Tag: Masters

Rounding Third By Line Drive. Cods Masters edition 2025.

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to the 2025 edition of Cods Capers. The Cods tested their baseball stamina in the Victorian Masters baseball Championships, which was held from 37th to the 30th of March 2025 in Ballarat. This year the Cods were in the 35B division. It was another solid performance from the Cods over their four games. Here are their results….

Thursday 27th March

Cods 11 defeated Baulking Dead 2

Friday 28th March

Cods 2 lost to Bald Eagles 9

Cods 7 defeated Rebels 4

Saturday 29th of March

Bendigo Dragons 9 defeated Cods 4

So after the four games played, the Cods finished third with a record of two wins and two losses, 24 runs for and 24 against. What amazing symmetry by all. A massive thank you needs to go out to all the volunteers and organisers of the tournament. It was the biggest one yet and from this scribes point of view, it was once again expertly organised and run. To all the Cods who made it at some stage over the three days for laughs and baseball, thank you again. One is sure that it will be done again in 2026.

Now enough about the baseball content,  Line Drive knows many of you are here to hear about what the characters of the Cods have been up to on, and off, the diamond. There is a lot to write about, so settle in and enjoy the read.

Scootle Butts shenanigans

The Cods were back again in Ballarat on Thursday, and already the boys have made themselves known to the establishments and the pavements of Ballarat.

There are many ways to navigate the streets of Ballarat. Taxis  buses, Uber and the old Cods favourite…. Scooters. Those long time readers of the Cod Capers, would remember one Brendan, “Camma” Cameron had a bit of a fall from a scooter, with some bark taken off his face around 5 years ago. One would think we would have learnt our lesson. Enter Rob, “Duke Kaboom” Seymour. On the way to get a late night snack with Kelsey, “Dropsy” Burder and Brad, “Undies” Murdoch, Duke took it upon himself to commentate his ride on Snap Chat, riding a scooter down the street. Unknowingly documenting his ride with the phrases, “I’m scared! I’m scared!” Duke then decided to go stuntman mode by attempting to ride the scooter one handed while recording with the other. Unwittingly, Duke recorded his demise into the pavement.

4 metres Duke?

Not to outdone, Duke jumped to his feet and made sure he sent the video to at least three or four different groups. For many who were not even in Ballarat yet, waking up Friday morning to watch this video of some of Duke’s best work was surprising and concerning. But Duke was ok, a little bark off his face wasn’t going to stop him! When Line Drive caught up with our favourite stuntman on Friday night, you wouldn’t have guessed that he had not stuck the landing. Good to see the helmet did its job Duke.

Safari Friday night

Line Drive rolled into town on Friday night and was greeted with the sight of two Cods who decided to go on a safari. Dropsy Burder and Matt, “Bulldog” Carmody. The ivory polyester was resplendent and both Bulldog and Dropsy were very happy with their work. Dropsy did say a bit later on in the evening it was not the best outfit to wear while dancing and it was not the most breathable. The price you pay to look good Kelsey.

Tetsu makes a funny. Hot baseball Jonker didn’t get it

Testsu, “BOG” Kamiyama has had a big week. Spies tell me that he had an absolute blinder for Wodonga Softball Wednesday night. So one would think he would carry that form into Thursday’s game for Cods. How wrong Cods were! The very first play of the game The “BOG” decided that the ball was too small and very hard to field booting the first play of Cods 2025. However he was fast with his mouth to make up for it on during Friday’s win against the Rebels. Jason, “Sunscreen” Jonker, had a rough outing and after a long ball which many say was one of the biggest home runs hit against Cods in years, Tetsu fumbled the ball back to Jonker. “The ball is too hot still. Very hard to handle!” Unfortunately Sunscreen didn’t get the reference. Mind you, everyone else there did.

Kelsey Dropsy. Warfe blinders

There were tales of many a play throughout the three days of baseball. Many Cods were quick to alert Line Drive to two differing styles of catch. It ridiculous that one was actually caught, and the other was absurd with how they caught it.

During game two on Friday v the Rebels, Sean, “The Doc” Warfe decided to do his best superman impression while playing centre field. The ball was drilled to the left centre alley where The Doc proceeded to track it and make an outrageous dive to make the catch 5m from the home run fence. Both sides were in awe of what they just witnessed.

Now here is the difference in two plays. Kelsey, “Dropsy” Burder was at it again. This time he was playing 3rd base, where he has the knack of making the routine look extremely difficult. Here’s the play. Hitter pops the ball up towards Dropsy at 3rd base. All he has to do is take 3 to 4 steps to get there and catch it. However, Kelsey completely misread it and somehow catches the ball back behind his head in a most contorted manner. Again the Cods were in amazement that somehow Dropsy had been able make an easy play so difficult. One remarked that one play was top shelf, while Dropsy’s attempt looked like it had come from a play from Temu. Never change Kelsey.

