Grand Final v Victoria Blue - 18/1/12

The weather today was sparkling. High twenties, warm and refreshing gusts of wind throughout as the boys (hatless) stood for the anthem. With it came a great sense of expectation that the baseball too would be sparkling. Two years ago in U/14, the older parents tell of a game where NSW were laced in the Grand Final by this very team. Today unfurled the extraordinary.

In Grand Finals, the special happens. Sometimes there are kids who know how to win because they have learned how and done it time and time again. Others need to be led. James absolutely relishes the theatre of pressure which they bring. Many premierships, titles and medals have been earned on that stage in his short life. Today though, he understood that his role, if at all, swung on the tempo and flow of the game.

The team remained unchanged: Barbaro (catcher), Power (1), Dyer (2), Frew (SS), Hunt (3), Philibossian (CF), Mayo (RF) and Packer (LF). Zac Moran was handed the pitching job as our number one pitcher. His left handed throwing became an absolute clinic. Loping curve balls, sliders, change ups and a lethal fast ball. Zac pitched with brains and with spice. He lured batters into exotic and extravagant moments. Embarrassing. Like James had done in the semi final game against Victoria Blue previously, Zac tormented them with his variety.



He remained resolute and strong. Fierce and controlled all in one.

We got away to a flier with Dean Frew (4/4) having a day out. His performance under pressure today was first class. He hit grandly, ran bases bravely and succeeded in everything he did. Dominant. James Philibossian also crunched his fourth home run for the tournament with a stunning strike over left field. A captain's performance. We had nine batters at the box in the first innings.

At 4-0 up after 4 innings, we saw Zac Moran apply the screws. Classy fielding with no errors supported the pitchers. Basics. This team had only 17 fielding errors in the tournament over 13 games - significantly better than the next best team. Vic Blue had 30 going in to the Grand Final.

Victoria however were soon in disarray. A bit like their cricket team. They eventually threw five pitches and panicked. One of the mums was surely next to pitch for them. More pitchers than an art gallery. One of their pitchers even threw an intentional walk (four deliberate balls wide of the batter) to Philo. This is within the rules but not within the spirit of the game. Their mindset had shifted and it revealed their desperation. It was for the worse. Negative and defeatist. The sun became brighter.

We pounced. Moran, Power, Hunt, Barbaro and Mayo (2/2) all hit. We raced in three runs to get to 7-0 with one innings left to play. A 10 run lead would get us a mercy win.

Zac did the business at the mound and with bases loaded, Dean Frew (pictured moments before the strike below) dispatched another ball to the centre field and our runners came home to secure a mercy rule win and shut out. Moran as a left handed pitcher was the star. He let in no runs in a five innings shut out of the second best team in Australia.



Jubilant scenes followed as the boys embraced each other. A united bunch, led by some prominent and considered fellows from down Cronulla way. They had exposed the best Australia had to offer and possibly completed one of the most comprehensive and compelling victories EVER at this level. A mercy win in a Grand Final is highly unusual. At the National Championships this has never happened before.



At the start of the carnival there was hope and positivity. Throughout, the optimism grew and strengthened. Today the rewards of many, many training sessions came to fruition. These boys have worked hard and enjoyed each others' company. There is a common respect and sense of loyalty among them all.

For James, as long as Zac was pitching well, he was not going to pitch. To pitch two left handers in succession is a heresy. He warmed up at one stage. That was it. In team sport however, the victory belongs to them all. James understands this and was duly satisfied with his contributions. He drew high praise from all those who saw him - and the many coaches and contacts who have seen him on this stage for a few years now from many different states. As a junior player he stood up. Next year awaits.



We saw Tin Tin this morning with Liam at the movies and it is a story of a red headed kid who learns that when faced with walls, you front up and go through them. Another sporting lesson of life has been learned here in Geelong.



The structure, discipline and character of the sport, becomes that of the individual in baseball. A grand sport which is shaping our - my - young man.

He returns to training at Baulko on Sunday, 9.00am. There is a club premiership to be won yet.

Game 11 - Final v South Australia - 17/1/12

Under oppressive conditions - driving winds and blistering sun - the boys got to work on Diamond 2 in what fast became an armwrestle against a valiant South Australia. We started slowly and were a little too quiet. Hot weather can do that to you. The thought of talking is too exhausting. All efforts need to be mobilised to one purpose - the ball.

