Author: LineDrive

I write a weekly look into the lives and characters of Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club. Baseball in North East Victoria Australia does not have a very big media presence and this is hoped that people will read about us and come own and have a look at the great game. I also just like to write and hopefully those who read it do like what I am writing about.

Rounding Third By Line Drive May 3 2015

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of Rounding Third. What a weekend of weather we have had in the North East of Victoria. Spectacular conditions greeted all players of The North Eastern Baseball Association at Wangaratta. In the first game of the day Wangaratta Rangers Black defeated Wodonga Warriors 2 by a score of 20-0. This game was played in great spirit and the scoreline does not reflect how well Wodonga played. In the second game of the afternoon, Bears defeated Wangaratta Rangers Orange by score  14-9. Another great game played by the boys. Well done to all involved down at Targoora Park today. Great day had by all. What else is news? There is a heap to talk about so let’s get to it.

The Warriors are on the march
     Great to see Wodonga Warriors putting two teams for this season. After much deliberation they took the plunge to go back to two teams. From our perspective that is a fantastic effort and the players will come. Not to mention two former rangers pulling on the Warriors colours over the weekend. Shane “Bestie” Whiting and Matt “Bulldog” Carmody made their comebacks to the diamond. Bestie was true to form. Strike out and a few walks for his day and a stint at short stop. Bulldog had a few hits and was more jealous of Tetsu having a quite one while watching some of the action. Well done boys and well done to Wodonga. Ice that arm well tonight Ash Meyers!
In more Tetsu news.
     Who is was basking in the glory of the afternoon sun over the weekend? Who enjoyed his time cruising around watching the action?  Why did he enjoy it so much? Because Tetsu Kamiyama got a lift to the game! Yes after many years of driving each week, Tets got a lift with returned Ranger Aaron “Azza” Parker who is living near Tets. On the game front. Tets hit the ball pretty hard, possibly short-armed one ball and generally played well. Did you pay for your fine Tets?
Dan Griffin is a “can do” kinda guy
     New man of the tin Dan “can do” Griffin has made an executive decision. Since he will not be available at all games, he will fine himself double for the games he does play. Now that is thinking. On the diamond, Griff had all the trick of the trades out at right field. At one point he fooled all on the bench by looking to throw from right field to first, but did the no look to Tony “Spinner” Smith at second. Perfect throw on the chest without even looking. Must be something about right field. Could it be the new hangout for Kyle “Thirllmore” Gilmore who also looked right at home out there? Or will he come back to the hot corner?
Were you there the day that Dino threw out a runner at third?
     The scribe remembers the day well. It was sunny day about 2:35pm and Ranger legend Ian “Dino” Dinsdale threw a bullet from first to third to get the out. Let’s set this up right. Hard ball hit to Mr Canada Bryan “Moose” Wilson who checks the runner between second and third. Moose throws a laser to Dino at first. Runner takes off and Dino throws a perfect strike back across the diamond to Brendon “Frenchy” French at third to get the runner in a tag by half a meter. The crowd was in awe as the Dino trotted off the diamond to high fives and cheers. That’s how I will remember the day.
Frenchy still got some gas left in the tank.
     Frenchy had his usual stint on the mound over the weekend and for one of his final strike outs reached back and threw with plenty of pop. The boys thought it was rather impressive by French as it thunderd into Kelsey “DJ” Burder’s glove. How does the arm feel now? Ice up rest up and be ready to go for Wednesday night.
Drage and his dogs.
     Rovers United cult hero and Rangers MVP Mark Drage showed off his pride and joys. Two of the biggest dogs you will ever see. Some remarked they looked like small horses and could have charged any of the kids at the game for a ride. They were big. Enough said!
How does a triple stack work like that again?
     I may get this wrong but the boys from Club Burder were out and about. They went on their annual pilgrimage to Groovin the moo in old Bendigo. From all accounts the boys were in fine form. At one point deciding to take on a triple stack with Brad “Undies” Murdoch at the top of the stack, Kelsey “Burderonthedancefloor” Burder second and Dan “Can do” Griffin at the bottom. When security asked what was going on Burder calmly said “oh really? I did not notice that” True to form Burder.
Now for the club stuff
Hoodies are ordered. Thanks to D’melza Pool for all you work
Team app is up and running search Wangaratta Rangers on Team App and join up
Caps are in the pipeline. See Rob Buttsy” Seymour for details
Fees are due. Catch up with the great man Kevin Pool for more information
Training Wednesday night from 6pm Feed will be on afterwards
Committee Meeting Wednesday 20th may after training.
Like and follow Wangaratta Rangers on Facebook and @WangRangers on Twitter
For more results like and follow North Eastern Baseball Association on Facebook
     There are many more stories to be told but will save them for the coming weeks. Or I have just forgotten the whole details of them all. Have a great week and not to mention like and share.
Oh and one more thing
Go Rangers!

