Welcome to this week’s edition of Rounding Third, your insight into the life and times of the boys and girls who turn up week in and week out who represent the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club. It has been a while since Line Drive has been down at the club. He returned Sunday to watch Rangers Orange tackle Benalla Bandits followed by Rangers Black playing Porepunkah Panthers. In the early game, a new look Rangers Orange could not get the win against a well drilled Benalla. The final score was 8-1 the home sides way. In the late game Rangers Black hitters jumped out of the box and backed up some good pitching to run out winners after seven innings 18-2. More about these games later. Like last edition there are many tales to be told. So let’s get started.

During the past month many of the Ranger men had a good time celebrating the marriage of Line Drives good mate, Cam “The Soak” Scott and Lauren “Mrs Soak” Grenfell. After the speeches had finished a natural hush had fallen over the crowd. Then smash! Kelsey “Dropsy” Burder shattered the silence by standing on his wine glass. This sent the rest of Nambrok along with two thirds of Loz and Cam’s wedding guests into hysterics and a good old Bronx cheer rung out across the venue. Daniel Griffin summed it up best to Line Drive…..”Ahhh Dropsy what a guy!”

Scott Jenkins is a man of many talents. Apart from being the all round great guy he is, Scott is an excellent Master of Ceremonies. This was definitely the case at Cam and Lauren’s wedding up at Gapsted Wines. Scott rolled with it all and delivered as per the norm a very polished performance. If you wish to see Scott MC in action come along to the lucky ticket draw in July. More information about Lucky ticket draw in a future edition. Lauren especially appreciated Scott’s attention to her ‘itinerary’…. THANKS JENKO

If you know baseball, one of the hardest positions to fill is the catcher. Lucky for the Rangers Orange, Brent “Plugger” Miller has  arrived. Once the domain of Dropsy Burder, Plugger has parked himself behind the plate and is doing a great job handling the veteran staff of Jason “The Game” Jonker and Brendon “Freeze Frame” French. Welcome to the Ranch Plugger!

     Returning to the line up this week after his marriage to Ranger fan Lauren Grenfell, Cam Scott looked very short of match fitness. In the first inning “The Soak” took an accidental knock to the face and his base running looked, well, lets be blunt…horrible. It looked like every 90 feet was more a thousand feet. His excuse? Too much cordial in the past month. He has sworn he will turn up to training this week ready to get some match fitness back for the rest of the season.

     It was great to see a debut for Ranger Black over the weekend, Alex “Barcelona” Gouveia. For those who did not know Alex appeared at training a year or two ago but it was the wrong end of the season. However, over the past couple of weeks Alex has caught the baseball bug again. He debuted on the mound for Ranger Black against Poerpunkah Panthers and threw four solid innings of ball. This included a pick off move to first which surprised the runner and also the first baseman in Cam Scott. The runner was caught short of his base by a fair margin. Gouveia was backed up by the ever solid defense of Rangers Black and looked to throughly enjoy himself on the mound. When you see him you will notice he has a small resemblance to Ranger favorite Angus “Spaniard” Young.

Over the off season avid tacticians of the punt, Steve “Fernando” Peruzzo and Nathan “Rubberarm” Pool have had a crack and came out even. It was decided while at the Alexandra Races that punters club will get off the ground again in season 2017. Pooly has been particularly vocal for this to get off the ground. It must have something to do with his beloved Essendon Bombers actually being competitive and winning games this year. On another note one wonders if Dan “Chopper” McCullough was happy with messenger notifications at strange hours of the morning from others bantering about a multi that was placed. Anyhow if you want in part of the fun and to hopefully fund your end of season trip or cash out, see master bagman Cam Scott for more information. The more numbers the more we bet. The more we bet hopefully the more we win. Disclaimer: Gamble responsibly.

     Over the weekend, new Ranger, Jacko Wright went whacko and had his best game yet for Rangers Black. He hit and ran the bases hard. As Jacko learns the game, his speed will be a great addition to the power hitters in the line up.  Look for him to leg out a few more infield singles over the course of the year. He is also a high sock convert which is pleasing to see too.

     As mentioned in the must read of each week President’s Prattle, Jamie Samuels has put her hand up to be Rangers Orange team Manager. Maybe a new nickname is in order to reflect Jamies new position. Jamie the Gaffer? Jamie the Governor? What ever guys and girls come up with they are rapt to have you part of the team.

     It was great to see over the weekend how the clubs of the North Eastern Baseball Association have banded together to help develop the future of baseball in the North East. Players from Benalla Porepunkah and Wangaratta respectively had a hit and a modified game between the senior matches. Let’s just say there is some serious talent in there. Let’s hope more boys and girls get involved in the upcoming junior games over the season.  For more information about juniors check out the Wangaratta Rangers on Facebook.

     There seems to be a lot of reference to 2017 in this edition. Must be the year or something. Anyhow time has come for those who wish to challenge themselves against the other winter associations from around the state. North Eastern Baseball association are calling for players to represent them in this year Winter Championships to be held in Geelong. If you are interested please let the club know so your name can be passed along. As always it is a great weekend with baseball and good times in order. For those who like to go and tailgate it is a very fun weekend and plenty of good baseball is played too. All are welcome.

     Yes it is early to talk about this as the season is only four games old but ever the organised Daniel “The Griff” Griffin has organised this years trip. The Rangers are getting back to traditional trip values and heading to Bendigo. The cost is extremely reasonable and payments are now being taken. Where the accommodation is a mystery and there could be a raceday involved too. If you want any more information see Griff. I am pretty sure he will not say much else apart form where to be and where the trip is going.

     Head coach Bryan “Moose” Wilson was very chuffed last week. He was rapt to hear that last week at Ranger training eighteen were out on the track, warming up running, fielding and hitting the ball hard. Must have something to do with the Tony “Spinner” Smith’s amazing Thursday night meals. The word has spread near and far about Spin’s Kitchen and the public are responding by heading to training. This week, it looks like it could be an old fashioned sausage sizzle. Remember training starts at 6pm sharp. Cleats on and head for a run before a throw. See you all there.

     Plenty going on in this department. Recently “Boston Rob” Seymour has organised new playing caps which look sensational while man of beard Scotty “MC” Jenkins has organised some very swish looking beanies. These will go on sale very soon. Don’t forget we have ranger shoe bags, stubby holders and a new playing shirt are also on the way. Once again The Wangaratta Rangers will be the trend setters of the North Eastern Baseball Association. If you would like some of this great looking merchandise let the club know and they can hook you up!

Fees are due see Scotty Jenkins for payment.

All games are at Wangaratta this week Rangers Orange vs Bears Green while Black tackle Bears Gold

Family day 28th May at Tagoora Park Wangaratta.

Training Thursday night, boots on 6pm sharp

Punters Club on again see Cam for details

Lucky ticket draw in July more information to follow

Playing caps available from Rob Seymour $25

Beanies on the way

Download the app Search for Wangaratta Rangers on http://www.teamapp.com

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Scott on your nuptials

Juniors welcome if you are interested contact the club.

Been a big edition till next time. Just remember……

Go Rangers!!!!