Final v Western Australia - 15/1/11

An early morning text message from James confirmed he was going to start as pitcher in the final for New South Wales. This is an honour in one sense - strategic in another. Composure, calmness and aherence to the team and coaching plan is required - and expected. Darian Lindsay the pitching coach has been a tremendous influence on James in this way. Left handed pitchers can also change things for an opponent dominated by right handed batters, like WA's side.

Such news does not calm parents however. James has pitched first and highly successfully in State Cup Grand Finals, Baulkham Hills Club Grand Finals, Little League Grand Finals and for Australia against Canada. He was a good choice, but this did not settle our nerves any.

My text back to him was "Fantastic. Relax and enjoy it. Have fun and lead them to victory. Smile and be positive in your body language". Principals get good at covering their true feelings. Occupational hazard. James is pictured here warming up under the watchful eye of Coach Lindsay and sitting in the dugout pre game while his teammates warm up in the field. His anticipation is obvious.

The final (Team 1 - WA v Team 2 NSW) was played on their No. 1 field in hot and still conditions early - before the customary winds blew from the south west - ideal for the left handed bats over right field! In Perth it is brave to ever say it is 'still' because wind is not far away. Nor is the biting sun.

A crowd of at least five hundred had gathered for the event. Probably more. Being a Saturday, locals flocked to support their team. Faces were painted, pet dogs wore their colours, streamers, coloured paper, balloons were festooned over their area. Their team arrived like rock stars out of their coloured team bus, to resounding cheers of encouragement and anticipation. NSW had snuck in earlier under everyone's radar.

On our side, our only support was from Country NSW who took us temporarily under their wings. NSW can be as popular as a flood looter on this stage.

The starting line up remained what it was yesterday: Bailey Musulin (catcher - 2); Brad Simon (first base - 7); James Percival (second base - 1); Jordan Lindsay (short stop - 9); Daniel Myrmell (third base - 3); Adam Barbaro (right field - 4); Dean Frew (centrefield - 6) and Mackenzie Bohan (left field - 8). A red headed kid from Baulkham Hills - James McCallum) was the starting pitcher in the final (batting 5).

Our first innings finished like Usain Bolt - quick. They responded with a few hits placing batters in scoring positions but they were well contained by James who got out of there without scoreboard damage.

James threw four strike outs in this assignment, hitting the levels of the best pitchers in the competition. He threw magnificently really under intense scrutiny and pressure. With every hit - some quite fortunate to land over second base going back, over first base running back, in front of centrefield with the setting sun in his blinded eyes and near right field's outstretched but untriumphant glove - their swelling crowd roared in approval. The straws were mounting on the camel's back but the camel was drinking through them!

They skipped away to a two run lead after three innings, before a resurgent Jordan Lindsay hit us and stole us our first run. After three completed innings, it was 2-1 to WA. Then the magic was summonsed.

In the fourth innings the rot for them started when a regulation ground ball (hit at pace by Percival who again played a blinder under pressure) was missed, allowing us to hit the front. Myrmell then Barbaro hit triples before Dean Frew - who to this point had had a highly uncharacteristic wretched batting tournament - hit one of the biggest home runs for the championships over centre field. As cliched as it is, 'form is temporary; class is permanent'. He produced when it mattered.

James kept them to two runs after four innings and at 9-2 a mercy win (by ten after five innings) loomed.

Our bats continued to crack. Percival, Myrmell and Barbaro got to base. Runs flowed. Then a cracker.

Enter James McCallum. He scratched and scrambled having two strikes against him and two players on base. Then the bizarre. A small black and white pee wee bird landed on the diamond and would not fly off. The crowd willed it. The coach chased it. A light moment for the Perth faithful. Then BOOOOOM! James smashed the next pitch over centrefield fence for a HOME RUN! A key moment and a significant strike. This brought three runners in and a 13-2 lead.

The joy from our crowd for other boys' feats was very uplifting. Kisses and hugs rained for Bern (good sorts attract this sort of attention) while high fives, fist pumps and back slaps showered me. Understandable. This is how sporting parents and teams function at their best - and this had characterised the week. Parents were genuinely delighted for the players and parents of those who performed well. This was critical to this team's success.