We had earlier arrived to the news that Victoria Blue had beaten Queensland 6-4 and already progressed through to the Grand Final. Lying in wait. Many of them drifted over to our field for a look, like ducks in a pond. Crocodiles beneath.

We started on the mound with Nick Eckberg who pitched 5.2 innings for a "major" (over 75 pitches). He got better after a spate of early hits, uncharacteristically leaving a few high pitches which were sat on and duly dispatched. At 2-1 down we were in a fight. However Nick was relentless, seeking, probing and exposing their line up. Five strike outs was resounding. Their pitcher did a grand job too, but flagged when others did not.

As South Australia retreated to their second pitcher, things freed up a little more for us. We hit more readily. Dyer, Barbaro, Power and of course Hunt all contributed. Philibossian and Moran hit another two for this game. Batters on base was the name of the game and Dean Frew deserves particular mention for his ability today to confidently and sensibly absorb pitches, be selective, remain patient and get on base. His pace between the bags then took care of the runs. Responsible, team centred baseball.



Before too long - longer then most were comfortable to accept - we were away, racking up a flurry of late runs to extend to 7-2 and eventually end at this core after forfeting our last innings. The scorers swapped pencils, as the wind intensified. By the end of the final innings, the dust provided an instant spray tan of sorts and the sun had bleached our clothes.

Liam still found time to interrogate James about secret brother's business. No lack of confidence there.



To the final therefore and with Victoria Blue having spent their quick pitcher (Brazier) today, we will face others from their stable instead. No less intense. No less challenging. Nonetheless, a remarkable achievement by our boys to position themselves so fondly.

The final will be played out on Diamond 1 at 2.30pm tomorrow which is an outstanding auditorium. Available to pitch are most of our arms - Bova, Moran, Simon, McCallum, Dixon, O'Connell and Richardson. We are loaded up and excuse free.

For James it was a day of bench only. He may yet get another chance to contribute to a win.

The weather is expected to close in tomorrow and offer moderate conditions in the mid 20's. An early forecast says "partly cloudy, isolated showers, chance of thunderstorms and winds to 35kmph". Lucky dip really.

The sporting gods prefer skill. We have plenty of that, provided we hit and stay aggressive.

Game 10 - Semi Final 3 v Victoria Blue - 16/1/12

This morning we went to Geelong Grammar where the boys are staying. The purpose was to take team photos of the boys and was arranged by team management. Interesting, but meaningful. Involving the parents and keeping them positive is some sort of assignment with an 18 man squad and a 9 man team. There are a lot of team activities - dinners, tours and the like which are building some positive relations in the camp. James quietly told me he was in the bullpen to pitch if required today. Glint. Determination. Contest. David and Goliath.



The mood of the boys was jovial and upbeat...becoming purposeful and focused nearer to the end. James Philibossian eventually led the boys away as skipper in a polite but determined fashion. He had a spring in his step - preparation to do and a game to win. The boys followed immediately and the boring parents were left. Common, but accepted practice. 'Philo' as the boys call him, is some sort of leader - and producing remarkable things with the bat too.

James has fed off Philo's positivity and focus. A great role model and roommate.

We were scheduled for a 1.00pm start and the weather today was sunny and hot. It was near 30 degrees. While this was a shock, we sought the unlikely...a victory by enough to leapfrog the favoured and fancied Victoria Blue. By doing this, we would then play fourth placed and sharpen the chances of a Grand Final appearance.

Significantly, the wind today was no less intense than any other day, but it had circled and was behind the pitchers and into the hitters' faces, for the first time in the tournament thus far. About time.

Claude Bova (Cronulla) is a mountain of a boy who throws hard. He blasted through early with a bit of wind assistance and a lot of natural ability. He smiles, is gentle and as another of James' roommates, he is a strong, resolute character. He was intimidating and hit three of their batters. Not a glorious thing for any pitcher, but when you throw as hard as Claude and clip a few Victorians, it can be a good thing for the team. It sent a message (however unintentional) that we were not there to be nice. Sporting and fair - but not a push over.

