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.