Side note, it has been the fifth year in a row that Dropsy has knocked over Rob Seymour’s drink at some stage over the weekend.

Who took the last lamb cutlet? Mixed grill Murdoch and Pooly.

The Cods thought it would be a good idea to have a spot of lunch at a different place on the way to Saturdays’ game, and it was lamented by many that the good old mixed grill had gone by the wayside on many pub menu. Enter the Queens Head Ballarat! A classic mixed grill with lamb cutlets. King Cod Nathan, “FOMO” Pool, was quick to order followed by Brad, “Undies” Murdoch. However, it was discovered that the cutlets are off the mixed grill menu. One would think, that without the lamb cutlets, should drop the price by ten dollars. However it did not. Both men tucked into the impressive mixed grill with Pool polishing it all off. Undies was struggling. Enter Rob, “Duke Kaboom” Seymour, who swopped in and helped out Undies. What a guy!

Where are you Cods?

There was a bit of a miscommunication on Saturday afternoon. Half of the Cods went for a catch up right next door to the accommodation while the other four decided to venture yonder. When it came time to catch up the five Cods went to where they thought the others were, while they thought to come back to where the five were. Cue the music. Nathan, “FOMO” Pool, then made veiled threats against the rogue five Cods who were having a sophisticated evening at another venue. “Big fines” was the threat. The rogue five all agreed that was all good, and it was an enjoyable evening none-the-less.

Griff goes missing again

Daniel “The Griff” Griffin is beginning to make a habit of going missing. After playing the first three games of the weekend, Griff confided to Cam “The Soak” Scott that he would not be making an appearance at Saturday’s game. He was off to play Marvel “Crisis Protocol” for the day. Now, over the years we have had Cods not play due to weddings, birthdays, being ill and heck even for playing the pokies, but this was a first and one of the most random reasons for not playing. When Chief Cods Nathan, “FOMO” Pool heard, his face was one of shock and surprise. The last time Griff was sighted was going off up over the hill to his secret handshake society. Wonder how it all went?

Welcome back Mr Whiteman

It was great to see Shaun, “Pronger” Whiteman return to the Cods fold. Over the weekend Pronger was thereabouts giving out advice on a few occasions at others misfortune.  On Saturday against the Bendigo Dragons, things took an turn. Pronger was tasked with the difficult job playing left field with day three pitching specialist Ash, “The Game” Meyers. Now from the first few plays, it looked like it was going to be a busy day in left field. The first couple went through the cones for two bases, the next, straight to our man Pronger. The pick up no problem, the throw in to his great mate Fomo Pool, basically spiked into the ground and reached Fomo rolling along it. This had the Cods infield in stiches, or was it the mixed Grill that Nathan had eaten that had him doubling over in pain? Who knows!

When you are having an unlucky day, the ball tends to follow you and this continued for Pronger. With his parents looking on, Pronger went for a flyball, turned the wrong way stumbled, composed himself and turned the wrong way again to drop the flyball. The play had a start, a middle and an ending. It was a sight to behold. From there, a change was made and our man of the moment wandered over to centre field. The ball followed him over there, but this time it was a home run. That was it for Whiteman, he was happy to sit on the bench to see the game out. In all, the Cods are absolutely wrapped to have him back out there.

Now for the short of it from Cods 2025

  • Brendon, “Frenchy” French’s favourite number? Is it the number 6 or the number 7, or number eight ah ah ahhhhhhhhhhhhh (Enter the Count from Sesame Street)
  • Have a great trip Damon “Barks” Barker. Barks drove down for the day on Thursday, goes 3 for 3 and heads home before going straight to the airport to jump on a plane to Europe. Cods commitment right there.
  • Fair trade? Cods checking out Friday night Jason Jonker, Tetsu Kamiyama, Michael “Bill” Clear. Cods checking in….Cam “The Soak” Scott!
  • Calling a fines meeting at 10:30pm? Maybe the fine was paying to get into the venue in the first place!
  • Wandering Cods. Cods were seen at many a different venue. But not all in the one place at once. The way the Cods roll.
  • What is the adequate number of spas one can have in a day? Also, how long does it take to fill? Enough time to go out for breakfast? Ask Bulldog for an idea.
  • New shirts for next year Cods? Watch this space. The new hats are good too. Well done to Duke Kaboom.
  • Meyers goes yard. One of the longest home runs hit on Diamond 6 at the footy ground ever seen. 450ft Ash?
  • Want another Guinness Doc? Peruzzo maybe? Maybe a bottle of Vino is more our style.
  • Pufferfish 2025? Watch this space……………………..
  • Well done to all players, volunteers, vendors, and anyone who assisted in the running of their teams compete in the 2025 Masters Baseball. The biggest yet.
  • Line Drive only had a limited time there this year, but look for him to return for the whole event again in 2026.

