Hello again and welcome to Rounding Third by Line Drive, your inside pitch on everything Rangers! The North Eastern Baseball Association has three rounds in the books already and Line Drive even made an appearance at one of the rounds.

It was thought that it was time to give what you the avid consumer of north Eastern Baseball wanted, and that was the strange and unique tales of what has been going on around the various characters and personalities that make up the Rangers. This year there is even more to talk about with the Rangers having FIVE senior teams! A lot of potential gossip and stories from THAT many people.

In baseball action over the weekend, C grade went down in a close score of four to three.        Both B grade sides had a large turnover of players but both put two competitive sides out on the park. Neither got the chocolates, while in A grade, a stellar outing from Ben Campbell propelled Rangers Black to a shut out win against Wodonga.

Rangers Orange had the week off. Enough about that, let’s get to see what has come across Line Drive’s desk from the weekend.

Whiteman lays it all on the line for a run

Early on in the Rangers Orange vs Bears Gold match on diamond two, Shaun “Pronger” Whiteman was commended by Chris Tracey on his sacrifice he made to score that one run. Sacrifice? Pronger, along with others, were a little perplexed with his achievement. It was one run and it will live in the halls of baseball folklore forever! However for poor Pronger, this was to be his only contribution to the game. He managed to roll an ankle with an awkward slide into second base. “I thought the bases moved” was Prongers explanation. Err no, they have not moved in at least three years! Still what a first run you added to the Ranger cause Pronger. Amazing!

That’s not a home run

The scorers discretion was at it again in Rangers B grade where late in the game Chris, “I’m excited” Tracey, had a three run home run ruled as an error. When asked after the game, scorer extraordinaire Jamie King ruled it a E7 muffed fly with 3 runs scoring. From Line Drive’s point of view this was the correct scoring decision but still a sweet strike by Tracey. Maybe next week. I’m excited!

Fill out that shirt properly Owen

The number 51 shirt has done a little bit of double time over the first few rounds of the 2025 season. New to the game and soon to be Yarrawonga’s best ball player Cooper “Brew Review” Bennett, has been having a lend of the number 51 shirt while the new ones are on order. It was noted by club president and original FOMO (more about that later) Nathan Pool that Bennett’s  biceps really fill the shirt out in true “Terry Crews” style. Many a Ranger took the time to point this out to the owner of the 51 shirt, Owen “O’ Godenzi, remarking that that’s how the shirt should be worn and why is there a button missing at the top? Get back in the gym O. One thinks Bennett might have you covered.

The tin returns

It has been a long time coming with a few false dawns and setbacks, but the Rangers fines tin has returned in season 2025, much to delight of those legends of the trip away. After the round of B grade games on Sunday, many long time contributors including Brad, “Undies” Murdoch and Kelsey “Bad back” Burder, were quick to begin to put the coin in the tin. After last weekend’s round of matches, the tin has more cash in it than the last four years combined. For those who want to get in on this madness, make some errors, do some silly stuff and you can be part of the fun which is the rangers trip away.

45s club is here

A great initiative this season has been the introduction of the 45’s club. Devised by Daniel “The Wishing” Wells it sees 45 individuals spend $100 over the season. The winner each week is the first number to be drawn from Wednesday’s night lotto draw. Already, Wellsy has managed to sell one block of 45 numbers, with the second selling very nicely too. However typical lotto randomness with Owen Godenzi winning two of the first three weeks! Let’s hope the next few are a little more random. If you are interested in a number see Wellsy on a Wednesday night or on a Sunday.

The apple does not fall far from the tree.

Another Sunday another day of baseball. Many were keen to play, however others were not as keen. One who was not so keen was Ranger media influencer Mikayla “KK” Pool and for a good reason. Not only was KK going to be playing in A grade against a very good Wodonga Warriors outfit, but KK may be just like her father. Now in fairness, that last sentence came from the original FOMO Nathan Pool but judging by the body language, KK had a late night after her debutante ball. Eventually KK reluctantly decided to play and proceeded to play beyond her years getting a base hit and playing flawless second base. Very impressive KK.

Who is that in right field?

Line drive was spectating the Rangers Black vs Wodonga Warriors A grade game where it took them a while to realise who was playing right field. It was a double take when there was the revelation that Aaron, “Azza” Parker was plying his trade out in the unfamiliar surrounds of right field!   Over the years Aaron has been patrolling left side of the infield at short stop and third base, but now as the elder statesman of the youthful A grade Rangers Black side, he is now become a utility ready to fill in a gap, no matter where it is on the diamond. One hell of a right fielder you have right there in that team Rangers.

Rossco reappears.

It was great to see another Ranger down at Targoora park recently. Ross, “Rossco” Johnson attempted to slide down and watch some baseball incognito in between his jet setting lifestyle. It would not be an edition of Rounding third if it did not have a Ross Johnson reference at least once in the season. So welcome back to the fold Rossco.

Sato only plays A grade

President Nathan Pool found out a bit of interesting information from Mei Sato.  Pooly made reference that Mei should have played on the weekend. This was Mei’s response

was “no only A grade, when I’m not good enough for A grade. I retire” Sato laughed. One thinks Mei has been hanging around Tetsu Kamiyama too long! Mind you saying that Tetsu helped out in B grade last round…….hmmmmm!

Rangers Ball 2025

A night to dress up, dine in style, and dance the night away as we celebrate 25 incredible years of Wangaratta Rangers. Included in your ticket is a two course meal with entertainment brought to you by ‘Me and the Girl’, at The Gateway in Wangaratta, on Saturday 27th June 2025, from 7pm.

Early bird tickets are available and can be purchased using the link below. Dress attire is formal. Line Drive could be there too. So bring your partner, or your friends and come along and celebrate 25 fantastic years of Rangers Baseball.

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1397368

Let’s aim for the short porch.

• What’s with these new numbers? 00, 02? Will there be a 007 eventually? Maybe time for the turnover of playing numbers.
• Special mention to the volunteers who have assisted in the canteen this season. It has been a very busy time and a big thank you to all.
• Did anyone notice that Mrs Soak is sporting a brand new Rangers hat? That’s right, Dan Wells did a great job spruiking the new social club, and she took the bait as the first $150 sponsor…..impressive, Mrs Soak, impressive! For those who would like to see the options for social club membership, see Dan Wells.
• Wednesday night meals have been on fire. For $10 plenty to eat and a drink. An absolute bargain. Get around and get involved.
• Great to see the photos from the first few weeks. Available to purchase! Have a look you might see yourself! Yack Drone gallery, check them out!

Now for the club stuff

Fees are now due. See the website and Team app for more details!

Not sure what is going on? Download the Team app and keep up to date all things Rangers!

Check the rosters and help out where you can!

45’s club is on sale see Wellsy for more details!

New playing shirts have been ordered, should be in stock soon!

Check out the Rangers website and Facebook. If you have any questions just ask!

That is enough from me. Till next time,

Go Rangers!