Provincial League 09/10 Round 12

Interesting preview re Barrell being UWA’s number 1 man vs Bears. Can someone tell me when Barrell last pitched a “W” vs Balcatta? Would have to be some years ago now, so interesting that he is still (or ever was) their number 1.

It’s going to be friggn hot this Sunday, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE all home teams this week make sure you have plenty of cold water for yourselves and the opposition!!! Thanks.

Who do people think have had an outstanding first half of the season that would justify All-Star/PL Heat selection?

WOW What a weekend!!

UWA upsets Balcatta with a 13-0…When was the last time Balcatta came out a of game scoreless???
Big win for UWA, a win they really did need.

Rockingham found it too hot in Kalamunda, where they forgot how to field a ball. Don’t think it will hurt them that much in the end. Will still be finishing in the Top 2.

Curtin got a taste of TJ with a scoreless game, and giving UWA a sniff at 4th spot. Although it will be some hard work for the UWA boys to make up 2-3 games to overtake Curtin and/or Balcatta.

Interesting road ahead for the top 5 teams, hopefully there is no more 40+ days on Sunday.

Whats up with EH they forfieted their PLR1 on the weekend and their PLR2 have forfieted 2 games in a row. Is EH having some problems or do they still have players away on christmas break.

Luke Johns he is the best player EVER

I agree that Luke Johns is the bestest player I have ever seen

If only Luke John’s talent was as big as his ego!

Luke deserves a caravan from Russia for being the best player EVER

Curious – Great idea. Here is my First Half all star team. Love to hear the thoughts of others

Catcher – Rod Coltman (CUR)
1B – Paul Stephenson (Bal)
2B – Matthew kent (CUR)
3B – Joe Fowler (Kel)
SS – Ryan Gibson (EH)
OUT – Justin Stillitano (UWA)
OUT – Greg James (Kel)
OUT – Jeff Wishart (ROC)
P – James Hookway (CAR)
P – Daniel Hayes (CAR)

Lucky us we get a couple of mid-week games, both of which could be interesting encounters.

Kalamunda (3-10) v Curtin (7-6)
Last time they met: Curtin 18 def Kalamunda 6
Likely Match-up: Scott v Johnson
The Rangers will be on a high after knocking the top rated Rams off of their perch with a surprise victory at the weekend. On the flipside, The Brewers will be ruing their poor showing with the bat to give themselves an opportunity to draw level with Balcatta, after their shock loss to the Whips. This game promises to be a different proposition for both teams, after seeing the heat of TJ, the Whips will have to make an adjustment to some more gentle pace from Scott or Tieland. It could be a tough week for the Rangers, depending on who was used at the weekend, with either of their pitchers facing the prospect of backing up on only 3 days rest. Although the Curtin defense can be shaky, the Rangers can’t rely on the 8 errors they were gifted at the weekend. Johnson has been in good form lately and will be eager to shut the Kalamunda offense down.
Prediction: Curtin will right the ship and get a win, although Kalamunda are back to their old tricks causing some headaches for the contending teams.

Carine (11-2) v Rockingham (10-3)
Last time they met: Carine 10 def Rockingham 6
Likely Match-up: Hayes v Eckley
The top of the table clash has some interesting repurcussions for both clubs, a chance for the Cats to get a couple of games ahead, and possibly purr into the minor premiership, or the Rams to draw level and have the chance to go ahead at the return game on Sunday. Judging by the scoreline out at the Kennel, Hayes is available and the Cats’ bats heated up with the weather. Eckley is certain to start for the Rams having been rested on Sunday and will be hoping and parying for some defensive support. The Rams have to shake off the horror of last week, and should probably thank their stars they got it out of the way last week rather than closer to crunch time. The Cats now have to make a big adjustment having just seen the likes of Scott, Tieland, Verbunt & James so far. This game is their first real test since the break and they will have to take a good approach into the game to be successful.
Prediction: Despite last week Rockingham are still the team to beat and will be determined to take a win, I think they will do this.

