Sunday, July 31, 2016

Game Three v Cuba - 31 July 2016

I'm tired of the city life,
Summer's on the run,
People tell me I should stay
But I got to get my fun

So don't try to hold me back
Aint nothing you can say 
Snake eyes on the paradise 
And we got to go today. 

Take me to the April Sun in Cuba, oh, oh, oh,
Take me where the April sun gonna treat me
So right, so right...so right.


April Sun In Cuba Dragon


Playing Cuba is always a test. Of ability and character. They are an immense and imposing team whose world baseballing record is powerful and imposing. After getting stung by the Australian U/18 team in 2015 in a famous loss, they were justifiably on guard...to an extent.

The crisp AstroTurf surface at Nambu Stadium was mightily impressive. Steamy smooth and sure, with cut outs of dirt at each base, it stretches on forever in its synthetic perfection. The same could not be said for the stands where shade is not part of the building code. A new business model for a shade sail and colorbond business downtown could surprise a few locals. It could be generously sponsored by the local hospital.

Not that it bothered the guilded youth of the Cuban team who swagger and strut like a West Indian cricket team on vacation. They have the
look, the reputation and the talent...ripe for an ambush by an adversary who can scrap and fight hard. But equally brilliant when required. More Cuba Gooding Junior than Castro.

With the misery of the Czech-out behind us, we set our sights on havana - a victory over Cuba. 

The starting team was Thomas Horne #25 1B; Daniel Bannon #2 2B; Ben Fierenzi #7 SS; Jonathan Winlaw (JD) #21 catcher; Blake Cavill #6 third base; Caleb Shepherd #26 right field; Hayden Lyberopolous #10 centrefield; Matthew Martin #15 left field. Our pitching assignment rested with Will Kortekaas #9, a lean framed lad of focus and strength.

Significantly, Kortekaas pitched for us with vigour and intelligence. Understated yet overpowering at the same time. His leadership in picking up the pieces from yesterday was exceptional today. He was tradesman link and professionally defiant in the face of the usual Cuban gamesmanship - time wasting, delays, old fashioned prancing and posing. Undeterred...another strike out...ground out...pop up. A few hits, but limited and never consecutive. He was winning everyone over - not least of whom were his coaches and the crowd. His teammates provided outstanding support and resolve.

Nothing like the Australian disdain for an arrogant poser. Take your choice here today. Even Jack Nicholson struggled with the truth at a naval base in Cuba.

We came to play today with voice and energy; spirit and zeal. (Expensive that zeal, but works well with myhrr and vodka). Less ego and more teamwork. We were also blessed with the resounding support of a supremely energetic local high school who sang and chanted through green loud hailers right across nine highly vocal and supported innings. They were remarkable. Stunning. 

A bit like the speed and swerve of the 85mph Cuban pitcher who was powerful and commanding sending down missiles. Bay of Pigs stuff. 'Struck out looking' received repeat business in the scorebook. However he also only met Caleb Shepherd today for the first time too. Caleb was outstanding today and soon sent a scorching double to right field which got us into a scoring position. Martin then nailed one to score Shepherd. 1-0 up. Our first run today - and of the tournament.

The Cubans soon clawed it back to 1-1 with some sensible play. But for all of this, the Australian boys were hooting and hollering after their first double play - especially when they realised the Cuban pitcher hit into it. The double play at the end of the second innings went from Bannon (2B) to Fierenzi (SS), then to Thomas Horne who was absolutely rock solid at first base today. 1-1 after two completed innings.

Their pitcher's curve ball was wicked and founded and forged on the strength of many hundreds of baseball games that our boys simply do not play. Our forty game season is dwarfed by their 150-200 game season. Baseball is an institution in their society.


No Cuban crisis here either yet as a majestic Cuban triple sailed over first base. Throwing repeated fast balls at our pace is fodder for them while the catcher's accuracy and strength of arm is pinpointed with cruel judgement. Before we knew it, the third innings ended at 4-1 up to Cuba. Blake Cavill executed a powerful throw from third base to bring the momentum to a halt. JD our starting catcher also threw out a runner at two to check their confidence and levels of respect. Arrogance repellant.

