Grand Final - 20/1/13 v Western Australia

The Grand Final against WA was played under sunny skies with a breath of wind, gusting enough at times to reveal the whole Australian Flag on the left field fence. Diamond 1 typically brought out the best in our boys. Fingers and toes were crossed. The red of Perth's fans extended on one side of the stands, before the crisp NSW blue took over on the other. It was a vocal, loud crowd intent on victory and appreciative of both sides. A re-match of sorts from the U/14 Australian Championships Grand Final of 2011.

Our starting line up was largely unchanged from the Final - Simon (pitcher), Barbaro (catcher), Whatson (1B), Hunt (2B), Frew (SS), Myrmell (3B), Bohan (LF), Percival (CF) and Tsui (RF). Again James was the designated hitter (DH), a strategy that had been employed elsewhere in the tournament but not with any great acclaim. Sometimes involving those who can inspire belief and confidence from the outset, propels the team to greater heights. We needed that belief and experience today.

A nervous start was expected against high quality pitching on the biggest stage at this age as baseballers. However, it is always easier from the stands and his job was clear today. Unfortunately, James and Dan Myrmell were soon struck out before James Percival made a catching error at centre field that proved costly. Significantly, two runs resulted from this catching error into the swirling, unpredictable wind.

We started against them with our fast ball pitcher, Brad Simon. Accomplished and our best, yes. However, we had proven that they dislike the off speed junk, yet persisted. With success it must be said. We struggled through the early few innings and clung to 1-2 deficit. Brad did a grand job really pitching beyond five innings. He is a boy of power and brute force. He pitched a wonderful series of innings. No complaints from him. Methodical. Clinical.

The truth of the matter in playing Western Australia is that they come from the heat where hard grounds and bouncy decks are their chocolate. Things are fast there. The WACA, their beer taps, their animals and the road out of there. They were sweating on our pitching change. Pre game they had privately spoken to a few of us about their fears of our pitching and bad memories from 2011.

Instead, WA were throwing off speed and frustrating us. Dan Myrmell though bounced back today. His sunnies complete his movie star looks - with a game to match. He has not pitched to his ability in this tournament but started our great batting run mid tournament. He is a powerful player who needs space and sometimes time. His importance to the team was critical. And so was his positivity.

Brad's efforts were ended at 1-2, deep into the game and Sam Gulieri came from the bullpen. He had had a great tournament, but today Sam was not on song. He came in under immense pressure and in his brief assignment, got one out but gave up four runs and three hits. Suddenly we were 1-6 down and in the blink of an eye we were up against it with time short.

The fat lady had thrown the pancho off and complete with leg warmers and skivvy, she was shuffling to the microphone. James was brought on belatedly as the compensation package and did the job quickly. Was there a sighting of Harold Holt? Too late.

To be straight, he was needed after Brad finished. He has done that business many times before and was our best option in the circumstances - and a left hander - against an opposition easily perplexed. Convincing others who mattered is another story. The lessons of the State Cup final were not learned. Parent or no parent, it was well known by WA that he would trouble them as Lindsay and Hunt had previously. As it was, he got us out of the innings but before long, our game was done with no final innings required.

We had promised more than Kevin Rudd. Sadly, we delivered what he did. A 6-1 defeat was the final score.

Perhaps the team's grand support of the NSW U/18's (who won their tournament today) well into the night before a Grand Final - while noble - took sheen and energy from our performance. To make a Grand Final is one thing, but we did not turn up today for a haircut. We were after gold and did not get it. The self satisfied go no further.

In the end, we had also fielded poorly. Overthrown plays at first, dropped catches in the outfield. Mackenzie's dropped catch summed up our day. Half chances ruined by lack of mobility and lack of concentration. Poor base running. The hamburger with the lot. Our hitting was not good either, Dean Frew aside. James was struck out twice today and did not hit. Not good enough at this level. He had plenty of friends in that sphere. We simply failed to deliver after such a good tournament and a better performance was expected. Spilt milk. 

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

As part of the tournament, an "All Star" team is selected at the closing ceremony from all the boys across the tournament. James Percival, Ben Hunt, Sam Gulieri and James McCallum were selected from New South Wales. A grand acknowledgement.

James finished with an average of .382 from 34 at-bats, 19 runs scored, 13 hits, 3 doubles and four home runs, 13 RBI's and 28 total bases.

He hit the most home runs in the tournament (4), was the fifth highest in runs scored and total bases. He was also in the top ten fielders with no errors. His pitching - 4.1 innings only - ended with an ERA of 6.23. More successfully pitched innings would lower this, but this was not to be.

A tournament like this may underline a strength or two in a player, but it also reveals weakness and areas needing immediate improvement. For James, there are plenty of these. He knows it better than any of us. A career decision as whether he is a pitcher or a hitter is needed too. He wants to play, so hitting appears to be it.

From here, the boys return to their club ball - where it all began. Australian Baseball Academies and national teams and the like are all out there. White noise really.

