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Australian Baseball Tour of Redlands
Check back for updates!
In 2009, we celebrated 20 years of Australian baseball!
The Australian Baseball Tour of Redlands began in 1990 when the Mayor of Redlands received a phone call from the Brisbane Expos Coach, John Murray, asking about the possibility of an exhibition game between Redlands and Australia. John had seen Redlands on a map of Southern California and knew it was on the general route from San Diego to Sanger, in Northern California near Fresno. At the time the Australian team was visiting the San Diego Baseball School. Mayor Chuck DiMirjyn contacted Steve Chapman, the president of Redlands Baseball for Youth, and asked him if he could organize a team of Redlands players to play an exhibition game with the Australians. Chapman made a quick phone call to Chris McPeck, who was recently appointed manager of the 14 year old Pony all-star team. Eager to engage his all-star team in international competition, McPeck agreed, and with the help of his all-star assistant coach, Rene Leal, Chris readied his team for the Friday afternoon game, which was played in 110 degree weather.
Following the success of the first game, Murray promised McPeck that his team would return to Redlands in 1991. Murray was true to his word. With the help of Vince Askay, the Brisbane Expos returned to Redlands in June, 1991. Each and every year since, the Redlands players and host families have responded with the enthusiasm, sportsmanship and dedication that have made the City of Redlands the "sanctuary" of the Brisbane Expos annual American Baseball Tour.
The Board of Directors would like to thank everyone who has worked hard over the years on both sides of the Pacific Ocean to help make this an outstanding sports cultural exchange event.
The 2005-06 Redlands 909ers Tour of Australia organized by Steve Chapman was extremely successful. A team of 10 players and 3 adults toured Alice Springs and Brisbane with a short stop in Sydney.
Australian National Anthem
Chances are when visiting Australia you may hear some strains of the "Australian National Anthem". Contrary to popular belief it is not "Waltzing Matilda" (thank God) but a rousing Patriotic song named "Advance Australia Fair" which officially became the National Anthem in 1974.
Australians all let us rejoice
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In historys page,let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia Fair.
Your Mates,
Bob & Bazza
I've included the first verse of this song so you can join in with your "Aussie mates" as we proudly sing and celebrate whatever!
For a link to The Aussie Anthem, go to
http://www.ausimports.com/anthem.htm
1/26/02
Joel Naughton was named the Queensland Junior representative player of the year after his outstanding effort in the recent National Titles.
1/24/02
Former Expo David Hyslop joins the growing list of players to sign contracts
with major league baseball clubs.
Extract from the Courier mail (Brisbane's daily paper)
" Hyslop signed.
Towering Brisbane tyro David Hyslop, a teenage pitcher with a 140 km-an-hour
fastball has been signed to a dream six year deal by the Chicago Cubs. The 18 year old junior star from the Redlands club will fly to the US in April for extended spring training with the major League Club before starting his long grooming in rookie ball."
Another one!!!!!
Congratulations to former Expo Matty Haynes who has recently signed a contract with the Cleveland Indians. He joins a growing list that includes Trent Durrington (Angels), Phil Stockman (D-Backs) and Tristain Crawford (Twins)as Expos who have signed pro contracts. And the next ???????
Go to "HANDOUTS" for a trivia quiz on the history of the Australian Baseball Tour of Redlands.
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