Tag: Porepunkah

Rounding Third by Line Drive July 1st 2025

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to the June/July edition of Rounding Third. The North Eastern Baseball Association season is well over half way completed, with the next few weeks very busy for our representative sides. It was another massive weekend down at Targoora park Wangaratta, where the entire round was played over the past weekend. It was typical cold north eastern winter weather. Grey foggy conditions greeted the players, supporters and volunteers on Sunday morning. Lucky there was some great baseball played in the morning, that lifted the fog for the rest of the day. Senior results for Wangaratta were as follows:

C grade lost to the Bears

B Grade Black defeated the Bears

A Grade Black defeated the Bears

B Grade Orange got the win over Wodonga Warriors

A Grade Orange also got the win late over Wodonga Warriors

More information of the scores and so forth are available from the excellent IT team down at Wangaratta. As usual if Line Drive makes any errors, then it is an error. But Line Drive deals in the  stretching of the truth.

Let’s now see who has made the edit in this week’s edition…

Winter time blues

Year in and year out, it does not ever change. June and early July have always been the most difficult weeks to field sides in, no matter what sport you play. Baseball is no different. From jet setters looking for warmer exotic climates, to the annual pilgrimage toward the northern states, as well as just life getting in the way of baseball, some players have been unavailable for one or two games. It has placed the Ranger roster under a little duress at times, but each week, Coach Owen Godenzi and his merry band of helpers have navigated their way through. A big thanks goes to those players out there who may have done double duty on a weekend, and there are a few. But with that comes more chance to play and get up to speed quicker too. Line Drive knows who you are and from their point of view they are very grateful. Here’s to the run into finals getting a bit easier for all involved.

Pronger’s new name

A long time favourite of Line Drive is the man we all know as ‘Pronger’. Sean Whiteman rolled into the B Grade Orange game unannounced on Sunday down on diamond two. This pleased the coach Kelsey “Marathon Man” Burder, as now he had an extra player at his disposal. The issue is that Pronger can be quite injury prone on diamond two. This lead to a few players thinking his name could remove the “g” and become known as “prone” to injury. After a little bit of dicey base running “Proner” got through the game unscathed. Well almost unscathed. He was quick to leave after the game after being picked off at 3rd base! Just to avoid the fine.

Traveling man

It has come across the desk at the office of Rounding Third, that there is one player who just loves to play, and the tyranny of distance is not a hurdle. New to the Rangers this year is one, Alex, “Traveling man” Williams. Williams is not new to the sport, having played the past few years with Benalla, but with no Benalla team, Alex chose to continue to ply his developing game with the Rangers. So far this year he has been a star. He has often doubled up to help out the Ranger cause. From throwing in Dropsy Burders Orange side and then with A grade Orange.

This was the case again on Sunday where Williams got the chance to show off his prowess as an outfielder.  He flashed the leather and fired the cannon of his arm by throwing a runner out at the plate from left field on two bounces. A very solid day of baseball all round from The Traveling Man.

Burder relays the “extra” mile

It has come to Line Drive’s attention that Rangers legend and all round good guy Kelsey, “Dropsy” Burder, has taken up running. This doesn’t sound revolutionary as many people decide that they like to run, but Dropsy has taken to the sport of what is known as the ‘Beer Mile’. Basically, for those who are not sure what this involves, it means after each lap of a 400 metre track you are to consume a beer and then do another lap. In other words, 1600 metres of running with four beers dispersed throughout the run. His coaching team lead by Brad, “Undies” Murdoch, were there to make sure Burder was hydrated and ready to run. Coupled with his tracksuit, Burder definitely looked the part. This is the direct quote from the coach about Dropsy’s athletic prowess…

“Yeah went pretty well, was pretty cold but we drank ourselves a blanket, Kelsey ran well, he was set up as the anchor and ran last in the relay leg, to everyone else It was a 400m lap but to Kels  was a 100m sprint and his lap time was up there with the best on the evening. We came 5th out of 7, completing our task of not coming last” Brad Murdoch.

Kelsey Burder Beer mile
Coach Murdoch was most pleased

Great job team. Now to put that teamwork to make the dream work on the baseball diamond.

The Bestie at it

As mentioned in past editions, Shannon, “Bestie” Whiting, was down at Targoora Park trying to get his Wodonga Warriors over the line. Bestie had the usual repertoire of comments, sledges and all round pestering. One of his best was aimed at the bronzed Nathan “Nathos” Pool who has been sunning himself around the Mediterranean during June. “Nathan, I have not seen you out in centre field in 20 years. Are you lost?” (sic) Cam, “The Soak” Scott overheard the exchange as he wandered off at the change of inning and remarked “Not on diamond two at least. You’re right in that regard!” Good banter once more. The way it always should be.

Great to Strut

It was great to see on the socials of the North Eastern Baseball Association, that Strut Baseball ran a session for the emerging ball players in Wangaratta over the past weekend. A great take up of 40 young players took to Wangaratta diamonds under the watchful eyes of some of the best from Strut Baseball. From all reports and commentary, it was an extremely worthwhile exercise, with both players and coaches alike from across the clubs getting valuable insight and ways to improve their performances at their respective clubs. A big shout out to all those who took their time out of the weekend to attend and take their baseball to the next level.

Rangers turn 25.

Put it in your calendars if wish to have a day out watching baseball, and celebrating the fact that Wangaratta Rangers Baseball turns 25. Over the course of the day, all Rangers sides will be playing against one another, followed by a dinner catered by everyone’s favourite slow cook maestro Daniel, “Set it out” Griffin. There will be a collection of other offerings and one thing is for sure, Griff caters for all tastes and dietary requirements.

There will be a club photo taken during the day. This will be probably earlier rather than later as the club would love as many junior players to be part of the photo as possible.

Rangers seniors, please make sure you are available even if you are a bit sore to come together and celebrate, laugh, share memories and thank everyone for keeping the baseball story alive in Wangaratta. A ‘Quarter Century’ team will be announced on the day. Line Drive is pondering who will be in Rangers best 9 plus bench. Come along to Targoora Park on Sunday the 27th of July to catch up and find out.

Rolling the sleeves up and getting it done

Special mention goes out to the myriad of Rangers being players, parents, and people who are just around the club this season. It has been the biggest one yet with the number of games being held in Wangaratta for the season, and it has been fabulous that we have members willing to put their hand up and do their part. It has been great to see that the volunteer of the week is getting a run on the social platforms and we thank all of you out there for rolling the sleeves up and chipping in where needed. Line Drive knows the president and the committee really appreciate the assistance.

This is all straight out of left field!