Rounding Third By Line Drive April 27th 2015

Posted on by LineDrive
Hello and welcome to your weekly insight into the people who make up the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club. Not much to report on the game front with the association having a week off. Next week the Rangers crew will be back out there with all association games being played at Wangaratta. If you are in town next Sunday wander down and come have a look at some good country baseball.  So what else is news this week?  Keep reading and you might just be entertained.
Tony Smith: A man of no nonsense!
     Last week Bryan Wilson said he was unable to make training via Facebook. Now this is nothing unusual in this. However Cam Scott though he would do the same. Once he posted his absence from training The Pres decided to be blunt. Think the words were…”Don’t want excuses just turn up”. Scott was a little perplexed (and maybe bit full on the awesome cooking at Bogong) so penned the response in a much politer way the second time around. This received a better response. Wonder what will Cam say this week with his absence from training?
Lefty numbers have doubled at Wangaratta
     Once the domain of the single lefty who is a butt of many of Brendon French’s jokes, there is now two left handed hitters in orange and black. Young Jack Bradburn has joined the Rangers ranks this year and looks to have a pretty good swing on him. He was not far away form making contact in his first game for the club. On another note could make cage batting a little bit easier as then the two lefties now get paired together each week to bat. Question is who is the other lefty at the club?

Anyone seen Goggles?
Anyone seen Sam “Goggles” Grigg? Man of beard Scott Jenkins has sighted him. He could be interested in coming on the trip too. Speaking of Jenkins his self imposed exile from the playing list of his beloved Greta Football club is over. He just felt like going for a run on a Thursday night and ended up playing on the Saturday. Looks like he will be a permanent till the end of the year.

Merchandise keeps rolling on in.
To go with the new playing tops and playing caps, hoodies will be available in a variety of sizes. The sizing chart was a little bit difficult to work out for one Bryan “Moose” Wilson. Of course there were plenty to let him know about how sizing charts work. Especially one Mick Wyatt who took great pleasure in informing Moose how it all worked. To Moose’s credit he did take it on the chin and had a good laugh about it. If you want to know what they look like check out Wangaratta Rangers on Facebook. There is an image on the page.

Team app…
Now there is another way to keep up-to-date with all that is happening down at Ranger land. The Rangers have their own team app. It can keep you updated with sponsors, teams, fixtures, availability, and when Line Drive has written something too. Down load team app from the app store on your smart phone device and look for Wangaratta Rangers. More content is always being added. Spread the word.

Could this be the end of Gilmore at third base?
After having a torrid start to the season, will Kyle “Thrillmore” Gilmore continue to stand at the hot corner? Here is hoping he still does. Work hard at training and be positive Kyle. This scribe thinks he can do it!

Beaker and Wyatt just loving the game
On a couple of occasions this year it has been observed that Rob “Beaker” Barbour and Mick Wyatt are just having a great time at baseball. Both look like they have gained a step in the off season with both chasing one another around the ground in warm up. This stuff is great to see on the field and just shows how this great game just gets better as time goes on. Love the positive vibe in the playing group this year boys.

Undies Murdoch in for a big year
Ranger cult hero Brad “Undies” Murdoch is looking to have a big year. In his first official hit out, Undies looked sharp at second base. He has been on the cusp of moving into the infield over the past season. Good hands and sharp reflexes. Undies could be another one to watch this season.

Now for the Club Stuff

  • Training Wednesday nights from 6pm. Tea on afterwards. Stick around for a chat
    If unavailable let Nathan Pool or Mick Wyatt know. Or just write a nice letter on Facebook!!!
  • Hoodies are on their way. Thanks to D’melza Pool for coordination.
  • Caps are on their way too. See Rob Seymour for more information
  • Trip away to Bendigo. Dan Griffin will be coming after you!
  • Like us on Facebook and follow @wangrangers on twitter
  • For results of the association look up North Eastern Baseball Association on Facebook
  • Rangers Orange vs Bears @ Wangaratta at 2:15pm Sunday
  • Rangers Black vs Wodonga 1 @ Wangaratta 11:15am Sunday

That’s enough from me. Have a great week and thanks for reading.