What drives a young man to be better? To grow, thrive and prosper as a better person and better player? We will find out.

 

 

 

Final - 19/1/13 v Victoria Blue

The start of the game - especially a final - brings many tensions. Arriving at the game thinking you don't have your son's playing shirt is like going to war without a gun. Today was no different. Eventually it turned up. The coaches had handed me the pink 'Dora The Explorer' bag for the person most responsible. At the time of publishing this, culpability is still being determined.

Our opening innings of every game bar one has been awkward. Today we gave up three runs in still conditions on the same diamond as our epic encounter yesterday. Batting second in the line up as designated hitter, James showed great judgement and control in his first two at bats. Walks both, but valuable moments to set up our attack. Runners on base score runs. Funny about that.

Hits soon followed to Percival, Whatson, Bohan and Frew. Crisp. Their pitching attack was solid but injury affected. Lovely injured boys all no doubt, but fitness and luck are good companions. Our sympathies would be extended post game. The roar from the crowd and respective benches were soon deafening. An early 0-3 deficit was bridged.

It must be said that the umpires were terrible today. Every ridiculous, obscure rule was looked for by umpires who seemed to be too self absorbed - not absorbed in fair dealings or flow of the game.  James was called out after Ben Hunt as batter, allegedly interfered with their catcher as James stole safely to second base. Other ridiculous delays occurred. Coaches came out and umpire conferences were as common as paspalm. We had handled the ball, hit the ball twice, obstructing the field and were only waiting for a 'timed out' call for the set. When umpires lose the plot, history tells us that crowds follow. Remarks, booing, hissing. Nothing an umpire has not heard. Happily - and perhaps surprisingly - your correspondent sat well away in the shade of a nearby casurina, gnarled and starved of water. Appropriate. 

The crowds showed little early love for each other. Like marital spouses when a playing shirt mysteriously vanishes. Banter and rule book advice was exchanged. No shirts or embraces.

Victoria Blue walked in batters and runners alike as if it were a deb ball. We didn't mind taking the ugly sister to that same deb ball. At 5-3 up, Ryan Hore had done a fabulous job pitching. No nerves and no fear. He eased into it and began to dominate. More importantly, he saved the arms of other pitchers on our campaign for glory. This was significant for our fortunes. Ryan looks like has two left feet, but dances while pitching like Hugh Jackman on steroids. The mums wished he was. The crowd's affection was no less for him. Every pitch was cheered with volume and sincerity.

Then James, who was charged with the responsibility to inspire his team today, showed some strong leadership in how to hit properly. The lessons of yesterday had burnt bright. He was designated hitter (a spot where one is typically invited to hit) and not on the field. Insurance as a possible pitcher....Yet again, but a team player first. 

He waited patiently - not a strong family quality - he separated the wheat from the chaff - and then rocketed one into the still sun-filled blue sky. The white ball travelled like a white skywriter and it almost killed a bloke walking his dog. Not James' devoted grandfather. Thankfully pops had an arm like one of those air filled plastic wavy men one finds in car yards and his efforts to return the ball failed. I snapped it up, with a clean grab (!). One little memento to ruminate upon later.

Then suddenly the wind that had hitherto deserted us, sprung up a little. It lurched and fell, rose and swirled broken, burnt grass filaments. An Egyptian mummy from the tomb of the Weather Channel. Percival continued to hit the ball like he was playing whiffle ball. He was hitting basketballs and the field were chasing golf balls. A fit Ben Tsui returned and hit freely too. That boy has spirit. Isaac Whatson's second hit kept his dad roaring and his mum smiling. He has done extremely well and has a glove safer than Peter Overton.

Dean Frew has also had a steady tournament, but fractionally disappointing by his lofty standards. His three genuine punching hits today reminded everyone of his tremendous talent.

Quite unbelievably, James (moments after this picture above was taken) then hit a second monster home run over centre field. Quite awesome this second one! It cracked off the bat like a whip (...a whip...). And this time he took it out near the high electrical tower. A monument to the greenies of Gee - long. No huge winds today. In fact he hit into the wind a little if anything. The ominous buzz overhead from the high voltage was the only tribute. The NSW crowd loved it however. The distance from bat to bounce is in the 340-350 feet mark. This home run ball was secured from a reluctant Vic Blue centre fielder who got a little precious. We ironed that out quick smart.

Ryan Hore was a delight, pitching with style. He pitched 6.1 innings. Superb. He was once in a primary school NSW softball team with James and pitched softball style there and dominated. He is some sort of talent. He would hide your cigarettes if you had them and offer a wry smile between jokes. Laconic yet dynamic.

In the end, the gentle breeze and sunny 23 - 28 degrees was a fitting backdrop to the game. Ryan - 'The Rhino' - Hore was the star. He had set his sniper radar and had blown them away. He won't play again, but his job was done in securing us a Grand Final birth. Remarkable from number 10.

