Hello and welcome once again to another edition of your one and only insight into the people and personalities, which make up the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club. It has been a few weeks since the ‘CODS’ edition and much has been going on down at “The Ranch”. The sun was shining and many were eager to hit the diamond for the opening round of the 2016 North Eastern Baseball Association season . All games were played down at “The Ranch”, in Wangaratta. In the early game, The Wondonga Warriors, with some middle inning clutch hitting, overcame Wangaratta Rangers Orange 9-1.  In the later game, the reigning premiers, Wangaratta Rangers Black, were too strong for Wodonga Warriors Maroon by a score of 21-4. Benalla played Porepunkah on diamond two and Porepunkah came out on top. It was great to see all the familiar faces, characters  and most importantly supporters, that make up the North Eastern Baseball Association. All are looking forward to the next fourteen weeks of matches throughout the season. Best wishes to all clubs involved. Now what else has been going on? Keep reading and you may just find out!

Skipper takes the reigns for another year

Mick ,”The Skipper” Wyatt has had a great off season. From winning major raffle prizes to having good times away with his family, Mick has been doing it all. Now he has turned his hand back to The Rangers Black squad. Mick has taken the reigns for this year to be ably supported by Nathan “Rubberarm” Pool. Once again Mick leads from the front. This was evident in the weekends game against Wodonga Warriors. Just having purchased new pants, “The Skipper” hit, slid, dived and did it all in the Rangers victory over the Warriors. He did remark at one stage, “can I get a refund on these pants?” after he put a hole through them in their first outing out of the bag. I am sure you can put some sewing into those knees for the next few weeks Skip.

Burder leads the Orange Squad

The Godfather of Nambrok, Kelsey “Burderonethedancefloor” Burder, has put his hand up to be the skipper of the Wangaratta Rangers Orange squad for season 2016. Year in year out Kelsey works hard for the club on and off the field. He will be ably supported by his trusty lieutenants, Kyle “Thrillmore” Gilmore and Brad “Undies” Murdoch. Not to mention the wise heads of Jason “JJ” Jonker and Brendon “Frenchy” French and many others. Great job Kelsey for putting your hand up to do this important job for the club.

Thommo welcome to Wangaratta.

There is a phrase that Line Drive likes. ‘Always good to see good people’. This was the case today when Boneo baseball club legend, Brett Thompson came down to have a look at baseball North East Style. He had all his gear in the car and Kelsey Burder told him to suit up. Thommo has a wealth of baseball experience and knowledge and is looking forward to partaking in baseball the Ranger way. In many ways Ranger Baseball is very similar style to Boneo Braves Baseball. Play hard and have a good time doing it. Welcome to Brett and his wife Lyn to Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club.

 Who is wearing my helmet?

Those who play baseball are a funny lot. From not stepping on lines, to the way the ball is thrown around the infield, superstition and method play a big part in this great game. Now a few Ranger boys have bought their own helmets and the only one who NEVER has an issue with someone taking their helmet is Tetsu, “The Fly” Kamiyama. Now why does Testu never have an issue with this, compared to Rob “Butts” Seymour and Nathan Pool? Tetsu has his number on the outside of his helmet. Butts was getting a little more steamed than usual over the weekend, as others kept taking his helmet. Cam “The Soak” Scott was not helping his mood by declaring, “Is this anyones lid? Is it okay if I use this lid?”  every time he went to put his batting helmet on. The Soak then went on to offer to buy some numbers to put on the back of the helmet when Buttsy replied “It’s on the inside of the helmet.” Butts, please put your number on the back of the helmet like the vast majority of ball players do.

Griff and the Tin. That’s where you put your fines in.

Hume highway veteran Daniel, “The Griff” Griffin, is in charge of what is now known as “Griff’s Tin” He will be on the sharp eye for misdemeanors on and off the diamond this year. Already the tin has got off to an unfortunate start with just a “couple” of strike outs against Warriors White. From walking out onto the diamond without a hat to just doing something fine worthy, Griff will be after you. All in good jest of course.

Wanted. Those willing to have a go on the pitchers plate.

It was pleasing to see today two boys have a go on the pitcher’s rubber. Daniel “Chopper” McCullough for Orange and Scott “The Beard” Jenkins for Rangers Black.  One thing every club is looking for, are players willing to have a throw and gobble up some innings for their club. It looks like the Rangers have unearthed a couple of hungry innings eaters. Let’s hope they stick at it. The more the merrier.

Wednesday Night T-Ball returns

Champions of T-Ball Bryan, “Moose” Wilson and Kevin “Don’t need gifts” Pool, will be kicking off another term of Wednesday night T-Ball from 5pm on Wednesdays.  Last term, over twenty kids honed their skills under the many different coaches the Rangers baseball club employs. If you are looking for something to do, come down early and give the boys a hand. The future is  bright for the Wangaratta Rangers.

Punters Club is back

For those who are interested in a flutter on most things that run around, come see Cam “The Soak” Scott and register your interest in the Punters Club. It’s $10 a week for the duration of the season. The collective bets half and saves half. At the end end of the season you have the choice of a payout, or use it towards the End of Season trip. Destination: Adelaide. Your choice. Open to all comers. See Cam Scott for more details.

Online is a Gamechanger

How things are changing in our world. Most things we once did by the committee are now done virtually through the many realms of the world wide web. The club has introduced ‘Game Changer’. This is an online scoring application, where scores will be entered and uploaded. For more information look up http://www.gc.com and just type in Wangaratta’s postcode to find the teams of Orange and Black.

Now for the Club stuff

• T-ball 5pm to 6pm Wednesday nights
• Training Wednesday 6pm (maybe a feed too)
• Rangers Orange play Bears @ Porepunkah 11:30am
• Rangers Black play Porepunkah @ Porepunkah 2:15pm
• Fees are now due
• Follow us on Twitter @WangRangers. Look for the ‘Team app’, Game Changer and on Facebook.

Thanks to all who volunteered their time over the weekend marking diamonds, mowing, raking, in the canteen, the list goes on. Clubs do not run without the tireless work you all do. That’s enough for this week. Have a great week and….

Go Rangers