Trevor Dunn to elaborate on specifics with respect to development details and timetable.
BWA Chairman Nigel Mills at the briefing	Key points to come out of the briefing included:

• Practical completion of Stage 1 is scheduled for August 2004;
   
• Due to the specialist nature of baseball fields, it has been agreed with Presidents that the most qualified exponents of field construction and maintenance are baseball people themselves. BWA and the wider baseball community will therefore work together to construct the field surface. Start scheduled for April;
   
• The project needs to source:
         - An additional 150m2 of concrete (spec 32) if the terracing of the 1st and 3rd baselines is to be brought forward to Stage 1.
  
         - At least 360m3 of suitable clay material (eg reconstituted brick fines) to construct the warning and running tracks, mound and bases.
  
         - Volunteers (skilled or unskilled) prepared to donate their time, labour, materials or equipment to the challenge of producing one of the best playing surfaces in Australia.
   
• Anyone who can assist in regard to any of the above items is requested to contact BWA chief executive Damian O'Donnell.

MC John Radalj		Nice afternoon for a briefing	Project Manager Trevor Dunn briefs attendees	Shane Tonkin with Jess and Shanea and Neville Pratt

• Saturday 27 March

Game 1 (2:00pm)  Melville Braves v South Perth

• Sunday 28 March

Game 2 (10:00am), South Perth v Melville Braves

Game 3 (if required) 30 minutes after conclusion of Game 2
Melville Braves v South Perth

• Saturday 20 March: Winnacott Reserve

Game 1 (2:00pm) -  Melville Braves v Perth

• Sunday 21 March: Winnacott Reserve

Game 2 (10:00am) - Perth v Melville Braves

Game 3 (if required) 30 minutes after conclusion of Game 2 -  Melville Braves v Perth

Group B Semi Final (Best of Three Series)

• Saturday 20 March: Grayden Reserve

Game 1 (2:00pm) - South Perth v Wanneroo

• Sunday 21 March: Grayden Reserve

Game 2 (10:00am) - Wanneroo v South Perth

Game 3 (if required) 30 minutes after conclusion of Game 2 - South Perth v Wanneroo

Grand Final (Best of Three Series)
Charlie Hodder Field, Swan Regional Park, Patterson Rd, Midland

• Saturday 27 March

Game 1 (2:00pm)  Winner Group A v Winner Group B

• Sunday 28 March

Game 2 (10:00am), Winner Group B v Winner Group A

Game 3 (if required) 30 minutes after conclusion of Game 2
Winner Group A v Winner Group B

ABANDONED / INCOMPLETE FINALS [5 Mar]  
For the information of players, coaches and supporters, the following summarises BWA policy with respect to abandoned or incomplete games that may occur during the various upcoming Final Series:

• State League Finals (Best of three series)
  Results of games will be determined in accordance with the Official Rules of Baseball. The definition of what constitutes a "regulation game" is specified at Rule 4.10. 

In the event only one game is completed
The winner of that game will be declared the winner of the series;

In the event only two games are completed  (i.e. one win for each team)
The winner of the series will be determined by runs for and against scored in both games.

In the event the teams are still tied, then the highest placed team at the conclusion of the home and away competition will be declared winner of the series.

In the event all games are abandoned
The highest placed team at the conclusion of the home and away series will be declared the winner.

Pitching Restrictions
If a team includes a non-resident in the pitching rotation and the game in which he pitches is not finished and declared an abandoned game, he will not be able to pitch in the next game  (e.g. If the player starts game one of the semi final series and the game is abandoned for whatever reason, he cannot pitch in the next game.  If the whole series is abandoned, he would be eligible to pitch in game 2 of the Grand Final series, provided game 1 is played.)

• ALL  OTHER GRADES  (Seniors and Juniors)
  If the game is abandoned, the highest placed team after the home and away series will be declared the winner and proceed to the next round in the final series (either Preliminary or Grand Final). 
  
  If the Grand Final is abandoned the highest placed team after the home and away series will be declared the winner.
  
  Under current BWA Regulations pertaining to timed games, one completed innings constitutes a game and a result can be declared.

State Facility Building Contract Awarded [20 Feb]
Following months of negotiations, Baseball WA yesterday signed off on the Stage 1 building contract for the new state baseball facility being developed at Tom Bateman Reserve, Thornlie.

Coming hot on the heels of the recently awarded light tower and irrigation contracts, the Stage 1 building works will include construction of change rooms, dug outs, access tunnels, public toilets, kiosk, ticket box and concrete terracing.

Construction will begin next week and run for 22 weeks with practical completion slated for late July.