In the 4th innings, Shepherd registered a second hit between first and second before Horne's infield single richoceted off the pitcher's glove near short stop. Fierenzi then scored Shepherd with a fielder's choice. 4-2.

The "Will Power" call from the stands spoke highly of the respect  Kortekaas was gathering. Every out was hard earned, but our execution from behind on the scoreboard was tight. Warm applause rippled from a reasonable sized crowd - as did the copious sweat. 4-2 after four completed innings.

Soon a towering hit to left field for a double by an elated Bannon set us up again. A fielder's choice by Lyberopolous saw Bannon safe at three...before he scored on a rare pass ball.  We were exhibiting great character before an excited crowd at 4-3 down. They were coming home in an ambulance. We were in a lamborgini.

Will Kortekaas left the mound midway through the fifth innings after have confounded the vast majority of Cuban players. Enter Blake Townsend, a huge human who threw hard and with great composure at a clutch time. He was iron willed too. Steely and purposeful, intent on victory.

By this time there was growing strength in the dugout...attitude and venom appeared in healthy doses. We were not here to be trifled with through gamesmanship and Cuban nonsense. The umpires were across it all...but our coaches were generous in their advice. Feedback. There was srength there today and infectious excitement for the cause.

The 2000 Olympics chant of "Aussie Aussie Aussie" was even led raucously by the local Japanese support school. Their influence and impact could not be underestimate either. It is an exciting time for all the locals whose beauty and magnificence as a people - for us, is hard to fathom.

Even more remarkable was the flying yellow team of young volunteers whose job it is to tidy up bases after five completed innings and retrieve foul balls and equipment. All purpose bat boys and young groundsmen. Precision and teamwork Japanese style. Unbelievable.





Ironically, by this stage of the game, the clouds had gathered with the slightest of drops appearing from the grimacing skies and nearby rolling hills. An omen for the Cuban side. We, let it be said, were havana a good time!

Across the sixth innings, we could not level it up but Caleb Shepherd's fly out catch at right field saw a wonderful throw to third base which stopped the Cuban runner from advancing. 3-4 it remained. The seventh innings saw Blake Townsend single up the middle in a stunning start. However, Bannon was caught by the catcher on the bunt...Lyberopolous was caught with a fly ball to short stop...Shepherd ground out. Ouch.

Two brilliant pieces of defence then were executed by us in the seventh innings where first base returned a throw to home in an impressive read by Horne to Burke. Out at the plate. Then in the eighth innings, Jo Stevens delighted in taking a stunning reflex catch at third base before turning and diving at the third base to secure a double. The timing was immense and it thrilled the crowd. The super arrogant Cuban No. 54 for them was out. He trudged off full of words and our boys did well to contain their tongues. Our dugout was more helpful. He suddenly looked more like he wanted a pineapple Mojito and a Cubano sandwich. The crowd bubbled and roared with excitement. We were in it till the death. With a little luck we could take it.

A pitching change was soon instituted to Blake Cavill who came on for Townsend. This put Blake under immense pressure and he delivered. A ground out from Fierenzi to Horne saved it for 4-3.

Finally into the ninth innings, we needed one run to tie it up and then force a possible win. Burke up...ground out. Then Jo Stevens went to a superb foul territory catch by their first baseman who ran a good thirty metres over his head to dive and take one millimetres from the right field fence. Two out,

Then Liam Evans #8 entered at the death...hoping to repeat some recent heroics. Not to be as he was struck out swinging at a high one. Oxygen. A loss. Ultimately, to borrow a cliche..close but no cigar.

Yet today was all about rekindling and delivering spirit and positivity. It was a sad end but the sun will come up tomorrow. Even if the local industry was doing their best to impede it.



Saturday, July 30, 2016

Game Two v Czech - 30 July 2016


Arriving at the Taira Baseball Stadium today, we were met by searing heat at a ground where there was no sun protection for the crowd. Like the old Doug Walters Stand at the SCG hill. A punishment meted out by the Gods for the reckless and sun lotion free punters. Concrete stands absorbed heat, reflected heat and provided heat to the baseball diamond like a huge pizza oven. On a bright 30 degree afternoon, the only relief was with gusts of refreshing breeze, which came and went like a teenager’s car. The national grey jerseys were ruffled gently by the massaging breeze, but stood strong and proud through the anthems of both sides. Parents nestled in to the shade on the outfield hill, appearing in silhouetted bliss. Supportive voices echoed with good intention. The huge crowds had dissipated.