Go Rangers

Rounding Third By Line Drive April 19th 2015

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to this weeks insight to the characters and going ons at Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club. Once again it has been a very busy week with the 2015 North Eastern Baseball Association season kicking off with Wangaratta Black playing Wangaratta Orange down at Targoora park. It was a closely fought game up until the 8th innings with Orange managing to shake off Black taking the game 11-6 in nine competitive innings. It was great to see a good turn out by both teams and supporters too. Special thanks to Kevin Pool for umpiring the game. Without umpires it is very difficult to have a game so it is greatly appreciated.  Next game is in a couple of weeks with all games being played at Wangaratta. Rangers Orange take on the premiers Bears and Rangers Black taking on Wodonga 2. Come along, have a look and spread the word that North Eastern Baseball is back for 2015. Now what else has happened over the past week. Keep reading and you may just be entertained.

Bailey Bell Back with BAM!
     One of our younger Rangers has returned to the club looking ready to light up the competition this year. Bailey Bell came on half way through the game over the weekend and stamped his authority on the contest with two convincing catches at center field and driving in a run with his second at bat. One part of equipment must have helped Bell scorch the Earth was his burnt orange cleats. He had to sit in the dugout with shades on most of the day as they were so bright! Great work Bailey. Keep your eyes on number two this year.
Griffin takes charge.
     Daniel Griffin has been appointed to the position of revenue raising for 2015. He received his revenue kit over the weekend and got promptly to work. At one point he had a full page of fines for errors, strike outs and other miscellaneous activities. Already Girff has to buy a new tin. This was not from the weight of money he was chasing down either. The tin was crunched and crushed today by a few. A new tin has been ordered by Griff so look out for his book and his firm hand in paying your dues.
Peruzzo stars at Third base.
     Playing his first game for Wangaratta in a couple of season Steve “Fernando” Peruzzo had a stellar game with both bat and glove over the weekend. At third base Peruzzo was smooth knocking down everything and throwing out runners with ease. He had the ball that often that it blew a hole through the webbing of his glove. Well played Steve well played!
Frenchy. Easy as 1,2,3 and 4
     In a game of many highlights and good times, Brendon French achieved three outs in three pitches. After the first out shortstop Cam “The Soak” Scott mentioned that only two more pitches before a perfect inning. Next pitch  was a fly out to “The Pres” Tony Smith at second base. Spin then remarked to Scott at short that your turn next. True to his word the third pitch was hit at Scott and he promptly threw out the runner at first. Three outs in three pitches! Frenchy was not finished. In the next innings the first pitch was promptly caught by center field sensation Bailey Bell. Next up was Mark Drage who took great delight in watching Frenchy’s fifth pitch in an inning and half sail over the plate. Nice work Frenchy.
Wyatt and Pool take charge on Wednesday nights
     Well done to both Mick Wyatt and Nathan Pool for putting their hand up to run Wednesday night training each week. Drills will be placed on the white board each week and it is about keeping training up tempo and enjoyable. They will also be looking after Rangers Black on Sunday’s as well. Let’s get behind them and make it to training as much as we can and get the most out of baseball each week.
Moose..Enough said.
     Bryan “Byron” Wilson has been doing his bit to spread the word of Line Drive. And it has been working. With each share, more and more people are being exposed to the Rangers Baseball and baseball in the North East of Victoria. So thanks Moose for the sharing and keep hitting the ball hard.
Thank you to our sponsors
STY Metals, Plumbforce, Reflex Glass, Pave Crete, Action Smash Repairs, Shanley Signs, Rea & O’Keefe, Winsec, Elect Solar, Insite Real Estate, Whitty Produce, Ref-Ridgetech, Your Everyday Gourmet, Cafe Martini and Wangaratta Motor Group. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Now for the club stuff
  • Training Wednesday nights from 6pm Dinner this week is Pies Peas and Mash
  • New hats are on order $15 for a snap back and $25 for a flexifit. See Buttsy for details
  • Hoodies are on the way too
  • Rep is June long weekend more information to follow in the next few weeks
  • End of season trip to Bendigo. Fines master is Daniel Griffin
  • Subs are due $120 for the season. See Kev Pool for more information
  • Like and follow Wangaratta Rangers on Face book
  • @wangrangers on twitter
Till next time have a great week and…..
Go Rangers

Rounding Third By Line Drive April 12th 2015

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to this weeks insight into the personalities of the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club. The season is a week closer and good numbers were seen at training during the past week. This has pleased many of the Ranger faithful and let’s hope this week is the same. So get out your glove and come down to Targoora Park this week for a final run before the start of the season. What else has been happening? Keep reading and you may just find out.