  • Mei Sato likes to keep the fire burning. When not playing, Mei was happily tending to her fire pit. This was before and after the game see the before and after images!
  • Do some cleaning up, just throw those sticks on the fire as you go past Paul Maiden!
  • “That is some write up Line Drive does, always worth a read” a direct quote from a younger player Heath, “Bring the heat” French. Maybe there is still a place for the written word after all.
  • Meat tray winners this week were those who worked in the canteen late in the day, Dan and Matt. Nice work you two. Or is this too much coincidence of coercion?
  • Trip away theme this year is tracksuits to Canberra. A personal favourite of Undies Murdoch right? Cash is King!
  • Always have the right under garments on while you play Cooper Bennett!
  • Bunts gets the win. Shout out to Brendon French for dropping the game breaking bunt for Rangers Orange when called on at a pinch late in the game.
  • Welcome back to Cam “The Soak” Scott. He was overheard to say, “Yeah, O found me”
  • Tough hard fought win by Rangers Black over Bears. From the sounds coming from Line Drives position it was one arm wrestle of a match. Credit to all involved on both sides of the result.
  • Who left without paying their donations to the trip away fund? Those who know and go, know who you are! Tetsu even paid his dues for slip up at short stop! Long stops in next time.
  • Dan Wells is after you for the 45 club. Go find him as part of a small syndicate of people and you could win! A few places left, and if you are outside the club just send us a message on the socials to be part of it.
  • New jerseys are available and for a great price (if you have ordered one) it is yours. See the friendly people at training or on the weekend to get yours.
  • Dinner on Wednesday 2nd July, is brought to you by Rangers Orange B grade. Chef Kelsey is in the house this week. Get around him
  • Reminder that playing subs are now due. Please see a member of committee to sort this out.
  • Working bee reminders, always looking for those who have a spare little time to help out. Next one is Saturday 5th July…
  • Junior carnival coming up in July 12 and 13, so many hands make light work.
On the slow burn
Stay warm Mei

Another massive edition. Line Drive will be seeing you good folk soon. Stay warm and as always,

Go Rangers….

Rounding Third By Line Drive March 2025

Posted on by LineDrive

It’s a new year, a new season, and that means Rounding Third returns for its 12th year in 2025.

Hello, and welcome to Rounding Third for year 2025. Line Drive is back to look into the stories and characters that make up the largest baseball club in the North Eastern Baseball Association. The Wangaratta Rangers.

Rounding Third has always been at places online, and easy to find. This will continue to be the case. However, those with a short 45 second attention span (or 200 words) have probably already given up reading (Mikayla Jonker, just wondering if you are sticking with it?)

However for the rest of you, Line Drive welcomes you back and hope you are all well.

It has been a while, and to be honest Line Drive has certainly been soaking up the sun around the North East, amongst other pursuits, but now his mind has turned to what has been going on around the Wangaratta Rangers baseball community. One thing is for sure, what he does not know, he will certainly make it up and make it sound pretty plausible!

Let’s get to it.

New website.

The time had come, all things Wangaratta Rangers needed a refresh. It required a new spin on things! A new spin on the story of Wangaratta. The new and improved Wangaratta Rangers website is now live and taking hits. Candice Jones has spent a considerable amount of time talking to members of the club, getting the right feel and spin to propel the club forward. So, it’s time to update your bookmarks (Line Drive readers generally do bookmarks) and checkout Wangarattarangers.com

Cod season 2025

Cod season is only a mere a week away, and the King Cod, Nathan Pool has been busy once again making sure there are enough of his codlings migrating downstream to Ballarat over the March 29th weekend. It will be a bit of a different Cods line-up in 2025 but there will be some heavy hitting veterans appearing once more. It was declared last week to Line Drive that Ash,”The Game” Meyers is looking for puffer-fish award number four. Line Drive is aware that Meyers has put in some pre-season work and is itching to play.

There are a few new Cods swimming down south in 2025. Line Drive has been looking at the list and hearing the chat around the water cooler that Michael, “Bill” Clear is debuting this year. When asked about his preparation, Bill was happy with the schedule. He plans to play for two days then have a 35hr break for umpiring duties back on the border, then to come back to Ballarat.                                                                                                                                                                   For the Cods in the know, only one player in 12 years has gone back to the border and returned to the masters competition. This individual did go on to win the puffer-fish that year. Could it be done again?

Barks doesn’t miss

It has come to the attention of the Cods in the know, that since the inception of Cods, only two players have never missed a tournament. One being the Big Cod Nathan, “FOMO” Pool and the other, Porepunkah’s Damon, “Barks” Barker. It was looking like Cod trip 2025 was going to be the first one that Barks would be missing with other adventures planned. However, Barks had different ideas on this one and will be suiting up for at least one game on Thursday afternoon, keeping his streak intact before flying out to Europe. For that effort,  this deserves a vote in the Puffer-fish award. Safe travels Barks.

The Disco falls silent

Over the past month or so, Line Drive was informed that Shaun, “Old School” O’Neil, is having a sabbatical year in 2025. This has caused a bit of a stir in the office of Rounding Third due to Old School being a rich source of content over the years of Rounding Third. It looks like others are going to have to fill the big concrete holes left behind by number 2. Enjoy your season off Old School. You will be missed by this Ranger.

Trip away footy tipping

There is a little pocket of the Rangers playing and support cohort who have been on many an end of season trip away over the years. There have been many reports about masters weekend too. This year, the trip crew are going back to basics and looking for ways to raise revenue. One way that cohort decided raise a bit of cash, was to enter the footy tipping at a local establishment. The real test is that each member of the trip will be asked to tip a round.     Kelsey, “Dropsy” Burder offered to tip the last round. Line Drive will let everyone know when they will be tipping, so don’t worry! 

Training returns to Wednesday

It has been warm in the north east for the first three weeks of Rangers training. This has not stopped the numbers from being impressive. Coach Owen, “Sits at the big table” Godenzi, has been impressed with the attitude and the willingness of everyone to be involved and learning how to improve. So if you are yet to attend, senior training is from 6pm on-wards on Wednesdays. You might even sight Line Drive there too.

Taylor terrorising twos attacks

Dancing man John, “Johnno” Taylor, has had a very good season of cricket with the Yarrawonga-Mulwala Cricket Club. On more than one occasion, Taylor has dug the Yarrawonga-Mulwala Lakers A reserve side out of a hole with some lusty striking. One wonders if Taylor will be gracing the diamonds of the north east this winter with similar lusty hitting. One could only wonder.

Rangers Bringing Light to the Dark

Big thanks go to Steve and Lisa Peruzzo, Mick and Taylah Wyatt, Jamie and Gus King and Frenchy for helping out at the Project 365 concert at Avian Park on February 22nd. They ran the merchandise stand throughout the night in some very warm conditions, and in true Ranger style, helped put a very important message out into the community. The crew at Project 365 loved having the Rangers involved. Remember, ‘it’s ok to not be ok’ You can get some help. Talk about your feelings…. Lifeline.org.au 13 11 14

A big thank you for all your efforts

Now onto the club stuff

Congratulations to Kate and Azza Parker on the arrival of their son Nelson. Nice work, what a ripper!! It’ll be great to see young Nelson join his brother Patty on the diamonds in the coming years!

Need to pay your registration? Head through the club website and click through to winter registration. Process is quick and easy. See the club if having difficulties….

Anyone seen Scott “Jenko” Jenkins? One heard he may be making a comeback in season 2025.

Good luck to Cods Masters who head to Ballarat for the weekend. Have fun and stay safe,

Well that’s enough from me. Try and stay cool and hydrated in the heat (if it is warm where you are reading this) and speak to you soon…….

Go Rangers

And 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

Line Drive presents The Voodoo Diaries November 3 2024

Posted on by LineDrive


Hello from the Gold Coast. Line Drive is here with the Voodoo Masters once more, bringing you an insight into the people and the characters that are part of Voodoo Masters 2024.

Saturdays game has been played and won. There was plenty of nervous energy in the Voodoo squad as there always is in the first game of a tournament. Voodoo’s opposition came out and hit the ball hard. After a bit of a nervous start, Voodoo warmed to the task. Led by a Ben Laux double, this sparked the Voodoo to life and got them off and running. It was a grind after a morning meeting with so much more merchandise and competitions to remember, each at bat Voodoo hitter remembered what to do and got to work. Great team hitting by rookies Jay “Ray Ray” Ziersch, and Wayne, “Beato” Beaton, solidified the Voodoo, breaking the game open with Voodoo running out 10-6 victors.
Sunday sees the Voodoo having the day off, and they’ll return to the diamond on Monday for a game against Surfers Paradise.
Now the formalities are out of the way. Let’s get to what the Voodoo Diaries is all about and what  the people who make up Voodoo have been up to?