Good effort All Star.
I agree in general with your thoughts.
Coltman has been solid behind the plate and with the bat as has Barrell from UWA.
The veteran Stephenson has shown age is no barrier and is still hitting well and has been a tough out. Torpy could also slot in here.
Kent is playing well with perhaps Major or Pascoe an alternative at 2nd.
Fowler is also hitting the ball and plays good defense, so a solid choice.
Gipson is also a solid choice, with only an out of form Darracott the only other possible choice at SS.
Outfield looks good, with also options from Matthew Russell who is hitting bombs on a regular basis, and perhaps the reliability of Mark Clay.
You couldn’t go past the Carine pitching staff with perhaps only TJ to slot in somewhere if there was an opening.

TWIB, just thought i would let you know that Kalamunda have 4 wins for the season not three, and
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ALL STAR, surely Luke Williamson (kala) must be close for a look-in for the Allstar team, with more Catches (Put-Outs) than any other outfielder in the comp.
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Also, GO LUKE JOHNS. :)

Sorry TWIB but I disagree with Rockingham being the team to beat. Carine have already beaten them once before the break, both teams are pretty evenly matched with 2 – 3 strong pitchers, but I beleive Carine will take out both games and will have a 3 game break by the weeks end. Both games will be low scoring.

Luke Johns is so hot that if he was in the PL team it wouldnt be called the PL Heat it would be called the PL Johns

Your Kidding, you are obviously jealous, his ego doesn’t come from his baseball playing ability, comes from somewhere south of the border. I refuse to shower with him after a game because every time he turns around he hits me on the back of the leg…

Im in agreeance with your kidding Luke Johns’s ego is bigger than the whole Carine baseball club and that is pretty big!!

Hey, what’s going on with the stats on the BWA website?

Sorry Muda, no disrespect intended, I was going by the ladder on BWA site and given the stats for the past couple of rounds haven’t been updated, my job has been made difficult!

And just to weigh in on the PL Heat team, here are my picks to make the squad –

Daniel Hayes
Raef Hobbs-Brown
Ryan Schurman
Adam Stephenson
Lee Darracott
Clint Free
Elliott Clarke
Stuart Johnson
Ryan Gipson (if available)
TJ Wohlever (if available)
Jeff Wishart
Jacob Eckley
Chris Eckley
Mark Clay
Michael Thompson
Peter Torpy
Neil Major
Scott Barrell
Justin Stillitano
Ben Pascoe

Muda Theresa.. pretty sure your a kala boy?? How about a few of the others from your club for ALL STARS team….

Luke in centrefield would have to be close seems to be able to get to balls in the the gaps pretty quiclky…

Andrew the shortstop has great range and a good arm maybe a few to many errors once he cuts them out he will be up there…

Your catcher Dave also seems to be having a great year with the bat but he looked a little sore in the field the game I was at?

Looks like the Rangers are out to cause a few problems for the front runners in the 2nd half of the year! Only makes the league better!

TWIB; don’t worry no offence taken, just thought i would throw his name out there and into people minds.
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MOREALLSTARS?; the three you mentioned would probably be up there as best in the club, with a rather good sumation of them, with the only additions which could battle would be;
Brody Clarkson, our Second Basemen, he may let some (not many) through in the field but (last time i checked) he was leading the club for hits this season
Ryan Scott, what more needs to be said, (who we have high hopes of making the PL Heat team this year) and
CJ Tieland, who after returning to play this year, has been very useful in pitching most games and getting hits at crucial times.
and even though i am going to get flamed for writing on the blog, at training tomz, they would probably be the only ones possible of making the All Star team.
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But on a bad note, i wanna say how disgraceful the effort the Rangers put in tonight, at Baseball Park, and the boys know it too, considering the spray we received after the game. Well Done to Curtin, with all respect, but Kalamunda just F****D Up so badly in the field, making so many mental errors and not reading the conditions properly, letting in 11 runs in the bottom of the 4th, and making 9 errors. after playing one of the best games this season, we played our worse (easily the worse) with the exact same starting line-up… the thing which makes it worse for me, is the fact that we got such a huge crowd from our teeball ranks, with (from what the people in the crowd told me) there was over 150 people from the club supporting us. but even though our boys played terribly, aparantly all of the kids still enjoyed the game.