Moose is raring to go.
     Canadian import and all round sport star Bryan “Moose” Wilson roared into training on Wednesday night. From the get go Moose was throwing hit and diving doing it all. Kyle Gilmore tried to emulate Moose with a dive but seemed to just get stuck in the ground instead of gliding across it. Did Gilly get near the ball? Sort of…..
Position Vacant: Revenue Officer 
    Wangaratta Rangers is looking for a suitably qualified professional to look after the trip support fund. Your job will entail looking for revenue raising opportunities at each and every home and away game. You will be supplied with a suitably sized money tin to collect the revenue. You need to show a positive attitude to the collection of money and most importantly need to be fair on all involved. Please direct your interest towards Rob Seymour or Cam Scott for more details.
Wednesday night meals are back!
     For the last couple of years food has been offered after training. This year is no different. Under the direction of master chef Kev Pool this week we have pie peas and mash on the menu. All for ten bucks and your first drink is included! Stick around after training talk some trash and have a great meal.
Welcome back Azza
     It was great to see the return of another Ranger. Aaron “Azza” Parker is dusting off the cleats and the glove for his return to Ranger colours. In his time away from the game he has lost none of his talent and is another welcome addition to the Ranger roster. On another note Cam Scott will get the right phone number this week and hopefully bring big Mick Brownlie over for a throw and a chat too.
Facebook site for North Eastern Baseball
     It is great to see a space has been set up for the North Eastern Baseball Association on-line on Facebook. It is hope that results are posted to the site after each game and other information can be sent out to all in the North Eastern Baseball community. It is envisaged that this can help all clubs grow their memberships and get more people involved and talking about baseball. So look up on Face Book North Eastern Baseball and like and share the page. Maybe Line Drive can pop up on there too!
Pooly’s been at it again.
    New merchandise looks like it could be on the way this season. Not only new hats are in the pipeline thanks to Rob Seymour but Nathan Pool informed us that hoodies could be a goer for the season. This scribe has seen the proof and it looks pretty good. Black with the new Rangers logo or possibly cursive Rangers like what we have on our sweet playing tops. If you need a new playing top let the club know and this can be organized for you too. If you need hoop socks Cam “highsocksunday” Scott has some pairs left over from last year. They are $10 a pair.
Now for the club stuff
Training Wednesday night from 6pm Meal afterwards for $10
Subs are now due. Please pay your insurance before the first game. See committee for more information.
First game this weekend. More information will be posted during the week
Committee meeting Wednesday night after training. All welcome
End of season trip to Bendigo. More details to follow.
That’s it for another week. Hope you all have a great week and
Go Rangers

Rounding Third By Line Drive April 6th 2015

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of Rounding Third. The season is fast approaching with the busy gents down at Ranger land making sure nothing is left to the last-minute and ready for the start of the 2015 winter season. If you have not been down to training yet make sure you pop your head in and say hello or just come down for a chat. We would love to see you. Enough about that. What else has the Rangers guys and girls been up to?

Beaker and Butts Big boys toys
     Over the weekend Cam “The Soak” Scott was happily painting his house. He was so blissful in this approach that he posted on-line about painting. Not one to miss a chance Rob “Butts” Seymour and Rob “Beaker” Barbour told The Soak he had changed! Should be getting in the Jeep and having a good time. The Soak was a little confused. It was all cleared up when Buttsy was photographed in Beakers toy World War 2 Jeep. Rumour has it he may have fallen asleep a little later…..maybe Beaker?
The trip has been decided…..
     Over at Yarrawonga footy on Sunday The Rangers Brains trust of Scott Jenkins, Kyle Gilmore, Kelsey Burder and Daniel Griffin were watching Dan “Chopper” McCulloch in his return to his beloved Wangaratta Rovers Football club. In between Chopper’s brilliance and on the field the conversation moved to where are we going to go for the annual baseball trip. It was put to a vote that we return to ground once covered. This time to cover it a bit more closely. Bendigo is the choice of destination. The vote passed all in favor of 4-0.
 