It was a green and picturesque ground nonetheless, with a magnificent leafy perimeter, showering the bleachers with precious shade. A manicured infield provided a tremendous stage.

A different looking infield line up graced the park today and with it came some improved standards early on. More intensity and more precision. The team stood as: Chris Burke #3 as catcher; Ky Jackson #5 at 1B; Daniel Bannon #2 at 2B; Jo Stevens #18 at 3B;
Benjamin Fierenzi #7 at SS; Liam McCallum #4 at left field; Hayden Lyberopolous #10 at centrefield and Caleb Shepherd #26 at right field. Taking the mound was Liam Evans #8 who was intent on pitching us to an opening victory.

From the get go, we attacked…perhaps to a fault. Fly balls and ground outs abounded as we batted like millionaires in some respects. From another standpoint, to attack them and dominate may just have cracked them, but it soon became a struggle for both teams. Frustratingly, we made contact regularly, but not powerfully. We did not impose our will on the game. Instead, it soon became an arm wrestle.

The scoreline of 0-0 became a repeat affair throughout the early stages of the game. Like a dour EPL game. Liam Evans our starting pitcher though shone brightly. His power and guile dominated with six strike outs. He was impressive in his sense of purpose and relentless focus. He was even enjoying himself it must be said…




On the dark chocolate sandpit of a field, we were becoming more wasteful with impressive hits to both Stevens and Fierenzi going unrewarded. By the time Stevens cracked a beautiful shot to right field and the ball corkscrewed its way into the right field corner, a muffed run down by them secured Stevens on third base, while Fierenzi cleverly helped himself to an extra base when their poise fell to pieces at this point. Our anticipation of much desired runs was short lived.

Lame ground outs and simple pop up catches were the order of the day. Liam McCallum included.

It must be said that their pitcher hardly tore through us, but he was metronomic in his reliable nailing of the strike zone. No mean achievement when the umpire was only paying flies landing on his sunglasses. Strike outs of our boys were like late Tokyo trains…non-existent. When coupled with a tremendous double play by Fierenzi and Bannon in the fourth, our flag was flying even more proudly from the stubborn donut of a scoreboard. 

Evans’ single hit to centre field then provided more joy. He was having a day out after pitching so well and retaining his position in the field at first base. Before long he secured a perfect out from first at home in the fifth to deny the Czechs a go ahead run. Chris Burke, the catcher, also had a tidy day and showed some strong leadership at key times to compose his pitchers and re-focus them at clutch moments. Great maturity. Like Caleb Shepherd who drew two really important walks through sensible leadership at the plate...and stole a base.

These Czechs though would not bounce. Declan Croker in relief kept things tight too. Good speed and a great change of pace. Two strike outs. However the walks continued. That is impossible to defend. The blue shimmering mountains in the distance represented the elusive nature of our quest for a much needed victory...clear but unreachable.


In the sixth with two outs and loaded bases, Blake Cavill, the young dynamo from Cronulla in NSW got us out of immense trouble. Pace. Their pivotal pitching change also gave us hope. 0-0 and on a knife edge into the seventh innings (of nine). Bannon’s hit similarly gave us a glimmer. However it was snuffed out through careless and wayward decision making by a batting order whose strike power was lacking today. Impatience, and haste chiefly.

We had seemingly brought a comb to a gunfight.


Our batting thus far in the game (and in the tournament) had secured no runs. None. This does not win many baseball games.

Then out of nowhere, a clever Czech double steal play nailed us in the seventh to get runners on two and three. Checkmate. They converted this into an early 1- 0 lead in the seventh which saw Cavill replaced and then the fireworks began.

Lucky bleeders into the outfield scored a couple…a pass ball…walks…an error at first…an error at second. They were suddenly playing checkers with us. Caught in the middle of this were pitchers – Maxim Watson and Dylan Walsh. Sympathies have never run so deep – nor has bad luck. Accuracy waned under the scoreboard pressure and in trying too hard to correct a grim and declining situation. No runs unfairly increased the oven temperature for our pitchers.