Hey TWIB

Why would you have Schurman in the team. He hasnt pitched all season, his fielding is avg and his batting is below average.

Also surley you couldnt leave James Hookway out could you. He is leading the pitching stats and is a handy batter

Others to consider
Murry Kempton. Batting only .350 but he will score you runs
Hobbs-Brown Raef. Avg dropped a bit over last few weeks but top SS and will find form again soon. Also the PL’s only rep at the recent World cup so has the big game experience

Does anyone know the results of last night’s games.

Confused, if you look at my team you’ll see Hobbs-Brown listed second. As for Hookway I whole heartedly agree that he is worthy of a place in the side, however I heard that he is unavailable for the tournament. As far as Schurman is concerned, while is infield work leaves much to be desired, he is one of the best defensive centre-fielders in the league and he can hit for average and power, his numbers are a little down this year, but I’m sure he can turn it around.

Just wondering what the result from Carine v Rockingham game last night as Muda Theresa informed us on the Kalamunda V Curtin game???

TWIB
Yes sorry I noticed Hobbs after I posed. I should read more carefully
I was also only teasing re Schurman Rumer is that his arm is 110% but that he is going to save himself for Rocky in the Grand Final LOL

I heard Rockingham won 3 – 0

Yeh I watched both the games last night Carine went down 3-0 had a few chances to get back in to the game but left some runners stranded. Both pitchers threw well but Eckley was more damaging on the night. Big game this weekend as well and will see Hookway & Wishy go head to head most likely.

The heat last week was enough to cause a couple of boilovers, but this week the players’ comfort should be higher and Tony will be able to get his key into the pitch, lets have a look at what promises to be another interesting week.

Eastern Hills (4-9) vs UWA (6-7)
Likely match-up: Freeman v Goldman
Last time they met: UWA 8 def Eastern Hills 6
The Whips put up a much needed win against an old nemesis at the weekend with a stunning 13-0 victory over the Bears. This week serves as an excellent opportunity to get themselves right back into final four contention avoiding TJ, who threw last week keeping Curtin scoreless. It will be a tough week for the Hornets, with Freeman having to face one of the best offensive line-ups in the league, who are starting to hit their straps at the right time. If I have my facts straight (I’m sure I will be told if I don’t) Goldman is due up this week, given they face Kelmscott next week, the smart money will be on getting some work in for him, and then UWA can go to pretty much anyone thereafter and get some innings for the likes of Barrell, Pascoe and Ottey with Goldman able to take it to Rockingham the following week. The Hornets have to get some offense behind Freeman, the poor guy has been hung out to dry every time he has started this season. Half of the battle is perceived pressure, and even though he will give up runs, the Hornets offense has to score runs to get some pressure on the oppostion offense. UWA just have to do what they always do.
Prediction: Tough assignment for the Hornets, UWA comfortably.

Balcatta (8-5) vs Kelmscott (2-11)
Likely match-up: C Free v Verbunt
Last time they met: Balcatta 6 def Kelmscott 4
The Bears will be wanting to make amends for last week’s hiding at the hands of UWA, managing only 3 hits. The Doggies got the jump on Carine at the Kennel last week but were overwhelmed in the end. Last time these two clashed the Doggies gave the Bears a bit of a scare and will be hoping to do it again, cashing in on a Balcatta lineup lacking in a bit of confidence and now down an import. For the Bears, this week should be looked at as a chance to get thinks back on track, and get those bats firing up again, the lineup is still full of talent and more than capable of producing winning scores. It’s all quiet on the Western front for the Bears in the pitching stakes though, I’m hearing all sorts of mixed reports about Clarke’s arm being shot, Needham is back for good, ex-Morley players are coming, another import is coming, Darracott can pitch etc, but none of it seems to be coming to fruition, I think Free will start, but the Bears could just as easily sell raffle tickets for the spot tonight at training. For the Dogs, their best bet is Verbunt, he is their best pitcher and was able to keep the Bears to a respectable total last time. The Bullies also have to get their free-swinging offense fired up to give him some support, they socred 11 against Carine last week, and will hoping to do the same this week against what should be weaker pitching.
Prediction: Balcatta to get back on track with a win, but not without some headaches.

