It is now confirmed that the fourteenth annual Masters Carnival will be held at Geelong Baseball Centre from Friday 9 April to Sunday 11 April 2010.

• Two divisions will be offered – 35 plus and 45 plus. To be eligible, players should have attained the particular age by the first day that they play.

• Wood bats will be required in both age groupings. 

23 April 2009

Big Cat Tomatoes pulled off two significant Grand Final upsets to take both Victorian Masters titles at Geelong Baseball Centre earlier this month. Finishing second on the Blue Pool table, Coburg had again set the bar for the series by playing quality baseball in the early rounds. Its only loss in the preliminary games was a "dead rubber" against the Tomatoes on Sunday morning. However, the Cobras ran out of hiss at the death, going down - in the final - to the same team, in a 9-8 thriller.

It was 1-0 Coburg after ageless athlete Bill Blair spun a no-hitter over four innings. Even after the BC Tomatoes started to take to reliever David White, it was still 7-3 Coburg. But the eastern suburbs boys were not to be denied, smacking six late runs and keeping the lid on the potent Coburg offence.

The Springy side did it somewhat easier in the Red Pool final, where they led the previously undefeated Waverley Blackcats all game and ran out winners 16-13 in a dead-set crowd pleaser. Springvale was well ahead in the game and it was only a late flurry by the Wildcats that saw them drawing the final margin back to more "respectable" proportions.

A highlight of the game was the hitting performance of Springvale big man Darren Hughes. Hughes blasted two grand slams among his nine RBIs, but also struck out twice in ignominious manner – creating great mirth among his teammates and bringing groans of disappointment from baseball fans always in search of their next hitting idol. 

Just in case any observers are bemused about the "Big Cat Tomatoes" sobriquet, it's quite simple really......the Springvale Big Cats summer club and the Frankston Tomatoes winter club continue to be great supporters of Masters baseball. For this series - and others - they choose to play together.  

While we congratulate the BC Tomatoes on a superb performance this time around, all teams are to be commended on their effort and their commitment to keeping Masters baseball available as an option to our ageing players keen to have a fun time in a supportive baseball environment.  

The Victorian Masters Carnival has gone from strength to strength over its thirteen-year history. It will be back again next autumn, offering competitions in 35 plus and 45 plus (possibly even 50 plus if the numbers are there).  Although we sometimes fly by the seat of our pants and might do things "differently" to the mainstream baseball community, that has been part of the charm of Masters baseball - which continues to evolve as a unique and unprecedented sporting activity. ____________________________________________________________________________________

The thirteen teams were seeded into two pools – one of seven teams and one of six – on the basis of what we knew about age, likely competitiveness and playing personnel.  Blue Pool comprised Springvale, Brownsocks, Ormond, Coburg, Golddiggers, Newport Rams and Melbourne. Red Pool comprised The Bees, Sprungvale, Waverley Black Cats, Fitzroy, Tassy Tigers and Dogged Rams. 

The colour delineation had no significance and two separate trophies were presented to the winners. 

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The DRAW is posted here. Please note that the first games on Friday start at 11.30 AM. There are double-headers and some teams in Blue Pool may have three games on a particular day (to enable all to play six games).  Preliminary Game length is an hour and a half (NINETY MINUTES). Both finals will be of TWO HOURS. Ten-Run and Five-Minute rules apply to all games.
 
Managers and players are advised of the following conditions and rules that will apply. 
These should be read in conjunction with the “Tournament Rules” that are posted on these pages.  

1. Teams are required to have submitted their lists prior to playing their first game. Springvale and Newport have entered two teams (one in each group). There will be no interchange of players between those teams during the weekend unless special dispensation has been received from organisers (for example, in the event that one team sustains a number of injuries and the other has ample to provide “top-up”). 

2. It is understood and accepted that Brownsocks, Springvale and Werribee (all of whom entered in 35 plus) may have some players aged 35 to 37. All players under 38 – in any teams - are required to use WOOD BATS, with NO EXCEPTIONS. Players and managers are asked to respect this commonsense requirement. All other players are allowed to use aluminium bats if they choose.  

3. Players must be 38 years old to pitch, unless special dispensation has been given for a person 35-37 where a team is not able to meet that requirement. There is an “across the board” restriction of four innings per pitcher in any game.    