BWA chairman Nigel Mills said this was a watershed event in the history of WA baseball.

"Years of work have gone into getting us to this point and whilst escalating prices associated with last year's construction boom presented some very real budgetary challenges, we're now at the point where we can put shovels in the ground.  Stage 1 is going to give us a wonderful base from which we can start regrowing our sport".

The building work will run in tandem with other development components including the installation of new sewerage lines, a water storage tank and the manufacture of six 30m light towers.

The baseball community will take exclusive possession of the playing area in late April for the purpose of developing the turf, mounds, bases and running and warning track surfaces in advance of the new season.

Club presidents, life members and representatives of the local business community will be invited to inspect the development at an on-site briefing planned for 26 March 2004.

Despite this positive news, the "Rebuilding Home Base" campaign is still a long way short of its fundraising goal so all players, coaches, umpires and

supporters of baseball are strongly urged to download the prospectus and make a tax deductible contribution to help secure the future of the game here in the wesDon't put it off --- baseball needs your support today!

Alternatively, if you are a business proprietor, demonstrate your commitment to the sport and promote your business at the same time by taking out a 3m high home run fence SUPER SIGN at special pre-commissioning rates.

And if you're a junior or lower senior grade player don't think you won't get to play on the premier diamond in the state.  The Business Plan drafted by a committee representative of all clubs has as a guiding philosophy the principle that this will be a facility for ALL members of the local baseball community.

All donations, no matter how small, will be gratefully accepted --- so dip into your pocket now!
 

Running the course at this time and location provides a range of benefits to participants including ... READ MORE:
 

The "Rebuilding Home Base" Campaign is still a long way short of its Fundraising goal so if you're a player, coach, umpire or general supporter of baseball, download the prospectus and make a tax deductible contribution to help secure the future of the game here in the west.

Don't think just because you might be a junior player or play in a lower senior grade that you won't get to play on the premier diamond in the state.  The Business Plan drafted by a committee representative of all clubs has as a guiding philosophy the principle that this will be a facility for ALL members of the local baseball community.
 
All donations, no matter how small, will be gratefully accepted -- so dip into your pocket now!  
 

The Western Heelers today defeated Victoria 4-3 in the Claxton Shield tournament being played at Sydney's Blacktown Olympic Stadium.

Speaking shortly after the game finished, coach Kevin Hooker said "The team did some very, very good things today."

The win gives the Heelers a 2-1 record after defeating Australia Provincial 5-1 yesterday and going down 4-1 to South Australia in Sunday's opening game.

For all the ball by ball analysis, box scores, pics, etc click HERE.

 

Heelers catcher Toby Barnett makes the play against Australia Provincial

Coach Kevin Hooker addresses those present
 

Date:           Friday 16 January 2004
Time:           6:00pm
Venue:       South Perth Clubrooms, Thelma St, Como

Light refreshments will be supplied courtesy of The Claxton Shield Club.  All welcome
 

The team will depart Perth on Jan 17 with their first game scheduled to be against South Australia starting the following day at 3:00pm  (EST).

Stay up to date throughout the tournament with all the scores, stats, photos, etc by clicking on the "National Championships" link in the top right corner of this page.
 

Date:           Friday 16 January 2004
Time:           6:00pm
Venue:       South Perth Clubrooms, Thelma St, Como

Light refreshments will be supplied courtesy of The Claxton Shield Club.  All welcome
 

Thursday, January 22
Merlin Oval, Mandurah
3:00pm until 8pm

Saturday January 24
10:00am until 4:00pm
Sutherland Park, Gosnells.

Cost: $69
For information or to register;
contact Andy Henderson
Phone: 0403 456 049

WHEN:    Jan 27, 28, 29 and 30
               Juniors:    9:00am - 12:30pm
               Teeball:   1:30 - 4:30pm

WHERE:    Carine Open Space, Corner Oakley St and Beach Rd, Carine

COST:       Juniors - $85
                Teeball -  $75

FEATURES:    Free school t-shirts given to the first 100 players registered. Live instructed games. 10:1 player / coach ratio.  Personal "one on one" coaching.  Western Heelers Autograph Day;  Daily contests;  Over 100 daily prizes and much, much more!!!

State U/18 rep Joe Mills at the plate before hitting a double against the International Expos 

BWA chairman Nigel Mills signs the lease
that will secure baseball's future.
 