Walks, hit by pitch, chinkers in front of outfielders. It was all the Czech’s way. We seemed helpless and simultaneously lacking in ruthless desire. Our infield was quieter than a Japanese train carriage.


Remarkably - and unbelievably - 0-0 had soon blown out to 10-0 in the seventh innings and as the eleventh walk of the game was surrendered by us, their excited team surged onto the diamond. They had out enthused us and outmuscled us…even out thought us. They chanted and hollered and reassured each other across the journey of the game. We hoped in relative silence, limited in spirit and wasteful at so many times.

We needed more spark, more energy and more desire. Pressure baseball moments were again lost by a talented playing group who need to find greater strength in themselves...and fast.

Five of our hitters did not hit today. No runs were scored. We gave away 11 walks across the game …nearly three runs. We made a lot fewer but critical basic fielding errors at key times of concentration. The killer and the hunger today was lacking in uniform quantity.

The national jersey, quite plainly, deserved more from many more boys today. It was not there consistently and the utter humiliation of a mercy or annihilation rule loss to a moderate but respected European opponent will forever serve as a sullied memory on this campaign.

At this stage of their young lives, the boys' youthfulness does not always bring a common understanding of tradition in the green and gold. They will learn the strength and history on their respective journeys. They will also learn the brutality of international play.

This is a rare privilege bestowed on the most fortunate and most able. The only solution is to strive harder – and achieve redemption.

The challenge is clear. Cuba are chewing on their cigars from afar, waiting for us to roll into Nambu Stadium tomorrow. The smiles and reassurances of parents can only get you so far.

The boys know it better now than ever before. Ferocious competitive drive is inescapable and imperative. It will take each boy to draw on that wonder and talent that earned them a plane ticket to Tokyo. All is not lost. Onward we march.



Friday, July 29, 2016

Game One - v Japan - 29 July 2016

Ruminations on a Train to Iwaki.

The sacred hieroglyphics of an ancient world locked in its splendid silence hang from the speeding walls of tradition.

Furrowed brows of intensity and gentleness welcome precision and perfect predictability.

Routine and practice. Practised and routined with thoughtfulness and stifled joy.

Pristine hygiene and expectations of honour and grace mirror soft care for others and rich respect for self.

Dignity and integrity abound with a strength and determination for patient excellence.

Wheels rumble silently, stoic and courageously ploughing fields of busy hats on their dissecting journeys of clarity and vision.

Windows smile back at visitors new and curious, agile and accepting, warm and inviting.

Contributions valuable and valued to a station of glory deliver suits and fluroscent modernity.

Fresh faced earnestness and chiselled strength unify and consolidate a protected and inclusive world.

A world of precious glass and glasses which knowingly gleam on an innocent perfection.


And so it was…the monorail from Tokyo’s Haneda airport to Ueno delivered us in our brutal anglicised simplicity…shorts, T-shirts and sunglasses, contrasting magnificently with the grey pants and white shirts of serious businessmen and well dressed women whose pained faces spoke voluminously against the male hierarchical world of Japanese order. The 25 degree early morning heat reminded everyone of a hurrying weekend.

As our very fast train accelerated into the distance, the high rise and industry at the centre, soon gave way to sparse temples and communities hugging green foothills of the quaking backdrop of blue and black shaded mountains. Sprinkling the area stood towering steel mantises carrying electricity for the neat and quiet surrounding neighbourhoods. Rice paddies appeared and disappeared, trees and gardens appeared unexpectedly as concrete freeways scarred the innocent landscape. Brilliant blue skies absorbed all hopes and fears insisting on calm contemplation.

The journey of the fans to a World Cup is laced with learning and culture. Wending your way through ticket offices, broken English and railway platforms becomes a reflex. The miles travelled by plane, train, taxi and any other transportation are as immense as the excitement it brings.