James too was proud - and as well he might. He stepped up today under pressure and underlined our authority as a team. His last at-bat was a strike out. Just a gentle reminder to stay grounded and focused. Tomorrow's Grand Final awaits. An 11-3 win - no tie breaker today. His two home runs were powerful and dominant. To the Grand Final we head. Check: http://www.nyc.baseball.com.au/?page=91076&format=

Third Semi Final - 18/1/13 v Western Australia

They say in Victoria that if you do not like the weather, wait five minutes and you will get something else. The same could be said about our baseball. The boys had just played a remarkable four hour game against Victoria Blue just prior and with a two hour warm up, they then looked to this game. 7 innings max. A tight turnaround resulted because of the length of the first game. Their resolve, their fitness and their attitude was to be put to the test.

And another epic adventure of three hours it became. The wind howled like a demented marsupial but the sun broke through in an arm wrestle with the clouds.

Faced with what some doubting parents believed to be certain oblivion, our boys needed something special. A supportive lot our parents, who would choose a team of twenty if given the chance to be part of the selection committee. They and swimming parents - would number amongst the most committed in junior sport. The longer some have been around baseball, the more expertise they gather. Sometimes the expertise can be traded for opinions. Opinions are like bums. The crack can represent their accuracy.

Sure, after back to back wins, Western Australia were safe in the top echelons of the remaining sides, but they came out hard. No resting players or playing in the sandpit. A proud lot those sandgropers. They also present as pretty certain of themselves, a trait Australians and New South Welshmen - and women - love to hate.

For us, in tough times and with backs to the wall, the starting team had shifted: Musulin (catcher), Whatson (1B), Hunt (2B), Frew (SS), Myrmell (3B), Barbaro (RF), McCallum (CF) and Gorman (LF). Stevens started as pitcher. Pre match discussions about discipline with the bat in hand turned would be magicians into clinicans. Cooling temperaments and guiding the energy and enthusiasm.

Our start was dusty. 1-5 down and faces were longer than an Underbelly series. Walking batters is painful. It is like stepping on a nail. The rusty variety. Not life threatening, but they hurt. We scrambled but hit and clawed our way back to 4-5. Ben Hunt hit a majestic home run. There was life in the carcus yet. However, at 6-11, the carcus was about to be cut up and cooked on the team BBQ scheduled for later that evening. We were fast running out of pitchers. Our tournament hang in the balance. A possible double header would kill us.

Then suddenly Jordan Lndsay, a gangling lad from Kellyville who loves his icecream, was thrown the ball to pitch. He had not had a recent happy time in the field but he looked at ease at the mound. He threw a delightful variety of off speed stuff. He toyed with them, striking out three of their players who could not accept that a boy with a passion for the game, a boy who puts a lot of time into his game and loves it - was tormenting them with pitching they did not like. He threw a few wild ones, but that happens to a stack of newspapers in the shop too. The headlines were more impressive. He had given us hope and turned our fortunes around...seemingly without too much care in the world!

We edged back to 8-11 thanks to a remarkable home run from James Percival. It went long over centre field after two strikes and even surprised his mum whose photographic genius - well renowned worldwide - was found wanting at the key moment of exhillaration.

The lot of every parent at such times is intriguing. Pain wracks their face and strain builds when their son strides to the batter's box. Such angst was last seen when they were last in the maternity ward of the local hospital. Other parents cheer feverishly and encourage grandly, knowing their turn in the dentist chair awaits. It is support founded on many kilometres of training, many new bats and clothes imported from the USA, family holidays which are punctuated by sport and the ebbs and flow of sporting fortunes and misfortunes.

The team was being propelled on the strength of "team". No individual heroes in essence, but a unified, determined approach. At 8-11 Ben Hunt was summonsed to the mound. He had just got back from the train station after sneaking past the barber. As usual he is having some sort of tournament. Left all his baseball pants on his bed at home, but no problem, just wear the same ones every day. Even the wind did not ruffle his clothes. Like Lindsay before him, Ben threw variety and curve, change ups and wrong 'un's. He perplexed them.

Mackenzie Bohan, who pitched two deliveries to finish a late innings, in a cameo performance (Sean Connery style), made his way to the batter's box. A remarkably team centred lad from Winston Hills. His grandfather - Wal - had been levered away from the tennis in Melbourne - and brought every good luck charm in the world with him. Mackenzie also has talent. He rifled one into left field and sent home three runners. Opportunity knocks only occasionally - especially at national tournaments. Sometimes quietly. It takes an astute ear, discernment and patience. Mackenzie demonstrated that hard work makes free. The smile on his mum's face and in her heart spoke of freedom and pride. We were ahead at 14-11. The dancing on the ceiling would have pleased Lionel Ritchie. 

James too had a solid game making two hits from three at bats. He had a measured and valuable input into the tempo of the game. He was safe in the bluster of centre field and was positive and enthusiastic. All this after some SEVEN hours of game time in a day - plus warm ups.

