Yes, hello again all you avid readers of Rounding Third. After a long time in between editions, you are fortunate enough to get two in a week! Some may think it is not enough, but for this ghost writer this could have been one. Welcome once again and this edition may be just as in depth as last weeks, but with a focus onto the future adventures of Cods Masters, Voodoo, Softball steps up, T-ball in November and musings over whether the end of season trip requires a reset. Line Drive hopes you are well and enjoy part two.

Softball season.

Have you been asked yet? Has the man with the poison pen, Kev Pool inquired about your availability for softball? Or should be the question be, are you playing? If so or if you are interested then, softball training has recommenced under the watchful eyes of “The Doc” Sean Warfe and Brooke, “The Watcher” Thompson. Look out on the Wangaratta Softball socials for more information, or just head to the website and the club will direct you in the right direction.

T-Ball November

Question…. Does Owen Godenzi ever stop? Answer, no. This year in late November to early December, the Wangaratta Rangers is running a T-ball competition aimed at 5 to 10 year olds. At the time of writing, the club already has 20 players signed up, and are looking for more.  T-ball will be played on a Tuesday evening in the twilight at Targoora Park. Boys and Girls are all encouraged to register on our Facebook page. Search for Wangaratta Rangers Baseball. Click on the link and register. It will be a heap of fun. Come along and be part of the most progressive club in Wangaratta. Or spread the word!

The Rangers trip. Does it need a reset?

For many a year, Line Drive has documented, been part of, and the envy of many a club across the land, known as the Ranger Ramble. From first meetings, to people being locked out, dance moves Gangnam style, walking frames in Brunswick, losing phones in Melbourne, treasure hunts and attempting to explain to Gus Young how it was cheaper to purchase drinks a certain way, there has always been plenty of banter and head scratching moments. However in season 2026, life just got busy for many of the usual suspects.  The 2026 players end of season trip has been postponed. Is it time for a reset? A rejuvenation? Is it time to sell people the virtues of a weekend away as a collective? Maybe learn from those who know the way? And for those who know the way, is it time to pass the trip baton on to someone else so THEY can get more involved? There is a tin, and the tin is for little misdemeanors throughout the year, however it’s a cash tin, and cash is definitely king! (card surcharges people!) Filling the tin throughout the season for use at the Ranger Ramble is easy… after each game, talking through the silly things those do in a game, and fining them for it. Easy! Moving forward, the trip needs to evolve and get each and every player/scorer/member the chance to be involved. The trip has a future and the future is the integration. It can work. Line Drive wants it to.

Cod season 2027!

Yes, as it has been mentioned for the past 12 years, Cod season is here. This year Ash, “Gig Guide” Meyers is up for some new merchandise and redesigned shirts. It has been twelve years of Cod teal and black and that has been great, but a refresh could be on the cards. Masters weekend is penciled in for Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st March 2027. The venue is still up in the air, but If you are keen, get in contact with Cods Masters Baseball on Facebook. Come spend a weekend with the best of the best that the North East has, and talk about how good you use to be, and still are. More information to follow. Its Cod season….

Voodoo files are returning.

You read it right, the Voodoo files will be returning during November to keep you updated on all things Voodoo from the Pan Pacific Games on the Gold Coast. Line Drive will be once more tasked with documenting the good, the bad, the indifferent, and interesting baseball abilities on and off the diamond. This will be the third appearance for Voodoo, and there has been a major upgrade to the merchandise.  Restless legs, Davis Long informs us all that the Voodoo shorts have pockets this time around. Huge news! Voodoo welcomes back many of the usual suspects with “Lego Man”, Ross Johnson returning and new Voodoo Neophytes, Andy Matthews and Brett Sharp respectively. Line Drives write ups will be often be random and quite unnecessary, but as Beato says, it’s all about documenting the history!  Look out November.

Now onto the swings and misses.

• When are we going to see the Ciccone Dome? Thank you so much for your generosity in season 2026 Francesco Wines!
• Don’t Worry Donna Smedley, Congratulations to the under 15’s for winning the 2026 pennant. Line Drive didn’t forget but the photo will work nicely in this edition with clear air!
• Special mention to ‘Carmel Seymour Club Spirit Award’ recipient, Jess Blanchard. Well deserved!
• Chris, “on Ponts” Ponting has new boots! Does this mean there is at least another two seasons left in one of Shepparton’s finest? Special mention to Ponts awarded B Grade Orange runner up MVP in 2026! Now….. will Travis Frost make the trek over too?
• Ground improvements in the coming months. With the lights erected, the club are always looking to enhance the facilities at Targoora Park. Your assistance is welcomed.
• A big thank you to the committee in 2025 and to those who are stepping onto the 2026 committee. The AGM was held and from all reports was a nice quick affair. The new lights got a preview too.
• Long time Rangers know that they generally only go out for one night of the year together, and this was the case once more. Avid Rouding Third reader Pete Anderson was front and centre!
• Good luck to Tanner “The big fish” Godenzi for being selected in the state under 18 side. Huge effort.

That’s enough from me this time around. Line Drive will return in November with the Voodoo files. They are always one of the more popular and random editions. I do look forward to it.

Till then

Go Rangers and go Voodoo!