Kingsley Collins

6 October 2016

 

Impressing plenty with both their demeanour and playing capacities, our national squad of twenty emerging young baseballers planted an exclamation mark on a highly successful tour of United States with a thrilling win in their final game.

 

Playing eighteen games in three weeks and covering many a mile in its endeavours, the squad finished with a record of eleven wins, two drawn and five losses – an extremely commendable outcome that showcased the talent of these young men while providing them with experiences and insights that will last a lifetime.

 

Not to mention the opportunities that have been opened up for many.  

 

The Australian National Schoolboys side wrapped up its playing schedule in the best possible manner, with a 2-1 win over the highly-regarded Placentia Mustangs in a high-standard game.

 

Prominent in offence for the Aussies were Ben Tsui (three hits), Jake Taylor (a hit, a walk and an RBI), Shane Kelleher (a hit, a walk and an RBI), Cooper Goodman (two hits) and Dermot Fritsch (two hits), while Jamie Young did a superb job behind the dish in managing six pitchers used to full effect. A full report on Game 18 is posted HERE.

 

The touring squad finished with a playing record of eleven wins, two drawn and five losses. Reporting on all eighteen games is available HERE.

 

“This is very impressive considering the majority of our opponents were older college age kids,” said proud Tour Manager Neil Barrowcliff.

 

“We’ve had an extremely busy schedule, playing eighteen games across four states in just under three weeks,” he said. “That also included two domestic flights and just over 3200km on the road. But that is what this tour is about - trying to give our kids a small taste of what it’s like to play every day baseball over here.”

 

“The second and equal focus of our tour is to provide opportunities for our guys to showcase their talent, and we have been extensively scouted by both college and pro scouts,” he said.

 

“Already a large number of our players have received college offers for next year.”

 

“This group of twenty young men have been magnificent ambassadors for Australia, drawing praise everywhere they’ve been for the way they’ve conducted themselves, both on and off the field. As teachers, we’re extremely proud of them and have seen them develop both as baseballers and young men.”

 

To reinforce that glowing assessment, Australian Baseball Alumni is delighted to share the following email that we received from a local resident during the Oregon leg of the tour:

 

“I believe I had the wonderful pleasure of today meeting the team of (Australian) all-stars that are touring Oregon. I am in Coos Bay, Oregon, and we were having lunch at the local Burger King with them. I just had to comment on how awesome they were, very friendly, and the quietest group of teenagers I have ever encountered in a fast food environment. They should be very proud of themselves and their coaches should be as well."

 

"An amazing experience I will not forget.”

 

Australian Baseball Alumni committee extends its congratulations to the staff and players of the National Schoolboys squad for representing Australia - and Australian baseball - with such dignity and distinction.

 

May the experience remain fondly memorable for all concerned and may it open up a range of personal and sporting opportunities for this group of young men, three of whom will be staying over to participate in the World Select Team at the Arizona Fall Classic.

 

We extend our thanks, too, to Team Manager Neil Barrowcliff for his unwavering diligence in keeping all interested parties – including Alumni members and supporters - informed of the progress of the squad during its three-week odyssey.

 

Safe travels, and best wishes to all.