The 38 plus structure is not perfect. We are aware that it creates a situation whereby 60 year-olds may be up against players quite literally old enough (or young enough) to be their sons. But we are also aware that the overwhelming majority of players who will be in Geelong are already committed Masters players who understand the activity and value the spirit in which it needs to be played. 

We look forward to another great weekend of Masters baseball – the thirteenth time that this unique Carnival has been held.  And by the way - not that it needs mentioning - the traditional HAPPY HOUR will be on as usual, at Saints rooms, after the Friday games. All players and supporters are welcome. 

Any further details will be posted here as necessary. If you have specific questions or requests, please contact us by telephone or email (see below). We’ll see you there. Best wishes to all. 

Please contact Chris (cmcmanus@barwonwater.vic.gov.au) (Geelong Baseball Association. For information or feedback, contact KC (kcollins@iprimus.com.au).

All games will be held at the Geelong Baseball Centre, Waurn Ponds.

Teams from last year, and other interested groups, should have been contacted with entry and other details. Please make your team's commitment known as soon as possible, since team numbers may be limited. 

Age groupings in 35 plus and 40 plus are expected to be offered.

All details will be posted on these pages and on the Baseball Victoria (http://www.baseballvictoria.com.au/) and Geelong Baseball Association websites (http://www.geelongbaseball.com.au/) as they become available.

GOLDDIGGERS and TOMATOES TAKE SPOILS IN 2008

GOLDDIGGERS 15 defeated ORMOND/GLENHUNTLY 13 in 40 plus.

BIG CAT TOMATOES went through undefeated in 35 plus.

SEE MENU TO LEFT FOR DRAW AND UPDATED RESULTS.

For more comprehensive coverage - including standings, reports and images - please head to the Geelong Baseball Association website (http://www.geelongbaseball.com.au/). 

The twelfth Victorian Masters will be held at the Geelong Baseball Centre, over three days: FRIDAY 28 MARCH - SUNDAY 30 MARCH 2008.

There has been much interest expressed by teams for the 2008 Carnival. Be assured that the dates are confirmed, the grounds will be in their usual pristine condition, the beer will be cold and the competition will be intense (or in tents, depending on how early you get in to organise your accommodation!). 

We have final team commitments from Waverley, Coburg, Tasmania, Newport (2 sides), Melbourne, Fitzroy, Ormond/Glenhuntly and Golddiggers (all over 40s), Big Cat Tomatoes, Brownsocks, Bacchus Marsh, Colac and Brumbies (late withdrawal). 

Two age groups will be drawn - 35 plus and 40 plus. With uneven numbers of teams in each, there are some scheduling challenges. We will, as always, seek to be fair and considerate towards all team interests. 

The DRAW has been posted (see menu to left). It is also on the Geelong Baseball Association site and will be sent to teams in hard copy when available. 

To contact us, mail Kingsley Collins (kcollins@iprimus.com.au) or Chris McManus (cmcmanus@barwonwater.vic.gov.au).  

There has again been great interest in the series, with most of our regulars known to be returning and with enthusiastic "new blood" joining us for a crack at series honours. In response to player enquiries, we can confirm the following:

AGE GROUPS will be 35 plus and 40 plus (players are required to have reached the minimum age during 2008). 

HAPPY HOUR will definitely be on again (Friday night). Details to come.

CATERING will again be provided by those wonderful people from the Saints and Guild clubs, with games being played on all four fields (including the new, fully synthetic ground at Saints).

RULES and BATS. We are currently re-examining Tournament Rules, but there should be very little change to previous years. Team Managers will be provided with Rulebooks prior to the Carnival. In 35 plus, WOOD OR COMPOSITE BATS ONLY may be used. In 40 plus and 45 plus, WOOD, COMPOSITE OR ALUMINIUM/ALLOY BATS may be used. However, aluminium or alloy MUST be BESR compliant - I.E. there must be a maximum of -3 differential between length and weight. A 33 inch bat must not exceed 30 ounces in weight; a 32 inch bat must not exceed 29 ounces in weight. Aluminium and alloy bats with no discernible BESR certification logo will be excluded from play. Any player found using a non-compliant bat will be removed from the game immediately. If a team commits a second offence in the same game, a 9-0 forfeit will be declared against that team.  

More information will be posted on this site as it becomes available. Alternatively, you can refer to the GBA Masters link at www.geelongbaseball.com.au/.