With James relieved by Tomiya at the top of the fifth, the win had been set up. Our fielding was slick - even after the miserable luck early. Brad Simon led the team wonderfully from first base. Assertive and intimidating. His glares to the crowd after sly comments were gold. He is immense. He hit too. Musulin, Lindsay and Percival lifted today and showed great composure and skill in initiating and perpetuating runners on base.

So too did Mackenzie Bohan (pictured with James below) who finished the tournament as the best U/14 batter in the country. His average was .737 (hitting seven out of ten times on average. USA Major League bats may get .300!). Having played all his baseball with James at Baulkham Hills Baseball Club, there was much excitement with the week both boys and families spent together.

Dan Myrmell pitched the last innings and at 20-4, the game was done. His power has a stamp of true class.

Coach Harradine had again shown the crowd - and the boys - the etiquette of baseball by not stealing bases once we hit ten runs ahead. The score could have realistically been 30 runs from us. Parents looked amazed, but the win was all the more worthy by his deeds. Measured celebrations ensued, but even these were respectfully done - until he had the Gatorade tub tipped over his head! This though was well after the tributes and plaudits had been announced and gold medals distributed.

In the end it was a significant victory - announced, we were later to learn - at the Sydney Bluesox game which was on at the time at Blacktown Olympic Park, to loud cheers. NSW had not won this trophy for five years.

In his acceptance speech, Tim Harradine mentioned the keeness of the boys to play. He spoke of a number of the team lining up very early morning before he had left his quarters, looking to see who was in the team and willing their name onto the teamsheet. James would have been there first.

For James, learning about his ability to navigate the intimidating and produce in pressure moments are lifelong lessons - not only those from the realm of sport. He has grown physically this year but also as a more respectful, focused and stronger young man through this journey with the NSW state side. His respect for his coach and the ability to learn closely from him has guided him strongly in becoming a better player.

Ultimately, this is why you play.
In the end, at the closing ceremony he even won some sort of raffle for a cap (one per team). It was that sort of day.


James ended the tournament with a batting average of .500 (28 at bats; 15 runs, 14 hits -including one double, two triples and a home run; 15 RBI's and 23 total bases). He was one of eight who made no errors in the field and in his pitching he had an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 3.23 (pitching 8.2 innings v QLD and WA in the final; 10 strike outs; NO walks and throwing to 42 batters and giving up 7 runs - 4 of which were earned runs). It was a deserved success from a young man whose drive and commitment has triumphed.

Game 7 v Victoria (Blue) - 14/1/11

Under cooler and cloudy skies (at last), the boys arrived at the ground in an enviable position - guaranteed of a grand final playoff position (first or second), but with some historical scores to settle against Victoria (Blue). This Victorian team won the championships last year. If they had beaten South Australia yesterday, this game would have determined the second place getter for the final.

As it was, they were hoping and they met our team galvanised and highly focused.

Our line up was seen by many as a precursor to tomorrow's final: Musulin (catcher - 2); Simon (first base - 7); Percival (second base - 1); Lindsay (short stop - 9); Myrmell (third base - 3); Barbaro (centrefield - 4); Bohan (left field - 8); McCallum (right field - 5). Dean Frew began as pitcher (batting 6).

The coaching staff were taking no risks - nor were they adventurous in any way. The grinding of teeth could be heard in some quarters. Winning can be unkind.

As if by way of symbolic reflection on the game, sunny skies emerged as soon as we hit an early seven run lead. By the end of five innings, we had again won on mercy rule. Beating them 10-0 was a grand gateway into the finals. Comprehensive.

Bailey Musulin was again strong. He scraps and fights at the batter's box, never relenting and always seeming to get on base. Percival was exceptional at second base with a throw as swift as his mother's wit. Myrmell was dominant and strong at third base with a bullet-like throw which lacked any sympathy for struggling runners.

The boys were composed and an emphatic result was gained.

James took a good running catch at left field early to get into the game and was enthusiastic in the field. The boys have been drilled closely to run at high speed from the dugout to their fielding position - and from the field back to the dugout. Professionalism. It is also hauntingly intimidating of any lacklustre and languid opponents.

With the bat in hand, James started with a sound single hit, before a massive strike over first base for a double. Even though he reached third base, it was credited as a double - after an unseen error by the fielder! The scorers are like NSW treasury officials.

