Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of Rounding Third, your regular insight into the happenings at the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club. Rounds five and six of the North Eastern baseball Association are done and dusted. All games for Round 5 were played in Wangaratta. For The Wangaratta Rangers it was a tough weekend. In the early game, the ladies and gentlemen who are Rangers Orange had a tough time of it against a dominant bears Green out fit. There were plenty of positives out of the game and as they gain experience then the results will turn in their favour. Keep working hard and the results will come. In the other game, Rangers Black managed to outlast a very dogged Bears Gold 14-10.

In Round six played at Wodonga, Rangers Orange turned things round and earned their first win of the season over Warriors Maroon while Rangers Black continued on their way by posting a solid 13-0 shut out win over Warriors White. Once again thank you to Wodonga for their hospitality. So what else is news?

    Dylan Cowan could not believe Orange had not won a game yet. That all changed in round 6 of North Eastern Baseball Association matches at Wodonga. The Orange boys and girls season is now officially up and running. Pitchers Jason “The Game” Jonker and Brendon “Are you speaking” French have pitched their guts out so far this year but to no avail. However the wheel is slowly turning. It must have had something to do with the addition of Mick “The Skipper” Wyatt. Just saying, The skip is a very positive influence no matter where he turns up. Let’s see how they go in the derby game this coming Sunday against Rangers Black.

Somebody check the bats. Somebody else check the baseballs. The poor pitchers of the North East are in need of some counselling. The past round saw plenty of home runs deposited over both diamonds. In one game alone Line Drive watched Bryan “Moose” Wilson almost put a dent in a ball. The sound it made off the wood bat made a lovely note. Not to be out done, birthday boy Scott “29” Jenkins stuck one over the left field fence too. Now who else put one out?

Ahh yes man of many caps Rob Seymour hit one too. However it was in rather odd circumstances. You see the Bears gold centre fielder made incredible ground to even get near it…but due to the speed and simple physics the ball came free and landed over the fence on the full. Butts sprinted round the bases for a home run. No matter how they get over the fence they are still ruled as one Butts.

  As mentioned last week, Alex ‘I’m not Gus’ Gouviera is thought by  few to look a little like Ranger favourite Angus “Spaniard” Young. Nathan “Rubberarm” Pool has taken this to the next level by continually referring to Alex as Gus during warm-up. Poor Alex is now thinking he has been setup. “This Gus guy is a not a good guy” was along the lines of Alex’s reply. Couldn’t be further from the truth about our little Gus. Very very far from the truth!

     Well not quite silver service but Rob Seymour and Cam Scott’s hot dogs took the Thursday night service to the next level. All were dished up and the hungry masses were fed adequately. This coming week. Chef Nathan “Rubberarm” Pool will be dishing up baked potatoes for dinner. All the staples will be with it, sour cream, cheese what else chef Pool? Already there seems to be a long line for the baked spuds. Come down have a run and throw clean up and eat some good food. Price may be varies between $6 to $8 and that includes your first drink too. 6pm onwards Targoora Park. All welcome.

     An inside man has fed Line Drive with some information about the sliding abilities of a couple of new comers to Wangaratta Rangers. New “Gus”,  Alex Gouviera, likes to start his slide at least six metres from the base and still slides in with relative ease. Catcher Brent Miller is showing his true catcher legs. In Oranges win over Wodonga Miller showed his gazelle like abilities and snow plowed into the base. For the record he was safe. It does not matter how you get there, as long as you make it. Nice one Miller, nice one!

     Azza Parker is a man of many talents. From his stories of going down the river amongst other things, his lolly game is very strong. Every week, Ranger favorite Di Parker keeps the boys stocked up on sugary goodness. Last year was good assortment of snakes and  chews…this year, the box has gotten bigger and the range is incredible. It is greatly appreciated by all who partake in some sugary energy  while warming the bench in the club. Thanks Di.

     This week DJ Sarah has returned. The DJ has been setting up a spotify list to play at training. This comes after Cam “The Soak” Scott returned to training last week to be greeted with silence. The music is also to lift the moods and spirits of players. Not to mention to dry and drown out The Soak’s annoying loud voice. If you have seen on Facebook DJ Sarah is calling for requests. Baseballers you know you’ve got to have the staples like ‘Centrefield’ ‘Glory Days’, by the Boss, “Tessie” by the Dropkick Murphy’s, just  to name a few. Have your say and get your music added. Get involved and have some fun Ranger boys and girls. Great work DJ Sarah!

     During the week Jack “The Bomber” Bradburn decided to hang up his mit. From all of us down at the Ranch we wish Jack all the best in his future endeavors and hope to see him and the Bradburn clan around the club in the future.

     This Sunday sees the first Ranger Orange vs Black down at the Ranch. This one is sure to be another shoot out with both teams looking for bragging rights over one another. Rangers Orange season turned the corner last week when they put it together and came out all guns blazing. While Rangers Black have not been at their best over the past few weeks, but have got the job done. Host Tony “Spinner” Smith is putting on wine and cheese and other assortments for the Ranger faithful. After the game all are welcome to head back to major sponsor Cafe Martini for pizzas and food. Come along, have a look and have a great Sunday.

     Remember to pay your fines to the tin. For those who are unaware of the tin, it’s for those little mistakes and misdemeanors that happen on and off the diamond. This week for the derby, Line Drive has heard a rumor that it may be double the cost. Dan “The Griff” Griffin is ready to charge you for even the smallest things, like leaving your glove behind after training. Come to training Thursday to help iron out those little chinks in the armor.

     On behalf of all at Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club, a big congratulations to James Rodgers on receiving his life membership from the North Eastern Baseball Association. His work, not only for the Association but also the Porepunkah Panthers is greatly respected. A true gentlemen of the game.

Now for the club stuff

So that’s about it for this week.

Have a great week and speak to you all again soon….

Go Rangers!!!