Ben Hunt then delighted the NSW crowd as he closed out the win. Of course James Percival took a blinder of a catch running backwards. He would snap up the fish that John West reject this lad. His cricket skills from school were well appreciated. He hadn't smiled that much in the whole tournament but had had some sort of game. A real gamer and fighter. A few photographs were already being emailed to his parents whose wonderful camera was rightfully forgotten.

We were belted by WA on Diamond 4 on Day Two and today we had come back. We had finally finished second in this level of the tournament. The sausages sizzled with more zest, the drinks tasted better and the vibe of positivity had returned.

Tomorrow we face Victoria Blue, yet again, for a place in the Grand Final. If our pitchers play it correctly, we could dominate them. Form tells us it will be closer than the lions at the old African Lion Safari, regardless.

Ben Tsui will return tomorrow after sitting out both games today, injured (can you believe?) by the springs of a dodgy matress at the team hotel. A spring in the step will be what we need instead tomorrow.

Second Semi Final - 18/1/13 v Victoria Blue

With a tight win yesterday, we knew we were in for a battle with Vic Blue in the second semi final match up. They had lost and were looking to get their campaign back on track. In this phase of the top four, the trick is not to come fourth. Fourth place means you play off against fifth place, with catastrophic implications for your pitching rotation.

Today was about clean hitting and intelligent baseball - error free. Regretably we were unable to do all of these and it cost us...the game.

A sunny mid 20's day started before the winds from the south east began gusting up to 40kph and wreaked havoc.  The wind seemed to be autographed by Santa at times, such was its freezing nature. Pitchers threw into the fierce face of it and hitters rode with it. Early on it was at least a forty metre wind for a hitter.

No surprise therefore that in the first innings for Vic Blue, they hit a home run and got four runs in. Our starting pitcher, Dan Myrmell was never comfortable. The winds see sawed and the game was a slippery dip. At 0-4, we ignited, hitting an amazing 10 runs. Dan Myrmell bounced back with the bat however and was first to hit a home run at centre field. Soon after, Dean Frew hit a Grand Slam (loaded bases and a home run scores every runner). Impressive stuff at a clutch moment in the game.

Then James stepped up. For James, who started this game at first base, his tournament to date had been steady with glimpses of brilliance. He stepped up after the hoopla of the electrifying Grand Slam which had immediately preceded his arrival. A certain deflation gathers at such times in the reflective crowd. Paul Keating may have had a longer tenure as PM with this knowledge. No matter, a hushed, windswept Diamond 2 stood still. James then unleashed and planted another one out of the park. It was impressive for its mental strength at this moment in the game - not its result. It sailed long and handsome out of the park. Wind assisted. In fact eleven home runs were eventually hit in the game. More hits than the Bay City Rollers.

With nearby bush fires in Victoria, we too were burning up the park. The wind to be fair was the batter's closest friend. Then our opponent leapt off the canvas. We inexplicably crumbled with dropped catches, missed throws and leaked 11 unearned runs.

We were as ugly as a half sucked mango. Shoulders fell and hopes waned. Christian Eckberg was unlucky and our fielding poor. More errors than Lara Bingle, but only a fraction as pretty.

Suddenly we were down 17-10. We had lost the initiative and with it some hope. No matter, the runs continued. Dean Frew hit another home run and James Percival and Mackenzie Bohan also hit well. Reliable and sure.

Percival also had the misfortune of running into the back fence of the ground attempting to take a catch. Commitment. He collapsed like he had been shot and had two battered knees, a papercut and a subscription to the Benny Hill Show on Foxtel. A pink bag waits perhaps...but there was some strong competition for this.

As the game narrowed off we were able to lock it up at an unbelievable 19-19. We scratched and fought. Never say die. Gorman, Whatson and finally Wilkins pitched. Nothing spectacular but steady and wind afflicted.

The deadlock at the end of seven innings saw the tie breaker activated again. This of course was the second tiebreaker between both teams this week. We still held hope...(and she didn't mind). In an extraordinary game, the tie breaker was required even in an exaggerated and ballooned scoreline. To the diamond we returned and suddenly we were under the pump. Too many walks. It seems like Bronte to Bondi at times. Vic Blue kicked to a five run lead.

In the final chase, Barbaro put a home run out of the park. He showed impressive steel. We got close, but ended at 22-24 and recorded our second loss. At the same time Western Australia powered to a second win and we were faced with the reality of a must win v Western Australia this afternoon or we needed to start thinking about playing the extra game v Team 5 tomorrow. It was a huge disappointment.

We were undisciplined when it counted. Millionaire shots. James, amongst others, was guilty hitting a first pitch straight to first base when patience and better judgement was required to win the game. The impetuous nature of youth combined with the high tempting winds, change sense to hollow brainless hitting. Some sort of miracle seemed required. We were all walking around picking up the pieces...the wind had near blown tatoos off the arms of every ugly umpire in the joint.