His approach today was outstanding and he stamped his mark on the game. His third at bat was hit well, but found their short stop (a young lad who he billeted with last year in a Hills trip to Melbourne). A wry grin from both boys reminded us of the beauty of competitive sport.

Our hitting elsewhere was firm and consistent from Myrmell (three hits), Percival (two hits), Bohan (one hit) and Musulin (one hit). Mackenzie Bohan also wore one on the back of the helmet too - something his brother happily filmed on the family video camera.

Some players not hitting much would be worrying the coaches - they are certainly worrying some in the crowd - but they still offer promise. After some sixty or seventy training sessions over the past four months, coaches and players learn a lot about the merits of each player under pressure and their attitude.

Dean Frew was methodical and confident at the mound today, dominating again. His pitching has been fantastic at this tournament. Sam Giulieri finished things, pitching at high pace with sound accuracy.

The game was over before the Mr Whippy van had arrived. A sudden and emphatic end to children seeking coins from chatting parents - and to the game.

Our hopes and the boys' dreams turn to tomorrow's final. Certainly the team remain focused and are under strong leadership. James was not to be found immediately post game, having retreated, unbeknown to the coaches, instantly to the batting tunnels with three teammates.

We are at a great level of sport here with some fine young men.

Game 6 v The Territories - 13/1/11

Baseball is a game about failure. Failure of a pitcher to hit spots, failure of a batter to hit, failure of a runner to make it safely or failure of a player to make a catch or play. Sometimes too in baseball, failure extends to administrators who, while well intended, put an idea forward that is a failure.

One such idea is and has been the team called 'Territories'at the National Championships. Dervived from the ACT, Northern Territory and then from each state's leftovers, the side is a combination chow mein which lacks the same substance or quality. They lost 43-1 the other day to Western Australia in five innings and today to us 24-0 by mercy rule in five innings. As sad as it sounds, those who missed out on the Territories team can be thankful.

The gentleman's agreement of not stealing bases when well ahead of a hapless opponent was upheld vigorously by our team coach today so we probably could have won by fifty. Western Australia have found themselves in some hot water for not abiding by this. The heat can do funny things to you in Perth.

Umpires too take pity with a bigger than usual strike zone for the underdog - while the opponents take mercy wins.

Our team smashed the ball to all parts by and large. Players who had not had a lot of game time played a lot - Stevenson, Hore, Morris, Wootton and Giulieri. Sam Giulieri pitched powerfully and straight - without pitching many, if any, balls. He has much ability in this sphere when focused as he was very much so today. They could hardly hit anything thrown.

Some were reckless - including James who got out three times today, including a somewhat embarrassing stike out at the end. This disappointed him. Respect for a diminutive opponent was lacking a little from some of our boys and the lessons of sport as a leveller were brought home to them powerfully. Importantly, James made a powerful 9-3 play from right field to secure an out soon after. His focus had returned. Strength is the flower grown from the seed of disappointment.

It was a hard game to get excited about. Parents became disinterested, preferring to watch the neighbouring game, some got drinks, cleaned the sunnies, the fingernails, the camera lens or watched the grass grow while the groundsmen brought over the hose and rake for the end of game clean up before the second innings was completed. Harsh.

The game did not allow for much. Players rotated, batting line ups were shuffled and hitters stayed hitting - Bohan again fired, hitting a triple and getting walked, before sitting on the bench. The crowd can only take so much entertainment.

The coaches gained some favours from the parents disgruntled at the lack of game time of their children. This is not an unfamiliar tale in tournament baseball. The trophies are the same colour and the notion of 'team' is understood - albeit not wholly accepted - by the end of the carnival. Sadly, the air fares are the same price.

Regardless, the news overnight that South Australia had beaten Queensland and Victoria (Blue) had beaten Western Australia bode well for us. When added to Vistoria Blue losing this morning, we are now assured of a gold medal game final against Western Australia. This will be on Saturday regardless of the result of our game tomorrow.

A showdown against Western Australia will be a good finish to the carnival. We believe we can get them and etch the boys' names into Baseball NSW folklore - or on some paper list somewhere.

Game 5 v Victoria (White) - 12/1/11

As the mercury seared to 37 degrees again under brilliant blue skies, the boys returned today to battle a much improved and potential 'sleeper' - Victoria White - in the morning session. Chiefly a Victorian country side, they looked sharp.