Cods 2025 were-

Nathan Pool

Rob Seymour

Brendon French

Damon Barker

Ash Meyers

Matt Carmody

Steve Peruzzo

Kelsey Burder

Daniel Griffin

Tetsu Kamiyama

Jason Jonker

Michael Clear

Shaun Whiteman

Sean Warfe

Cam Scott

Line Drive is sure not everything has been covered, but if you are still reading now you are always in the for long haul. Thank you to all out there who share read and enjoy.

Go Cods.

Line Drive presents The Voodoo Diaries November 11th 2024

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to the final edition of The Voodoo Diaries 2024, from the Pan Pacific Games on the Gold Coast.It has been another epic chapter of Voodoo Masters Baseball both on and off the diamond. Line Drive has been ever present and is feeling pretty gassed right about now. This a long edition as it covers the past three to four days of games, not to mention what makes the diaries worth reading! So get comfy and grab a coffee or water or whatever you need to re-hydrate after a large 10 days!

Thursday game vs Surfers Bluewave

On Thursday Voodoo were playing Team Surfers Bluewave after drawing with them on Monday. After a little distraction on who were the home side, it was Voodoo’s turn to lead it off. Tom Simmons duly obliged by getting on base. A quick double play was then turned by Surfers Bluewave to quickly put 2 outs on the board. Patient batting by Jay Ziersch and the rest of the middle order helped build a lead. Jude Power was backed by the Voodoo field, by shutting the Bluewave hitters down. A couple of big hits to Power and Owen Godenzi saw them trade second base tacking on another run. Bluewave worked their way back into the game but old rubber arm Nathan Pool was then deployed to once more, keep the hard hitting Bluewave subdued. To make things interesting, Voodoo had a quick 1,2,3 batting inning and gave Bluewave the right of reply. A couple of hits here and there gave hope for another comeback. But, basic baseball was the order of the day with Damon Barker taking the last out at centre field for the Voodoo to win 6 to 4. Voodoo now are in the final against the Chugganaughts on Saturday.

Friday vs Chugganaughts

On Friday, and in extremely sultry conditions, Voodoo played the Chugganaughts in their final preliminary round game.To be fair, both sides were more interested in getting the game done and dusted as quickly as possible. So much so that the Chugganaughts retired 10 Voodoo hitters on end. Pitcher Davis Long remarked at one stage “I may as well just stay out there.”

Chugganaughts got an early lead, and after a bit more of last night had come out of the pores of the Voodoo boys, they woke up and got the lead. Chugganaughts fought back and tied the game much to their own bewilderment. Both teams were happy to call it square and be ready for the Gold medal game Saturday.

Saturday Gold medal match Voodoo vs Chugganaughts

As mentioned earlier Voodoo and Chugganaughts played off in the final of the 35 plus division of the Pan Pacs. Luke Hornstra got the start and after a little bit of bad Voodoo, the Chugganaughts put three out of the yard. To be fair each home run got longer. That was enough for Hornstra. He had to be substituted due to a severe case of whiplash. It was then tasked to Tom Simmons to quell their power hitters, however the boys from Adelaide just kept chugging. Voodoo got a couple of runs back, but it looks like someone drank Jobu’s rum as nothing seemed to go Voodoos way. A late home run to Ben Laux, but it was too little, too late. There were a few in the crowd who said the same thing. Chugganaughts far too good winning 11 to 3. A game played with great spirit by both sides and it was great to share a soda water with them after the game. Nice work Chugganaughts. A huge thank you to the Surfers Paradise Baseball club for again providing top class facilities, from diamonds to food and beverage options. It was a massive effort.

Now the recaps are complete, what have those Voodoo boys and girls been up to?

Scott puts himself in

Masters tournaments are long and arduous affairs. As the week moves through, players are become pretty banged up with the grind of one, and sometimes two games a day. Not to mention the extracurricular excursions out and around the Gold Coast.

It was time for Cam “The Soak” Scott, to help out those weary bodies. After a shaky start and a little bit of nervous energy left near the diamond, Scott returned with his first game since May. A few stretches here and there at first base, and it just felt like old times for Cam. No hits for Cam but he was very happy to have helped out the Voodoo cause.