2004 State Youth Teams [3 Dec]
Congratulations to the following players who have been selected to represent WA at next month's National Youth Championships:

Under 14 (Mt Gambier, SA)
Trent Baron, Ricky Belcher, Dean Brendon, Jarrod Cavanagh, Jacob Courcha, Michael Dempsey, Jason Fisch, Brendan Hall, Cameron. Holmes, Kale Innes, Te Mauri Lane, Michael Mansillas, Benn Moore, Anthony Needham, Kane Silvi, Christian Wise.

Under 16 (Redlands, Qld)
Jeremy Blab, Ian Bradhstreet, Tim Brendon, Adam Courcha, Ben Floyd, Liam Hendriks, Jason Holloway, Chris House, Alex McDonald, Stephen Murray, Nathan Richardson, Matthew Sibley, Jason Smit, Jamie White, Clinton Archer, Allan de San Miguel, Daniel Schmidt, Matthew Kennelly.
 
Under 18 (Geelong, Vic)
Aaron Bonomi, Anthony Daniele, Kent Dixon, Mitchell Graham, Adam Hammond, Samuel Jew, Timothy Kennelly, Joseph Mills, Damien Paterniti, Dylan Peacock, Jason Ryan, Robert Sorensen, Benjamin Stanbury, Matthew Thame, Brett Thomas, James Vicarey, Sam Winfield, Brendan Wise.

Family and friends are invited to join the players and coaching staff at the formal Cap Presentation evening, details of which are as follows:

Date:         Wed 10 December 2003
Venue:       Tompkins-on-Swan (Melville Cricket Club), Cnr Dunkley Ave &
                 Canning Hwy, Alfred Cove
Time:        7.30pm
Cost:         $10 per head, payable at the door

Light refreshments will be served during the evening with drinks available for purchase. RSVP's should be directed to the BWA office on 9383 7735 by close of business on Monday 8 December.
 

JAN THURLEY / TOMMY SMITH CUPS - RD 2 DRAW [3 Dec]

Jan Thurley Cup (u/14)

5pm, Wed 3 Dec 2003 at Grayden Reserve, South Perth Baseball Club
Melville Braves v South Perth
Victoria Park v Gosnells

5pm, Wed 3 Dec 2003 at Crimea Reserve, Morley Baseball Club
Kalamunda v West Stirling
Wembley v Morley Eagles

Tommy Smith Cup (u/16)

5pm Wed 10 Dec 2003 at Forster Park, Vic Park / Belmont Baseball Club
Perth v Gosnells
Vic Park / Belmont v Carine

5pm, Wed 10 Dec 2003 at Mateljan Park, Wanneroo Baseball Club
Wanneroo v Melville Braves
Wembley v West Stirling

Series 1:    Dec 22 to 24 from  9-11:00am
Series 2:    Dec 28 to 30 from 9-11:00am

Where : Victoria Park/Belmont Baseball Club, Forster Park, Abernathy Road, Cloverdale

Those attending should bring their glove, hat, sunscreen and drink bottle and be dressed in baseball attire.  Please ensure that all personal equipment is clearly marked as no responsibility can be accepted for any items that may be lost.

To Register contact The Goodwill Committee c/- 1 Januk Close, South Guildford WA 6055. RSVP by 28 Nov 2003.  General enquiries can be directed to (08) 9279 5811or visit  www.dyolfbaseballservices.com.au
 

Andy Henderson at andy@fielders.net    or on  0403 456 049
Geoff Hooker at  geoff@fielders.net    or   on 0417 952 936

WEST AUSSIES MAKE OLYMPIC SHADOW SQUAD  [30 Oct]
Congratulations to Daniel Floyd (Wanneroo), Stephen Tope (Perth) and Dean White (West Stirling)  who have each been named in a 43 man Olympic Shadow Squad - the first step on the team’s path to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

All baseball playing States have been represented in the squad with the largest contingent coming from New South Wales (16).  Queensland is heavily represented with 10 players, followed by Victoria with seven, South Australia six, Western Australia three and the ACT one.

The squad is immensely talented with over 75% being current professional players, with the remaining 25% being ex professionals.  Team Head Coach Jon Deeble is extremely excited about the strength and depth of the squad and as such is very confident of obtaining a great result at the Olympics.

To check out the full team, click on MORE

Stephen Tope

• Two Year Term: Nigel Mills (returning); Samantha (Sam) Noall, Les Warner
• One Year Term: Robert Weir, Allan Blair

The successful candidates join continuing directors John Radalj and Jo Hobbs-Brown and are expected to bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles.