Carine (11-3) vs Rockingham (11-3)
Likely Match-up: Hookway vs J Wishart
Last time they met: Rockingham 3 def Carine 0
A huge game for both teams on Sunday, with Rockingham drawing back level with the Cats on the back of Eckley totally shutting down the Carine offense last night. The Cats didn’t look like touching the big lefty and they will have another one in Wishart to contend with on Sunday. Hayes was below his best last night, with some control issues early on. He wasn’t helped by the Cats defense either, with some costly errors leading to at least 2 of the three runs scored against them. The Rams managed to clean up their act last night after their disastrous 8 error outing on Sunday, and now have a chance to stand alone at the top of the ladder. All signs point to another low scoring game with quality pitching a key feature. Carine will need to jump on Wishart early to have any chance, Wishy is a confidence pitcher and is tough to handle when he has a sniff. Hookway will have to rely on his excellent off-speed stuff to keep the Rams hitters off-balance. This series looks to be a prelude to the grand final and if Rockingham can nab two wins it will surely give them the confidence edge going into March. Carine need to get the bats going, they need to find any way to manufacture runs, and need to hit according to the situation, something they have done poorly in the handful of games I have watched them play. For Rockingham, patience is the key, after Hookway there isn’t much else to go to for the Cats, the Rams need to use up a lot of pitches to see him off.
Prediction: Another close one, but the Rams stronger hitting lineup will get it done.

Curtin (8-6) vs Kalamunda (4-10)
Likely Match-up: Johnson vs Tieland
Last time they met: Curtin def Kalamunda (score TBA)
After a huge weekend for the Rangers pulling off the upset of the season, they again looked poised last night to really throw a spanner in the works for the Brewers, who went down to the Hornets last week. Unfortunately for the Rangers it wasn’t to be, with an inexplicable full scale meltdown in the last inning costing them 11 runs. The Rangers defense simply fell apart and gifted an easy win to the Brewers, who will be looking for a similar result on Sunday in order to keep UWA at arms length. On paper the Brewers have the stronger lineup, however the Rangers despite last nights little capitulation have been in good form since the break. Johnson can’t afford to take this week lightly, as Kalamunda have a habit of making complacent teams pay big time. Tieland has to do what he does best and kept the ball down and mix it up, the Curtin hitters will be looking to pounce all over any mistakes. Bottom line here is defense, both teams can be loose in the field, and minimising mistakes will be crucial to success.
Prediction: I’m going to go with Kalamunda here, don’t know why, just got a feeling.

Did Luke Johns play??? If so how could Rockingham win??

yes rocky won 3-0 but it was a great game one of the best games so far this season hope the guys can back it up this sunday at there park.

Thank-you to Hooky for getting this banter going!( he was the original Luke Johns we unearthed this week at training). Its made for a very interesting week down at the cattery.

For anyone who is reading this and going WTF?? its all gags!! Im a fringe PL Player at best but all these comments have just added to my all-ready inflated ego according to Your Kidding!!! Thanks to Muda for the support tho!! (You boys had it the other night from what i saw but as you know defense wins and looses ball games. Curtin applied the pressure and got the win)

The rams simply out played us the other night in our game! Mark Clay scored all 3 runs in a brillant batting and base-running display while Eckley got 9ks on us!