First Semi Final - 17/1/13 v Queensland

The first game of the semis against Queensland saw the big gun pitchers come out. Frothing at the mouth. Like moustachioed fast bowlers, pitchers grunt, snort and kick dust. Pamplona style.

The heat was also similar. We were a toasty 40 degrees plus, with a breath of wind. Like a guest at a dinner party for the Royal family.

We batted first and our first four batters were struck out. Looking like Tarzan, but swinging like Jane (ouch!). Their pitcher was outstanding really. Dean Frew, James, Ben Hunt and Dan Myrmell at the start of our second innings all swung and departed none the wiser. We could not get near him. Our timing and judgement was out. Brad Simon started for us on the mound and returned fire with fire. A shoot out of sorts. Two bulls butting their significant heads. 

However, with a welcome and perhaps unexpected Queensland pitching change, suddenly the tide turned. A pitching change can be like a new pair of undies. A bit tighter or a bit more tense. Sometimes too comfortable. Knowing when to change them is the secret.

Brad ebbed and flowed today. He surprised and plateaued. It is warm and lonely work. The well intended decision to move the game from 1.00pm to 3.30pm by tournament organisers inadvertently played into the teeth of the blazing sun.

Thankfully, soon Jordan Lindsay towered one to centre right for a double. Dean Frew got on base with another timely infield fumble. James had an early disappointment with a fly ball to centre field. Not having played or hit for two days was showing. He played as designated hitter today.

The crack in James' bat had now expanded down the barrel. Avoid Easton bats if you can - they are a sad joke. That is four of these "new" bats that have broken. Some bloke in Bali must be recycling them with bamboo and painting them with frog excrement as we speak. James has had more bats than Adam West.

Our team slowly relaxed into the game, but the pressure was relentless. Our A-game was required, but seemed quite distant. The bench was looked to with hope and optimism. Like a new girlfriend - or boyfriend (not that there is anything wrong with that...). The crowd remained still and umbrella laden. A steaming pasta of an afternoon. Morris was summonsed at 4-3 down.

In the infield, we disappointed. Morris suffered unfairly as a pass ball beyond the catcher then a couple of ground ball errors suddenly propelled Queensland to the front, 8-4. Like an Origin team from north of the border(s), they know no surrender. Blake Morris did grandly, but needed friends. Like a school principal.

Then enter Sam Gulieri. Sam hails from the Ryde area and is an absolute enigma. Some days sensational; some days his dad would have liked to have locked him in the car. He is a gangly gilded youth. He smiles out of both corners of his mouth and throws his head back like he owns a rollercoaster.

But today something special descended on Diamond 1. Sam was brilliant. He threw fast. Threw six strike outs, no less. He remained positive and he was balanced and reserved. His change up was like a new car. It purred and whistled with rythmn. He dazzled and perplexed, confounded and amazed. The large crowd cheered him on. Text messages to his parents at the U/14 titles flew at his fast ball's pace. Sam really impacted at the right time and we drew level at 8-8 with some consistent hitting.

Ben Tsui also hit a mammoth home run over left field. He is an unassuming lad who has made right field his own. He is used to things travelling a long distance having grown up in Cronulla. A home run is one such experience.

Ultimately we got to a 10-8 lead - fighting and scrapping - perhaps making it harder than it needed to be. The ruthless Ryan Hore closed out the game with precision. He has stamped himself as a class pitcher at key times so far for us.

Leaving the stadium, there were whispers as to how the team could have fired better.

The same whispers have no doubt filled the minds of more important people at the ground too.

Importantly a positive scoreline followed us into the sweat box cars which lined the carpark.

Game 7 - 16/1/13 v Victoria White

Arriving at the ground today it was certain we would finish at least second (first if an unlikely Western Australia fell over today) in the opening phase of the tournament. Two pools of teams 1-4 and teams 5-8 are formed from today and compete in the next important phase of the competition. 

This necessitated some significant changes to the roster with Wilkins (pitcher), Percival (catcher), Whatson (1B), Gulieri (2B), Hore (SS), Simon (3B), Morris (LF), Holm (CF) and Eckberg (RF) taking the field. The double header schedule this year (as opposed to the different format last year) has opened up more opportunities for all players and allowed the coaches more flexibility after our robust start to the tournament against a string of the competition heavyweights.

With this line up, James was again off the field with a host of others, but all were cheering loudly for an unheralded group, often playing out of position - but a highly focused and combative group of teammates.

Victoria White were also resting some players - deckchairs being moved around the deck of the Titanic as it emerged - and allowing other players to qualify (a minimum number of bats and a minimum number of outings are required for all players in your team - 20 players in total). The rotational policy is alive and well in Geelong. Micky Arthur - he of two christian names - would be proud. Victoria White had performed more capably than most teams this year and are part of a hugely successful Victorian baseball programme.