Welcome to Voodoo Masters 2024
The Pan Pacific Games has only just begun for the characters of the Voodoo, but many have already made their presence felt. No more so than Rookie Tom “Energiser” Simmons.
The rookie Simmons has been one very excitable fellow for the past few days leading up to the games. Many of the Voodoo faithful got the full treatment of Cyclone Tom on Thursday night. However, during game time, the energiser was able to repay the faith in spades. Simmons was tasked with the job of playing right field. Many a North East player could not think of a time when Simmons has played so far from the infield, if at all. However, the joy of youth for a 35 plus masters side, Simmons stepped up to the challenge by being flawless in windy conditions. At the plate, he managed to get hit twice. He did remark to the first base coach, “Did not get hit once all season in 2024” Welcome to Voodoo #43!

Butts arrives.
Ben Laux is relieved. After at least six mentions after Saturdays game, Rob “Butts” Seymour has arrived.
The last playing member has touched down on the Gold Coast. The man we all love, “Butts”  has had an eventful day. He is here, but his gear has not. It is”somewhere” between the Gold Coast and Sydney. However, Buttsy just rolls with the punches and will be ready to go for Bravehearts on Sunday. From the rest of Voodoo, we’ll be watching on from afar.

Catch the dream Boo
The first person award with the dream catcher for Voodoo 2024 was Brendan “Boo” Simmons. After a tough first up game, Cam “The Soak” Scott thought it was a very even performance and would be tough on anyone to get the dreamcatcher. However, after consultation with Bradley, “Groundspreson Willy” Pratt, there was a clear winner in Boo Simmons. His mind is as sharp as a tack, and the reason was simple. Boo made an error his first play of masters 2022 and then repeated it in 2024. Catch that dream Boo.

The Watcher
Every side needs a person to do the hard yards. Every side needs a person to watch over the players. Voodoo is no different. We have John, “The Watcher,” Kus.
The Watcher sees all from afar. Like a good shepherd, he knows his flock. Even when the watcher is not in attendance, Kus knows. Now, many would say this is creepy, but if you have to deal with middle-aged aged baseba, lers then you need a Watcher. Kus portrays the role perfectly.

Voodoo doctors
One thing is, for sure, the ability of Voodoo members to diagnose medical and social conditions that many of the general public may have never heard of.
Davis Long legs don’t seem to stop moving, so the Voodoo doctors declared ‘restless leg syndrome.’
Nathan “Joe Cocker” Pool has been diagnosed with hat fishing. Hat fishing is a condition where a middle aged men always wears a hat or cap. After looking down from above, or ‘where love lifts us up where we belong’,  as Joe Cocker crooned.
You can leave your hat on.

DJ Denouto
Every member has a role to play in the Voodoo machine. From Cam “The Soak” Scott making sure Jude Power is organised and on time, to Wayne “Beato” Beaton having the to Dennis “DJ Denouto” Smith spinning the decks in the dugout. No dodgy legal advice from Denouto, just great vibes and songs that you all know and love. Look for the DJ playing all the hits this week at Surfers Paradise Baseball Club Voodoo bench.

Now for baseball stuff
The Voodoo are enjoying the Sunday with a day off before getting back into it Monday. Line Drive will keep you all updated as the week progresses. More stories to follow. Hope you enjoyed the read with Line Drives’ mistakes and all.

Go Voodoo.



Luke Hornstra just deals in strikes.

Rounding Third by Line Drive August 2024

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Rounding Third. It has been a little while since Line Drive has run his eye over the goings on in the North Eastern Baseball Association.

However over the past weekend, he was able to ride on out to the Ranger dome and catch up with some new, and many old faces who have been on the end of a bit of light hearted banter over the years in this little bit of writing.

This year the social media game has certainly gone up a notch which has been sensational for the clubs exposure. It’s been looking pretty schmick.

A big shout out goes to Rangers Grey who have been just out of luck most of this season. However they gritted their teeth yesterday and finished off the season with a walk off win over Bears Gold in A grade. It was fitting that Rob, “Butts” Seymour was the winning run across the plate. Great work ladies and gents.

A Grade grey season finished on a winning note. What is Kelsey looking at?

Next week sees the start of finals with the Rangers being represented across numerous grades. It is Grand Final weekend for the juniors too. The under 15’s will be playing Wodonga in the Grand final. Games to be played out at Targoora Park in Wangaratta. A BIG Sunday coming up this Father’s Day.

Line Drive will leave all other correspondence to the wonderful IT gurus we have at Wangaratta and the North Eastern Baseball Association. He is returning to his traditional values, with a bit of sass and some tongue in cheek observations of the varying individuals who play in the Orange,  Black (and Grey) of the Wangaratta Rangers. 

Now with all of that out of the way, what has been going on?

Soaks rambling dribble returns

Not much has been seen of Line Drive’s good friend Cam “The Soak” Scott over the 2024 season. Many have reported the diamonds have been much quieter, and let’s be honest, much more refined. On Sunday just gone, The Soak rode in to Ranger land to support his brothers and sisters of the Rangers with what many of you may know as his own unique approach to ‘talking it up’  Ably assisted by some current Rangers, Jason “Sunscreen” Jonker and past Ranger,

Scott “#Jenkoselbow” Jenkins, The Soak decided to run his mouth at Rangers B Grade vs Wodonga Warriors B Grade. First target. B grade “Skipper” Mick Wyatt, who had decided to take his turn on the pitchers rubber.

The Soak was in one of his upbeat weird kind of moods and he was choosing chaos.

“I’ve ridden down here just to watch you pitch number 11” Wyatt the chose to spike the next pitch into the dirt, and his next remark was “Shut up Cam!” When asked later about his grumpy outburst, Mick clarified that he was attempting not to laugh at what had been said.

With that in mind, many others in the B Grade dugout got a little bit of the bizarre inner workings of The Soaks mind too.

Another target was Paul, “6 dots” Maiden. Cam thought that one was pretty clever, however a little too clever for young Mikayla, “I find Line Drive boring” Jonker, where both Jenko and Cam had to explain the reference. Once explained, Mikayla doubled down on her dislike for cricket. Sadly still, the reference was lost. Sometimes, the banter is a little too refined and obscure and that is the way Cam likes it.

Peruzzo and his new veneers.

In between explaining obscure references to younger members of the side, The Soak turned his attention to Steve, “Fernando” Peruzzo and his nice looking veneers. It has been a while since Fernando has had a full smile, but they were certainly on show On Sunday. Cam asked Dan Wells if he should mention Fernando’s great, new looking chompers, and Dan was all in for it.

When mentioned, all Fernando did was well….smile.

Murdoch’s Moustache masterclass

Brad, “Undies” Murdoc, has been many things to many people over the years at Wangaratta. A great club person, knock around bloke, a great dancer to the odd midnight oil song, but one thing that is underestimated is the majestic nature of his upper lip. The Rangers do have a few great beards, but only one true superstar moustache. Undies owns that. The man of great beard, Scott Jenkins, did a little bit of commentary on the true style of Murdoch’s mo.

“Best tache in the Association” Jenko said…..It’s hard to argue with that commentary Jenko.

 It was also noted that Matt, “The Colonel” Sanders top lip is also looking nice and full of hair follicles too. Maybe Murdoch’s mo mantel is under threat in B grade? Watch this space for updates.