Yet ahead lay an evening of great promise and possibility. A powerful host nation and a younger no less determined rival whose 21st Century world does not always follow a script. We had been handed an unenviable privilege in playing Japan first. National interest. National television coverage. The opening ceremony to the tournament tonight would be as glamorous and as predictable as any other, but the pride of the Australian jersey always makes it exceptional. Camera batteries were loaded, video cameras charged and green and gold clothing dusted off with a certainty and belief in each one of the boys selected.



The starting team for our opening game was: Matthew Martin (#15) pitching, Chris Burke (#3) catching, Blake Townsend (#28) 1B, Ben Fierenzi (#7) 2B, Dylan Walsh (#30) 3B, Jo Stevens (#18) SS, Liam McCallum (#4) Left Field, Hayden Lyberopolous (#10) Centre Field and Caleb Shepherd (#26) in Right Field.

The anticipated large local crowd did not disappoint in the large and wonderful auditorium of Green Stadium Iwaki. A lot less than 20,000, but certainly around 5,000. Noodles in hand and beer or water in the other, they are a happy people who admire the spirit with which the game is played. Cheering good play, exalting the brilliant moment and gasping in despair at anything less than excellent



And there we suddenly were...our sons stood in front of the Australian flag as our anthem sounded with all its energy and might. An extremely proud moment so far away from home. A choir of proud parents singing from a songbook of hope and anticipation. The livestream at home was about to go into overdrive. The well wishes from the baseball community was pronounced, warm and extensive.

 

Our first defensive innings was an ideal launching pad. A brilliant double play by a languid Martin and his considerable reflexes was added to by a neat pirouette and throw by a supremely athletic Fierenzi at second base. We matched them with aggression early. Stevens drew a sensible walk, before Caleb Shepherd launched one that might only have been caught by one or two boys in world baseball at this age – and he found one such person. A tremendous diving catch with luck deserting him. Compelling contact.

At 0-0, the parents were comfortably absorbing a fine and warm afternoon in the setting sun. Imposing light towers headlined the twilight while the scoreboard stared down with serious impatience.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our second innings however will not feature in the career highlights reel for many – nor will Peter Overton be adjusting the tie and announcing it at 6.00pm. Hits followed hits, a walk was peppered with a balk and some sloppy fielding in the infield presented Japan with opportunities you can ill afford to provide. It was suddenly like minding the neighbour’s dog and seeing it escape. Vulnerability.

The generosity of our boys was striking. Loose throwing, nervous gloves, full base path distances, pitcher changes, a hit by pitch. A cocktail of calamity. Perhaps trying too hard. The lights and glamour of the local live feed and television coverage may have distracted a few. Night baseball would also be a new phenomenon to most as well. Who knows, but it was uncanny – and unacceptable by our high standards. Before we knew it a 7-0 scoreline boomed down after such a promising start. A familiar chirping voice by number 4 of insistence, beckoned in left field.

 However, not to fold – never to accept defeat – the towering Townsend earned a timely walk, reminding everyone present that the Australian bounce and zeal was not defeated regardless of adversity. We looked to hit and strike outs were minimal. Our outfielders were busy. Strong ground fielding and exceptional catching were the hallmarks there.



Yet the Japanese baseball juggernaut was immense. They hit us like golfers. They ran the base paths like they owed money and their smiles expanded like the swelling crowd. They were gracious and intense, ruthless and decisive. The pitcher’s body language is never studied so brutally as it is by Japanese players and coaches. They can sniff any hint of alarm. Composure and deception is all. The resolve of a pitcher is tested with lazer precision under the watchful gaze of the Japanese team and crowd.

And suddenly Zac Mansfield, a rangy leftie from Queensland took up the reins at the hill, under immense pressure. He executed quite well. Persistent and crafty. Yet we were drinking from the fire hydrant.
 
At 11-0 down, Liam McCallum, batting at number nine, then strode to the plate with an air of confidence and determination. His maturity for one so young is impressive. His love for a moment is powerful too. He then unleashed a cracking blow to the right of a sprawling, diving short stop who had no right to make it look so easy. His turn and throw ended that glimmer, but reminded us all of the spirit we possessed as a side – and the cruel wonder of Pythagaros’ theorem where a squared plus b squared does not equal the brilliant speedy throw of c squared.

