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.

Game 5 v Western Australia - 11/1/12

This morning the Geelong weather started out as atrocious, with horizontal rains and driving winds that were a sight to behold. The joint is in chaos down here. Everyone should vote immediately for the Greens. The skies came as clouds, went as rain and in between we also had hail.

The Quicksilver boardies are as popular as Ivan Milat.

The game today was a 3.00pm start and by that time, sun had peeped through and rain appeared at regular intervals. The fields dry quicker than Brad Haddin's mouth - not his gloves.

All the time, the wind was gale force (Terry, Scott and Brett Gale combined). In fact, the conditions were so bad it was insulting. No wonder Gary Ablett kicked a squillion AFL goals at Kardinia. The wind would let you kick it from 80 metres out.

No surprise then that today's game brought three home runs - two to us (Phillibossian -contested - Mayo and Frew) and one to WA. The winds that have prevailed all week, persisted.

We set out in a tight contest. WA were vocal and intense. We were circumspect and reserved. Strike outs, ground outs and a struggle emerged. It was tight. Until Philibossian smashed a home run - one which was contested by the umpires but one which sailed over the fence to everyone's eyes except the umpires' eyes. Honest fieldsmen are like honest North Korean dictators in these parts.

Our pitcher, Nick Eckberg (Cronulla), was superb. He pitched tightly and with great speed. He dominated their batting with lots of strikes and lots of strike outs. His subtelty and guile was outstanding. He was our best to date without doubt.

Hitting with the wind here gives every batter a huge advantage. It is a 30 - 40 metre wind. There would be golf handicaps which would be eclipsed here while all the while keeping the driver in the bag.

Conversely, pitchers probably drop 5-10 kmph when pitching into it. It turns umbrellas inside out, blows car doors open to scape poles and it was the type of wind to drive dogs to distraction. But while some of the mums are not in that class, we did have a stray dog interrupt the game for five minutes as it strolled around the infield unfettered. The dopey owner soon was howled down - some called for his being put down. His dog was wilder than the weather. Where is a stray Tim Tam when you need one?

On the field it was systematic dismantling of their attack. Our firepower in the batting box is too much. Frew, Dyer, Philibossian, Power, Moran, Packer, Mayo....on it goes. Relentless.

We were capable of a couple of errors again today in the field and these may prove costly eventually. Nonetheless, we triumphed 11-6, extending our lead when Claude Bova strode to the mound. His size, power and calm disposition was just what was required. He blasted them and curved balls to unseat their confidence. Zac Moran finished them off with great efficiency.



Dean Frew hit brilliantly for the most part again. Twice being on full count he rose to the occasion. His home run over left field was superb. The sound off the bat had the text messages sent before it landed.

Phillibossian has also begun to come into his own. He was crisp today.

From our viewpoint, James was pitchforked belatedly into the game in the final innings and made solid contact once more, before being caught from a skied ball. Sound familiar?

It is a difficult proposition to explain to the uninitiated how this transpires, but our guy is struggling. Not with the occasion, but with timing and rythmn. Our hope is that his next pitching assignment also brings greater reward, but the bats are certainly blazing at this tournament - not the pitchers. The ridiculous wind which only ever blows from behind every hitter - and into every pitcher's squinting eyes - on every diamond - makes it more likely too.



One innings games are becoming the norm for James and realistically, this is probably what was expected (or less) - particularly when he has not been hitting the ball. Every 'at bat' is a golden chance to prove something better. To show supporters and coaches of their mistaken understanding of his ability...to show himself that he belongs...to show his brother that the game is harder than it looks and to show you all that in Year 8 you can play aginst Year 11 boys and still triumph.

Game 4 v Victoria (Blue) - 10/1/12

After the sun of Perth last year, Geelong has made going to the beach more remote than the re-election of Julia Gillard. The wind springs up early morning and howls all day. Southern Ocean stuff. The clouds roll in, the rain follows, the sun breaks through…Melbourne. Temperatures around 20 degrees are unusual for the northerners at this time of year. The whinging is alive and well. Jackets are more popular than Normie Rowe’s Coles advertisements.

