Hello and welcome to another summer snapshot of what is going on at Wangaratta’s one and only Rangers Baseball Club. Over the past week we have begun training, devised some big plans for the club rooms and even had a throw and a hit for good measure. We have welcomed some new faces around the club and all the usual suspects are gearing up for another season in the North Eastern Baseball Association. Before that there are plenty of things to discuss and other newsworthy items. Let’s get down to it.

     Each Wednesday night the sultans of swing Bryan “Moose” Wilson, Nathan “Rubberarm” Pool along with Tony “Spinner” Smith and Kevin “The Legend” Pool have been putting the junior rangers through their paces. Last week saw over twenty kids running the bases hard and learning the skills of Rangers Rookie ball. In the next few weeks look for some exciting announcements about what the Ranger Rookies will be receiving. In the meantime look for Moose’s recaps on the Facebook site along with the clubs website. If you want to get involved head down to Targoora Park each Wednesday night from 6pm. All are welcome.

     Yes again some peoples favourite topic, CODS is almost here. The Older blokes have had a run around for the first time together for 2017 on Monday night. Looks like Rob “Butts” Seymour does not know when or how to slow down judging by his gravel rash on his leg. His excuse? He forgot he was wearing shorts. Good start to the cod season there. Since when have the cods boys slid in to base anyway? Bet you won’t see Rob “Beaker” Barbour doing that! In other Cod news, looks like all the usual suspects are gearing up for another trip the Victorian masters games in Ballarat. The carnival runs from March 17-19. Roll those arms over gentlemen they are going to get a workout!

     It has been a few weeks since Mick “the big Cod” Brownlie has been seen. Rumor has it he has put in a solid summer in preparation for his return to the Cod uniform in 2017. Brownlie has much to prove on the diamond this year. Wodonga’s Ash “Rockstar” Meyers is ready pumped and primed for the campaign ahead. Once again most eyes will be on Brownlie to see if he can defend his mantle as “The Big Cod”.

     Yes the Rangers boys and girls are back in training on Wednesday nights from 6:30pm down at Targoora Park. There are some new faces young and old looking to wear the orange and black this year for Wangaratta. Already the comments on some abilities to hit a ball have come into question. Jason “The Game” Jonker was questioning Cam “The Soak” Scott’s ability to hit the ball.  Later on while down in a short bit of infield work, Jonker failed to pick one ball up cleanly. This delighted the Soak taunting him “Just wait till you pick the ball up cleanly then how good will you be!” Once again the banter has started early.

     Tony “the master of Spin” Smith is a busy man once again leading the club from the front. In conjunction with line drive he is one of the main mouth pieces for this little club we call ours. Contrary to his name Spin is to the point and pulls no punches. He is a master grounds keeper over the summer time making sure the  surface of Rangers diamonds will be up to scratch once the season begins. Make sure you check out his posts on both the Rangers Facebook page and on the Rangers website. http://www.wangarattarangers.baseball.com.au

     Well not entirely….. Angus “The Spaniard” Young has been plying his trade this summer with the Footscray Baseball Club. Talk is he enjoyed it so much that he is going to extend this to the Melbourne Winter season. Good luck Gus keep swinging and connecting.

     Saturday 4th March pencil it in Rangers and Codsters alike Croydon Rams will make a visit for a game and some true country baseball hospitality. If you are available for the game please let the club know and there will be a spot for you waiting and ready to go. More the merrier. Come down get involved and be seen around the club early on.

     It takes many hard working individuals to make a club run smoothly. From chasing sponsors to cleaning up the diamonds, every little bit helps. Remember we play baseball because we love it and we love our club. We are all busy but come down get involved do a little bit to help out. Have a look, grab a rake, cook a meal, no matter what it is the club is always grateful.

Now for the Club stuff

More in the next few weeks. Thanks for reading and

Go Rangers