Hooky and me were in the outfield discussing during the game that we think Mark Clay is the best Player this state has produced not to ever play a game of state-league, so all you all-star bloggers out there he has to be in that so called All-star team!

Game 2 this weekend down at Carine swamp! We will need to be wide awake and on our toes to make a mends for the other night!! C’mon Catters!!

PL Rockingham won by 3
PLr1 Rockingham lost by 1
PLr2 or 3 Rockingham losing

And they did. Rocko 9 – 6 Cats

It would be very interesting if no team won the premiership in two grades this year.

I forsee

Rockingham home in the Pl comp.
Curtin winning the Pl1 comp.
Balcatta winning the Pl2 comp.
UWA getting the chocolates in the PL3.

This would be a very interesting situation and show that the competition is very even among the big 5 teams.

Although Rockingham would be considered a monty in the PL1 comp as well as almost a certainty in the PL!

Luke Johns, happy to support a fellow fringe player.
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But, TWIB was right about the Curtin Vs Kalamunda Game on sunday, being won or lost in the field, with the Rangers leading 9-0 and then making 7 errors to loss 9-14.
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Also i hear words that TJ will be rested on Wednesday night against UWA, after not pitching on Sunday, so instead he will pitch against Kalamunda at home next sunday, so he can play infront of the kids…

JAMAL – that is a big call to say no Carine will win the premiership

I forsee
Rockingham to win PL but will need all 3 games
Rockingham to win PL1
Carine to win PL2
UWA to win PL3

I also would not rule out one of the Carine PL3 Teams. Which one will depend on who uses the smartest strategy over the next couple of months.

Just saw the results pages from the weekend, could someone shed some light as to why Kal V Cur only went 7 innings?

Kal v Cur didn’t only go for 7 innings, the last 2 innings are just missing from the box score on the website.
Kalamunda didn’t score in the 8th or 9th, Curtin didn’t sore in the 8th and didn’t need to bat in the 9th

Dont know what E/Hills are doing up in them there hills whatever it is its not working,hope they have some talent comming through.I’m told the last batch of home grown talent are playing for Morley A Grade what a waste. All ex Prov league players to boot or is it just a rumour.

Disapointing, i’m not involved with Eastern Hills, as most have probably worked out i am from kalamunda, but I am the assistant coach for the Swan Hills Little League Charter Development Team, and i can tell you Eastern Hills are putting a lot of work and effort into their junior players. The work done by Geoff last year, and the following work this year by TJ and ryan, is really showing in how all of the kids are training, working and playing. And it goes the same with the older kids too, i personally am very impressed with the work EH are doing with their juniors, the only other club in the PL i have noticed who could compete with the effort they are putting into the juniors, would be Carine.

So give it about 5 years and the EH Senior teams will be a very competitive HOME GROWN CLUB.

Well Rockingham look to have really sown up top spot on the ladder with their sweep of Carine on the weekend, however the 3, 4 and 5 spots are wide open especially with Muda Theresa’s insight that TJ will not throw against UWA on Wednesday night. I bet Curtin had been banking a EH win and a 2 game break.

Disappointing – You are right in opinion, something just aint working up in the Hills at the moment. Hopefully the last 2 years of imports are producing some great juniors to help the club in a few years.

Balcatta had a big win over Kelmscott and really need another one on Wednesday night to keep the 2 uni’s away.

Its good to see the stats have been updated and it is amazing to see 3 Kelmscott hitters in the 10 top for averages, yet are sitting along way last.

Predictions for Wednesday night??
UWA over EH if TJ does not pitch. EH if he does.
Balcatta over Kelmscott

Thanks Jenni!!

A reasonably predictable set of results at the weekend, and we’ve got ourselves a clear leader at the top of the ladder.
Tonight sees a couple of clashes that could shape the 4.