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2007 REPORT

Coburg picked up its seventh Victorian Masters Carnival title in eleven years by overpowering a gallant Newport Rams in the 40 plus division. In 35 plus, a classy Brownsocks unit - in its third year - was successful against Ormond/Glenhuntly, which again displayed a magnificent commitment to Masters baseball by fielding teams in both age divisions. For a full report on the Carnival, please go to the Geelong Baseball Association website (www.geelongbaseball.com.au).

With all grounds at the complex back to full operability, we anticipate a further increase in team entries. Check this page - or the GBA website - for more information as it becomes available.

Carnival organisers have taken some degree of pride - over the years - in providing an event that is diligently organised, notwithstanding its laid-back nature! We are always happy to receive feedback on ways in which the participants feel that the Carnival can be improved (for example, finals commentary has always enhanced the atmosphere of the series - we will ensure that it is reinstated in 2008). Should you have any suggestions or recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact us.

An ORGANISING COMMITTEE will be announced later in the year. For the time being, any contact should be directed to Kingsley Collins (Media Liaison, GBA) on 0407 523195 or movfin@excite.com. Alternatively, you can post to our Message Board.

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VICTORIAN MASTERS BASEBALL CARNIVAL 2007

*** IMPORTANT UPDATES ****


1. GAME TIMES. Please note that all preliminary games will be played over 90 minutes. This came about because of the need for a further time slot each day.
FINALS GAMES only will be played over TWO HOURS.

2. ENTRY PAPERWORK. If you have not submitted a formal entry with player names, dates of birth and the like, this may be done on the Friday morning prior to your side playing its first game.

3. FRIDAY RE-SCHEDULE. Concerning Malvern, Fitzroy and Melbourne 40 plus, please note a reschedule that should not cause any issues and will allow the Malvern boys to get to their Presentation Night. Malvern will now play Fitzroy in the 2.30 slot (D2), while Fitzroy will play Melbourne at 4.30 (D1). No other games affected.



The eleventh Victorian Masters Baseball Carnival is scheduled for FRIDAY 30 MARCH to SUNDAY 1 APRIL 2007. The venue will again be the GEELONG BASEBALL CENTRE, VICTORIA.

TWO AGE DIVISIONS will be offered - 35 plus and 40 plus.

After close of entry, we can confirm that the 35 plus competition will be contested by Brownsocks, Ormond/Glenhuntly, Brumbies, Big Cat Tomatoes and Bacchus Marsh. The 40 plus, some might say "elderly" but we say "olderly" division will be slugged out between Coburg, Melbourne, Malvern, Ormond/Glenhuntly, Fitzroy, Tassy Tornadoes, Newport, Waverley and title-holder Golddiggers.

Welcome to all, with a special "How do ya do?" to our new entries in Malven, Waverley and Tassy Tornadoes.

Five teams in 35 plus and nine teams in 40 plus over a 3-day series creates some challenging scheduling issues. The resultant Draw may be less than perfect, but it seems the fairest and most expedient. In 35 plus, teams will play just four preliminary games, with a play-off between the top two finishers (lack of a ground at the required time does not make it possible for a third/fourth playoff).

In 40 plus, one team (the one situated last on Saturday night) will play only four games. All others will play five preliminaries, with the top four finishers also playing finals on Sunday afternoon.

The Draw for both age groups is shown in Menu to the left. Should it not display to your satisfaction, please go to the Geelong Baseball Association website for a copy (http://www.geelongbaseball.com.au).

With four top-quality grounds likely to available for 2008, and with a further expected increase in teams, it may be prudent to revert the Carnival to a four or even five-day series. We are happy to discuss the possibilities over a jar or several at any time during the Carnival weekend.


We can confirm that the traditional HAPPY HOUR will again be held at Pioneer Park (Saints ground), on the Friday evening from 6 pm onwards (or thereabouts). Finger food will be provided. All are welcome. For more detail, see the GBA website.


RULE CHANGES.
There are two significant rule changes for the 2007 series (all age groupings).

1. BATS (Rule 20 0n these pages) Wood or composite bats ONLY will be permitted.
2. FINAL STANDINGS (Rule 5 on these pages). In the event of finals games being washed out or in other circumstances where standings are not clear, there will be a greater emphasis on "head to head". The Tournament Rules now read, "In the event of finals games being WASHED OUT.....thgen the final standings.....First, by points. IF EQUAL, THEN BY HEAD TO HEAD RECORD BETWEEN THE TEAMS ON EVEN POINTS. If again equal....."