Arriving at the ground this morning, the buzz centred on the speed of the Victoria (Blue) first pitcher, Luke Brazier. People queued to watch his warm up. He had the scouts in a flap as he hurled down his missiles in the mid 80 miles per hour. 85, 86, 84 mph were three readings I saw. Extremely quick for a fifteen/ sixteen year old. As a result our batting looked lame. Zoot, swish, nil, nothing….

As the ball smashed into the catcher’s mit, it sounded like a gun shot.

Cameron Power though cracked one deep and was caught, proving that the bats could work. Eckberg got a walk. Rare gold as we limped to a 5 run deficit. The first base coach may as well have called for a chair. He was redundant.

It was not before Ben Hunt, a fighting young lean lad from Cronulla, sliced a triple did we get anywhere near a run. Brazier dominated so much it was awesome.

When he was taken from the mound, having reached his pitching limit, we began to re-build. The game became more equal with their secondary pitchers, showing a chink in their armour. Hits came more readily and we rallied to a two run deficit. Hits to Frew (2/3) who was again strong and singles to Power, Packer, Mayo, O’Connell, Richardson and Philibossian was the sum of it.

Unlike the opposition who went very hard at us, the young brigade (all first year 14 year old players) did nearly all the pitching today as we tried to keep a few tricks from Victoria, while still being competitive.

Gavin Dixon led off with a great level of composure and speed. Brad Simon was scratchy and Dan Myrmell pitched more than he had all season in all levels of baseball. Joel Dyer pitched some ‘junk’ at the end and did a good job. In reality, we did very well to hold them and then get close.

Our fielding was reasonable. Catches were taken when required, but it was often messy. Inaccurate catcher throws, a dropped catch in the infield and some slow outfield efforts to gather in loose hits contributed to a ballooning final score. By the end, the gap had widened to 14-8.



James only played the last innings fielding at centrefield with zest and composed assurance. He was what became the last bat of the game making great contact but being caught in right field. A tough result, but that is the game. He has hit the ball every time he has batted, but is finding fielders everywhere. Unlucky batters don’t become frequent batters at this level.

Coming in at sporadic intervals to bat is certainly a challenge. Opportunities float and fall. The consistency that regular batting brings is not on offer yet…and may not be.
However, he is learning a lot and seeing a standard in certain aspects of the game – especially pitching - that he needs to reach.



He remains upbeat and has the glint in his eye that has been sparkled and twinkled over the years in Hills reps and at his Baulkham Hills club side games. He is raring to play and needs to deliver.

Game 3 v ACT - 9/1/12

The ACT is a collection of local Canberra hopefuls and is supplemented by players who through injury, form or otherwise, have been given a "wildcard" of sorts to play at the tournament by their home states. It is a valuable opportunity for these boys to play competitively and further their abilities. There are some good players, some surprising players and some emerging ones. Nonetheless they are popular with the crowds who see them rightly as firm underdogs and a fighting force.

Our first innings got us 11 runs ahead. It stretched on beyond half an hour. Frew, Dyer, Phillibossian, Power, Moran, Whitely, Hunt, Packer, Myrmell was the starting side. There were more walks than a retirement home and some lusty hitting. Philibossian nudged one over the fence, aided by a howling gale which made pitching challenging, outfirled catching tough and hitting tempting. All others hit solidly too. Joel Dyer (Kellyville) is having some sort of tournament. He has been a dominant hitter and highly focused. Cameron Power (Hawkesbury-Baulkham Hills) has also been very spirited and talented to date. His work at first base has been first rate.

As the ball whistled to all parts of the ground, our coaching staff were able to rotate their pitchers and the whole batting line up at different stages as we surged past 20 unanswered runs.

Different pitchers came, tasted and went in the five innings before we enforced the mercy rule.

Cronulla's Claude Bova was strong at the start, Richardson fast but walked quite a few and Mayo powerful at the end.



Wedged in between, James also pitched one innings as part of this rotation - and learned a lot.
His very first pitch was called high by the dugout and catcher and surprisingly, but magnificently, it was bombed for a home run! Typically the first pitch is 'taken' and looked at. Not this one. A huge hit which just made it, assisted by the Geelong doctor, but a home run regardless. The price of a pitch left high. A shock in some ways, but a test of character.