Welcome back Chopper
     Speaking of Chopper he was at his exciting best on Sunday. Kyle Gilmore has said over the off-season chop has played quite a bit of FIFA and his Lebron James impersonation was impressive to watch. Unfortunately the umpires nor his direct opponent were not taking much interest in his performance. On a footballing front. Chop Smooth!
Will Mick Brownlie return to the Ranger fold?
     Seen over the weekend was big lefty Mick Brownlie. Mick played for the rangers a few years back and has been throwing tons playing darts the last few years. Nathan Pool sent his scouts on a mission to see if he was interested in a few games this year. After the initial conversation was rather short, Mick warmed to the idea of maybe a few games. It would be good to have another lefty in the line up. Let’s hope so.
The Griff has the baseball bug
     Fresh off his fine work for Springhurst CFA over the summer, Daniel “The Griff” Griffin has caught the baseball bug. He has bought a new glove and signed himself up to play for Greenhills Montmorency Baseball Club (otherwise known as GMBC) in the Victorian Winter Baseball League. Even better news is that he is playing the Saturdays for practice for the main game on Sundays for Wangaratta Rangers. Now that is commitment to this great game. Good luck Griff for the upcoming season.
 
Pooly rallying the troops.
     Nathan Pool was a little concerned last week. Training numbers were about par for the time of year. he was concerned some had fallen off the radar. He put the war cry out to the Ranger faithful about the upcoming season. The faithful responded with many letting Pooly know of their intentions for the upcoming season. Now the season is not far away so come down Targoora Park and say hello and get involved in this great little club!
DJ Sarah living the life in Melbourne
     Good to see Dj Sarah Iwanuch s having a good time living the life in Melbourne. Sadly Sarah is unable to play this year but from all the images and places of interest she is having a great time! Good stuff Sarah.
Now the club stuff
  • Subs are now due very reasonable. See Kev Pool for more details.
  • Trainings Wednesday night 6pm onwards Targoora Park Wangaratta
  • Trip is to Bendigo once again. See the brains trust for more information or debate!
  • First game is penciled in for around 19th of April. Dust off the glove and come have a throw
  • New caps are on the way. See Rob Seymour for more information
Check out http://www.wangarattarangers.baseball.com.au for more information
Follow on twitter @Wangrangers
Like and share
Have a great week and
Go Rangers

Rounding Third By Line Drive at Vic Masters Baseball Carnival March 29th 2015

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to the day two and three recap of Cods Masters Baseball. It has been a big day for The Cod boys, on and off the field. In their only game on Saturday, The Cods came up against a very good Bees outfit. To the boys credit they took it up to the Bees and needed extra innings to get a result. Great game of baseball played by all. On Sunday The Cods took part in their final game of the carnival against Ballarat. Once again it was a close game with the Cods being defeated by a couple of runs. Record for the weekend see us winning a game and losing three. In all the boys had a great time and are looking forward to having another crack next year. What else has been going on over the past two days? Keep reading and some knowledge could be coming your way.

Rob the race car driver.
The boys were a little tired this morning and their game was not till 4:30pm. An idea was hatched that some go karting might be the go. Four rabid petrol heads put their hand up to have a race. Rob “Buttsy” Seymour, Rob “Beaker” Barbour, Setver “Fernando”Peruzzo and Nathan “Pooly” Pool saddled up for some tight racing. The first few laps saw the boys just ease into the contest then suddenly a switch went in Seymour’s head and looked to lap the entire field. Bit of argy-bargy for about 20 laps went on with Seymour turning around Pooly at one point. Beaker was not going to be out done. He took it up to Seymour right to then end and made his presence felt with a couple of deft taps letting him know he was right there. In the end Buttsy came out on top and posed for a picture at lunch. Well done Schumacher!
Three innings of shut out ball from Pool
     Yes this is not a typo nor am i making it up. Nathan Pool threw three shut out innings against the Bees on Saturday. A diet of junk ball pitching got pop out after pop out. He did say after three shut out innings that would be it. So in the fourth he lived up to his prediction as the Bees hitters rallied and scored a few runs. Still cannot take those three shut out innings away from you Pooly.
Twin Cam’s in the middle infield
     The Cods decided to field the two Cam’s Cam Rogers and Cam Scott up the middle. Both had high socks and one was left and one right. When batting it was left to the call of go left hand Cam and go right hand Cam. On the Saturday Right hand Cam turned up wearing some rather garish teal socks he found for the pricey sum of $2.20. The color of those socks Cam, I reckon you may have paid twenty cents too much!! Not to worry we will have new hoop socks for next years carnival.
Need a map boys.
     Pooly and Cam Scott went out wandering around Saturday night as the other boys had not made it back from the game yet. A phone call came through wondering where the boys were at. Pooly let them know where they were and said that they could meet where ever! Five to six phone calls then went on still trying to work out where they were. Cam Scott even placed online where they were at. Still no good. For next year gents get a map or look at your phone!!!!
Shout out to Dave “Dez Mennie
     You still out there Dez Mennie? Still waiting for that game of baseball and the challenge you threw down last year. Not to worry we can wait!
The think tank
     One thing the weekend playing Cods baseball has done has got the good folk at Wangaratta Rangers thinking about what can be done to help improve the promotion of the game in the North East. The Cods intention is to try and engage people back in baseball and let people of the north east that baseball is still being played each winter weekend. There are plenty of guys and gals who have played over the years in the north east and it is hoped that we see some of you guys out there may take an interest and pop into your local baseball club and say hello. Everyone is always welcome and be great to see you all.
Cods going forward.
     The boys had such a good time playing at masters that they look to go again next year. It was fantastic to have seventeen guys put their hand up to play and made it all easier on everyone involved. Thanks to Buttsy for putting his hand up to write the team list and thanks to all who helped our scoring, getting drinks and having a good time. Look for during the year for the Cods to get together and have a chat and enjoy one another’s company. Well done to Pooly and French for all their hard work behind the scenes. Safe trip home gents and that is to all who read this little article as well.
Now the club stuff (Rangers stuff)
Training Wednesday night from 6pm at Targoora Park
Subs are now due. See Kev Pool for details
Cods baseball on Facebook look for Codsmastersbaseball as pictures will be posted