The trick today was to get pitchers out of there having done 'minors' (no more than 30 pitches in their pitching assignment). That way they can pitch again tomorrow or in the final. Claude continued for 2.2 innings until another pitcher was called up - James McCallum. Into the fire.

To pitch with a small lead of 4-1, James was under the blowtorch. The flashy bats and physical domination of the Vic Blue players has confounded many sides. Maybe EVERY side to date. Every one of their bats has hit over 300 in their batting stats (3 out of 10 safe hits) bar one. Very impressive stuff at this late stage of the tournament. A test of the highest order for any pitcher.

Pictured here is the moment James was told to warm up in the bullpen. The stride and the sense of purpose evident.



In the background, his bull pen preparation is seen unfolding.



James started with lower aimed balls, refusing to leave anything high and hittable. He pitched 29 pitches (21 strikes/ 8 balls) against seven Vic batters. Dale (.619) hit him for a single, Hayes (.667) hit him for a single with an error at third base, Homfray (.519) was caught, Sloan (.400) was struck out, Radevski (.429) was struck out, Brazier (.667) was struck out and Kingston (.188) was struck out.

Hayes (1 - the best), Brazier (2), Dale (4) and Homfray (9) are well entrenched in the top ten leading batters in the tournament. They are some sort of hitting line up. Big raw boned blokes who dine out on pitchers.

James was so wonderful under pressure again, giving up two hits but striking out four batters, giving up no runs and pitching 1.2 innings only. He threw a great mix of curve balls and off speed balls that perplexed the agitated opposition. They wanted to get hold of him but simply could not. It was quite delightful.

For about three quarters of an hour, James held court and moved the game massively in our favour.

Our batters teed off in between. Ben Hunt was a star. Simple swing, slight frame, nerves of steel and talent to burn. He hit (4/4) as easy as you like. Dean Frew was strong again (1/2), got onto base and scored two runs and Philo (2/4) was gold. Others (Dyer, Power, Mayo, Barbaro, Packer) chimed in with hits, but the procession took us to 11-1 up with one innings to play before a mercy victory if we could sustain the 10 run lead.

And we did, ending the game by mercy rule at 11-1.

James got rid of batter number one and then left the game, having reached his maximum number of pitches for today - as determined by the coaches. As he exited, he was met with rapturous applause by our appreciative crowd - and a few Victorians - who knew that his role, while small in some ways, was pivotal in the win.



We retain some hope he may pitch yet again before the tournament is done.

Dan Myrmell blasted the other two out. The win sent a strong message to the other leading teams. Sure, they did not pitch their superstars, but to win and then be told we had ended in first place was stunning. Importantly, our decisive victory also struck a blow to their confidence. One for the memory.



This sees us play the fourth placed team - either South Australia or Country NSW - tomorrow for the chance to get into the Grand Final. We are well placed for the Gold Medal game, but complacency is the companion of losers.

Liam was impressed.

Game 9 - Semi Final 2 v South Australia - 15/1/12

To understand today is to understand this phase of the tournament.

After the first Round Robin game against each team in the first seven days, Victoria (Blue) were first, we were placed second, QLD third, South Australia fourth. In the semis, the top four teams then play each other. We of course played QLD yesterday and lost (0-2) and today we won 15-4 v South Australia. QLD were beaten soundly by Victoria Blue today - the favourites.

These results leave us with the final order after the semi final phase now pretty much decided: VIC BLUE, QLD, NSW, SA. This is despite one game remaining tomorrow against Victoria (Blue) tomorrow. Team four has to play two games in one day on Tuesday. This was to be avoided at all costs. Our win today did this.

The importance of today was - and now is - that Team One (Victoria Blue) will play Team Four (SA) for a place in the final. We will play QLD for a place in the final. We are now definites for this.

However, what happened today is that the top line pitchers all pitched yesterday - and today was a test of depth. Tomorrow will be a greater test of depth even still. The strongest squads stand tall at this end of the tournament. Upsets can occur.

The sun was burning bright today at about 25 degrees and summer returned. With it a certain familiarity at the batter's box returned too.

In today's win, Brad Simon (a younger 14 year old boy - but you'd hate to feed him at 90+ kilos and at 6 ft 2 inches) pitched fabulously getting us through five innings, but pitched nearly 65 pitches, putting him out until the final.