What followed were two great strike outs showing change ups and curve balls, but there were three errors in the field around this. A simply skied dropped catch at Short Stop that had Liam reaching for his glove (unbelievable really), an extremely poor throw from third for a basic out which went wild and a stuff up in the outfield straight out of a B Grade Hollywood kids baseball movie. All the time, the pitcher is meant to smile and carry on. There is no alternative.

James, wearing the 25 jersey this campaign after his favoured 23 was already taken by a team mate who played last year, has much to work on with his pitching - as successful as he has been at times. His velocity needs to be accelerated through a refined technique to dominate as opponents get older and stronger. His poise and positioning has improved and his variety is sound. The beauty of youth.

He is learning the tough side to pitching. He is also learning what was feared, that hard pitching assignments in games across a full club and rep season matters - not being rested and 'protected'.



Others too were struck out trying to dent the houses of the neighbouring suburb, others struck out looking at lobbed pitches. It was embarrassing for a few players, but a product of a very different standard. Nonetheless, the team secured a commanding win 21-2.

James' single at bat saw him rifle a shot between second and first and a diving horizontal catch from the first baseman was breathtakingly good.

It was that sort of day.

Nonetheless, we are about to be tested closely in the coming games against much more fancied opponents. Victoria (Blue) have one lad who throws his pitches in the mid 80 miles per hour. As a team they are humble and together in a different way to last year's team, but they support each other well.

Our last view of James as we left the carpark was him being hugged by the captain, James Philibossian who is a quality kid and roommate on this tour. James was also running harder than all others and running first in the 'warm down' after the game.

Managing disappointment defines the person.

Work makes free.



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Game 2 v NSW Country 8/1/12

After having played many warm up games against our New South Wales Country cousins – a team consisting of many of the winning State Cup Central Coast side – today was a day when the crop failed and the sheep were fleeced. Under cloudy and miserable skies – and a torrential overnight downpour or two - we ran out eventual victors 24-7 in a romp at the end. Overnight and in the morning, no play was predicted but the characteristically bleak Melbourne weather proved unpredictable. We started on time at 9.00am.

However early on our propensity to both score – and leak – runs was as entertaining as it was alarming. Dean Frew again got amongst it (2/3), as did Philibossian (2/3), Mayo (2/3), Hunt (2/3) and Moran (2/3). We struggled early (down 6-7 after two completed innings) and some more errors spoilt the party. Dyer and Philibossian, our pivots, were the unlucky ones today. However, there was some good work amongst the field generally.



James started at centre field again and did not have to do anything bar one bleeder dropping in front of him with him rounding in a skidding high bounce on the wet Astroturf field and hurling it to a just safe runner at third.

No outfield catches were hit or taken.

Simply put, New South Wales Country were dominated outside of the very good work of one of the NSW discards (who played in James’ winning U/14 National Champions Team last year) and one of James’ good Cronulla baseball mates – Bailey Musulin (3/3) – who found himself as a catcher left out of the catcher-rich NSW squad. His revenge was sweet, hitting us strongly and consistently.



At the plate James had three bats. He skied one long and deep to right field and was caught, nonetheless securing a key run for the team at a tight moment in the game. He then scored another run with a ball just past but to their second base fielder – and finished with a walk from a pitcher who walked five batters. Solid team play, but nothing flashy. A bit like him.

Players were soon leaving their bats in the dugout and instead taking walkathon sponsorship cards up to the umpire at this stage of the game.

Brad Simon and Gavin Dixon both pitched strongly. As younger players – who are both well over six foot at the age of 14 - who can play again next year, this was a huge plus.

In the crowd were a number of scouts, with one pictured here, good enough to pose for me.



By game’s end there was sunshine on the field, but not in the NSW Country dugout. The Melbourne weather happily sunburnt the unsuspecting Sydney siders. In the end, the Country team were swamped but had held their better pitchers back from playing us. Tournament play requires tough decisions surrounding pitching rotations. Our challenges with pitching lie ahead.