And so it was that from the opening pitch (pictured above), our pitchers mainly formed our batting line up. More pitchers than an art gallery. And they did not disappoint. They hit with style and panache. They were considered and ran the bases with gusto and intelligence.

Our fielding too was solid and reliable. A neat double play by Sam Gulieri and some tidy work from Ryan Hore was complemented by sound catching and intuitive ground fielding. Apparently all their bedrooms are similarly ordered and neat in their hotel. Brad Simon was more accurate than the Federal Treasurer and more powerful than Eddie Obeid's goats at third base. At first base, Isaac Whatson was again measured and assured. Perhaps one day he will be an accountant.

James Percival ('Storm Boy') was also very impressive behind the plate, catching and blocking all that came his way. NFL tight end forward stuff. His hitting too has been a feature of his performance at this tournament. He is in good company with both Bailey Musulin and Adam Barbaro. The catching/ hitting depth is better than that offered by most domestic parents with toddlers.

At 15-1 we had won by mercy. No towels thrown in or no white flags, just a decisive victory. Wilkins had started the game and pitched steadily. A theodolite. He established a positive tone and Gorman was as consistent as concrete. Job done.

The game secured our position in the competition and demonstrated that we have a hunger for success, regardless of who takes the field. This was the most impressive feature of today's outing. The team work is strong. Primed for better, we will need it when the quality of our opponents step up dramatically in the coming days. Ladders will be required. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little bit extra.

Game 6 - 15/1/13 v ACT

Under sunny skies in the late afternoon, the weather turned to the familiar cold south easterly which pierced the soul and whipped up the Geelong soil, clouding the sunglasses. The wind – a familiar friend to the skied ball and the ambitious dropped back shoulder hitter –had returned.

One parent described this game as a discombobulated mess. He was closer than the radius of a bread crumb. Eventually it was a 17-1 victory.

James turned up sporting the ‘Dora The Explorer’ pink bag – an honour bestowed on he who makes the worst play of the previous day. James tagged up on a bunt yesterday. Sacrilege. Unfortunately there were many candidates after today’s game. Signals forgotten, shoelaces tripped over...that sort of palaver, carry-on, tomfoolery, ballyhoo, shenanigans, ruckus, high jinks, commotion and ratbaggery.

The Territories team is a concept borne out of generosity. One wonders how much it contributes to the development of the game in Canberra. Many would feel baseball bats have better purposes than hitting baseballs in those parts. Hard to recall the latest great Canberra player. Laurie Daley was handy but with a different ball. Perhaps the global warming caused by Canberra’s famous faces has gone to their heads.

Today ACT unfortunately played like parliament and drove the ball like half cut chauffers. Simply put some of their brave boys would struggle to hit water if they fell out of a boat. Certainly they could not hit the side of a barn with a shovel full of wheat. They also couldn’t catch a lazy cow with a black stick. Hands like a digital watch. More thought is required in their programme, which provides some New South Welshmen a priceless opportunity, but which also can humiliate and clearly not remediate over the years.

Our pitchers today were Sam Gulieri who is growing in confidence and status. With parents absent, he has been strong and determined. Self effacing and gracious, but needing reassurance. Then Dean Frew had a hurl in his familiar no nonsense style and following him Ben Tsui (pronounced ‘Choi’) also made the pitching grade in an impressive fashion at short notice. Ben’s surname has caused more interest than Milli Villi’s singing coach, with ground announcers and parents unable to explain its pronunciation. It is unfathomable and defies all assumptions. Somewhat like Ben himself, who has dazzled with the bat and in the field at times so far.

Adam Barbaro continued his great hitting form and has made his mark, post injury.

Who said pitchers can’t bat? Issac Gorman, Issac Stevens and Isaac Whatson – an Isaacathon – all contributed well. All further enhanced their reputations as hitters, but unfortunately Brad Simon, Blake Morris and Aaron Wilkins, our other leather flingers, struggled. However, even the owner of the greatest batting average of all time – Christian Eckberg (one hit from one at bat) – had his average halved with a windy woof on the outside of the plate.

James was spelled from today’s game. He had equipment to manage for the team and a pink bag to coordinate.

Ultimately, over a few Coronas (and lime), the coaches will ponder this game for one second and move on. Greater contests await. Averages pumped up by today’s outing are like a fat spider. Self satisfying, content, but ultimately deflating. Drinking from the well of success will demand more of everyone. Coal seam gas exploration can undermine the best of wells.

Game 5 - 15/1/13 v South Australia

A fine and sunny day greeted us this morning. Brad Simon our starting pitcher and number one gun was born huge. You would not want to feed him. He has done the hard yards growing up at home with more brothers than the de La Salles. He is competitive at musical chairs. His efforts today were superb. He threw up more heat and more variety than a bloke who'd had too much to drink in a Mexican restaurant. His body language lacked generosity and his smile was only for the Gatorade.

His superb pitching display saw two innings, six strike outs. Having played him so often and lost in local State Cup competitions, parents cheered all the louder. Relief really. He threw his off speed pitch with the poise and dexterity of a surgeon. With a great big crooked rusty scalpel.