The more you pitch, the more arm protection is required through rest. James rested most of this game today - as he did yesterday. Being younger, they are more protective than ever.



We were a little slow to get set today, but when James Philibossian hit his third home run for the tournament, the team was ignited. The custom is for the team to line the home base area to congratulate the home run hitting player. This energy and excitement set a new standard in today's showdown, inspiring the boys. Leadership indeed.

Dyer, Frew, Myrmell, Mayo and Barbaro all troubled the scorers with good hits today. Smiles returned.

However it was the welcome return to form for Cameron Power that was most popular. His striking of the ball has only ever been crisp and powerful, but his frustration with lofted skied balls was starting to bite. He stayed strong and determined, hitting (3/4) and making his mark on the game. Ironically they were not all out of the middle (only the one caught in deep right field really), but to see him stealing bases and enjoying himself once more, brought the team to life as well. A stolen base for someone of Cameron's size is bigger than an oil spill bill.

At one point they produced the worst pitcher of the tournament who did not get an out, walked four batters, gave up seven runs...he was replaced by a far more accomplished thrower who then struck James out after he was pitchforked into the line up in the seventh innings when the game was done and dusted. They were about the only three straight pitches in half an hour of the game.



He has had this pattern throughout and has not managed to produce with the unprepared, unexpected call up. It is not a huge concern, but has taught James about the whim of coaches and the chances that must be taken to assert yourself in tournament baseball.

Tomorrow our attention turns to Victoria Blue. James is likely to pitch in a game that counts for little more than fact finding and strategy to out fox and out manouvre them before a possible final showdown.

Their bats are red hot, belting pitchers all over the place. A test for any pitcher.

(By the way, a really good looking girl keeps following me everywhere I go. I have included a picture of her with some kid).

Game 8 - Semi Final v QLD - 14/1/12

In bitterly cold conditions - summer is a distant experience seemingly - NSW (second place) played third placed Queensland in the second phase of the competition - a top four shoot out. The round robin series to date had delivered the top four who did battle today (South Australia played Victoria Blue in the other match). Queensland's tall timber were suntanned and undoubtedly more uncomfortable than us with the weather conditions, however they were highly enthusiastic, well prepared and energetic.

Nicholas Eckberg (5 hits, 1 run) started pitching for us and did a great job again pitching four innings before Zac Moran (3 hits, 1 run) supported this in the final three innings. We looked solid, catching well and chasing hard in the field.

Unfortunately, our batting was desperately poor. Joel Dyer had two hits, while Ben Hunt had yet another one. But that was it. A bit like the band 1927 or The Cockroaches - just three hits. Not one other batter had a hit. Not sufficient to win a raffle.

Numerous skied balls found safe gloves. Nine strike outs by our batters spoke of uncertainty, nerves and an inconsistent umpire whose back problems changed the zone as the game progressed. It also spoke of poor judgement and yielding to pressure at other key moments.

Our defence was actually very good in spite of this. However errors at key moments in throws from third base and short stop compounded our woes. There were plenty of nerves - not helped by cold, blustery and awkward conditions. Sometimes with the sun on one's back, the game seems easier and the tension lessens.


Not today. They squeezed out two ugly runs and we could not do a thing to reverse it. We were not aggressive and lacked a composure that had been with us in recent days. A 2-0 loss was the final result.

Liam McCallum was appointed to look after the scoreboard and probably did less than everyone. By the time the curator re-started the mower we had done our warm downs and bunkered down for a self evaluation to salvage our campaign.

A win against fourth place South Australia is now compulsory tomorrow.

James sat out today's game, resting after yesterday. His bat sat idle despite the desperate need for hits. However his early tournament form meant that this was a justified coaching choice. His opportunity to assert himself in the team as a hitter was surrendered to others. He now sits desperate to wrest back control and contribute to the improved team performances in coming days.

He may be handed a lifeline - especially with the form of some going into a spiral. For some, tournament statistics, scouts, academies and the like have clouded their view of the ball of late. These distractions must be put aside, before the trophy engraver looks up his dictionary to check the spelling of another state.

