Friday night sees the opening of the 2009-10 Port Pirie Baseball season under lights at Memorial oval, this being the 50th anniversary of Night Baseball in Port Pirie.
Indications are that it could be a very evenly matched competition in both B grade and A grade, with some clubs focusing on development of younger players.
Focus on youth
The Cats Baseball club has had this focus on youth for a couple of years, which resulted in them introducing a second team into the B grade competition last season.
They will again have two B grade sides, the Blue team which had the focus on juniors last season and who reveled in the challenge winning 4 out of their last 5 games to make last seasons Grand Final. Rohan “Milky” Voumard will again coach this team and is expecting his team to reach the Grand Final again this season.
The White team last year had the more experienced players but this year will have a mix of first and second year players and experienced competitors under the watchful eye of coach Paul Steff.
Tigers Baseball club have also focused on junior development and will have several of last years B grade players pushing for A grade selection this season.
They also have Cody Eglington, and Jordan Fuller who will cement their position in the B grade side and provide support to a number of first year players including Stephen Swayne, Paul Galpin & Dylan Welsh.
It would be expected that both Eglington and Fuller, two promising young players will gain some A grade experience during the season as part of Tigers development program.
The B grade team will be under the watchful eye of coaches Nathan Lynch and Anthony White, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Panthers will be in a similar position to last season with little change in their B grade side. However they will still have the likes of Kyle Templer, Sunil Cook, Chris “Chucky” Patterson and the stalwart of Pirie Baseball Don Patterson.
In the A grade there have been a couple of transfers between clubs, with
Scott Smith moving from Panthers to Cats and Mick Waters who had a season off from Baseball, has also moved to Cats from Tigers.
Positive for Cats
These transfers will certainly help the Cats Baseball club. Their lack of Pitching depth in recent seasons has been one of their weaknesses, Scott Smith a capable Pitcher will help fill that void.
Mick Waters is a stand out Short Stop and will help strengthen the infield and provide much required batting support.
Cats have also regained Scott Wardle a very capable Catcher and Third Base player and Jason Adams who can provide another Pitching option as well as infield or outfield roles. Both of these players will provide further strength to the Cats offensive line up.
Cats also have some of last years youngsters who will be expected to step up, including Bradley Bishop and Dylan Roberts as well as creating the opportunity for first year players such as Kieran Clayton.
Tigers A grade coach Justin Adams has openly endorsed his clubs approach to junior development. He is expecting ups and downs during the season but has confidence in his group of youngsters and the more experienced players.
Number one pitcher
Brett “Chippy” Fuller is again expected to be their number one Pitcher with support from Will Hackett and last years development prospect, Nick Hancock.
Unfortunately for Tigers their Catcher Nathan Lynch is out with a knee injury incurred in the recent SA country championships, he is expected to be out of action for approx 4 weeks. Paul Spooner will take over the Catchers role with support from Matt Crosnier, a first year player for Tigers last season Matt is another one of Tigers development prospects.
Other players to watch for are the stalwarts Jeremy Mathews an exciting Second Base player, Mark Bridly, Shannon Edwards, Peter Hombsch at First Base and the improving Nigel Walsh.
Tigers have lost Anthony White through retirement but he will continue to support the club coaching the B grade team.
Little change
Panthers had little change in their team last year and it appears to be the same for the coming season. However last year they were the standout performers, finishing minor premiers and going on to win the Grand final.
Dale Kenyon will again coach the A grade team, a strong hitter he will probably fill the First base role and may also provide relief on the Pitchers mound.
Panthers also have two Pitchers who are both strong hitters in Tate Bradly winner of the Capps medal for the Best & Fairest and Troy Harrison who pitched the game of the season to help them win the Grand final.
They will be supported by Corey Taylor also a competent batter who may share the Catching duties with Matt White as well as Rowan Neck, Tim Bessen and Kane Wallace.
Cats Blue and White meet in the season’s first B Grade game
The B grade games commence at 6-00pm with Cats Blue versus Cats White on the South diamond, with the more experienced Cats Blue considered favorites.
On the North diamond it will be Panthers versus Tigers with Tigers as last years premiers expected to win.In the A grade Tigers have the double header commencing at 7-45pm with the first game against Panthers. Due to the uncertainty in the Panthers line up Tigers would have to start favorites.
In the second game starting at 9-30pm Tigers will be up against Cats. Tigers are again expected to be favorites as Cats have had significant changes in their playing line up and are yet to play as a team.
Entry to the games is free and there is food and drinks available. Forecast temperature for Friday is 32 degrees with little wind, which sets the scene for a balmy evening. So come along for the season opener, have tea with the children a couple of drinks with your mates and watch the Baseball.
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