Dropsy’s new trick

It was duly noticed on the weekend, during the Rangers Grey vs Bears Gold game on diamond 1 that Kelsey, “Dropsy” Burder has a new trick. Early on in the game, Burder surprised those watching by throwing his catchers helmet at the batter. Kyle Gilmore was even impressed as this was a new skill Burder has built into his repertoire this season. Dropsy no more? Never.

Always be Dropsy!

Mei see you around!

Mei Sato has really enjoyed her return to the diamond in season 2024. She is at every training and always looking for ways to improve. Mei had become ever reliable for the Wangaratta Grey in season 2024. Mei has filled a variety of positions over the season and under the watchful eye of Tesuya “Tets” Kamiyama, the improvement has been excellent. Mei was quoted as hoping the season was continuing. It’s always great to have positive up beat individuals like Mei involved at the club.

KK. The new queen of all things Rangers

Once just the domain of Line Drive, this year has seen many others take on small roles and responsibilities around getting information into the public domain. From creating many of the week to week posts on Instagram and Facebook, Mikayla “KK” Pool has turned her hand to the podcast world as guest host. From all reports, this has been well received as KK has basically threatened the playing group into listening to it. The players have responded by always having a a listen and giving it a like. If you would too would like to have a listen at what KK is producing, head over to the Wangaratta rangers Facebook page or look for it on Spotify or whatever podcast app you use.

What’s my name again?

It has come to Line Drive’s attention that a couple of the Godenzi’s like to mix names up.

Tanner Godenzi has a habit of calling Cam Scott Mick Wyatt, and Owen made a habit of calling Oscar Maiden “Issac”. It’s alright, Cam also gets Campbell a lot too. Coincidence?

Presentation time.

Line Drive may have had a little bit of a quieter year, but the club certainly has not. Games at Targoora park each week, to junior representative carnivals to social nights. The Rangers have certainly had a full plate in season 2024. Silver circle once again was a great night along with Junior Rangers movie night and now the upcoming presentation evening.

Leader of many, Owen “O” Godenzi was having a conversation with the young travellers from Melbourne and comparing presentation nights with their respective clubs. It was mentioned that this could be the biggest yet. Friday the 13th of September Wangaratta Turf Club is the venue. Food and entertainment is on the cards. Maybe a birthday song for the president too. Make sure you get your tickets. It is sure the be a great night.

Happy trails Ryan Kenny

Safe travels back home to treasurer Ryan, “Mr Canada” Kenny who has headed back to the northern hemisphere and home to Canada. Kenny managed a farewell appearance at a Rangers function over the Kings birthday weekend in June before relocating. True to form Kenny put in a big effort. Last to bed and was the first to rise from his swag. Rumour has it he was pretty happy the Rangers don’t have too many functions as they just always seem to be epic. That’s the Ranger way. Hope you have a read of this Ryan. You will be missed.

Anyone seen Old School?

Shaun “Old School” O’Neil got a little bit jumpy seeing Line Drive on Sunday. He was that jumpy that he decided to be named on the bench. “You can’t put me in there for anything this week!” However, true to Line Drive form, a special mention to Old School. Keep being you Old School.

Now onto the club stuff

Finals this weekend Sunday at Targoora Park. Murdoch road Wangaratta

Check out K.K’s podcast on Spotify. “you better” not my words, they are KK’s!

Training Wednesday from 6pm for Seniors

Presentation Night, Friday 13th of September at Wangaratta Turf Club. Tickets are available through the Rangers Facebook page.

C grade Rangers play Wodonga.

B grade  Rangers play Wodonga.

A grade Rangers Black play Bears Gold

That’s enough from me. Yes it is the old school way of doing things, but sometimes just writing it is a little bit easier and therapeutic for this scribe. Line Drive will be back again in the near future. Good luck to all this coming weekend for their finals no matter where you are reading from.

Have a great Fathers day out there. Miss you Dad.

Till then thanks for reading and….. just thought I would add another photo of Rangers Grey. Thanks to Mei Sato!

Some are the consummate professional for photos aren’t they!.

Go Rangers.

Rounding Third By Line Drive April 2024

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello there! Yes I’m back! The baseball tales from the North East of Victoria no one asked for, but you are aways here to read! It has been a while since the musings of Line Drive has been put down on paper. It was time to step away from the deck of the local cricket club and its unique blend of characters, and return to safe territory. It is time to place the spotlight back on the eclectic individuals who all come together to play under one banner. One club. The Wangaratta Rangers. It has been a great off season for many, so let’s get you up to speed with the goings on around Wangaratta and beyond.

Azza ties the knot

A massive congratulations goes out to Aaron “Azza” Parker who got married in the past couple of weeks to the lovely Kate. From all of us at the Rangers, we wish you a lifetime of happiness! Love your work #5!

Cods 2024

The start of the new baseball season brings together some of the older heads of the association, who combine their considerable talents into the one entity called The Cods. It has been a very quiet summer for The Cods with many being rather busy with other commitments. However, The Cods have been able to put a side together again this year, so they can see how good they ‘used to be,’ in the Victorian Masters Baseball championships, being held in Ballarat from the 5th to the 7th of April. Big Cod Nathan “FOMO” Pool has once again done the heavy lifting getting a place to rest some weary cod heads organised. There are a few new Codlings attending this year with some particular Rangers FINALLY being the right age now. Look for Daniel “The Griff” Griffin to put in a good display along with long time tailgater Brad “Undies” Murdoch, stepping up to be full Cod players. Not to mention Cod legends Ash Meyers and Damon Barker once again showing off their talents on the diamond in Ballarat. The Pufferfish award to the best Cod for the weekend is wide open, with some unavailabilities limiting the field. Line Drive is back in attendance after travelling the world last time around in 2023. Good luck gentlemen!

Driving the Hume.

It has been a big summer for a few families in the North East. After a very successful winter season in 2023, a clutch of Wangaratta Juniors thought they would play and refine their already considerable skills in different settings. Some headed off for Melbourne while others headed up to Albury to play in the Albury Wodonga Softball Association. Now with training back in full swing, it is definitely noticeable to Line Drive the confidence that this has brought to many of the younger players. This places them and the club in a good position for a great winter season in 2024. It is really pleasing to see this happening and full credit to parents, guardians, coaches, umpires and whoever else assisted in their development as ball players.

Juniors ready to go

Season 2024 is rapidly approaching. It has been a busy month down at “The Ranch”. The juniors are being put through their paces under the guidance of Under 12s coach, Daniel Wells and Under 15s coach, Nathan Pool. The numbers have been impressive in both junior grades coming off the back of a successful month of ‘come and try’ days. The club has decided to enter two Under 12s and two Under 15s teams into the winter comp for 2024. One of the Under 15s will be merged with the Benalla Bandits. If you are still interested come on down on Wednesday from 5pm to have a look and a throw.

New players a plenty

Another season approaches and it was time to find the baseball gear and head to training. The weather has been warm, training in natural light is something of an oddity. However, it has been worth the drive over to Wangaratta to see so many new and returning faces to the Wangaratta Rangers. Many have come off a season of softball over the summer time, while others have just heard about us and thought they would come down for a run around. It has been great. This scribe has a lot of names to learn and remember over the coming weeks of the season. Welcome to all, it’s wonderful to have you be a part of a great club.

Hitting the Gym

Line Drive has heard that a certain Kelsey, “Dropsy” Burder has been hitting the gym in readiness for the upcoming season. This comes as a surprise to many that Kelsey has decided that NOW is the time to hit the weights. Maybe he is getting ready for the dancefloors of Ballarat? However it seems to have come at a cost. Poor Kelsey has been battling a bit of sickness the past couple of weeks. Coincidence? One wonders. Hope you’re feeling better Kelsey.