The NSW side took the following shape: Simon (first base - 4); Percival (second base - 1); Musulin (catcher - 2); Lindsay (short stop - 9); Frew (third base - 6); Bohan (left field - 5); Perry (centrefield - 7); Barbaro (right field - 3). Ryan Hore (batting 7) kicked things off on the plate.

After pitching a major assignment yesterday, James did not take the field, beautifying the bench instead. He also doubled as bat boy and went through his pitching drills.

A steady start again exploded with the arrival of Mackenzie Bohan at the plate. His purple patch is electrifying with another lazy home run over left field, bringing in yet another runner. With this strike rate he would be barred from nite clubs. It is embarrassingly good and extended into a SECOND home run in his third at bat. His performances on the highest stage here have been impressive. Maybe the Cal Ripken selectors are watching. It will be long remembered.


As Ryan Hore showed his nerve and skill at the pitching mound, errors were non existent as we marched merrily through their batting order. A few skied hits were met with warm and safe gloves and ground balls were safely delivered to first base.

A cracking home run by Brad Simon almost went on the road. A mountain of a lad and a hit to match. Barbaro landed two hits, Simon three, Perry two and a couple of single efforts. There was a degree of spark and plenty of intent today.


The opposition was not strong as it turned out, and like so many teams before them, their pitching rotation at a demanding tournament was under immense pressure. Our bats stood up again today.

However the job had to still be done. We faltered towards the end with some familiar errors in familiar areas. Our pitching got looser, but our victory was not in doubt.

A mercy victory (ten runs or more ahead after five innings) resulted, with us winning 12-2.


We turn to the Territories (ACT and NT) tomorrow and then Victoria (Blue). Two victories should ensure a finals placement. That though is some way off.

Game 4 v Queensland - Tuesday 11/1/11

Awaking to a surprisingly mild 37 degrees, the crowd arrived at the ground with hope and aspiration. Neither of these fellows could be found at the ground after yesterday's game, having left early. The winds were blowing - the Fremantle Doctor - and his brother - were at work.

A minute's silence launched proceedings as we were playing Queensland and the overnight flooding tragedy was remembered with reverence and class.

We batted first and some much needed changes had been made overnight to the line up. We sought to strengthen our top order and rejuggle our batting order for greater batting strikepower. The team was: Brad Simon (1st base - 7); Percival (2nd base - 1); Lindsay (Short stop - 9); Myrmell (3rd base - 3); Musulin (Catcher - 2); Barbaro (RF - 4); Frew (Centre field - 6); Bohan (left field - 8). James McCallum started pitching (batting 5).

Both first innings were busy hitting innings. Single hits and walks got our bases loaded. Then a magic moment in the back end of the first innings.

Mackenzie Bohan launched one to centre left (two strikes down) and it travelled through the howling gale onto the grass beyond the fence. A Grand Slam! (ie a home run and every runner on loaded bases got home). To the uninitiated (and the initiated), this is a remarkable feat (like a hat trick in cricket) and the crowd went wild. Trudie and Guy (his parents) were deservedly excited and Wal, (Mackenzie's grandfather who made the trip from the Tweed) was seen shedding a tear of pride.

And well he might. Omitted unexpectedly from the WA debacle, Mackenzie is hitting better than any other 14 year old in the country at present. He is atop the tournament batting averages and is hitting strongly and positively against quality opponents. A deserved and rich reward for his hard work over the last twelve months. We are all very proud of him.

He is pictured here moments before launching one over left field. James is in the background at third base after having been hit by a pitch and walked. Notice the wind stricken flags in the far background. High ball hitting into the wind brought misery - as James and many others learned. The wind was not helping the pulled shot of the left hander today yet it taught them a key baseball lesson.


On the mound was one James McCallum, pitching in a pressure game to a high quality opponent. Four of their team were also in the U/13 Australian Cal Ripken team. The pressure and intensity was high. The expectations and anticipation even higher.

James copped a bit of early punishment but this was in some way expected. They could play. A couple of towering missed catches in the winds - tough assignments - could have improved things. However he was undeterred and pitched for four and two thirds innings and was highly impressive and calm under the blowtorch. Most pitchers do not pitch that long at this tournament - especially against high quality opponents. They are sacked.

He varied his pace and angle and succeeded with six strike outs - the mark of a pitcher. He built pressure and we prospered. He contained them and really contributed heavily to our much improved display.

The warm and energetic applause for James after he completed his pitching assignment (a 'major' assignment of 69 pitches which sees him with an enforced rest from play in the coming game) from both teams - and the gathered crowd - was outstanding. He has worked very hard - and continues to work hard on his game. 'Pressure moments' like today are a key focus where his composure and intent drives and leads powerfully.

He sits here pictured moments after his pitching assignment, exhausted, humble but focused on his next at bat.

James got two walks today. He also massacred one towering hit into the desperate clutches of their wind assisted centrefieldsman at full stretch and was struck out swinging. If the wind was behind him it may well have landed in the carpark. Not as strong today, but still positive and scoring runs for the team with smart base running. He will need to lift in the coming games.

Our hitting was solid. Myrmell hit a sensational homerun and a bag of other hits, Musulin got on base most times, Frew hit well a couple of times, Percival got a hit away, Barbaro kept his wits about him with two hits and the team moved relentlessly to the eventual 17-4 victory.

Significantly, there were no fielding errors and the polish had returned. Tomiya pitched a beautiful mix of off-speed pitch variations and closed out Queensland. His poise was well acknowledged and deserved in every way.

Some players are spending a lot of time on the bench, based on form - and faith. The competitiveness of this is healthy and educating some parents quickly. Playing for your state can be as cruel as it can be kind.

Before we could get the chairs in the car and the Mr Whippy icecream off our elbows, the team had celebrated, settled into their healthy lunches provided by the ruthless female canteen dictators - and were comforted by the purposeful counsel of Head Coach Harradine who remains resilient and focused - much like the squad.

Game 3 v Western Australia - Monday 10/1/11

Under piping hot Perth sun, we had an early game today at 10.00am, rather than the other timelsot of 2.00pm. The boys warmed up and possessed the exact intensity and focus we would all expect, but this was not indicative of what was to follow.

After the plate meeting with the umpires - at which both James and Macca attended - the game loomed as decisive in our quest for the title. WA had shown strong form so far and we needed to surprise them.

The starting side was Brad Simon (Pitcher - 7), Barbaro (catcher - 5), McCallum (first base - 3), Tomiya (second base - 1), Lindsay (short stop - 2), Myrmell (third base - 4), Frew (right field - 3), Perry (centrefield - 8), Gulieri (left field - 9). Wooton came into the game to pitch doing a great job really with a delightful mix of change ups and fast balls, before Stevenson took over and Bohan finished a tough assignment in their sixth innings. They did not need to bat a seventh innings after securing a 13-8 victory.

The omissions of Bohan (batting 1000) and Percival (not far behind) were surprising and unfortunate and a product of the silly Defensive Out (DO) rules which state that every player must have 42 DO's (ie two full games on the field) OR pitch three minors and bat four times.

We needed both at key times and we do not have a salary cap.

Things started to unravel early after two botched fundamental double plays by our pivots who through nerves/ fear/ recklessness allowed WA into the game and then onto the scoreboard. While they both shook their heads - some vets and pet food manufacturers get quite interested in such animals - WA shook hands with the scorers jumping to an early 3-0 lead. There was even a basic ground ball dribbler that was missed in the outfield, leading to some checking their programmes that we were indeed at the National Championships.

We got back into the game in time with a combination of walks, a few balks by their pitchers and a stray hit or two - Myrmell, Barbaro largely. In this sphere we were quiet today.


James had a strong game again with two hits from four 'at bats'. He hit a double over first base and a single over centrefield. In between two cracking strikes to outfield were taken comfortably. A game of inches. At first base he was safe too.



With scores level at 6-6 into the sixth innings, WA got the jump on us launching into us with relish. They piled on the hits and broke away to 13 - 6, requiring a fantastic final innings from us to get ahead and then defend the lead. This ambition was not the reality. Myrmell and Barbaro got onto base and James smashed his shot up centerfield to score one run. Below is the photographic sequence of this moment. You can see the ball in the distance as James disappears from shot.


Tough gig this journalism.
So with the scores at 13-8, the game ended and WA were deserved winners. Our attention now turns to the might of Queensland where we are all hoping for some improved performances. Queensland have played some of the lesser lights, but they have confidence and form - something we need to find this side of the Nullabor.