Fly balls, walks and strike outs continued until the heavy curtain of the third innings was pulled. We were on that long queue at the supermarket when the other one was moving far more quickly.
 
 
Into the fourth innings, Fierenzi launched a scything hit to centre right to ignite our chances and it brought an approving roar from the crowd. But we could not muster enough support to reach home…pitches were chewed up, but that telling hit was as rare as a Japanese after school detention. The arrival of Tom Horne as pitcher announced another imposing body to the game. He pounded them in and restored a calm composure to a by now still evening.

With 12-0 against us. Liam’s second at bat brought a rousing cheer when a half infield mishit skewed to the right of a clambering second baseman who did not beat the batter to first. A hit. Liam did not hesitate in kindly assisting the umpire with his own “safe” call too. Generous. Convincing.



Seemingly predictably, a double play ended the possibilities there – and very soon the fireworks celebration of the end of the sixth innings also very nearly ended the game as a cloak of smoke descended onto the ground, making fly balls harder to locate than a NSW State Labor policy. Gruesome comedy really. Caleb Shepherd at right field though was immense under fire, snaring an outstanding grab running backwards. The sac fly brought it in to 13-0. Compelling and commanding right there.

In the sixth, Daniel Bannon showed intelligence and got on base with a walk, before Townsend crunched one into left field. The hits and good moments sadly were not strengthened by repeat business. We left runners on base all night. Like a reality TV show, when all you wish for is the contestants to go home.

 ****************************
Starting the Japanese seventh innings, a familiar frame strode to the hill to pitch. A mission in futility in some respects so late in the piece, but to pitch for Australia against the Japanese is the rare preserve of only a handful at any level. Liam got to work, looking fluid and smiling copiously. the master of body language at the mound. His energy and spirit took over. Ground out. Ground out. Ground out. No hits. Precision. The uncomfortable demeanour of the Japanese against the breaking ball was noted. Too late for us sadly.

 
 

Amidst the smoke, the noise and the piercing lights, the game wrapped up at 13-0. A loss founded on a savage treatment and price for any error or half error we committed. We made six errors. The Japanese ability to capitalise on weakness is well known historically and in their national sport. Our ability to put ourselves in that position when under considerable pressure is hopefully the lesson learned.

Liam’s final ‘hit’ in the bottom of the seventh which spiralled high in front of left field – and spiralled safe – probably summed up our night. Desire, but not crisp. Hope but no lasting, imposing result. Learning and growth however are the close friends of any loss.

The team bus was no doubt a solemn and reflective ride home…but an enlightening one for all the boys who had visited the washing machine, were hung out to dry, but who will be back crisp - with even more passion and commitment tomorrow. Permanent material. The good sportsmanship of the Japanese was also a significant memory as the players warmly greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries post game.
 
A world of precious glass and glasses which knowingly gleam on an innocent perfection.



Friday, July 22, 2016

Team Arrival in Japan

In the lead up to the Australian campaign at the U/15 World Cup in Japan, all boys were required on the Gold Coast at the Australian Baseball Academy on 21 July 2016. Most other boys this age were due back at school. Their preparation camp was conducted in hotter Queensland conditions mirroring the expected conditions abroad in a steamy Japan. Games, drills, tactics. This dovetails into the annual Australian Baseball Academy for older players which operates at this time of year on the Gold Coast too.

The importance of this World Cup campaign to Baseball Australia is best captured in the world ranking points that each country accumulates at elite tournaments like this. This impacts on the world ranking enjoyed by the country, with baseball's imminent (?) return to the Olympics one of the key drivers and factors. When your sport is on the Olympic agenda, much more government funding and more opportunities come your way.

There are serious contributions that the U/15 boys can make to the overall success of the country's baseball program through a strong showing at this tournament. Serious stuff. Plenty of fun...plenty of focus. Lots of hard work under the watchful eyes of a host of our strongest coaches and minds.

The U/15 Australian Baseball World Cup team arrived in Iwaki, Japan earlier this week and are now training and participating in preparation games at present against local Japanese teams.