Trivia time

The Wangaratta Rangers is holding a trivia night on Friday the 19th of April which is to be held at the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Softball club located on Murdoch Road. Tickets can be bought via the Wangaratta Rangers Facebook page by clicking on the link below. It is sure to be a brilliant night for the club, however there will be a couple of noticeable absences with trivia masters, Line Drive and his wife being in Melbourne that night….. This does open up doors for another trivia master to take the helm and be awarded as the coveted champion of Targoora Park!! Congratulations to the ‘Cool Committee’ on arranging a ripper evening. Hannah Clancy and co have been working very hard!

Wangaratta Rangers Trivia April 19th 2024

Din Dins A doo dah

Training dinners will be back in full swing after training the week before the start of the season. This means there will be dinner on Wednesday 17th of April to be prepared by gourmet chef Aaron “Azza” Parker. Azza has kindly volunteered to cook the first week, and each week following will be on a volunteer basis. For those who are reading Rounding Third for the first time, then the deal is simple. Let us know if you are keen in partaking in dinner. And then for $10 you get a great feed and your first drink. A great way to sit down and have a chat after a good run around on the diamond. Line Drive is very appreciative of dinner at the club as much nicer eating at 7:30pm instead of 9pm! Please approach your coach if you would like to volunteer one week and whip up a feast for the masses after training.

Doing the groundwork.

A big shout out goes to the members of the club who have put in the hours over the summer time to continue to upgrade the diamond and surrounds at Targoora park. Just last week the running track from home to first and home to third have been completed. Not to mention a layer of sand that has been spread over the outfield filling in some of the lower spots. The ground is looking in good shape moving forward and that is a testament to many members of the club over the years.

Now onto the club stuff

  • Junior training Wednesday nights from 5pm at Targoora Park Wangaratta. All are welcome!
  • Seniors training this week is brought to you by Rob “Butts” Seymour and Jason “Sunscreen” Jonker. Be out on the field at 6pm ready to go.
  • First dinner will be the 17th of April. Thanks Azza.
  • Registrations are open and ready to go for the upcoming season. Check the Rangers player chat and the website (TBA) to register for the season. It is an easy process and quick too!
  • Trivia night Friday 19th April at the clubrooms- buy your tickets on Rangers Facebook page!
  • Good luck Cods for the weekend.

Anyhow, it is nice to be back, writing and bantering with you about the Rangers. Welcome to new readers and those who just like the musings of a rather average ball player. Much more will follow this upcoming season. So as per usual, spread the word, share and like.

Have a good week and…..

Go Rangers!

Rounding Third By Line Drive July 2023

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to the July edition of Rounding Third. The season has been ticking along albeit in a stop start manner. This is due to weather, many a junior carnival and being the depths of winter in the North East, where many are looking to escape to warmer locations. Despite all of this, there was some baseball played over the weekend in Benalla and Wodonga respectively. Here are the results from Sunday 16th of July.

Under 12’s Rangers 11 lost to Wodonga Warriors 22.

Under 15’s Rangers 12 defeated Wodonga Warriors 6

C Grade Rangers 6 lost to Wodonga Warriors 11

B Grade Rangers Grey 15 defeated Benalla Bandits 8

B Grade Rangers Orange 19 defeated Wodonga Warriors 3

A Grade Rangers 15 defeated Wodonga Warriors 4

A big thank you to the hospitality of both Wodonga and Benalla respectively. Both grounds were in great condition, and from first hand experience, the Wodonga canteen was excellent. A big shout out to those who travelled to watch us play. It is much appreciated by all.

Now what else has been happening? In a word, heaps!

North East juniors represent.

At the beginning of July, the North Eastern Baseball Association headed over to Bendigo to play in the Under 14 Victorian Winter Baseball championships. In this case the North East were able to send not just the one side, but TWO sides to participate over the weekend. In a first for the association, North East were able to send a stand alone girls side to participate in Baseball Victoria’s all girls Winter Invitational. Line Drive must mention that the North East were the ONLY association who were able to put an all girls side together. On the Saturday the girls aged 11 to 17 got to play as North East, where on the Sunday, all the girls were mixed into the other Baseball Victoria Girls sides from throughout Melbourne. From all reports it was a hugely successful weekend with both boys and girls sides, learning a heap and playing very good baseball.

With thanks to Field of View sports photography

Over the past weekend North East headed off to Werribee as it was the under 12’s turn to test themselves against the other associations from around the state. They finished a very creditable 3rd overall in pool two with 2 wins and 3 losses for the tournament.

It has only been a few short years since the association took the plunge and relaunched the junior competition. In such a short span of time, the North East has been able to send a side away for all of the junior carnivals. Putting a girls invitational side together is fantastic for the growth of the game in the North East. One that every club should be certainly proud of. The next challenge for all of us in the baseball community is to continue to grow the game and gain opportunities and exposure for all our talented juniors. Line Drive has been talking this great game up for a long time. Now it’s up to the each one of us, young and old to keep the momentum up and show that we have a presence and a place in the communities of Albury, Benalla, Porepunkah, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

Get well Keith Quinn

a shout out to a great baseball/softball person Keith Quinn who had a bit of bad luck over the under 14 weekend in Bendigo. From all reports Quinny is on the mend. Hope to see you again at the local diamond Quinny.

Tetsu did what?????

Over a long, long period of time, Tetsu Kamiyama has had the reputation of being one if not the best import ever to play in the North Eastern Baseball Association. He has hit many a home run, turned dozens of double plays and thrown countless runners out with those slick soft hands of his. Last weekend in Wodonga Line Drive witnessed something that he has never seen before from the little master. A dropped ball on a tag play to second base. The play was executed to perfection by catcher Aaron Parker and pitcher Nathan Pool, who threw a perfect throw to Tets. All Tets needed to do was catch the ball and tag Jesse Griffiths, who all but given up getting back to second base. However, Tets dropped the ball! Much to the surprise of all on the diamond, both dugouts, spectators, scorers, and even people walking past the ground. Some cars even slowed down to see what the commotion was about. Never mind Tets. It happens to all of us from time to time. Better pay the tin on Wednesday night number 9.

Got the tricks here Tets! Photo courtesy of Lauren Grenfell.

Lucky ticket is a week away

The 2023 Rangers Lucky Ticket draw is on again on Saturday 29th of July. It is the one big function we have each year and it would be great for all to get behind it. From selling some tickets to helping out on the night, every little bit helps. Kelsey “Dropsy” Burder has done a power of work again to get the night up an running, and from those who have been before, it is always a great night. Tickets are $25 and drop the club a message if you are looking for a ticket.

Kelsey OMG!

It is hard enough to hit a moving ball. As mentioned above, it is very hard to catch a moving ball. However Kelsey “Dropsy” Burder has out done himself once again. Dropsy was his usual laconic self behind the plate, even throwing out a runner or two. However he saved his best work for in the batters box. At one point while a pitch was coming towards the plate. Kelsey let out a rather audible OMG! and in the next movement, he proceeded to hit the ball! A very interesting skill to demonstrate there Dropsy. One thing is for sure, you never cease to surprise us all at the Rangers.

Look up! Photo courtesy of Lauren Grenfell

The Soak a threat on the base paths

Well not really. If you have seen how Line Drive’s good mate Cam “The Soak” Scott runs it is no where near lightning pace. However a little useless stat for you people who like all things statistics, it may be the most bases The Soak has swiped in over 15 years! How many you may be wondering? The answer is two. Note this information has no real fact in it. Line Drive just though it would be of some interest to those who have known Cam over the years and knows how he runs! In a word, Poorly.