Eastern Hills (4 – 10) vs UWA (7 – 7)
Likely Match-up: Wohlever v Goldman
Last time they met: UWA 31 def Eastern Hills 6
A brutal encounter for the Hornet on the weekend seeing four different guys on the hill, and all four not lasting particularly long. The Whips got by using Torpy and got a little bit of work in for Ottey & Pascoe, and it looks like they’ve saved Goldman for tonight’s clash with Wohlever. There is speculation that Wohlever is going to sit out tonight until Sunday to throw against Kalamunda, surely guaranteeing a win. Personally as a manager I’d find it difficult to throw my young arms to the wolves again after the bloodbath that was Sunday. UWA should still expect to see Wohlever in my eyes. The Hornets are having a tough time of it this season, and I think regardless of who is on the hill for them tonight, those tough times will continue. The Whips’ superior offense is surely the difference here, and whether they see TJ or not, will be enough to get them a win. Torpy faces an interesting dilemma however, in as much as they come up against Rockingham at the weekend, should he save Goldman for that clash, or go for a change with Ottey to start that match-up, I guess only time will tell.
Prediction: UWA to continue on their way towards a top four berth.

Balcatta (9 – 5) vs Kelmscott (2 – 12)
Likely Match-up: Clarke vs James
Last time they met: Balcatta 18 def Kelmscott 7
The Bears hit their way back into form with a mercy rule victory over the Dogs. The return clash should be an opportunity to continue along and get some much needed confidence for their clash with the Cats on Sunday. Balcatta has the option of Darracott tonight if they want it, who looked rusty against the Whips a couple of weekends ago, or they may wish to save him for the Cats. Clarke seems like a good bet for this match-up and I’d expect him to get enough run support for a comfortable enough win. James will have to bring his best game with him to have any chance, keep the ball low and slow. Interesting comment made before that the Doggies have three hitters in the top 10 for average, so they certainly shouldn’t be taken lightly, however I’d argue that this is largely due to the fact that they would see each teams second or third string pitching more often than not, but I digress.
Prediction: Balcatta have the wood on them in all areas.

TWIB, firstly can I say I always enjoy reading your reviews, they are always insightful and provide a good guide for the weekend. However, I do have to comment on the slight you have placed against our top hitters this weekend. For the record we face the top pitchers from almost every team (except Balcatta so far). We have seen TJ twice, J Wishart twice, Goldman, Scott and Hookway so far. I would suggest that any average our players have so far this season are well and truly earned!!

Concerning the comment:

“Interesting comment made before that the Doggies have three hitters in the top 10 for average, so they certainly shouldn’t be taken lightly, however I’d argue that this is largely due to the fact that they would see each teams second or third string pitching more often than not, but I digress”

Be it the top or 2nd string pitchers, many Kelmscott players have never had any trouble with the bat. We have the ability to take on all pitchers in this league, and have demonstrated it in many occasions. I would highly doubt that Joe “The Count” would have much of a lower batting average no matter who he saw this competition!

We more or less have a problem with playing 9 innings of solid defence, normally only able to play 5 or 6, and the other 3 costing us dearly.

On that note with tonights game against Balcatta being only two hours and shorter than a normal game, it will be a lot closer than many give credit….

Sorry Juice, wasn’t meaning to be disrespectful towards you guys and your hitters in any way. I should have done some more research before postulating!
Good luck for tonight!

Muda only reason i asked the question is i was speaking
to a few of the players on sunday and they are not feeling to good about things considering the player group that they had seems they are taking huge strides backwards.I had played against the players that have left and i think they would be a top four team with them.
My real concern is the standard of our current league E/Hills after last sunday should not be in this league.
Would have been nice to have had a reply from E/Hills.

so what happened in last nights games?

Last time we played eastern hills they had a tiny under 14s playing in the reserves. Cmon eastern hills, this is grown men throwing quick and hitting it harder, this in no way safe for someone that isnt quite developed yet.Poor showing eastern hills, i feel baseball w.a should be looking in to this. Safety first eastern hills

“Safety First” I played against some younger players on the weekend in PL1 and was very satisfied with how Ryan and TJ looked after these younger members of their club.

