Now it has been a few weeks, but hello again to all you avid readers about the goings on of the persons, who make up the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club. After a three week break, baseball returned to the diamonds of the North East over this past weekend. It was a mixed day for the boys who donned the orange and black over the weekend. Rangers Orange had their chances, but were unable to get over the Benalla Bandits losing a close one 12-11, while up in Wodonga at Gayview Park, Rangers Black ground out a 4-2 victory over Wodonga Warriors White. Thanks to all the boys who put their hand up to play and thanks to the scorers and line umpires throughout the league who were able to help out as well. Now what else has been news since our last correspondence? Keep reading and you will find out!

     I don’t even know if that makes sense!! But a great job to all those who put their hand up and went down to Geelong to represent the North Eastern Baseball Association this year. The boys had a mixed weekend, but still played hard the entire time. Word is they looked resplendent in their new North East royal blue caps. Once again this was achieved through the associations number one hat master, Rob “Butts” Seymour. If you want a baseball cap and want quality, go see Rob. He will be able to hook you up with a great deal.

     The Skipper Mick Wyatt is certainly leading from the front. In a tough pitchers duel vs Wodonga Warriors White, the Rangers needed to grind out a run. Mick did everything in his powers, and for his grunting and false starting the team got that run. He was also very sharp at first base and in all had a very good game. When Mick is up and about the team is up and about. Great job skipper.

     Welcome back Dylan, “Dead Eye” Cowan, who returned to the Rangers lineup after a bit of time away holidaying all over this great land of Australia. Dylan returned to the mound and had great control of his pitches throwing six strong innings. The infield behind him did not let Cowan down, turning double plays and making an assortment off balance throws to first base. Nathan, “Rubberarm” Pool, then worked three innings of scoreless balls to finish the game. To cap off his fine performance, Cowan hit the ball with power and took on the catchers arm and won. Well done Dylan on a great game.

     Bit of discussion after the game in Wodonga on Sunday night and the Rangers lads were talking about the upcoming Rangers function in August. The attention then turned to other draws and other matters. The Skipper Mick Wyatt had it on good authority, that a member of the club was in partnership with the winning syndicate of the particular draw. No names will be mentioned here till confirmation but Skip was sure it a hard hitting right hand batter who got the chocolates. Sounds familiar does it Mick? Didn’t you win a boat and keep that quiet? Or did you just hang up on the bloke trying to tell you three times!

     Once again the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club will be the host venue of the 2016 State Under Sixteens Winter Championship. This is a big weekend for not only the club but for the North Eastern Baseball Association. The Association are busily drawing up rosters for all clubs to help do their part and help make sure the weekend runs smoothly. The Pres Tony “Spinner” Smith has been busy rallying the troops to present “The Ranch” in tip top shape. Now he needs our help too. We are all one and part of the club. We all need to do a little bit. Whatever you can do let us know and give us a hand when you get a chance. It does not have to be on the weekend, maybe on a Wednesday night, just ask what needs to be done and it’s once less thing to worry about. As the song says, “From little things Big things grow!” From those across the association who read this get in and help your clubs! Does not matter how small it is. It is always appreciated by the hard working committees.

     This Wednesday at training Cam “The Soak” Scott will be in charge of dinner proceedings. He has already got an idea of what he would like to serve up but he needs you the punters and the good members of the club to come down and sample his food. Please let the Soak know of your dietary requirements and get around the club. It may be dark wet and dreary, but come down get involved and have a feed and play some card games!

     Man of the Tin Dan “The Griff” Griffin has booked the flights for this years Ranger Ramble 2016. Adelaide Edition. Now those who are going need to fix up The Griff for the flights. Accommodation is to follow later. The other pressing matter is that for you to qualify for the trip (unless get special permission from the trip committee) is four games for the season. Ball magnet Rob “Beaker” Barbour inquired about games played via Masters. Sadly Beaker this is not the case. Four games for the rangers through the year is the criteria. If you have played four play some more! Season is over halfway through so get your games in ladies and gentlemen.

     Seven weeks till the one and only Wangaratta Rangers event of the season Silver Circle lucky ticket draw. Once again tickets will be soon available for $25 each. This years catering will be roast beef rolls and gravy. Cam Scott and Scott Jenkins on the mics and you the great folk come down for a good evening and “The Ranch” Tickets always sell fast so make sure you let us know if you want one.

     This weeks sees the passing of the winter solstice. Now for the “Nambrok Men” means their one and only half Christmas. What will the theme be this year? If you are going, break out the jumpers and have a great night with the men from Nambrok.

     Batting statistics should be available in the next few weeks. The little helpers here at stats central have been working overtime and Game changer will be updated soon with all new and past results entered. Vooting carsdd will be available to players and supporters on game days as well. So if you get asked to vote just fill in the piee of paper and return it to Cam Scott. Cam will enter the results later.

Good to be back writing and talking about the great little club we all know and love Wangartta Rangers Baseball. Hope to see you all down at the club or at the games in the next few weeks and……

Go Rangers