Game 7 v Victoria White - 13/1/12

Victoria White is a team that Victorian Baseball load with up and coming stars, younger players and Country Victorian stars. They enjoy a lot of local support. They had enjoyed a good tournament to date and were pumped up for a surprise result. We were again on the astro turf field (Diamond 3) and started with Frew, Hunt, Philibossian, Moran, Packer, Mayo, Bova, Myrmell, Simon.

The wind was surprising subtle. Unlike the Sam Kekovich winds of earlier in the week. The sun had a little sting. Shorts were dusted off. Finally.

James started pitching after whispering to me that he was up for this assignment at a team dinner last night. No drama and no spotlight. His excitement was evident however. The pressure for us is intolerable. For him, he thrives with the responsibility. In the moment.



He was smiling again when he told me he was starting again today. Quiet confidence. Anticipation. We were all invited to Geelong Grammar to a tour of the school this morning where they are all staying together as a team. His little patch in his room was laid out with all his gear. Neat. Blue jersey prominent and poised.

The game started with four strong runs to us. Ben Hunt (2/3) hunted once more. Philibossian (3/4)hit powerfully and we eeked out a couple more runs with a double to Moran and well made singles to Mayo (2/3) and Packer.

Enter James McCallum. He pitched confidently and wisely. Mixing up his pitches as the Victorian boys tried to axe him. He kept them low. Change ups. Fast balls. Guy Bohan-inspired advice. In fourteen pitches he had taken out six of their batters in two innings.



He then dismantled them. He had pitched three innings then four. At the end of the fourth innings he had pitched 24 strikes and 7 balls for 31 pitches. Unheard of at this tournament to date in such a short space of time. Four innings can usually take well over 50 pitches. Sometimes over 80! Typically a pitcher will not last that long as the batters take control.

Around him his teammates were superb. Outstanding catches in the outfield, one wonderful grab by Cameron Power at first base, crisp throwing from Dean Frew, Ben Hunt and brilliance with ground ball pick ups by the strong captain, Philibossian - all supported him magnificently. In addition, the catching was exceptional - Mayo, Bova. Three strike outs – two with curve balls – positioned the team beautifully.



The strength of the teammates' collective faith in him was reflected in the coaches. When one’s son pitches, a glance to the bullpen will point to their angst level. Who are they warming up? It reflects the state of mind of the dugout. Today the bullpen looked like a Federal Government policy ideas booklet. Empty. James was in the frame. No pressure. Confidence was well placed in him instead.

We had struggled after the early hitting spree and sat glumly on 4-0 for three completed innings. Not imposing or dominant at that point. Yet as we entered the fifth innings, the team smelt a mercy victory (this is achieved if after five completed innings for both teams there is a 10 run lead). We hit the accelerator. James Philibossian hit another home run over centrefield, causing a bloke to jump out of his car and try to ‘protect’ his car. Baseball 101: never park your car close to the ground. A baseball hurts more than hail.

Dean Frew punched yet another ball through the hapless infield and Gavin Dixon smashed one to the centrefield fence as well. Gavin pitched magnificently earlier in the week, but hits the ball better. His third at bat for the tournament demonstrated his rich talent. There are plenty more where that came from.

We ended the fifth innings on 13-0 and required James to complete the game. He was aiming for a complete game shut out. One game – one pitcher - no runs. A special moment in any baseball game. The coaches gave him that honour and he had earned it.

This was soon done and with it came great moments of happiness and joy for a young red headed lad from Baulko. Contained and measured as always, but very uplifting and reinvigorating. His team mates and coaches were delighted for him.

More importantly, for the team it meant a lot more. It means that as the semi finals start tomorrow, we have all pitchers available to continue our assault on winning the National Championships. James had spared the coaches any need to call up anyone else. Not one pitch was wasted. 13 blot.



James had pitched a whole game giving up three hits and no runs. Remarkable (particularly given his earlier pitching assignment v ACT!). His smile and appreciation of the generous encouragement and warmth of the parents was outstanding. A young man all of a sudden. The support of the parents for the children of others has made this a super experience...particularly at the tough times. Not always personally satisfying for some, but guided by composed and knowledgeable coaches, we have positioned ourselves grandly. There is much to appreciate.

James was trudging away, head bowed a little as usual with a bottle of Gatorade in hand as we exited. He had arrived. Black Friday could not have been brighter. Liam was proud.