Rounding Third By Line Drive at Victorian Masters Baseball Carnival Ballarat

Posted on by LineDrive
Hello and welcometo day one review ofCods Masters at Victorian Masters Baseball Carnival. TheCods have had a great day of playing ball and enjoying oneanothers company. First game the boys came up short against a very good Pandas line up. In the second game theCods took on theTassy Tigers. In a good game played in great spiritCods came out on top. So theCods have won a game. GoCods! What else has been going on. Well keep reading!

The Dino and Jimmy show
It was a late start for Line drive today but he did get to witness two legends of North East Baseball put on a clinic. Deft hitting by Ian “Dino” Dinsdale and James ” the game ” Rogers who threw the Cadbury all sorts to the first  Cods win. Must say blokes like these two are amazing. Keep it up for the final two games!

Seymour Cods of steel
     During the second game Rob seymour took a bit of ribbing for his catching of the ball behind the plate. At one stage Nathan Pool asked the Tassy Tigers third base coach to roll it back to him as he was not going to catch it. So he obliged. Seymour’s response was to try and kick it back to him. That was not so successful either. He managed to stub it back in his general direction, much to the benchs howls of laughter. Not to worry Seymour will have his revenge at some stage this weekend.
Anders putting in the miles
     Porepunkah’s Heath Anders will be racking up the miles in the car this weekend. Not only did he come down with the rest of the boys on Thursday night but he has returned to Wangaratta to play for his beloved Harrietville Cricket Club in the final. True to form Anders played hard both on an off the field yesterday. He hopes to be back here in Ballarat for the final game on Sunday. Now that is commitment to the Cods cause. All the best to the Harrietville boys in the final. Bring it home!
Pool sharks circle.
     Plenty of the Cods boys fancy themselves as pool players. This was clearly evidient in the banter round the table last night. Another one of Punkah’s finest Shane Tatterson had everyone at his mercy. No matter what position he was in on the table Tatterson’s cool demanour got him out of trouble. Tetsu’s pool playing well….best not to say much more than that!
How was the drive down Jason?
    Jason Jonker put his hand up to drive Tetsu. How was it Jason? Many stops along the ways and how far in between? Hope it was a short trip mate.
Anyway enough for today. One game today so we will see how the Cods go this afternoon.
Go Cods
Go Rangers

Rounding Third By Line Drive March 23rd 2015

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of Rounding Third. After a week away much has occurred in the world of the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball club. So enough about that let’s get into what is going on!