Australia holds the honour of participating in the opening game v host nation Japan on Thursday evening 28 July 2016 under lights to kick off the tournament. This will be heavily attended by local baseball mad fans. The crowd could be towards 20,000 – believe it or not. I will provide some pics of this to verify!

The area the boys are playing in is just south of the Fukushima Prefecture where that tsunami damaged the Japanese nuclear reactor some five years ago. The locals are recovering from the devastation and this tournament is part of the healing. 

This short film is one of the most devastating timelapse films of that tsunami you could ever hope to see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spg62-MrYpQ 

Hopefully the tournament location and this memory does not impact on crowds and popularity of the tournament.

The Japanese are proud folk and will not tolerate mediocrity – on both sides of the playing fence.

********************************

Interestingly, on his journey to Japan, Liam has chalked up some flights and frequent flyer points between selection camps, tours, prep tours and a brief family vacation.

1. 2/7/16 - Flight to Gold Coast for shortlisted players at the Australian trials.
2. 5/7/16 - Flight to San Francisco to join NextGen USA Tour 
3. 11/7/16 - Flight to Newark, New Jersey.
4. 11/7/16 - Flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
5. 15/7/16 - Flight to Newark, New Jersey.
6. 18/7/16 - Flight from Newark, New Jersey to Los Angeles.
7. 19/7/16 - Flight from Los Angeles to Sydney
8. 21/7/16 - Flight to Gold Coast
9. 24/7/16 - Flight to Tokyo (Narita).

There is a massive commitment involved. A 24/7 global existence with the world literally being your oyster.

"There is no knowing how many miles you need to travel to achieve your dreams".



********************************************

As a sidelight, a recent  baseball game in New Hampshire, USA (the Fishercats Team are a AA minor league affiliate for the Toronto Bluejays), had this batboy as common practice.

Pretty unusual, but the crowd loved it. Not all players keen on the teeth marks and slobber. Well worth a look:

Friday, July 15, 2016

Preparation Time

In preparation for the Australian U/15 World Cup Baseball trip - and on the back of a family vacation - Liam headed down to Broward College in Florida with us to look at the set up for his brother James who starts there in August 2016.

Without regular baseball conditions, we needed to make do with whatever options we could. The family vacation had to bend it in! Quite incredibly, the family trip provided some intriguing venues for practice.

The 30+ degree conditions are certainly mirroring the Japanese conditions, which is excellent.

The tunnels at Broward College, Florida, USA were excellent. A long hitting session and a bullpen.



Then we threw at Fort Lauderdale on the beach - early morning and at sunset. A wonderful 33 degrees and an Atlantic Ocean which was extremely warm and inviting.



In addition, Liam did two sessions in New York City's Central Park at the softball/ baseball fields there... such a great venue. Very casual outfielders mind you, but an extraordinary set up in the late afternoon heat.




The U15 Australian World Cup team is listed below with a little more detail. Liam takes hold of the Number 4 jersey!


And at Yankees Stadium..



Thursday, July 14, 2016

Australian U/15 Baseball World Cup Announcement

After a short camp on the Gold Coast, the U/15 Baseball World Cup Team for Iwaki Japan was announced (please see below). Liam McCallum and Blake Cavill heard the news in California as part of the NextGen U/14 Tour.

Both ex Australian MLB players, Ryan Rowland-Smith and Trent Oeltjen (team coaches) were on hand to congratulate both boys. Their selection was announced in front of all parents and players in the team - a remarkable moment of affirmation and celebration. The video below captures a slice of this.



The schedule of U/15 World Cup Baseball games is as follows:

29/7/16 - v Japan (7.00pm) at Iwaki Stadium
30/7/16 - v Czech (1.30pm) at Taira Stadium
31/7/16 - v Cuba (3.00pm) at Nambu Stadium
1/8/16 - v Columbia (10.00am) at Nambu Stadium
2/8/16 - v Korea (9.00am) at Iwaki Stadium
3/8/16 - Rest Day
4/8/16 - 6/8/16: Either Super Round Games OR Consolation Games (Venues TBA)
7/8/16 - Bronze and Gold Medal Playoffs at Iwaki Stadium.


The official announcement of the boys' remarkable achievement in the Australian U/15 Basbeall World Cup team is included below: