Posts by: NorthEasternBaseball
NEBA wins U14 State Winter Championships & All Girls Invitational
The North Eastern Baseball Association (NEBA) had a successful weekend in Bendigo at the Baseball Victoria U14 State Winter Championships and All Girls Invitational, with two sides winning their division’s against the state’s budding baseballers, and the third mixed side coming runners-up. NEBA had a combined total of 40+ representatives in the red and blue with players, coaches, umpires and other officials proudly showcasing our league.
The U14s beat La Trobe Valley Baseball Association (LVBA) 13 – 6 in the Division 2 title at Maiden Gulley Recreation Reserve. The 13-person squad was selected from juniors from our five local clubs. The side won 3 out of 4 of the round robin games to secure their spot in the grand final against LVBA. The team put on an outstanding batting display in the final with Roman Ilievski, Ethan Simmons and Tom Snell picking up run-scoring hits, whilst Tom and Harlan Gambier dominated on the pitcher’s mound. A key highlight for this side is that six of them are still in the U12 age group, who will travel to Werribee to compete at the U12 State Winter Championships at the end of July.
The All Girls Invitational was divided into two age groups – 16 & Under and 13 & Under. The NEBA 16U side was the only association team to compete with players from their home league. All other sides were made up of girls from across the state. The 12 person squad went undefeated for the weekend, showing strong promise for the future of women’s baseball in our region. “Our girls were consistent with the bat, and their camaraderie was unmatched by any other side. When the going got tough they backed one another and got the job done” Coach Nathan Pool said of his team, “our pitchers were a dominating force, with Sophie Berry and Paige Anders blowing past some of the state’s best hitters.” Sophie Berry threw 7 strike outs against 13 batters for the weekend, an incredible effort from a bottom-aged pitcher.
There were 3 additional girls who played in the 13U Baseball Victoria Royals team, Tayla Wilson, Lillie Brockwell and Charlie Smedley, came second, losing by one in their grand final. The mixed side was a great opportunity for them to make new friends and learn from different coaches.
Each side is awarded a MVP based on votes from the opposition coach, with Roman Ilievski picking up the U14 MVP and Grace Castello crowned the All Girls side MVP.
NEBA will in turn host the U18 State Winter Championships in Wangaratta on 6 & 7 July at Targoora Park. With six sides competing for the coveted championship title, some of the State’s best junior baseball is sure to be on display. NEBA warmly welcomes all to join us to celebrate Baseball Victoria’s Youth.
| U14s | Girls | U18s |
| Roman Ilievski Sebastian Clear Griffin Meyers Lucas Hoare Riley Coyne Tom Snell Kazu Anderson Mack Cannan Harlan Gambier Edward Carmody Morrie Evans Ethan Simmons Jordan Daniel Coaches / Manager: Michael Clear, Keith Quinn and Peter Anderson Scorers: Donna Hoare, Sally Simmons | Sophie Berry Paige Anders Sophie Anders Grace Castello Maddie Ryan Makayla Pool Matilda Baker Ayla McCallum Makiah McCallum Samara McCallum Charlotte Kenny Jessie Hoare Tayla Wilson Charlie Smedley Lillie Brockwell Coaches / Manager: Nathan Pool, Heath Anders, Scott McCallum Scorers: Renee Berry, Donna Hoare | Angus Weal Makayla Pool Blake Boon Oliver Gray Josh Wells Mikayla Jonker Michael Nistico Austin Clear Oliver Clear Oscar Maiden Ryan Brockwell Tanner Godenzi Taylor Jones Lachlan Rosser Liam Quinton Luca Barthelmes Coaches / Manager: Keith Quinn, Bill Clear, Daniel Wells Scorers: Jodie Wells, Donna Hoare |
2023 Season Recap
North Eastern Baseball Association had 129 seniors and 121 juniors with 203 total male and 47
female participants across five clubs: North Albury Bears, Wangaratta Rangers, Benalla Bandits,
Porepunkah Panthers, and Wodonga Warriors.
NEBA established a C Grade competition which was designed to bridge the gap between U15s
and seniors for our U18 cohort of players. The C Grade also provided a place for beginners to
kick start their baseball journey. The C Grade introduction resulted in four additional sides to
our competition. We also welcomed back the Benalla Bandits U15 side who did not have enough
numbers in 2022. Congratulations to the Benalla Bandits for re-entering this side.
One key highlight of NEBA’s 2023 season was the inaugural All-Girls team at the All-Girls Winter
Invitational. NEBA was the only association to enter a full team into the competition – it was a
fantastic opportunity for our girls to showcase their skills. Additionally, NEBA entered a U12s side
for the first time at the State Winter Championships. We weren’t sure how our tiny team would
go based on coach pitch rules played in our local competition, but the youngsters rose to the
challenge and did the league proud.
NEBA also entered sides in the U14, U16, U18 and Senior State Winter Championships.
Additionally, we were set to host the U18 SWC at our Wangaratta facility, however due to weather
the weekend was cancelled.
Our League Premiers were:
A grade: Bears defeated Rangers 16 – 4; MVP – Mark Taylor (Bears)
B grade: Wangaratta Rangers Orange defeated Rangers Grey 7 – 6; MVP – Sam Grigg (Orange)
C Grade: Porepunkah Panthers defeated Wodonga Warriors 10-9; MVP – Luca Barthelmes
(Porepunkah)
U15’s: Wodonga Warriors defeated Wangaratta Rangers 3 – 2; MVP – Asish Basnet (Warriors)
U12’s: Bears defeated Porepunkah 17 – 7; MVP – Flynn Vines (Bears)
To re-watch the A, B & C grand final livestreams visit: https://allinsports.com.au/baseball
2023 A Grade Premiers
Albury Bears
2023 B Grade Premiers
Wangaratta Orange
2023 C Grade Premiers
Porepunkah Panthers
2023 U12 Premiers
Albury Bears
2023 U15 Premiers
Wodonga Warriors
2023 A Grade Grand Final MVP
Mark Taylor
2023 B Grade Grand Final MVP
Sam Grigg
2023 C Grade Grand Final MVP
Luca Barthelmes
2023 U12 Grand Final MVP
Flynn Vines
2023 U15 Grand Final MVP
Asish Basnet
2023 NEBA Representative Tryouts
With a new season comes a new opportunity to try out for the NEBA representative sides. This year NEBA are looking to submit teams in EVERY age group of the State Winter Championships.
Children as young as 8 years old can compete in the Under12’s and are encouraged to tryout for the team.
U12 – Brendan Simmons (ALBURY BEARS)
U14 – Keith Quinn & Bill Clear (WODONGA)
U16 – Keith Quinn & Bill Clear (WODONGA) Owen Godenzi (WANGARATTA)
U18 – Ed Simmons (ALBURY) Nathan Pool (WANGARATTA)
SENIORS – Nathan Pool (WANGARATTA) Tom Simmons (ALBURY)
Please seek out these people if you would like to place your name on a potential player list or discuss training schedules.
Age Group Minimum Age
Under 12 8 years of age
Under 14 11 years of age
Under 16 13 years of age
Under 18 15 years of age
Seniors 15 years of age
All In Sports
Thanks to All in sports for their support this year. Check out the first eps of season 2023
Baseball well and truely alive in the North East
On the back of yet another successful season the North Eastern Baseball Association have been forced to include another competition to their 2023 draw. After years of success and growing junior numbers the leagues board decided to introduce an 18 and under competition to accommodate those junior players that were left with the large jump from Under 15’s to senior baseball. Sides from Benalla, Wangaratta, Porepunkah, Albury and Wodonga will play on a senior diamond with some modified rules yet to be determined.
NEBA League President Heath Anders welcomed the addition due to the increasing numbers across the association. “We have kids coming out of the Under 15’s competition and to throw them in the deep end by involving them in the senior teams is just a little too much for some kids. Giving them this pathway is the only option to ensure the growth of the league” says Anders.
Baseball in the North East is played on a Sunday and it has been discussed that these newly scheduled games should start around 10am and play for two hours. All teams are able to supply equipment for those that do not have their own, and uniforms are available upon request making baseball an easy sport to begin. “Getting involved in baseball is as simple as contacting your nearest club and bringing a hat” says NEBA junior coordinator Owen Godenzi. “The draw-cards of baseball are that it is non contact, it’s great for hand-eye motor skills, it is hugely social and everyone on the team is involved. Everyone bats and everyone fields more than once.”
In 2022 the NEBA competed in the Under 14’s, Under 16’s and Under 18’s State Winter Championships with the aim to replicate this but also adding in an Under12’s team to the mix. These representative teams travel all over the State taking on the best of what country baseball has to offer. “With the support of our local Macca’s restaurants we have been able to purchase new representative uniforms for all senior and junior players for this coming season. This is huge for the league as baseball is a servilely under funded sport” Anders added. “Without Maccas our kids wouldn’t look as good as they do and some parents may not have been able to afford to kit out these kids”
With the season draw set to be announced any day now it’s time for you to find your nearest club and find out how you can join in. www.northeasternbaseball.com.au
Under 14’s State Winter Championships
For the first time in many years the North Eastern Baseball Association took away 18 of the most promising juniors to Bendigo to compete against the states best. Keith Quinn and Bill Clear from Wodonga lead the team assisted by Executive Officer Owen Godenzi from Wangaratta.
The first game on the Saturday morning had the NE taking on an all Girls All Star team and this one went down to the wire
| BV AS | 5 | 2 | 5 | – | – | – | – | 12 | 3 | 5 |
| NRTH | 5 | 5 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 10 | 3 | 1 |
Despite a 5-run deficit in the first inning, North Eastern Baseball Association almost came all the way back, eventually falling 12-10 to BV Allstars Grey. North Eastern Baseball Association scored five runs in the failed comeback on a error during Makiah McCallum‘s at bat in the first, a error during Josh Wells‘s at bat in the first, a walk by Blake Boon in the first, and a single by Noah Boyd in the second.
North Eastern Baseball Association scored five runs in the second inning. Boyd had an RBI single in the inning to lead the run scoring.
Grace Castello was on the pitcher’s mound for North Eastern Baseball Association. Castello went one-third of an inning, allowing five runs on zero hits and striking out one. Clarence Lampa and Sophie Berry entered the game from the bullpen, throwing one and one-third innings and one-third of an inning respectively.
Asish Basnet, Wells, and Boyd all had one hit to lead North Eastern Baseball Association. North Eastern Baseball Association tore up the base paths, as two players stole at least two bases. Wells led the way with three.
Game 2 has us taking on the host team Bendigo.
| NRTH | 0 | 5 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| BNDG | 4 | 4 | – | – | – | – | – | 8 | 2 | 0 |
Bendigo started strongly shutting us down and scoring four runs to open their account early. As their bench continued to made a big racket it was Alya McCallum who silenced them. With two down she whacked one over their left fielders head to drive in 2 of our 5 runs that inning to put us back in the game.
Makayla Pool and
Noah Boyd threw really well and we were back in it before time was called and the scores reverted back in favour of Bendigo 8-5.
Game 3 v Geelong
| GLNB | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | – | – | – | 7 | 9 | 2 |
| NRTH | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | – | – | 3 | 1 | 3 |
North Eastern Baseball Association fired up the offense in the first inning after holding the tournament winners Geelong scoreless in their first inning when Oscar Maiden took a blinder out at Left Field to end the inning. Blake Boon singled on a 1-1 count, scoring our first run.
Geelong pulled away for good with five runs in the second inning and two runs in the top of the third, before we managed to answer with two of our own. Grace Castello pulled off a brilliant catch at Short Stop to stop the flow of runs before Cooper Kimball drew a walk at his at bat, scoring one run.
Tanner Godenzi was on the mound for North Eastern. The hurler surrendered five runs on four hits over two innings, striking out three. Makiah McCallum threw one and one-third innings in relief.
Boon led North Eastern Baseball Association with one hit in one at bat.
Game 4 v Latrobe Valley
| NRTH | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | – | – | – | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| LTRB | 4 | 5 | 5 | – | – | – | – | 14 | 5 | 1 |
Latrobe Valley Baseball Association jumped out to an early lead over North Eastern Baseball Association and took home a 14-4 victory on Saturday. Blake Boon was brilliant on the mound for NE but the scoreline doesn’t reflect this. Boon struck out 4 batters but went unrewarded as they all reached 1st on drop third strikes. In relief Asish Basnet threw one inning out of the bullpen and once again threw plenty of strikes picking up another two strikeouts . Not a bad effort from a player that had never stepped on the the mound before this tournament. Grace Castello closed out the game in style only needing to throw 6 pitches before the end of the third inning came around.
Our players struggled a little with the bat as Mikaiah McCallum, Asish Basnet and Makayla Pool (2B) were the only players to record safe hits.
Congratulations to all the players that participated throughout this championship. You all did the North Eastern Baseball Association proud. Big shout out to our Bat Boy Kazu Anderson, what a champion.
| Noah | Boyd |
| Oliver | Clear |
| Kazu | Anderson (BatBoy) |
| Josh | Wells |
| Sophie | Berry |
| Clarence | Lampa |
| Ayla | McCallum |
| Makiah | McCallum |
| Oscar | Maiden |
| Matilda | Baker |
| Tanner | Godenzi |
| Cooper | Kimball |
| Ashsh | Basnet |
| Blake | Boon |
| Grace | Castello |
| Makayla | Pool |
| Roman | Ilievski |
| Kevin | Pool |
| Maddison | Ryan |
Under 18’s State Winter Championships 2022
For the first time since 2017, the North East Baseball Association were hosts to the Baseball Victoria’s under 18’s baseball carnival.
This carnival was held in Wangaratta on the Wangaratta Baseball Softball Sports Club’s diamond at Targoora Park. North East entered a squad of 16 boys and girls who played together for the first time although North East players had never played in a carnival situation before. They had some of the leagues most experienced leaders in team manager, Keith Quinn, coach Ed Simmons and assistant coach, Nathan Pool to show leadership. The carnival was played as a round robin with each of the six teams playing one another. The weather did not allow for good baseball but the clubs had the diamonds in good condition.
Although North East won only one game out of the five they played, the experience that these young players gained from more experienced teams from Latrobe Valley, City West, Ringwood, Dandenong and Geelong was something that they will carry forward into their baseball future.
Nick Jonker from Wangaratta Rangers was voted the North East’s most valuable player by the opposition coaches.
North East Baseball Association get another chance this weekend to show their future when they send another rep team to Bendigo for the Victorian Baseball U14’s carnival.
North East Baseball Under 18’s Squad ~ Top row – Nathan Pool- ass coach, Nick Jonker, Heath French, Baylin Ford, Zac Gower-Jones, Angus Weal, Kaleb Hoare, Ollie Chambers, Ethan Edwards, Sayah Parley, Keith Quinn – manager, bot row – Austin Clear, Hunter Wilson, Joseph Lotan, Liam Cathie, Ollie Gray.
Absent – Mikayla Jonker, Lachlan Rosser, Eddie Simmons – coach, Steph Odewahn – scorer
Great day for the Rangers
All games of round two in the North East Baseball were played at Targoora Park, Wangaratta on Sunday.
It was the first game for the two junior grades when Wangaratta Rangers played Bears in the Under 11’s. It was good to see that both clubs had very good numbers, Bears with 12 players and the Rangers had 15. Most of the Bears played last season and were much better batters than the younger Rangers. Bears batted in six runs in each of their turns at bat where the Rangers only scored six runs in their last dig. Each team can only have seven batters face the pitcher in each turn at bat. Bears won 18 to 6.
In the Under 15’s game both clubs had the full side of nine players. Bears batted first and brought in three runs before they lost their third out. Rangers had much the same team that they had last season with the addition of Clarence Lampa and Kazu Anderson coming in up from last seasons Under 11’s. Rangers did in this game what Bears did in the game before losing only one batter before the seventh batter rule, bringing in six runs in each of their digs whilst holding Bears to add just one more in their next two innings. Rangers turned the tables to win 18 runs to Bears 4.
Both Rangers “B” grade teams had good wins, Rangers Orange defeated Bears seven runs to tow. Kelsey Burder, Brad Murdoch and Sean Whiteman all driving in runs with Burder leading the batting with two safe hits. Rangers Grey defeated Wodonga Warriors in the other “B” grade game 16 runs to 6 . Brendon French pitched the full game for Rangers Grey allowing only nine hits and six runs while striking out five and walking one. Sean Warfe showed the way batting 1000, having three safe hits from three at bats.
In the “A” game Rangers Black played Bears. Tetsu Kamiyama started on the mound for Rangers with new player Johnathan Taylor as catcher and not having played together before. Bears first batter hit straight back to the pitcher for the first out having thrown only three pitches, second batter got on first base from a safe hit to left field but was left out there when the next two batters did not reach first base. Rangers only had three batters face the pitcher in their turn at bat, going three up, three down. Bears brought in one run in each of their next three turns at bat and although they were getting runners on base, they could not bring anyone home. Bear held a three-run lead at the top of the fifth innings.
A change in pitcher by Rangers brought Nathan Pool on the mound. Bears run rate was topped and the Rangers lifter their game with their batting. With two down and one run in with bases loaded, Owen Godenzi came up to bat with a full count on him. He met the next pitch with perfection, hitting the ball over the home run line at left field for a grand slam, bringing in four runs and Rangers hit the lead. The first time in many years against the Bears, they added another two runs in the next two digs to run out winners. Rangers 7 runs to Bears 3.
Written by Kevin Pool
24th April 2022
Mark Davis showed timely hitting on Sunday, driving in four on two hits to lead Albury Bears past the Wodonga Warriors 16-4 on Sunday. Davis drove in runs on a single in the first and a double in the third.
Wodonga scored three runs in the seventh inning to close the gap, but Albury Bears still managed to pull out the victory. The big inning for Wodonga came thanks to a walk by Jayden Barter, a single by Ashley Meyers, and a groundout by Jesse Griffiths.
Albury got things moving in the first inning scoring one run when Greg Daniel singled.
Albury then notched up six runs in the third inning as Davis, Jessica Thompson, Tom Simmons, Brendan Simmons, and Daniel all moved runners across the plate.
Daryl Tuffey was on the mound for the Bears. Tuffey went two and a third innings, allowing three runs on four hits and striking out two.
Meyers started the game for Wodonga. The hurler allowed five hits and six runs over one-third of an inning. Fraser Chadwick and Griffiths entered the game as relief, throwing four innings and one and two-thirds innings respectively.
Albury racked up 12 safe hits. Ben McCracken, Simmons, Davis, and Alex Clayton each collected multiple hits while T Simmons and McCracken all had three hits to lead the Bears.
Kane Scott went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Wodonga, they were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error in the field as Barter made the most plays with seven.
NEBA Umpire Seminar
Saturday April 9 at Wangaratta Baseball Diamond. 10am start lunch will be provided.
The seminar will cater for all levels of umpiring. From 1st time umpires to seasoned umpires.
3 experienced instructors will be on hand. Including the Victorian Director of Umpiring and 2 umpires with ABL experience.
Seminar will cover:
Overview of basic rules
Umpire responsibilities
Positioning for calls at all bases
Positioning for calling balls & strikes
What to bring/wear
Bring a hat and a water bottle as we will be on the field for a number of hours.
Wear comfortable shoes and pants that you can run in. Preferably not jeans.
If you have any umpire gear please bring it. Gear will be available to use for those without
their own gear. If you have a glove please bring it.
TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR CLUB AND EMAIL/CALL NEIL MEDLIN FOR MORE INFORMATION ON 0439311239 – neilmedlin@y7mail.com
Beyond Blue Fundraiser
Wangaratta Rangers host Strathfieldsaye Dodgers for Second Annual Beyond Blue Country Baseball Cup
Two regional Victorian baseball teams will come together on Saturday to help raise awareness on mental health
The Wangaratta Rangers (North Eastern Baseball Association) and the Strathfieldsaye Dodgers (Bendigo Baseball Association) will be in action for the second annual Beyond Blue Country Baseball Cup.
After a former player of both clubs passed away 2 years ago the match become an opportunity to recognise the importance of mental health with last years inaugural cup.
Rangers took out bragging rights last year with a convincing win, so the Dodgers will be keen to regain the cup this time around.
The day starts out at 10am at Rangers home Ground (Targoora Park on Wangaratta \Whitfield Rd) with both clubs warming up before the Country Cup game commences at 11am for a 9 innings game.
At the conclusion of the game the Country Cup will be presented to the winning team.
The action is not limited to the diamond and there will be a BBQ on the day in addition to an online auction run by the Strathy Dodgers, with all profits going to Beyond Blue.
Some of the items up for auction include a Boston Red Sox jersey, a Cleveland Indians Cap and DVD package, and a San Francisco New Era Cap and Rawlings glove.
Auction is currently open and concludes at 8pm on Sat 12th March. https://www.32auctions.com/2022BeyondBlueCup
Porepunkah Panthers – Come and Try
JUNIOR BASEBALL COME + TRY DAY!!!
WHEN : 6th MARCH 10AM ~ 12PM
WHERE: POREPUNKAH DIAMOND, OPPOSITE THE POREPUNKAH PRIMARY SCHOOL
AGES: KIDS ~ UNDER 16
COST : FREE COME AND TRY BASEBALL WITH THE MIGHTY PANTHERS
BASEBALL IS A NON CONTACT SKILL BASEED TEAM SPORT WHERE EVERYONE GETS A GO!
WE HAVE GLOVES & BATS FOR ALL
PLEASE BRING A HAT
FREE BBQ TO FOLLOW FOR THE KIDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT PAUL 0410618615 or HEATH 0478601321
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