Sunday dinner at the Town and Country

Don’t forget after the games against Porepunkah on Sunday that the club head to our great sponsor the Old Town and Country Tavern for dinner. From a report which came across Line Drive’s desk over the weekend, the last one was the biggest one for the season. More surprisingly this was after all games were cancelled in Wangaratta due to the state of the grounds! Maybe see you there for dinner on Sunday.

The Club is the sum of its members

Again the weather has played havoc on the fixture, with grounds being waterlogged hampering the ability to get continuity into the season. All clubs throughout the association work very hard behind the scenes week in and week out to get their diamonds prepared and playable. All volunteer time and money from the clubs own pockets. If you have been down to Wangaratta recently, you can see a home run fence, and off diamond pitching area has been completed. Also to mention the undercover area in front of diamond one and the extension of fences on diamonds two and three. The club is only as strong as all of you who give up your time to help out after work on week days and the weekends. Remember when it’s your turn to help out, just get in and get it done. By doing that one little bit makes the club run all the more smoothly.

Late in the day vibes at Wodonga July 16th 2023 Photo Lauren Grenfell

Now onto the club stuff

Rangers welcome Porepunkah Panthers Sunday Targoora Park

Rangers Orange vs Benalla at Benalla.

Lucky Ticket July 29th

After home games dinner at Old Town and Country Tavern.

Training from 6pm Wednesday. Dinner next week brought to you by B grade.

If it reads a little different this week, Line Drive’s proof reader is having a break this week. Please like and share.

Till next time.

Go Rangers

Rounding Third by Line Drive June 2023

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to another monthly installment of Rounding Third. It has been a busy six weeks since the last edition. The weather has turned for the colder and many a player in the North East certainly felt that over the past weekend.

The many characters of Wangaratta ventured up to the picturesque Ovens Valley to a winter time Porepunkah. It was a big day of baseball in very wintry and slippery conditions, but all players who braved the conditions equipped themselves exceptionally well. 

C-grade were thereabouts once again, with a win just around the corner one feels. In B-grade it was an old school day, where it was a real team effort to get the win. A complete masterpiece from the veteran, Jason “Sunscreen” Jonker helped be the anchor for the Orange men.

In A-grade, a stellar outing on the pitching rubber from Aaron Parker, and plenty of hitting especially from a returning Ross Johnson and Brendan “CammaaaaaH” Cameron, saw Rangers grind out a win against the Panthers. 

This week, is a week off with the under 18’s winter championship being held in Wangaratta. Let’s hope the weather improves over the week. What else is news?

Results from Sunday June 19th

Below are the results from all teams Sunday June 19th 2023

Under 12’s

Rangers 18 defeated Porepunkah 17

Under 15’s

Rangers 7 defeated Porepunkah 2

C grade

Porepunkah 10 defeated Rangers 5

B grade

Rangers Orange 20 defeated Porepunkah 3

Rangers Grey Washout

A Grade

Rangers 16 defeated Porepunkah 1

A great week from all at Wangaratta. Special mention goes out to Josh Wells, who is the current owner of the Ranger homerun hat in under 15’s. How about that score in the under 12’s game!? A fantastic result for the youngest Rangers, by all reports they are getting better and better with each passing week. Line Drive ran his eye over the C-grade side, and there is a lot to like! Good to see the veteran, Ian “Dino” Dinsdale still plying his trade at first base too. That elusive first win is just around the corner one feels!

Winter has arrived up the Ovens Valley.

It’s been a while Nambrok.

As mentioned above, Rangers Orange had a solid win over Porepunkah. Excellent hitting from Mick, “the Skipper” Wyatt and a complete game on the hill from Jason, “Sunscreen” Jonker, helped reinvigorate the group and spurred them on to deliver a complete performance.

Special mention goes out to the members of a group once know as “Nambrok….” A name that has not been seen in these writings for some time.  The boys from Nambrok wound back the clock and put in a performance not seen for some time. Highlights included Kelsey, “Dropsy” Burder throwing out a runner, Sam, “Goggles” Grigg getting a very rare hit to the catcher and legging it out to first.

For those who don’t know that would be scored as a hit to 2!  Let’s also not forget Brad, “Undies” Murdoch who played with a clear mind and a clearer stomach. I think that will be left there. Where was it left Undies?

Ross Johnson light it up!!!!

Ross, “Rossco” Johnson was back in Rangers colours for his first game of the year on Sunday. There was plenty of musings about Rossco from Cam, “The Soak” Scott and Shaun, “Old School” O’Neil about his numerous mentions on a baseball podcast. The funny thing was that Rossco had not even heard, nor known there was a podcast. Well there is a reason why the number 18 has been mentioned a lot in the local media. When on, he can really hit a good ball. When reflecting on the book after the game on Sunday, it was noted that he had had 5 hits from 6 at bats. He even managed to hit it into his own ankle as well. Good day on the diamond number 18.

CammaaaaaH

After a slow start t the season, Brendan, “CammaaaaaaH” Cameron is swinging a hot stick as of late. After breakout hitting against Wodonga, single handily getting the Rangers over the line, CammaaaaaaH continued this over the weekend in Porepunkah. Another three hits for Cameron. However, he did have to pay his dues for taking off for 3rd base late in the game. The tin graciously accepts your monetary donation. Stay swinging a hot stick CammaaaaaaaaH.

The upgrades continue at the Ranch

A few more upgrades down at Targoora park over the past month. The issues with the lighting have been fixed, while a new bull pen area has been put into use with lighting and all, giving extra flexibility and opportunities to refine ones skills. A new PA system has also been installed ready to go for lucky ticket evening on July 29th. Speaking of that if you wish to get a ticket, they are only $25. Please see someone from the club and they will be more than happy to sell you one!

North East finish fourth.

Big shout out goes to all the players and families who headed down to Geelong over the Kings Birthday weekend to represent the North Eastern Baseball Association. They boys once again acquitted themselves well over the six game being competitive right until Monday. Line Drive heard the new uniforms looked great too.

The tin is a rattling.

The past weekend in Porepunkah saw another sighting of the fines tin. This time some weight was definitely added to it. From strike outs, to errors, to people not recognising players in their own team, there was a gold coin donation or two going on. The usual suspects paid their dues but Line Drive suspects there are a few out there who are dodging the tin. Now who would that be????

Dinners have returned

A very welcome return this season has been the Wednesday night dinner.  After a bit of a false start last month with a wonderful Lasagna supplied by Lauren”Mrs Soak” Scott, dinners in the past few weeks have returned with a vengeance. Last week was team Orange turn, Kelsey, “Dropsy” Burders chicken and pesto pasta, and this week Tony “Spinner” Smith will represent team Grey. For $10 it’s a great feed with a drink. Most  importantly, a great chance to get together for a chat and a laugh after training.

Clubs are always better when you get involved!

Who is Line Drive

Yes, there was a voice of Line Drive on the latest Rangers podcast, but who is to say that it’s the only person who looks over these notes? Maybe as noted in the Rangers chat, just a mouthpiece and a bit of deepfake technology? Just food for thought. Those in the know, know the real story!