We were later told he was well in line for the MAN OF THE AFTERNOON Award based on his efforts. This is awarded for the best performance by a player in the afternoon games. This could be a mirage...we'll see.

How the sporting wheel turns.

Game 6 v South Australia - 12/1/12

Sometimes watching your son play baseball at a tournament is like going to the dentist every day. It is never meant to be so, but the parent anxiety, desire for your son to excel and succeed is that strong. There is often trepidation about what lies ahead. Today we were visiting the dental factory. Drill? Fillings? Root canal therapy...anyone?

We arrived today to play on Diamond 1 - a sensational auditorium - under sunny skies and with a light breeze. Quite at odds from yesterday's cyclonic conditions. The fellows from Ashley and Martin would have had a busy morning today. Even tattoos were blowing off arms yesterday.

The line up was altered today as South Australia and ourselves were already confirmed in the top four teams. (The final series kicks off on Saturday morning with the top four teams doing battle. Ourselves, Victoria Blue and South Australia are certainties. Queensland and NSW Country are fighting for fourth spot).

The rest play for the plate, the bowl or the dish to the right. Sheep stations over here to the left....

Hunt, Dyer, Moran, Power, Packer, Barbaro, Eckberg, Richardson, McCallum was our line up (from a squad of 17 or so), with James in left field. Some notables were rested, with great confidence shown in the boys representing today. Refreshing.

Two booming hits from South Australian bats sailed well and truly over James' head early, getting the adrenalin going. They were facing Alex Richardson (Bankstown) who did a strong job containing their flashy blades. He is also a younger player who is finding his feet at this level. His parents deserved to be proud today.

Last evening at the ground I chatted to Glenn Williams who is the high performance manager of NSW baseball (and Detroit Lions scout) - he was yesterday inducted into the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame. His knowledge of James' game is pretty intimate, having worked very closely with him and other boys across the winter and more recently in small group clinics. He knows a lot about his game. Mark Shipley, his Baulkham Hills coach too gave his usual brilliant advice. Simple but important points for James to focus on. Texting is a great innovation.



James' first at bat was in the first innings of the game as we went through the whole order (and then some) against their fast, but hittable pitcher.

At the plate, James sat on the first pitch then laced one through second base. His first clean hit. The roar of the parents was quite wonderful and supportive. They too know he is a good kid who tries his best always. It was a nice moment. All parents sit in the dentist's waiting room themselves from time to time. First base is a happy base to be on safely.



Liam started to get the gear off for a nude run before we settled him down.

Ben Hunt, a diminutive lad from Cronulla way, came into the tournament as a relative unknown in many respects but has had a superb tournament. He hit grandly, sensibly, reliably and at every turn. He will be tremendous next year. He hit a triple off Brazier from Victoria Blue. That will be told to grandchildren one day!

Adam Barbaro also hit the ball strongly. A leftie with a great attitude and a quiet, calm and unceasing optimism. He is a winner and contributed strongly.

In the second innings, James got to first on a fielder's choice. He stole a couple of bases (good) and got home before hitting a triple in the next bat. Poised like a cobra, he unleashed... hitting the far fence with a flat line drive of power and substance. Third base is a happier place still.



Two hits is not new, but for James in this tournament it was like a pot of gold falling from the sky at his feet. It was in the bank before anyone noticed it.

His bouyancy under pressure here has been sparkling. He sprints into position and is always ready to play. He exudes confidence and a joy for competing.

His performances over the years under pressure have always been strong. Spectacular even at times...five Grand Final wins, three Champion of Champions victories, Little League finals, State Cup finals, Pitching a complete game to steer Australia to a victory over Canada as a 12 year old, pitching nearly the whole game in the final of the 2011 National Championships in front of 1000 plus crowd - and then hitting a home run....

He has had disappointment and has learned to cope. Cal Ripken was a long taste with the bat. Failure is embarrassing and it is a test - for us all. This tournament from the outset has been that test. When you get too used to success, there is complacency.

Today returned joy to the hearts and smiles to the faces of us all. 20-5 winners.



There were no fillings or dental drills required today. The warmth and enthusiasm of his team mates makes baseball a special sport with which to be involved.

The skies were somewhat bluer on the way back to the car.