Game 2 v NSW Country - Sunday 9/1/11

Under baking sun, the NSW supporters clustered under their 60+ sunblock and their shade structures - recently purchased on the cheap at Bunnings. Great solidarity today in pursuit of victory, and no one could imagine the complete domination which ensued after yesterday's steady but unspectacular start by us. NSW proved victorious over their country cousins, 24-1. Their one run was born out of another infield error where two dumbfounded pivots looked forlornly at each other...and then at the coach. Repetition of errors are close friends with the bench.



The starting side was Musulin (Catcher - 7), McCallum (1st base - 6), Tomiya (2nd base - 1), Lindsay (SS - 2), Myrmell (3rd base - 4), Barbaro (RF - 5), Perry (CF - 8), Gulieri (LF - 9). Dean Frew started as pitcher today (3).

We started with a bang getting on bases earlier with another good hit from Tomiya. He has set an outstanding tone two days in a row as lead off. Following on from this, the runs flowed steadily as the country cousins struggled. It was an outstanding display by Dean Frew at the mound, pitching four innings before Mackenzie Bohan pitched the last and had cursed luck with his infield. The opposition did not pressure us at all. The game was a mercy result at the end of five innings.

Daniel Myrmell put one out of the ground today, scoring two runners. Everyone hit. Dean Frew was hit by pitcher twice today - and twice yesterday. Unlucky. Musulin caught soundly and Sam Gulieri smashed one to the fence at right field to put the doubters to sleep. It was a cracking strike of the leather. Possibly the most impressive of the day. His mum thought so too! Mackenzie Bohan hit two from two surging up the leaderboard here.



For James it was a good day out. He had five at bats for five safe hits: including three singles and two triples - with the hint of a home run possible on the second of these. There is nothing like a sensible third base coach to kill the moment!

Nonetheless there will be sterner tests ahead for him - and the team.

In the end the game finished as a rabble, with catches not being taken from lazy, deep NSW Country outfielders, errors being made, overthrows past second and first base...the lot. Comical really. The drought for them was re-lived here. It was enough to get the NSW Country families out from under their trees and join the city folk under their two bob shelters. Different worlds.



The most interesting thing of the tournament to date - and with major implications for all teams are the fake fibreglass - synthetic grass covered - pitching mounds. The bounce effect of them means pitchers are required to wear rubber soled boots - not cleats on them. A joke really. Get the tournament to Corbin instantly! We are on AFL fields and rugby fields here.

Today brought renewed confidence across the team and consolidated their effort. It was slick and smart, positive and powerful. Brad Simon is fine to pitch soon. Queensland loom as the benchmark team.

Liam continues to offer James advice and offer his opinions on team selections. Soothsayer.

Game 1 v South Australia - Saturday 8/1/11

Under warm and blue skies, the campaign began in earnest at the delightful South Perth Baseball Park. Think Corbin, but do not think any more. A 2.30pm kickoff was a strong test early after mild Sydney weather. The boys looked sharp right across the game - a three hour epic. However key errors at bad times cost us - and wayward pitching.

In the end it was a victory for NSW 17-16. A staggering scoreline really in the circumstances after an 8-1 lead after three innings. Games are of seven innings duration.

The crowd from the neighbouring game (two games played in concert back to back) gathered quietly and solidly and created a superb atmosphere which only improved across the duration of the game.

For those who are interested, the starting lineup was Barbaro (Catcher -5), Myrmell (Pitcher - 6), Simon (First Base - 4), Tomiaya (2nd - 1), Lindsay (SS - 2), Frew (3rd - 3), Bohan (LF - 8), Percival (CF - 9) and McCallum (RF - 7). (Fielding position and batting position in brackets)

However across the game we went from Myrmell pitching to Morris (Manly) to Stevenson (Manly) to Hore (Macarthur) and finished with Wooten (Greater West). Wooten threw hard and straight and aimed up after a strong start from Myrmell. More pitchers were burned than Joan of Arc's family and Marysville properties in Victoria.

In between we got snapped. Errors in the infield and the most phenomenal run of outfield gap hitting known to man from South Australia elevated the blood pressure.