We skipped away to a 1-0 lead after James laced one up the middle. Before long Ben Hunt had smashed a home run into an unsmiling neighbour's house. Ben, looks like one of those kids who gather on train platforms in groups on your way to work. In fact, he may just be that kid.

Those who buy houses near baseball fields don't surprise easily. Like birds that sit on main roads. No future. Mark Hunt was true to his name securing the ball like a determined lion seeking the stereotypical zebra. Damn those stripes.

At 10-0 Brad Simon returned to his own den and Blake Morris picked up on the mound where he left off earlier in the tournament. Slick, speedy and composed. They tell me this works wonders when you come from Manly. Especially when frequenting their nite clubs.

Young Isaac Whatson. a left hander from Hawkesbury, soon trudged to the plate and with his yellow wand in hand. He scratched and swung. Looked and believed. Suddenly he unleashed and belted one over the right field fence. Magic. An awesome effort for a first year player whose talent is well known, while his work at first base was also polished and precise. His addition to the team added a balance and opened up other options for the coaching staff. He did not disappoint. Finding that ball required the red belly three step. There was also a lunch time beer in that hit.

From there things got messy for South Australia. A couple of their outfielders looked like they's been on a bootcamp in the Barossa. They fumbled and fussed and got worse. They definitely needed those churches in Adelaide as we kept peppering the outfield. It got greener for us as the game went with pitchers and other substitutes joining the feeding frenzy.

Our bats were hot. Barbaro was the best (3 hits from 3 at bats). What concussion? James then smashed one over the right field fence for a home run. Others got close. Hits followed to Tsui (2), Gorman (2), Hunt (2), McCallum (2), Lindsay (1), Hore (1), Stevens (1), Whatson (1), Bohan (1) and Gulieri (1). Dean Frew (1) also hit one down the line for a fast triple. Such things are often the preserve of Buck's weekends.

Mackenzie Bohan also returned to the starting line up and with him came a tremendous play from left field to home base - along with a hit. His brains, enthusiasm and leadership brings a balance and subtle composure to the team.

The boys rollicked today, eventually winning 18-0 in an emphatic five innings mercy victory.

However their intent, purpose and ruthless desire was evident. They are building something strong here. Even Liam is sensing it, helping himself to a pat on the back for their hapless batboy whose work was as rare as a Lance Armstrong confessional speech - or a barber in Cronulla.


 

Game 4 - 14/1/13 v Victoria Blue

Victorians travel this earth under the blue and white banner and so it is that in baseball 'Blue' (their best team) and 'White' (their up and coming players) co-exist. Our assignment today was to play Victoria Blue in a crunch game to push us into a strong position in this preliminary stage of the competition. After playing everyone once, we move to the next phase of the competition later in the week in seeded positions. Today was on the full astroturf field - Diamond 3. The investment in sporting facilities in this part of the world is superb. Surprising they can't produce a strong Test cricket batsman or two.

Our starting pitcher was Ryan Hore, a big strapping lad from down Campbelltown way.  They take no nonsense in those parts and so it was today. Ryan used raw strength and a single mindedness to own the mound and dominate early. It was the ideal start against a talented and at times reckless opponent. He pitched four innings and did the job in style.

We batted second and did so with some early misfortune and bad form over the first couple of innings. James knocked two early ones to second base which causes one to wonder why it takes youth two bites of a spider to move one's foot correctly. A 3-4 early position was tight and tense.

No matter, Myrmell (2), Musulin (2), Hunt (2), Holm (1), Lindsay (1), Percival (1) all registered hits, and soon we were ahead 10-4 after five innings. The spinnaker was getting set to be flown.

Liam McCallum worked busily as bat boy. Professional.

James had a walk and hit a 'sac fly' to score a runner, while the return of Adam Barbaro as catcher mid way through the game also saw him bomb one over left field for a rare and much welcomed triple.

However changing pitchers can be like changing fashions. What one liked, enjoyed and accepted can be challenged. Discomfort and unfounded angst can become allies in the face of a new style - and a disturbance of rhythm. And so it was when we first went to Isaac Stevens from Ryde in his first outing, who pitched fast and furiously, but was not as effective as hoped for, walking too many batters but showing a level of promise which will be needed some other time. Then a composed Aaron Wilkins returned but did not stay long. His job was done. After six innings we were 10-10 and were shaking our collective heads. Mad cow style.

Inexplicably earlier at 10-8 up, Adam Barbaro as catcher picked up the drop third strike but between claiming he actually caught the ball he was then ruled not to have tagged the batter and of course did not bother to throw it to first base either. Extrordinarily, the runner was safe and batters advanced bases. Play the whistle. Loaded bases resulted and subsequently two runs resulted. Crushing, but no despair. Our coaches have learned long ago that clearing the throat rather than ripping someone's throat out works best with umpires - especially here in Mexico.