Cods Masters Baseball update. The Cods are heading to Ballarat!
     This week has seen the final training run for Cods Masters Baseball. They boys are ready and chomping at the bit for a weekend away to test their mettle against other Masters team from around the state. Twenty-one teams have entered this year’s carnival, with ten teams being in the age 35-45 division. The Cods arrive in Ballarat on Thursday night for two games Friday with one Saturday and Sunday. Most of the boys are just looking forward to playing baseball and seeing how we stack up against the rest of the state. Keep an eye on this page over the weekend to see how the Cods are going.
Cod uniform and hats are now available.
     Cods Baseball caps are available for purchase for $20. Must be said Nathan Pool has done an awesome job on the hats and they will fly off the shelf as everyone wants to have a piece of this very unique cap. The playing tops look sensational. Very special thank you to master sponsors Bright/Beechworth Ice creamery, Cafe Martinis Wangaratta and Plumbforce Plumbing. Next on the agenda new playing caps for Rangers! Rob Seymour has that all under control!
Pooly Pooly……….Pooly Pooly
     Pooly has been busy over the off season. His head has been full of ideas for the coming season. First up on his agenda has been Cods Masters Baseball. Even when you think everything has been organized he is still thinking. While having some time to think he came up with the notion of a Cods Masters face book page. Sop with a quick chat to Line Drives good mate Cam “The SOAK” Scott a page has been created. So for all your masters information and if you wish to get involved in the future look up Cods Masters Baseball on face book.
Tetsu’s lift update
     Has anyone put their hand up to give Tetsu a lift for the weekend? He has offered to drive home. Anyone? Someone has answered the call. Jason “Double J” Jonker has put his hand up to give Tetsu a lift to Ballarat. A word of advice Jason. Make sure you plan your toilet breaks at regular intervals on the Hume.
Dugout to Bunker Summer 2014/2015
     Late last year 12 intrepid Ranger players took on Waldara golf course in the inaugural golf hit out. In a result which just showed what a good sportsman he is. Veteran Ranger Ian “Dino” Dinsdale went home with the choccies. In the return round at Jubilee saw Dino retain his title. Since then the planets have not rightly aligned but I am sure there will be a game or two somewhere during the season.
Buttsy’s good luck charm
     Talking to another Ranger favorite Matt “Colonel” Sanders about the good game of baseball over the weekend and he made reference to the fact that he is Rob “The Game” Seymour good luck charm. See each time he turned up to have a look last year, Buttsy hit a long ball. Colonel should continue to turn up more often!
Old photos on Rangers website…from 2011!!!!!
     A flick through some of the photos on the Rangers website Cam Scott noticed something disturbing. Scott “The Beard” Jenkins beardless!!!! Cam had to have another look as he could not believe his eyes! Go have a look for yourself.
Is Steve Peruzzo pulling on the batting gloves this year?
     The rumors are true. Steve “Fernando” Peruzzo will be suiting up for both Cods and Rangers for the coming season. It is great to have Fernando back in the Ranger family. Welcome back Steve.
Mick and Beaker two excited Rangers
Mick Wyatt and Rob Barbour are both excited to play this weekend. Both men have been putting in the hard yards at training and preparing their swings and fine tuning their fielding. Good luck men for the coming weekend.
Rightio enough from me here is the club stuff. There will be regular updates from Cods Masters in Ballarat this weekend so keep tuned in to all the goings on at Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club.
Club/Masters Stuff
Rangers training from 6 pm Wednesday night. Come one come all
Season 2015 to begin mid April sometime
Masters baseball this weekend Ballarat. Thursday to Sunday Come have a look if in Ballarat
Spread the word like and share the page. Till next time.

Rounding Third by Line Drive March 10th 2015

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of Rounding Third. It has been a quiet week in and around Wangaratta, but behind the scenes the cogs of the Ranger machine are turning. What has been going on? Well I am about to let you know.

Happy birthday Frenchy.
     Man of many talents and one of the hardest working members of the Ranger family Brendon French celebrated his birthday over the past few days. From what I can surmise it was a cracker with watching a bit of under 12 cricket. To cap it off his son’s team took the flag for season 2014/15. A great effort by all. On another birthday note “DJ” Sarah Iwanuch celebrated her birthday in the past week too. Hope you had a great time from all of us in the Ranger family.
Did Drage get runs again on the weekend?
     No not that kind of runs. Cricket runs. See the hardworking multi-talented Mark “The D-rage” Drage showed he is just as adapt swinging the willow as he is swinging maple. His side has had a tough year, but in the last few weeks something has clicked and Dragey has been a big part of it. Let’s hope he continues into the coming winter baseball season.
CODS baseball update
Only three weeks to go before the Cods swim south to Ballarat for the Victorian Masters Baseball championships. Due to a long weekend, the men did not get to go through their paces last night, but will raring and ready to go for another run around next Monday night down at Targoora Park. Accommodation is booked and the draw is penciled in. The question was raised in last weeks column, Who is driving Tetsu? Anyone?
Ironman Rob Seymour
     Boston Rob “Buttsy” Seymour is ready and raring to go for the coming baseball year. He has been on the track all nights so far for masters and is shaping to be the x-factor for the Cods. For one thing I wish I could dive around at training as much as he does. More importantly bounce back up fro sliding around would be nice too. I am tipping big things for the Masters from Boston Rob.
Buy him a coke for 400.
     What a great effort to see Ian “Dino” Dinsdale playing 400 club games for his beloved Bruck cricket club. This asks the question. How many games of baseball played as well? He did pass 200 club games during the past season for the Rangers too. Couple with how many rounds of golf has he had? Congratulations Dino on 400 games. A super effort.
Clubroom update.
     Over the summer time the rooms have received a freshen up care of a couple of working bees to paint the rooms and clean them up. The main driver of the spruce up has been by The great man Kevin Pool. The work he has done for this club over the years is to be commended. So next time you see Kev have a look at his handy work and buy him a drink to say Thanks.
Now for the club stuff.
Thanks to all who have put their head in to the club so far. If you know anyone who would like to play bring them down to the club or let Spinner know of their interest. Make sure you check us out at
Fees are to be online this year all is being readied for this to be done over one training night.
First game to be late April
New TV and DVD player have been purchased for club rooms
Victorian Masters Baseball March 27th to 29th in Ballarat if you are thinking of coming get down Monday night for a throw and a hit and a chat.
If you hear anything over the next week drop line drive a note.