At the batting box, Bohan set an early pace scything one up centre left for a scoring double. James was on base at this stage after his first but worst hit of the day - just over 2nd base's head - and the pair of Hills boys were the first runs scored. James is pictured here sliding home and getting us on the scoreboard:



James was strong running between the bases and happily started better than Cal Ripken - and finished better.

At the crease, Lindsay, Frew (who had been vomiting all night to be fair), Barbaro, Myrmell and Simon were not in glistening form early. Walks and stray hits rather than the cracking pace they had the potential to produce.

In the middle James hit four out of five (one sac fly) and Macca had two hits and two walks. The hero, as you will see below, was James Percival who like Storm Boy all those years ago produced everything you'd expect from Mr Percival. He cleared centrefield and hit thoughtfully. No pelican this boy.



Across the hot afternoon, positions 7 (McCallum), 8 (Bohan) and 9 (Percival) secured big plays for the squad when it mattered.

South Australia became lethal as the game progressed. Most of them were the Australian Little League Champions. One boy was in Cal Ripken for Australia too. As the pressure mounted they jumped to a 15-10 lead in the fifth, before securing a 16-15 scoreline with our last at bat to follow.

Bohan showed class and brains in beating our a walk under extreme pressure two down and at 0-2 still chasing a tieing and then winning run. His judgement was precise and his nerves ice-like.

And then Mr James Percival strode to the crease. His high pressure hit into centrefield left alley brought home the winning run for a tense and in the end well deserved victory. The boys erupted and the crowd of some five hundred broke into spontaneous applause. The three and a bit hour game ended in joy for us.



However, the victory came at a cost with Brad Simon clipping a pitch onto his eye whilst batting and requiring x-rays tonight. This would be a disaster for the squad, but time will tell. We'll need his pitching. His eye looked like a bad fighter on The Contender with a bee sting on top.

The boys therefore won through and did it the hard way. The calmness of the Head Coach Tim Harradine was gold, but plans have been thrown into mild chaos with the pitching rotation.

James was strong and stamped his mark on the tournament early. Hopefully it will continue.

Team Roster

The Tournament website for updates and information is available at: http://www.nyc.baseball.com.au/

The NSW Baseball website also has details at: http://www.nsw.baseball.com.au/

NEW SOUTH WALESTEAM ROSTER: Under 14

BARBARO,ADAM (Ryde)
BOHAN, MACKENZIE (Hills)
FREW, DEAN (Hills)
GIULIERI, SAMUEL (Ryde)
HORE, RYAN (Macarthur)
LINDSAY, JORDAN (Hills)
McCALLUM, JAMES (Hills)
MORRIS, BLAKE (Manly)
MUSULIN, BAILEY (Cronulla)
MYRNELL, DANIEL (Ryde)
NAGAI, TOMIYA (Ryde)
PERCIVAL, JAMES (Ryde)
PERRY, ALEXANDER (Ryde)
SIMON, BRADLEY (Cronulla)
STEVENSON, JACK (Manly)
WOOTTON, ADAM (Greater West)


Where: South Perth Baseball Club, Grayden Reserve and Collins Oval

When: 8 - 15 January, 2011


DRAW:
8/1 - 2.30pm - v Sth Australia
9/1 - 2.00pm - v NSW Country
10/1 - 10.00am - v West Australia
11/1 - 10.30am - v Queensland
12/1 - 10.30am - v Victoria (White)
13/1 - 2.00pm - v Territories
14/1 - 10.00am - v Victoria (Blue)
15/1 - Finals

Departure - Friday January 7th

The U/14 NSW Baseball Team depart for Perth from Sydney Airport tomorrow morning at 4.30am. Early start! The boys have trained three and four times a week under Coach Harradine who has done a tremendous job. The tournament starts on Saturday afternoon in what should be hot and testing conditions.

James McCallum is again Number 23 and like every family, our family have the supporter's shirts sporting his number.




The boys will have plenty of support. A squad of sixteen travel with nine obviously in the line up. The coaching staff have made it clear that many boys will spend a lot of time on the bench. Hitting the ball well is your ticket into the side - and then hitting well in the tournament is your ticket to stay.

James will pitch and play left field and first base. He is very excited to be representing the state and he is hoping to achieve strongly and lead the team to victory.

A picture is included here of a few of the boys just prior to departure from Sydney Airport on Friday morning.

James and Liam caught up on Thursday and a picture is included. Proud brothers.