I hope as an adult player you would be aware of younger players in your competition and you would make the necessary adjustments when playing against them. Accidents happen and are unavoidable no matter what age group juniors or seniors. Just ask Ben Carne(16) at Kalamunda who wore a batted ball.

As for Eastern Hills being disappointing, I watched a very entertaining game of baseball at baseball park last night where UWA 4 defeated EH 1. Both teams made some very good plays in the field, and EH should be very happy with the way they carried themselves. Their baserunning was aggressive, their batting was aggressive and they could have easily changed that result had UWA not pulled out some amazing plays from the field.

Some good points stivey! I take it tj pitched to get that closes to uwa? i have no problem playing against some one over the age of say 16, however i just feel that pitching a live ball to any one younger than this could pose a problem… and although im sure we all make the nescacary ajustments when pitching to some one of this age… should we really have to??? no disrespect meant to eastern hills, and kudos to the young fella wanting to play up… but eastern hills has never really looked after there players!!!

“Safety First” The “tiny under 14″ you are refering to is actualy one of our under 17’s players. He is nearly 16, just a bit small for his age.

Safety First,My son played in the senior softball side last season as a catcher and held his own!why dont you check your information before making such a rude comment.EHH plays by the rules and would never do anything to endanger a junior player and being the mum of this player do you think i would agree to him playing if he was a under 14 player….oh by the way there is no such thing as under 14’s now :-)

I am not from EH or Kalamunda, not sure who you play for Stivey but think you should back off the smaller clubs, they are doing the best they can.

Say EH and Kalamunda fold one day, will you be happy playing in a 4 or 5 team league?

Can’t see anything constructive in your email and I would not be bagging other clubs myself.

Don’t knock those trying to having a go.

If teams play young kids there should be no expectation to tone it down when pitching to them. They are playing in a competitive game where people want to win. if you take the field, 10yrs old, 70 yrs old, male, female, intoxicated, sober; you should have to deal with the pitchers best stuff.

All the best to EH though, they are doing a good job and are always very classy when they take the field.

“deadmau5″, I play for UWA and im sorry if you think I was bagging a club.
I played mens “A” grade softball at Hills when I was 13 years old. I have played senior baseball with 15 year olds. I am by no means bagging a club for promoting youth.
My comment once again was standing up for Eastern Hills, “I played against some younger players on the weekend in PL1 and was very satisfied with how Ryan and TJ looked after these younger members of their club”. I did not feel that the players were put at risk in any way.
Once again Eastern Hills played very well on Wednesday night. (supportive comment)

Thank you stivey, having played against you for a few years now i know the respect you have for your opposition. We have had a difficult year at eastern hills this season with players leaving and it is hard for us to attract new players to our club because of our location. having said that, we have only been a senior club for app. 5 years and it takes time to develop a culture within a club. we have had some word from some of our players that left that they would like to come back next year. also our juniors are developing well and we should see some of the hard work our club has put in starting to pay of over the next couple of seasons. some of the comments im reading on these blogs are starting to wear a bit thin, we are not the only club that is struggling and have brought over some good imports over the last couple of seasons which can only benefit the baseball community as a whole!

if there good enough to play at the top level then let them, it only can only better the player and make them want to be part of a great league, i played “AA” for rocky at young age and never felt the other clubs worried about it. I was even beamed by big wish when he played for balcatta just glad now i play with him not against, if the coach thinks they can make it do it,you only get better by playing against better players

Not attracting players has nothing to do with location eastern hills… more your culture… not that i can really comment however this is just what i hear… maybe a change in the leadership group up there or something like that??? Would have to be hard losing the mckinlay boys who were your strongest players over the last few years… Did they persue there footy careers or simply playing somewhere else? What happened to that team that won the c grade comp that year? Would have been beneficial to keep those boys on board, but stick it out eastern hills, if you keep working there might be a winning culture up there at some point