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.
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