Game One - v Queensland 7/1/12

Overnight James sent a small, late and humble text message to indicate he would start at centre field in Game One against Queensland. We are always very proud of him but never moreso than with this great compliment to his focus and dedication. It represented a great reward for his hard work and desire.

In a tournament of this length however, high rotation of many boys will simultaneously generate and allay every baseball parent's angst about their son's amount of game time. Of course everyone's son is ‘gifted and talented’. Inevitably and somewhat difficult to accept for some, is the fact that some boys are simply more talented than others. Life.

With the incompetence of JetStar confirmed through a delayed flight to Avalon, we arrived at the bottom of the third innings to find the score locked up at 3-3. Hire cars should also come with mandatory GPS systems. Like steering wheels. Very good for the marriage.



Under cloudy skies and in still conditions (early 20's in temperature and no sun), the nerves of many of the boys from both sides were immediately evident with unexpected errors from seasoned campaigners – Dyer, Frew and Moran. The intense preparation and high expectations the boys hold for themselves presents as a strong formula for success – and at times disappointment.

Adding to this mix was James McCallum who turfed a tough running chance in the outfield and was surprisingly unsteady with one ground ball. Fortuitously, James did not receive an official ‘error’ marked against his name – the blackest of fielding marks in baseball. Scorer salvation. Effort made the chance. Technique spilt it. Unfortunately, his work at centre field had been exemplary in the lead up. The heat of the battle matters most however - and ultimately defines the player. More opportunities await.

The baseball diamond that the boys played on was a full Astroturf/ synthetic number in an exceptional high quality complex in Waurn Ponds, Geelong. It is a humming venue with the U/16 and U/18 team competitions running simultaneously. Nearby was the famed Kardinia Park (home of the Geelong AFL Cats) which helped Liam’s T20 game post match.



Adding to the spectacle and the atmosphere is the presence of scouts from many of the US Major League clubs armed with fancy tracksuits, speed guns and clipboards. These things come in handy for Police – and backyard cricket as well. Self importance can be a bluff for work.

As the game unfolded, Dean Frew stood tallest. He hit four from five at bats (4/5) and as a first year U/16 player, he dominated. No surprise, but a welcome change from last year’s tournament. His confidence and aggression with the bat was tremendous. He hit a towering triple to left field, Adam Barbaro (first year – 1/4) hit an earlier triple and both older Hills boys, Cameron Power (1/2) and Joel Dyer (2/3) hit strongly and handsomely. Hits however were at a premium with only ten for the seven innings match from the sky blue NSW team.

James had one at bat. He hit the ball to the left of second base (but not far beyond) to sensibly score a vital run (RBI), bringing the game to 3-3. He advanced to second on a balk and was left stranded on base at third when the innings closed. That was the first and last bat for his outing against Queensland.

Queensland were full of tall boys who could no doubt reach the bananas on trees. No ladders required. They looked like they had eaten a fair few too. Big, strapping fellows of mean intent who made Luke Oxenham look like a bat boy. Their resurgence (a la State of Origin) late in the game edged them ahead to be 7-6 up with our final bat to come.

We were under pressure. Barbaro ground out, Whitely scored after a Packer single and at 7-7 we suddenly had two out and one runner on second base - Ethan Packer (a designated hitter) from Cronulla - who had just been entered into the contest.

With two outs and staring at an extension to the game, enter Dean Frew.



He scrambled and scratched, fought and resisted. Ultimately he laced one to centre field from the clutches of their athletic short stop, scored the runner (Packer), pushed us to 8-7 and secured the much treasured tournament points. It was a polished strike, showing great poise and patience under considerable pressure.

Starting tournaments with a win sets a platform for success. The coaches were quietly reassured, fending off eager overweight St John’s Ambulance women armed with blood pressure equipment. The team had gone out hard for a victory – and eeked out a win. Not impressive, but effective.
Each team is played once in the preliminary rounds before the semis and finals. Twelve days of the contest lie ahead yet. For most, the nerves were put to bed and the campaign now begins in earnest. The sound of tumbling rain however may frustrate the pace.

For James, opportunity knocks but only for those who open the door.