Now to the club stuff

  • Training Wednesday. Juniors 5pm, Seniors ready to roll at 6pm
  • Dinner after training. Spinners specialty this week $10 with a drink from 7:30pm on-wards.
  • Under 18’s winter championships on 24th and 25th of June. If you can spare an hour let the club know to help out.
  • Please make sure you are all paid up on the club fees front.
  • Rangers Lucky ticket on Saturday 29th of July. $25 a ticket. Talk to someone at the club for your lucky ticket.
  • Nothing to do Sunday? The Rangers are heading to the Wangaratta derby on Sunday 25th of June. Magpies vs Rovers. All are welcome to come along and spend the afternoon watching the local footy. Wangaratta showgrounds.
  • Lauren ‘Mrs Soak’ Scott will soon be hitting you all up to buy a ticket and a shirt, in support of Project 365, who are putting on another show at the Wangaratta Rodeo on Saturday November 25th…. potential end of season / pre Xmas gathering? Tickets will be available soon via their Facebook page, ‘Project 365 Wangaratta, U Can Cry’ All in support of positive mental health!

Well that’s it for this edition. Another enjoyable piece of writing. Till next time….

Go Rangers

Rounding Third By Line Drive May 2023

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to another installment of Rounding Third.

Season 2023 is now underway with the first two rounds in the books. All clubs converged on Wangaratta over the past weekend with a real festival of baseball on the cards.

All up 18, games of baseball were held down at Targoora Park on Sunday, ranging from Under 12’s all the way through to Seniors A grade in the afternoon. It was a huge day on an off the diamond for all involved at Wangaratta.

Mixed results from Rangers.

Under 12’s – Rangers 9 defeated by Bears 21

Under 15’s – Rangers 15 defeated Bears 2

C grade- Rangers 6 defeated by Warriors 12

B Grade- Rangers Orange 4 defeated by Bears 24

Rangers Grey- 21 defeated Warriors 11

A Grade – Rangers 16 defeated Warriors 4

In all the years of writing Rounding Third, Line Drive cannot think that the results have ever been listed like above. It’s a real testament to the determination of the North Eastern Baseball Association and its member clubs, to grow the game and give more exposure and opportunity to play baseball in country Victoria.

More to come about that later.

So what have the humans of Rangers been up to lately?

O’Neil is slowly adjusting

Shaun O’Neil likes to stay out of the limelight, or so he says, but he just continues to bring great stories to Line Drive’s attention. After another great weekend in the cold of Ballarat, it has been suggested that “Old School” was so pumped to get back to the sun of Wangaratta that he left all his baseball gear behind in Ballarat.

After plenty of posts, messages and comments later, he was reunited with his gear before the start of play. On another matter, O’Neil was upset with his belt not fitting his pants. Until someone let him know that those belts were adjustable. Old School could not believe it! Many a year playing baseball and not once had he looked at the belt and thought to adjust it. Don’t change Shaun O’Neil. There would be so much less to write about!

Cods Masters Baseball Pufferfish 2023

After play finished on Sunday, The Cods gathered to present the Pufferfirsh award. The votes were counted and were read out by “The Big Cod,” Nathan Pool. In the end it came down to two individuals, and for highly contrasting reasons.

In one corner there was the master of the slow cooked meats Daniel Griffin. Griff definitely left a lasting impression on many team mates after training, for his meals of smoked and slow cooked goodness over the three days at Masters.In the other corner, Matt “Bulldog” Carmody, from all reports had a good time on and off the diamond while at Masters.

In the end, this was the main difference with Bulldog polling 32 votes to 17 to get the chocolates and the adulation from his fellow Cods. Bulldog is already looking to go back to back in 2024 and has thrown out the challenge to all as “I was only in second gear!”

Good luck for anyone who is looking to wrestle the trophy off Bulldog in 2024.

Ossie has one very hot Bat

A rather poor choice of words for a sub heading, but how else can you describe the start of the season Ossie Osbourne in Rangers grey has had?

Against Rangers Orange in week one, Ossie had three hits in their 16-10 win.

On Sunday he was at it again, racking up the hits against Wodonga Warriors. Keep throwing the bat in front of the ball Ossie. We all hope your hot form continues.

Heath likes the hot corner

Young Heath French got the nod to start in the A grade game at third base against Wodonga on Sunday. From balls hit down the line, to going out to get them, French was clean throughout. A highlight was his double play by stepping on third, and throwing a strike to Cam Scott at first. “Silver service” was heard over and over by Scott, with each play French was involved in. Nice work kid. It looked like you enjoyed that game!

JT in the house

It was great to see dancing man Johnno Taylor over at Wangaratta on Sunday, using his vast knowledge of the game to help out as third base coach with both B and A grade games. Taylor is unfortunately injured at the moment, but is still a valued part of the Wangaratta machine.

A few older heads loved his enthusiasm and his calling of plays throughout the day, picking up on little things that others might have missed.

Looking for more players

This year the North Eastern Baseball Association has introduced a C grade competition. This is open to young players who are making the intermediate step between junior and senior competition. Included in C grade are players learning the game of baseball, and those new to the sport.

Wangaratta Rangers are on the look out for anybody who has ever thought of giving baseball a go, but were not sure about how to go about it.

This is open to those who are 16 years old and above.

Game times are Sunday mornings from 10:10am to 11:40am. If interested, head down to Targoora Park Wednesday night from 5pm for juniors training and 6pm for seniors. Also, feel free to message the club via the Wangaratta Rangers Facebook page. Spread the word!

Podcasts, media shows but Line Drive is still here.

It has been great to watch and listen about all things North East Baseball over the past few weeks. From the Friday night Baseball Show, featuring the characters of the North Eastern Baseball Association to the weekly Rangers Podcast by one, Owen “The Big Table” Godenzi.

A special mention to Benalla Bandits and Porepunkah Panthers who have been working really hard to grow the sport in their own areas too. This was prevalent with the growth of the game as mentioned above with 18 games being played at Wangaratta. As a long time writer on baseball in the North East, it is pleasing to see all these other avenues of media being used to grow the game.

Now onto the club stuff

Please make sure your fees are paid as soon as possible

Lucky Ticket 29th July See the club for your Ticket

Training Juniors 5pm, Seniors 6pm Wednesday

Draw is available on Rangers Facebook page and www.wangarattabaseball.com

There was a lot to write about and there is a lot still to write about in the coming weeks. Till next time

Go Rangers.

Rounding Third by Line Drive Cods Edition April 2022

Posted on by LineDrive

Hello and welcome to a special edition of Rounding Third; The Cods Masters Baseball Edition. Over the past weekend 22 players from Albury, Wodonga, Porepunkah and Wangaratta put their hand up to go represent the Cods in the Victorian Masters Baseball Championships held in Ballarat from April 1-3. This year the Cods were able to field two teams in the 35 plus and 45 plus age groups. It was nicely balanced with both teams having eleven players.

Day one saw the Cods 35’s win one/lose one while the Cods 45’s had a similar pattern with their two matches. On Saturday both sides put in a solid effort with the opposition proving much stronger, while on Sunday, similar theme with both sides having a dip but not getting over the line. Another enjoyable weekend had by all in Ballarat. Now with the formalities of how the sides went neatly wrapped up, I wonder what else happened?

Bulldog holds court.

This year’s Master of the penalties is one, Matthew “Bulldog” Carmody.  Matt is one who is born to lead a group of bottom feeders like the Cods. He made his presence felt by coming in white hot Thursday night. Great friend of Line Drive, Cam “The Soak” Scott copped the full force of cyclone Carmody after a 4 hour drive from the border.  The Soak was caught on the ropes and did not know what was going on. One thing for sure is that if Bulldog says hello to you, make sure you reply straight away!!! Isn’t that right Soak?

Mick’s greatest hits.