To the point

Owen “O” Godenzi, dreamt up a little bit of a friendly competition. Each player picked a Voodoo hitters name out of a hat and would win a prize for the amount of hits, runs and strikeouts etc. O thought he would give an update after Thursday’s game. However, it was like the first 18 rounds of the Brownlow medal. Long and tedious. So much so, that the dream catcher award was pushed right back. After a good 15 minutes of very confused dribble, O finished. Top three only next time, O. Like any event only the top three matter. Line Drive doesn’t even know who is leading…..

Word of the week

The week away with Voodoo can be described with one word. Relentless. This can have many different connotations. Relentless can be applied to the verbal barrage that Tom Simmons gave Luke Hornstra after the final. Relentless was the laughter at each other’s expense. Relentless was the pursuit of a great breakfast place. When you ask a Voodoo about the Pan Pac games the answer will be ‘Relentless’

Davo knows his tunes

Davis ‘Juke Box’ Long has a lot of music rattling around inside his head. Line Drive does not think there was one song which came on the boom box, at each and every game that Davo did not know. This also extended to the evenings at the convention centre where each time you looked over at him he was looking at you mouthing each song word for word. Another skillful Voodoo player both on and off the diamond.

How tall are you?

Michelle Pratt, scorer extraordinaire, thought on Thursday night that she would get closer to the front at the Killer Queen tribute night.  However the tall timber of the Voodoo muscled in to obscure the view. Owen Godenzi helped Michelle out by picking her up to improve the view.

Check your accounts

After a good meal and a bit of banter Thursday night, it came to the part of the evening where it was time to settle the bill. A pretty easy, standard thing we have all done. However, Dennis “Denuto” Smith, couldn’t quite figure it out.

John Kus and Cam Scott were just finishing their drink before leaving, and upon checking the bill after a wonderful meal at the Loose Moose, they discovered Dennis may have had a few difficulties fixing up his part of the bill. Plenty of swiping but no transaction Dennis!! IT issues that were in the end sorted and paid. Dennis soon disappeared after that!

Early games

This time around, the Voodoo have been very fortunate to have drawn afternoon games. However, the sting in the tail was Friday morning. Rob “Butts” Seymour, who has been doing double duty with The Bravehearts, warned that it is hotter and very still in the morning, out at the grounds. The Voodoo did not take Butts sage advice and were whacked with the sauna no one asked to have. Wayne “Beato” Beaton, was looking quite frazzled after those oppressive conditions.

Yep Butts you were right, again!

Voodoo is a family

This has been the second time Line Drive has been asked to diarise the Voodoo. Like any operation, there are many moving parts. From our wonderful scorers Michelle and Rosie who have both been on the book, and the iPad using game changer. It does not go unseen by Line Drive.

Another individual who has one of the more demanding roles that is umpiring, is Law and Order’s own, Greg Howard. From plating two games in a day, to listening to players whine, Greg just tells it as it is. Some rules are there to protect runners, from bonehead plays. A big thankyou to you all, who just make the week work so much better.

From Line Drive

It has again humbled me this week with the kind words and praise for doing what I really like doing.Even old team mates are surprised to learn who Line Drive is (see Cav, there’s the mention), trying to give you all an insight into each of the wonderful individuals and moments, that make up Voodoo. Line Drive has enjoyed the week immensely. I was having a glass of red last night, and as said previously, Voodoo is a big family who get to come together every two years, eat, drink, laugh, play a sport we all love and enjoy one another’s company.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to come away again, chronicle the people and hopefully give life to each and every wonderful person who make up the Voodoo family. It may not be as fancy as a pod cast or as immediate as a tik tok, and, generally it is always over 200 words long. Given the chance of an audio book or podcast, Josh Graham still is my choice to voice it.

To all you baseball folk out there, thank you for taking the time to read the musings of a slack swinging left handed hitter who generally talks rubbish, loves high sock Sunday, and is happy to sit in the back ground, bringing your tales to life.

Line Drive will return in 2025, where there may be some ‘Cod Tales’ and of course, ‘Rounding Third’ for Wangaratta.

Voodoo Pan Pacific Games 2024

Umpire- Greg Howard

Scorers- Rosie Ziersch and Michelle Pratt

Captain- Grumpy Bradley Pratt

Lead Booker Merchandiser- Davis Long

Coach- John Kus

Game Changer Coordinator- Owen Godenzi

Players-

Nathan Pool

Rob Seymour

Brendan Simmons

Tom Simmons

Luke Hornstra

Dennis Smith

Wayne Beaton

Josh Graham

Jude Power

Ben Laux

Jay Ziersch

Damon Barker

Cam Scott

And me, Line Drive. If you know, you know.

Time for Line Drive to get some rest. It has been my great pleasure writing these all week.In the words of Shoresy, “We go till we can’t go no more”

Go Voodoo.

Voodoo 2024