As Assistant Commissioner for State Revenue Nigel is one of the state's leading public servants, Sam is manager of the Healthway Sponsorship Advisory Service, Les is a former president of the Perth Baseball Club, Robert is a former chief executive of the Energy Credit Union and former president of the Carine Baseball Club while Allan is a former marketing director of the Perth Heat and current manager of Access 31 Television.  Congratulations to each.

BWA would like to take this opportunity to extend its sincere appreciation to the retiring Peter Allpike who has been a director of the former WA Baseball League and now Baseball WA for the past seven years.  Peter has been a tireless worker for the sport in this state and has carried responsibility for a range of unglamorous, downright hard yakka portfolios such as Competitions, Rule Interpretation, P&D Tribunal, State Teams and High Performance.  He was also co-chair of the State Facility Operation Committee and his efforts will be sorely missed. Thanks for all your hard work and good luck for the future, Peter.
 

Given the proximity of the new season, it’s probably a good time to give all players, officials and supporters of WA baseball a brief history lesson on the contentious issue of insurance and “What do I get for my money?”.

In the face of skyrocketing insurance premiums, several years back clubs directed that benefits covered under the National Insurance policy should be restricted to bare bones only   (To read the background to this decision click here)   i.e.:  

• Public Liability  -               $30 Million

• Products Liability              $30 Million

• Professional Indemnity     $2 Million

• Personal Accident         $100,000 Capital Benefits only (Death, loss of limbs, partial disablement, etc).

For those not too familiar with the insurance area and what is covered under each of these policies, here’s a brief outline:

Public Liability            -                 Covers the club if they are found to be negligent in their actions that results in either bodily injury or property damage to a third party.  This policy does not cover the third party who was injured or had their property damaged, it covers the club and its members (players & officials) if the third party decides to take legal action against it.

Products Liability        -              Covers the club for legal liability arising from the manufacture, distribution and/or sale of products. This includes bar and canteen sales and merchandise. Again, the cover is for the club, not the third party who has suffered damages.

Professional Indemnity-                 Covers the coaches, trainers, officials and umpires of the club / league if they are found to be negligent by way of the professional advice they offer.  If the advice given results in bodily injury to a third party the person who has given that advice can be held legally liable and ordered to pay damages. This policy protects them from such an event.

Personal Accident      -                  Self explanatory.

Unfortunately for sports generally, not taking out coverage at least to the extent listed above is not an option as councils would immediately ban clubs from using grounds.  So whilst club members will rightly feel aggrieved about the rise in premiums despite the apparent absence of “value”,  without that $34 (approx $1.90 / game) or $16.55 (approx 70c / game) insurance charge for seniors and juniors respectively, baseball would not be allowed to be played at all.

It is stressed that the national Insurance Scheme DOES NOT INCLUDE benefits such as out-of-pocket non-Medicare expenses or lost wages arising from baseball-related injuries,  Any club wanting to take out additional cover for their members in these areas should contact their own broker or Jardine’s Senior Account Executive Tania O'Day to discuss specifics.  Tania can be reached on email   odayt@jlta.com.au phone 03 9613 1443 or 1300 655 931
 

 (1)         athletes, whether in or out of competition; 
 (2)         members;  and 
 (3)         all persons involved in trafficking. 

For the sake of clarity, an athlete is defined as: 

(1)         any person:
 (a)         competing; or
 (b)         who in the previous twelve months has competed in any competition under the control or auspices of the ABF; or

(2)         any person:
 (a)        using; or
 (b)        who in the previous twelve months has used the facilities of the ABF.

In short, the Policy allows for ANY athlete of ANY age, grade of competition or ability level to be tested and penalised accordingly, and the penalties are severe.

For some very useful information on the basic facts associated with the issue - facts about which every athlete should be aware - CLICK HERE.  To assist with the education of local players, the ABF is negotiating with ASDA for the provision of face to face drug education seminars to be held at club or association level.  More news on this as it becomes available.
 

• Planning dynamic and effective training sessions;
• Strategies to keep players motivated;
• Communication skills to ensure your message gets across;
• Player management;
• The latest in injury prevention and management.

The courses are generic in nature and therefore the knowledge gained can be applied to all sports.  The Dept of Sport and Recreation will be conducting the next Level 1 General Coaching Principles Courses on:

Date:     Sun 27 July 2003
Venue:  Trinity College, Perth
Time:     8:30am - 4:30pm
Cost:     $33 (incl GST)
Bring:   Food, drinks, appropriate clothes for physical activity, hat and sun block.

To download an application form, click on  HERE
 

• Christina Kreppold (Melville);
• Amanda O'Hehir (Vic Park);
• Julianne Langley (Morley);
• Kerron Lehane (Melville);
• Jodie Thompson (Morley).

