South Australian Baseball League Inc. Contents Pg President’s Report 2 General Manager’s Report 3 Australian Baseball Federation 5 Baseball Operation’s Report 6 Finance Report 7 Finacial Statements 9 Youth Operations Report 14 Development Manager’s Report 15 Development Officer’s Report 16 State Director of Coaching Report 17 S.A.S.I Report 18 State Director of Umpiring Report 19 Coopers Division 1 Grand Final 21 Capps Medal 22 Junior Medal Presentation 23 A Tribute to Ken Wesslink 24 Masters / Memorabila Report 25 Affiliated Associations Report 26 South Australia Country Baseball Association Report (SACBA) 27 Baseball Umpires Association of South Australia (BUASA) 28 South Australia Baseball Scorers Association (SABSA) 29 Winterball Report 30 State Representative Team Reports - Claxton Shield 31 - Under 23 State Team 32 - Under 18 State Team 33 - Under 16 State Team 34 - Under 14 State Team 35 - Under 12 State Team 36 - Women’s / IBA Friendship Series Report 37 Completion Awards and Results 38 History of Capps Medallists 43 South Australian Baseball League Inc. President’s Report Congratulations to West Torrens for not only winning the Divi- The Australian Baseball Federation continues to assure us sion 1 premiership, but also, for the manner in which the game that the National League will be reintroduced in late 2008 was played, and for the presentation of the final and conduct of and, whilst we accept these assurances, we wait with some the club supporters and volunteers. Glenelg, West Torrens op- impatience for the public announcement and greater detail of ponent in the final, also deserve to be applauded for the manner how the League will operate. Of course, our participation in in which their players and supporters conducted themselves in the League will depend on us having a facility suitable for the what was an enthralling battle over the two days. With two of purpose. The General Manager provides more information on the games going into extra innings, the final series was a fitting these matters in his report. culmination to a pretty good season. Whilst on the Australian Baseball Federation, I would like Well done, also, to our Claxton Shield team who came within to express the thanks and best wishes of Baseball SA to Don a whisker of playing in the final of the Claxton Shield Tourna- Knapp who is resigning his role as Chief Executive Officer of ment held in Perth. From reports received, Mark and the team that organisation to take up a role elsewhere. Don has always were a credit to our state in all aspects, and were rewarded been available to assist Baseball SA in many ways, in particu- with our first appearance in the finals for many years. Perhaps lar in our dealings on facility development. we can go that next step in the next Claxton competition, to be conducted under a new two zone “home and away” format. After many years of discussion, the Board has decided that a significant part of the celebration of our centenary, in 2008, The National AA Championships were held at the Southern will include the introduction of the Baseball SA, Hall of Fame. Districts ground in January, and all who attended expressed In this regard, the Board has asked Life Member and Past admiration for the standards set by that club both in the ground President Alan Waldron to chair a Hall of Fame sub-committee. presentation and the support provided by the many volunteers. Their task will include development of the process and criteria Baseball SA appreciates the work done by Southern Districts for elevation to the Hall of Fame, along with any ancillary and the local council to ensure that the Championships re- tasks. I ask that Clubs and their supporters assist this process flected so well on baseball in this state. wherever possible so that our Hall of Fame has the prestige it deserves. It is expected that a major function will be held in Once again we are trying to find answers to the perennial October 2008 to announce the inaugural inductees. problem of umpire recruitment, development and retention. A new strategy, which will involve greater use of Club umpires, Finally, I wish to acknowledge the work of our staff and the a resource essential to our game, is expected to provide some performance of the members of the Board over the last twelve help. Whilst it is easy to sit back and criticise the officials, this months. In addition, it is appropriate to express appreciation does little to address the issue. Critics are welcome to under- to those Club volunteers who have assisted the League in a take some level of umpire development and try the job them- variety of tasks. As more volunteers get involved in the League selves, to get a better understanding of the challenges that our processes, particularly Operations matters, a greater apprecia- officials face. tion is gained of the difficulties faced in trying to meet the requests of all of the Clubs. If the number of players sent to the tribunal is seen as a measure of improvement in their behaviour, then this season Kevin Jennings has been particularly successful. Although there was a marked PRESIDENT reduction in numbers, Chairman Paul Begg, along with fellow members Hugh Franke and Ron Wright, continued to apply their experience and independence to the cases that came be- fore them. For this I express our thanks, and hope that they continue to make themselves available for this role. At the time of preparing this report the Board has just final- ised the budget for 2007/2008, and has found it necessary to increase Club fees and levies for the first time in a number of years. Whilst this is regrettable, and every opportunity was taken to reduce the level of the increase, I am sure that Clubs will understand that increasing costs must eventually force such an action. Clubs should also be aware that, but for the funds coming from the Australasian Masters, the increases would have been greater. 2 South Australian Baseball League Inc. General Manager’s Report Creation of a Home for Baseball and a proposed National However, reality suggests that, even if given an immediate Competition have dominated previous annual reports. Unfortu- green light for facility development at State Sports Park, com- nately this year is no different. The baseball public is becom- pletion of construction would take at least 2-3 years, therefore ing increasingly frustrated with the perceived lack of progress placing our involvement at great risk. Therefore, a major focus in these areas. It is pleasing to report that progress (whilst in the short term is the development of an interim facility that slow) has been made. satisfies the requirements to host national competition events. Facility Development High Performance Facility development is a very detailed project that requires all Progress has been made in the development of our elite play- cards to fall into place perfectly before progress is made. Re- ers. The introduction of the BEES Program was well supported member we are applying for $8.4 million dollars from taxpayer with feedback being very positive from the experience of funds and whilst Baseball is in a sound position, we are not squad members. Increased focus on the development of South a high profile sport compared to many others. However, this Australia’s best young talent will result in an improvement at does not curb the frustration with the continue stream of funds the top in time, as young players learn similar skill sets from being poured into many of the high profile sporting arenas. under 12 through to Claxton Shield Baseball SA and Hockey SA has submitted a joint facility South Australia’s inaugural involvement in the Under 23 Tour- funding application with the Federal Minister for Sport, Sena- nament was a success. Hype and anticipation from the group tor George Brandis. The joint application is based on matching leading up to the tournament certainly proved that the concept funding from both Federal and State Governments. Discus- is one that should continue. Tournament experience for this sions had with Senator Brandis indicate strong support for a age group will become vital during the upcoming National national standard facility at State Sports Park. However, State Competition, and will provide coaching staff with great guides Government funding needs to be committed before Federal as to the performance of individuals during tournament pres- funds may be forthcoming. sure situations. Baseball SA has received face to face support from Major The performance of the Claxton Shield squad in Perth this League Baseball International Director, Tom Nicholson and year was a credit to all involved. Head coach Mark Haylock the CEO of ABF, Don Knapp in discussions with the Minister prepared the squad well leading up to the tournament. Warm for Recreation, Sport & Racing, Hon Michael Wright. This di- up games against the Perth Heat (in Perth) together with the rect involvement has certainly given Baseball and the National Victorian Aces series on home soil provided the group with Competition the attention and kudos it deserves. Major con- tournament play prior to the testing week long Claxton Shield cerns have been raised with the State Government over the risk Tournament. The performance of the group was the best result to the sport if South Australia does not have a suitable facility in SA Baseball for in excess of 20 years. able to host national fixtures in 2008. 3 South Australian Baseball League Inc. Baseball Operations Finally I would like to thank Baseball SA’s Board of manage- Baseball Operations during the past season were significantly ment for their continued support.