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.