Whilst Kreppold, O'Hehir, Langley and Lehane have made Australian squads in the past, Thompson has been included for the first time after an outstanding national series.

The Australian team will tour Japan for an International Women's tournament in Aug 2003 with WA's Denise Griffiths and Jodie Lister (who has just moved to Perth) selected as Executive Officers.

During the Nationals Head Coach Warwick Marcakis also compiled a list of 15-17 year old "developmental players".  Selected from WA were Erin Fox (Curtin) and Zoe Tierney (South Perth).

Congratulations to each player, Denise and Jodie.

A MESSAGE FROM ABF CHIEF EXECUTIVE CHRIS WHITE [29 May]
I write in regard to the issue of educating our athletes about the use of banned or performance enhancing substances in sport.  The ABF’s Anti-Doping Policy clearly spells out those who may be liable to submit to a test and the range of penalties that subsequently apply.  Persons to which the Policy applies include:

 (1)         athletes, whether in or out of competition; 

(2)         members;  and 

(3)         all persons involved in trafficking. 

For the sake of clarity, an athlete is defined as: 

(1)         any person:

              (a)         competing; or

              (b)         who in the previous twelve months has competed in any competition under the control or auspices of the ABF; or

 (2)         any person:

              (a)         using; or

              (b)         who in the previous twelve months has used the facilities of the ABF.

In short, the Policy allows for ANY athlete of ANY age, grade of competition or ability level to be tested and penalised accordingly, and the penalties are severe.

With this in mind, I have attached information on drug education, prepared by the Australian Sports Drug Agency.  It contains some very useful information on the basic facts associated with the issue, facts about which every athlete should be aware.

Additionally, the ABF is negotiating with ASDA the provision of more face to face drug education seminars to be held at club or association level.  This is being done to assist with the education of grass-roots athletes where applicable.

I ask that you now distribute this memo AND the attached ASDA fact sheet (CLICK HERE) to all of your member clubs and affiliated bodies (preferably Club Presidents) and request that they publicise this information to all of their club members.

I ask that this matter be given top priority.

Yours sincerely

CHRIS WHITE

BRETT ROBSON OFFERED CONTRACT TO UMPIRE PRO BASEBALL [20 May]
Young WA umpire Brett Robson has been offered a contract to umpire professional baseball in the USA.  Brett has accepted a contract to umpire in the Gulf Coast League in Florida.

This is a culmination of a lot of hard work over many years and Brett is to be congratulated upon his success.  Many umpires from Australia have attended Professional Umpire Schools in the USA mainly to hone their skills and bring the experience back into baseball umpiring in Australia. 

To read more, click here

UMPIRE'S PRE-SEASON TRAINING [19 May]

Click on Umpire Icon at left of screen to check out full details on Pre-season Training Schedule which commences on 26 July at Balcatta Baseball Club, Delawney St Balcatta
 

• Head Coach
• Assistant Coach
• Pitching Coach
• Executive Officer

Written applications should be addressed to The Operations Manager, Baseball WA, either PO Box 57, Claremont 6910, fax 9383 7737 or email admin@baseballwa.asn.au by Wednesday 7 May 2003.

Applicants should note that it is intended to appoint Head Coaches in the first instance who will then be invited to have direct input to the selection of their support staff.

The U/14 Championship has been allocated to the South Australian Baseball League for hosting during the period 4-11 Jan 2004.  The locations for the U/16 and U/18 tournaments are yet to be determined but will be conducted from 4-13 Jan 2004.

Anyone enrolled at UWA and who is interested in playing in Newcastle, should  contact Justin Stillitano on 0403 301 509 or email him at JustinStillitano@ArgusBiomedical.com.

SKIPPER TRUCKS CUP GRAND FINAL [4 Mar] 
The Grand Final of the 2002 / 03 Skipper Trucks Cup competition will be contested by the Rockingham Rams and UWA Whips at 3:00pm this coming Saturday, 8 March at the Curtin University South Oval. The Game Day Schedule will be:

• 12 noon - Teeball Super Squad takes the field for a Little League action display;
• 1:15pm - The best sluggers from each Skipper Trucks Cup team will battle it out in a home run derby;
• 3:00pm - Grand Final: Rockingham Rams v UWA Whips.

PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS

1.   Land surveyor;
   2.  Civil engineering consultant;
        - Sewer main extension
   3.  Hydraulics / plumbing consultant
        -  Fire services
        -  On-site drainage
   4.  Electrical consultant:
        -  Lighting
   5.  Structural engineer.