Mick Wyatt’s hit parade continues with a collection of some of his greatest hits. Early on Friday morning, Wyatt was a ball magnet. He was hit by the ball in his first two plate appearances! Many of the Cods were hoping he would be hit again in his third plate appearance, but instead he got a base hit instead. However for Wyatt, the day just continued to improve, as he hit the ball to all parts of the field in the second game. Lucky for Mick he was not hit by a pitch again for the rest of the weekend.

Barker: Just doing Barker like things

One of Porepunkah’s finest, Damon “Barks” Barker had a chance at a rare feat on Friday at Vic Masters. The chance at the fabled cycle. For those who are reading for the first time, a cycle is a single base hit, double, triple and a home run.  Barks got the single, home run and the pesky triple out of the way.  However Barks got “peacocked” by one, Tetsuya “Mr Chow” Kamiyama. With the game almost done and dusted, Tets failed as Nathan “Fomo” Pool called out to “READ THE ROOM!!!” to give Barks a chance at a rare feat. Tets got a base hit and that ended the chance as the Cods were far enough in front.

In true humble Barker style, he just moved on. However Barks got the ultimate prize. He was awarded the pufferfish for best Cod in 2022. Congratulations to Barks. Great stuff

Everyone hits at Cods

When you decide to put your hand up to play masters, there are two basic principles to play Cods by. For yourself, get a hit. As a team, score a run. Amazing to say that ALL 22 cods have achieved the first principle on day ONE! Over a conversation with a couple of fellow Cods, it has been ticked off. Through all the years of attending the masters, this scribe cannot think of a year that every single Cod player got a hit in for the weekend.

Nice socks men!

One for the Cods history books.

One Seymour is better than none

It was bit of bad luck that perennial Cods favourite, Rob “Butts” Seymour was a notable absentee for the latest edition of Cod Ballarat 2022, with some commenting it was not the same without Butts there.  However, a Seymour was still in attendance. Buttsy’s brother, Tim “Brother Butts” Seymour donned Cods colours for another year. Year in and year, out Tim just slides into the team like a well fitting old baseball mitt. As usual, he ran fast, caught fly balls and hit the ball to all parts of the field, doing his job like a typical Seymour does. Tim had such a good time he finished in the placings for the pufferfish award This made Ash Meyers “I didn’t know the Seymour’s had teeth! Then i saw Timmy smiling. Who knew! A happy Seymour! Sure we will see him once again in Cods colours in 2023!

Whiteman has a new shiny toy

Sean Whiteman bought himself a new shiny piece of equipment. A very nice looking blue and white baseball bat. Many a Cod player commented on how nice and shiny the gloss white paint and blue handle looked but were wondering, are there many hits in it? Unfortunately for Shaun in his first couple of at bats with the new stick, he neglected to use it for its intended purpose. It was more of an ornament while up at the plate. By Sunday this had been rectified and to all concerned the bat was being used for it’s intended purposes.

Nice play gents

Scoot on down the road. Just watch the face.

Many of the Cods players decided to try a new mode of transportation around Ballarat over the weekend. No Uber’s, no taxis, no bicycles. The scooter became the ‘go to’ ride of choice to get between places. Some Cods were adventurous enough scoot back to the rooms from the baseball diamonds.

From Nathan Pool ripping a skid (with the attitude to match it) into the accommodation, then Tetsuya Kamiyama almost riding into a sign, scooters were going everywhere. Some just rode them around town before they went back to their rooms. The talk around masters on the Saturday and the Sunday was that there was a player from one of the teams who had come off their scooter and tasted the pavement. The person involved had a nice reminder on their face. Ironically the player almost achieved a matching one on Sunday after a baseball jumped off a bump and hit the other cheek. Now who would that be?

“Oh No…”

The phrase no one wants to hear when the ball is hit in your general direction on the baseball diamond, is a player calling out “Oh no…!” before it even reaches them. This happened to Nathan “Fomo” Pool, who had the misfortune of knowing what was going to happen next after the “oh no” was verbalised. The ball trickled out of the glove and behind Pooly at shortstop. In all the years Pooly has been playing baseball, he says it’s up there with one of the worst errors he’s ever made. Still he stuck with the next few and made amends for his first audible “oh no” moment in a long time.

Cods and Saturday Quaddies are not friends.

Ash Meyers said this was the year. This was the year the Cods will get the first leg and get into the Saturday Sydney quaddie. He proudly proclaimed this while at the local establishment Saturday morning. He gathered 12 hardy souls to go into partnership with picking the numbers. The boys were feeling good until Meyers let everyone know around the table that NO ONE had picked the favourite in the first leg, but taken the field in the second leg. Problem is, the first leg is more important than the second in this matter. Meyers probably shouldn’t have told us what was left out. So, what happens next? Yes you got it, the favourite wins and, for the 6th year in succession, Cods fail to get the quaddie out of the gate. Cods will try again next year.

Is there something in the water in the North east?

A few other sides were shocked to see so many left handers in the Cods 35 plus lineup. So were the Cods! The distribution through the lineup was one that was most interesting. Instead of right ,left,right,left…….let’s just put them altogether. At one point the lineup read as follows first six hitters were-

  1. left handed
  2. left handed
  3. right handed
  4. left handed
  5. left handed
  6. left handed

Many an opposition side were wondering what was in the water in the North East? It was observed that most of the leagues lefties were in Ballarat for the weekend. The reason for clustering them altogether? No reason. Maybe the managers were amusing themselves. Back when the season starts, normality will return to the batting lineups.

Just an image of some average left hander from Cods

Spinner can do it all

Tony “Spinner” Smith is the ultimate team man. From gathering all the players date of birth, data entry and organising two sides for entry, to scoring his first game of baseball in 20 years (he did it twice) and being a clutch hitter off the bench, Spinner did the jobs that need to make Cods the well oiled machine many have become accustomed to. It’s a big job to organise blokes from different clubs to come together and gather the data required for entry. From everyone involved in Cods in 2022 they are very appreciative of the efforts Spinner put into make this happen. Great job Spin.

Cods baseball would like to thank

It has been a big effort by many people over the past six months to make sure the Victorian Masters Baseball carnival was a great success. A big shout out to the hosting clubs of Ballarat Royals and Alfredton Baseball clubs who coordinated and made the weekend an extremely enjoyable one. To Rick Tresize who took on the job of coordinating the draw and all that goes with that task, a big pat on the back. To the umpires, players of all teams, scorers, photographers (yes KC Line Drive saw what you did!) a massive thank you to you for making it another fantastic weekend of baseball, stories and revelling in the fact we are getting older but we still love the game like when we were young.

To the Cods crew of game day managers 35 plus of Mick Wyatt and Heath Anders and Damon Barker and Tetsuya Kamiyama for guiding the 45 plus. Nathan Pool for coordinating accommodation, to those who drove down from the north east and to all players who had a ripping time. If I have forgotten anyone I apologise! And for spelling names wrong too!

Cods 35 plus for 2022 were

Mick Wyatt, Heath Anders, Scott McCallum, Cam Scott, Brendan Cameron, Shaun Whiteman, Shaun O’Neil, Ross Johnson, Nathan Pool, Brendan Simmons Paul Meddings

Cods 45 plus for 2022 were

Damon Barker, Tetsuya Kamiyama, Ash Meyers, Randy Skippen, Jason Jonker, Tony Smith, Steve Peruzzo, Tim Seymour, Adam Rosser, Adrian Quinton, Rian Banks

Not to forget no 1 ticket Cods holder Matt Carmody for his role as master of penalties.

Hope you enjoyed the read. These are only some of the stories from a great weekend. All is in good fun and faith. Till next time

Go Cods.