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April 2006

DIGGERS,TOMATOES,HAVING FUN IN 2006


Notwithstanding some inclement weather conditions over the first two days, the tenth Victorian Masters Baseball Carnival was a resounding success, with twelve teams, over 200 players and a host of supporters turning out for three days of Masters revelry in Geelong.

In the 40 plus Division, the Golddiggers made the most of its offensive opportunities to upset a favoured star-studded Coburg outfit in search of its seventh title. More closely affiliated, now, with the Essendon club, the reinvigorated Diggers side has enhanced its already remarkable record of success in Masters baseball dating back to 1994. The Diggers enjoyed two earlier series wins in 1997 and 1998.

As always, Coburg was a valiant challenger in a hotly contested series that saw Melbourne, Newport, Fitzroy and Ormond/Glenhuntly all having their moments and ensuring that final standings were in doubt well into the final day.

In 35 plus, the Springvale Tomatoes combination was a worthy winner after several outstanding performances in the preliminary games. In securing their second Victorian Masters title, the Tomatoes outgunned Ormond/Glenhuntly, Bacchus Marsh, Brumbies, an injury-plagued Brownsocks and a subdued Saints combination.

The Geelong Baseball Association extends its congratulations to all teams for contesting the event in the positive, inspiring, competitive and friendly spirit of Masters sport. Baseball continues to lead the way and to prove, indeed, that we need never be "too old" to access the benefits of involvement in our great team sport.

The 11th Victorian Masters Carnival will be held, in Geelong, during the first weekend of April 2007.


February 2006   

The tenth Victorian Masters Baseball Carnival is scheduled for Friday 31 March - Sunday 2 April (inclusive). It will be held at the Geelong Baseball Centre, with Saints and Guild the host clubs. The series is being organised by the Geelong Baseball Association.

Series Draw is posted to the left of this page, under "Draw and Results" (nooo, Digger, it's not your eyes that are suffering alignment problems). DRAW AND GROUNDS ALLOCATION ARE CONFIRMED AS OF TODAY.

Please see below to confirm other details in regard to BATS, GROUND LOCATIONS, HAPPY HOUR and REGISTRATION PROCEDURES. Carnival RULES are posted to the left of this page. Rules are basically the same as in 2005 (except for shortened game times) and are consistent with those that apply at other major Masters tournaments.


GBA officials assure us that there will be no Ray Martin. Nor an Eastlake. No self-congratulatory medals count (in fact, it's rumoured, no medals.....just some very mildly coveted, borer-ridden woodworking that's been in the Jex possession for far too long), no regal visitations (but the King might be there), no hissy fits, no defections by shoeless athletes (or other Joes) and most likely no world records being smashed other than in the socialising/drinking/staying up late and talking gibberish competitions. Definitely no throwing your shoes into the crowd (ever smelt Logie's cleats after playing a couple of games? Jeeeesus). And no little Johnny pecking at our collective cheeks.

This shapes as sporting action of the highest possible order. In the autumn of our baseball lives.   

Age divisions remain as in 2005 - IE 35 plus and 40 plus. To be eligible, a player must have reached the minimum age at any time during 2006. In being consistent with Baseball Victoria guidelines for the summer competition, organisers may use their discretion to allow a 38 or 39 year old to play in 40 plus, provided that he played in the summer competition and that he does not pitch or catch.

The Geelong Baseball Association welcomes back the plethora of masochistic Masters baseballers who have joined us over the years - at this Carnival and for other Masters events. It extends, too, a special how-do-you-do to the Bundoora Brumbies team (with us for the first time) and it pays serious homage to the returning Springvale Tomatoes (who belted Coburg in one exhilarating finals upset just a few years ago, but have aged more slowly than the Burgers, it seems, and will take on the young blokes). Above all, welcome to all.


Cost per team: $ 600 (up to twenty players may be included).

Each team is to supply an umpire.

GROUNDS AND GAME LENGTH.