There was another mild dispute over an alleged tag and suddenly amidst the dust we were under the pump. Tensions rose. Coaches gesticulated like air traffic controllers. Voices in the crowd became more enthusiastic and after the game limit of seven innings, scores remained at 10-10. This though is not acceptable under tournament rules, so a "tie breaker" occurred. Never heard of it myself, but basically both sides were given their last two dismissed batters as runners on base (first and second) and play commenced for one innings and then another if required.

Christian Eckberg, a suntanned and lanky lad from Cronulla way who had earlier sauntered to the mound as pitcher in the seventh innings - and had done a great job under immense pressure and scrutiny - was more pacing to the mound this time. His off-speed pitching was a joy and the team's fielding became better...necessarily. Dean Frew made a great play at short stop. However they scored a run and led 11-10.

Enter Dean and James. Neither enjoyed a good hitting game but they could barely believe their luck when as the last two batters dismissed they too were sent to first base (James) and second base (Dean). With a throwing error to third base, Dean got home. 11-11.

Then we had some drama. Umpires sweated. Coaches cursed. Crowds had built and the tempo of the game was evenly poised. Pressure was immense and the game was there for either team. Half chances were cheered with stifled pleasure....Suddenly a loose ball from their otherwise tidy catcher and James who had been on third base for an eternity, scampered down the line. The big unit putting his Jasper Road sprint trials to the test...a tag would kill our chances...an out terrible...a safe slide, glory...

A 12-11 victory. Sweet.

Game 3 - 13/1/13 v Queensland

Heading to Diamond One (pictured above tonight) at 6.00pm to complete the double header this evening, a new level of intensity was sought and happily, delivered. Under cloudy skies we were again tested by the 15 degree temperatures and rousing winds. Ski gear was on parade and was near ineffective. The Channel 9 floodlights came on for the occasion, a bit like World Series Cricket.

The team in this pivotal game was Percival (catcher), Hunt (1B), Lindsay (2B), Frew (SS), Holm (3B), Bohan (LF), Myrmell (CF) and Tsui (RF).

On the way to the ground, our suspicions were that James would be pitching with the team needing something...anything...

Leading off as pitcher was one James McCallum, pictured here on his way to the bullpen pre-game. Out of the Lion's Den....A heavy weight fell upon his considerable shoulders with a win not negotiable and a new team wide standard required. He was and always is up for the challenge. Winning is a habit forged through pressure moments and when a test of self is won. Involving him early pushes him to better himself. His coaches know him well.

However, before he started pitching, James led the way with the bat making the first clean hit of the game. Batting in the second spot, he hit beautifully across the game, landing three clean hits, two of which smashed into the back fence with a commanding thud. He contributed when the team required it. His bat was primed and ready.

Importantly, with him, he brought others. Chief among them were an abundance of hits from Frew (3), Tsui (2), Percival (2), Holm (1), Lindsay (1), Hunt (1), Myrmell (1). The boys were electric really and the crowd were suddenly more alive. Parents reclined in their plastic rockers, chirpy voices returned and a buzz was evident. Kids suddenly got their share of canteen money. Parents smiled and rejoiced in their worthwhile holiday choice.

In the field, we were superb. Strong plays and safe catching supported the pitcher. James hummed along pitching for nigh on four innings. He gave up very few hits and left the mound (before tournament rules prevented him from playing tomorrow) when we were up 10-3. He had added a dominance and a purpose. Accuracy too.

He was strong and resolute. A crowd of 150 - 200 people had gathered progressively across the game's duration. There is no more pressure based sporting responsibility in junior sport - all sports - for mine, than a pitcher in baseball.

 When he stopped pitching he grabbed his bat and smashed the ball to all parts. Queensland were going dizzy and had well and truly had enough of him. They were as quiet as John Cougar Mellencamp's recording studio. But for the wind, one or two may well have gone out of the park.

An amazing sidelight moment surrounded a booming home run being hit off him into left field. Unfortunately, this is the lot of any pitcher.  I was sitting there well away from the action - as one does when one's son is pitching - and put the hands up and it sailed just out of reach. Spewing. Should have been taken, but for the leg and the war injuries. Liam was quick to express his disappointment. Back to the beach cricket nets.

James was not perfect, and plenty here needs to be built on, but he showed considerable character today.

A victory by mercy 18-6 to us fired a couple of belated warning shots over the bow to Western Australia. Our boys came ready to play...this time. They were inspired by James' leadership on the mound - and they were ignited into action. Young men seek to be part of that which is great.

Ultimately, our team completed a strong win. Dean Frew was equally determined and focused while Jordan Lindsay made two brilliant plays at second base. James Percival as catcher also played an influential and often understated role. A pitcher relies heavilly on a good catcher who communicates and who has brains enough to direct the play astutely.

The team post match run throughs and warm down was done with a renewed enthusiasm. No 23 was right there leading them through their routines. Back in business.