Rounding Third by Line Drive March 3 2015

Posted on by LineDrive

Welcome one an all to an all new year and an all new edition of your favorite bit of insight into North Eastern Baseball and the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club. Line Drive has had a busy off season. He has been playing cricket and golf and being seen out and about. This pales into insignificance how busy those masters of the baseball club have been. So what has been going on over the past few months. Well you are just about to find out.

     Remember the name Remember the game CODS Baseball is here!
This week has seen the first run for the newly formed Cods Masters Baseball outfit. On Monday night 12 interested players arrived to be put through a light run. The first for many for the year. It was short sharp and up tempo. For about five minutes most ran a and threw like they were 21 again, but that quickly slowed down and trained the other fifty-five minutes a little slower. Still it was a most enjoyable start to what will be a great experience for all who have out their hand up to play.
     Welcome to the Punkah boys
     It was great to see down at the first Masters run around Heath Anders, Shane Townsend and Damon Barker. All three seamlessly fitted into the Cod machine and all are really looking forward to the upcoming tournament. Man of ideas Nathan Pool has designed and created a new uniform which this scribe has seen the proof for. Lets just say the boys will look sharp in new tops and caps. A big special thank you to the sponsors Bright/Beechworth Ice Creamery, Plumbforce Plumbing and Cafe Martini’s Wangaratta.
     Who’s driving Tetsu?
     This will be an interesting one. It has become well known that Tetsu loves to get a lift. Funny thing is that not many have put their hand up to take him to Ballarat. He has offered to drive home though. Wonder how that will play out?
     How’s the Beard Scott Jenkins?
     Man of the manicured beard Scott Jenkins has been posting some nice photographs of him manicuring his lush mane of facial hair. One must say it is starting to look very, very cozy indeed. Coupled with his terry toweling Gilligan’s Island hat it is certainly the ensemble. What can other man of beard Kyle Gilmore do to compete with that?
     New Rangers
     Last Friday saw The Rangers boys and girls get down to Targoora park for the annual muster night. Numbers were good for February with the usual suspects and some new faces coming down to have a go at baseball. It was great to see some young guys come down and have a hit and a run around. Looks like there is a second left hander at the club too. Always good to see more left handed hitters.
     Wyatt’s BBQ
     With training last Friday it was great to see Mick Wyatt cooking up a storm on the Barbecue. The sausages were cooked to perfection. Nice work Mick!
     End of season trip
     This is not about this year’s trip, (that will be discussed in future editions)but about last years wondrous escapade to Brunswick. The old man theme was sensational with all looking the part and greying beautifully well into the night. Special mention to Daniel “The Griff” Griffin who with walking frame and all partied well into the night. The walker made it home thanks to a taxi driver who was nice enough to pack it away and bring it back to the room. Hopefully the frame is still being of use somewhere.
     All past editions of Line Drive will be on a new site
Line drive had an idea that it would be good to place all the past editions of this little publication in one spot. They will still be available on the Wangaratta Rangers website but if you click on the following link
Line Drive will place them all here once he gets with the program! Spread the word!
What you need to know
Training on Friday’s from 6pm Targoora Park Wangaratta
Fees to be done online check www.wangarattarangers.baseball.com.au for more details
New players welcome just bring them on down
Victorian Masters Baseball March 27th to 29th in Ballarat