You will have noted that only three diamonds are being used for the series (because Saints grounds are undergoing repairs). Diamond 1 is the main stadium, Diamonds 2 amd 3 the stadium outer grounds - all in their customarily pristine condition. To accommodate all matches on the three grounds, game times have been reduced slightly (from 2 hours to one hour and 45 minutes).

BATS.

As in 2005, wood or aluminium may be used. In the latter case, bats must comply with the "minus 3" differential (IE if a bat is 34 inches in length, it must weigh NO LESS THAN 31 ounces; if 33 inches in length, it must weigh NO LESS THAN 30 ounces). Dimensions should be clearly visible on the bat.

TEAM REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT.

Team Managers are asked to make entry payments and register their final list of players with organisers, at the stadium, PRIOR TO THE TEAM PLAYING ITS FIRST GAME.

HAPPY HOUR.

The Saints grounds (at Pioneer Park) being out of action for the Carnival has not prevented the traditional Happy Hour from going ahead. ALL ARE WELCOME, from 6 pm onwards, to partake of some saintly hospitality, including cut price and no price drinks, some finger food, perhaps the odd raffle or game of chance.

A great opportunity to catch up with old buddies and talk a bit of nostalgic nonsense over a few drinks.........the older we get, the better we were.


            *            *            *            *            *   

For 2007 and beyond, organisers are aiming to set a realistic "cap" of 20 teams across three age groupings from 35 plus upwards. "Preferred Entry" will be provided for teams contesting the Carnival in previous years.   


FULL TEAM PAYMENT is to be made prior to taking the field on Friday 31 March.

The DRAW will be issued on receipt of all team registrations for both age groupings. RULES and SERIES INFORMATION will be issued to Team Managers when Draw is finalised.

RULES will be forwarded to Team Managers and to umpires prior to the series. Players can assume that there will be only minimal, if any change, to previous Carnival Rules posted to the left of this page.

All inquiries should be directed to DON STEPHENS on 5255 5016 or 0405 142057.
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April 2005

ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS IN 2005


Renowned for its capacity to produce memorable baseball experiences, the 2005 Carnival was no exception, with cyclonic winds and duststorms hitting Geelong early on the Sunday after two days of idyllic weather and temperatures into the thirties.   

Although the characteristically “breezy” Carnival adopted a more literal dimension, it was hardly enough to deter the Masters fraternity, their families and supporters – all of whom enjoyed another remarkable autumn weekend of baseball and social engagement with old mates and new acquaintances brought together in a celebration of baseball and good times.

The series was contested by eleven teams across two age groupings – Melbourne, Fitzroy, Coburg, Diggers, Newport and Ormond (all 40 plus), Saints, Ormond, Brownsocks, Bacchus Marsh and Valley Power (35 plus). Our congratulations to all players, their families and supporters for their support in helping create a wonderful, friendly atmosphere.


While Masters places less emphasis on winning than mainstream sport may, the Carnival again produced competitive, hard-fought contests in both groups, with frequent instances of individual playing excellence that belied chronological age and clearly scotched the myth of being “too old” to play team sport.

Coburg was the dominant side in 40 plus, winning its sixth Golddiggers Shield in nine years by defeating old rival Melbourne, a great supporter of Masters over several years. Runner-up last year, Ormond Hunters proved too strong for Brownsocks in 35 plus after the “new kids” had gone undefeated through the preliminaries. Diggers and Valley Power were the respective bronze-winning sides.

The Carnival could not have been delivered without the assistance of Geelong baseball officials, stadium announcers Mark and Terry and, above all, support of the Saints and Guild clubs, both of whom did a fantastic job of presenting grounds in immaculate condition whilst providing amicable, efficient catering service. Organisers sincerely thank all volunteers and wish their clubs the very best for the upcoming winter season.

Nor, of course, could the Carnival have been delivered without the assistance of that wonderful breed of men in blue, this year under the tutelage of Geelong's Larry Fraim. Well called, umps!

We also acknowledge the support of Baseball Victoria, which continues to commit itself to Masters in nurturing the “Sport for All, Sport for Life” ethos.


There has been discussion on directions that the Carnival may take for its tenth year and beyond. As always, organisers welcome feedback from players, officials and other interested parties. Those who favour a "share" arrangement between centres may be interested to know that water restrictions have been eased in Ballarat, enabling clubs to return its grounds - over time - to their earlier state.






Kingsley Collins
Ballarat Golddiggers

July 2005