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Recent News

Our Players in the US

Current Sturt players, Paul Mildren and Angus Roeger together with Grant Balfour have recently had their statistics published.

Grant Balfour, who trained and played for us a few years ago has made it big time in the US! Visit our News section to read all about his success!

..:: message posted on Monday the 25th of August, 2008 22:53:03 ::..

Grant Balfour hits big time in Major League

Former Sturt player Grant Balfour has made it big in the US!

THE little-known boy from Blacktown has become a very big deal in the US.

Grant Balfour is a name not familiar to most Australian sports fans, but the 30-year-old is now one of the hottest prospects in Major League Baseball.

So hot, in fact, that the larrikin pitcher is on the brink of signing a new deal with Tampa Bay that could see his earnings soar past $10 million a season.

To put that in perspective, his lucrative deal, to be thrashed out at season's end, would elevate Balfour into the top five money-earners in Australian sport. NRL and AFL stars would be envious, as would our world champion cricketers.

From growing up in the working-class Sydney suburb of Kings Langley, Balfour's new wage will surpass the salary cap of two NRL teams and still cover Ricky Ponting's annual pay packet.

Amazingly, Balfour is leading the majors in several categories for middle relievers. The right-hander has struck out almost 40 per cent of the batters he has thrown against.

He blew away Frank Thomas, the popular slugger known in the US as "The Big Hurt", when he played for Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night.

"That was nice, but most of the time I try not to think about who I'm throwing to," Balfour told The Daily Telegraph.

"I've thrown against guys like Derek Jeter (who is worth $110 million) and A-Rodd (Alex Rodriguez, a player on a $250 million, 10-year deal), but it doesn't matter to me. The way I see it, I'm going after everybody the same way."

Balfour says he is truly "living the dream". He's done countless media interviews since returning to the majors at the end of May.

Such is the excitement in Tampa Bay, fans text each other and form little crowds outside restaurants and bars where he dines.

And to think Balfour once believed actor Toni Collette was the only person from the Blacktown area who could pull a crowd.

But Balfour's father, Dave, a builder in Sydney, says he knew it was only a matter of time before his son strutted his stuff on the big stage.

Part of the attention is because of Balfour's efforts on the mound.

The fact Tampa Bay have gone from being the competition's laughing stock to serious World Series contenders has also not gone unnoticed. Being Australian is another reason the Americans have remained intrigued.

"Wherever I go they're always asking me about Australia, and it's great to think about home and talk about home," said Balfour.

"In a way it still feels like only yesterday that I was playing baseball for the workers' club at Laybutt Reserve (in Blacktown).

"I keep up with what's happening. I know my Wests Tigers have got a big game coming up against Parramatta on Monday night."

Sydney-based talent scout Trevor Jarrett said middle relievers - pitchers who are only required to throw an innings or two late in the game - could command upwards of $10 million. They could also compete past 40 years of age.

But Balfour, who spent time with the Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers, said he was only concerned about Tampa reaching the playoffs.

"My dream was to play in the major leagues when I first arrived in America 12 years ago," Balfour said. "Now my goal is to become one of the top-level players. The money will sort itself out"

(Source: Christian Nicolussi, The Daily Telegraph - 15 Aug 2008)

..:: message posted on Monday the 25th of August, 2008 22:28:56 ::..

Junior State Try Out Details Announced

Baseball SA have announced the Under 14, 16 and 18 State Baseball Team Open Try-Outs details.

Please note that athletes participating in the Under 14 'Prospects Squad', 'Baseball SA Academy' or 'SASI' programs do not need to attend.

The Try-Outs will occur on Saturday 6 September 2008.

Further details and the Registration Form which must be completed and returned to Baseball SA are located on the the Baseball SA Information Page

..:: message posted on Sunday the 3rd of August, 2008 08:35:42 ::..

Roeger makes Under 19 Australian Team!

Congratulations to Angus Roeger from our Club who has been selected for the Australian Under 19 Team.

The Sturt Baseball Club is very proud of your achievement and wishes you and the team every success!

The 18-man outfit, which boasts an impressive 10 players currently under contract with US Major League Organisations, will depart later this month for the 23rd IBAF AAA World Championships in Edmonton, Canada.

Head Coach, Tony Harris, indicated it was one of the most difficult selection processes he has experienced in his five years at the helm of the junior national side, but is confident his squad has the right mix to take on the World’s best in the 12-nation event.

"Whenever you have 50-odd guys competing for only 18 spots there are going to be some really tough decisions you have to make," he said.

Click here to read the full story.

..:: message posted on Tuesday the 8th of July, 2008 20:21:24 ::..

Three Sturt Players make Major League Academy!

Three Sturt players have been selected for the Major League Baseball Academy in Queensland.

The goal of the Australia Baseball Academy, which is run in cooperation with the Australian Baseball Federation, is to develop and increase both the quality and quantity of prospects in Australia by preparing them for baseball at the professional level.

Congratulations go to Angus Roeger, Daniel Lee and Sam Day who have been selected to attend this prestigous Academy. The Sturt Baseball Club is proud of your outstanding achievement and wish you every success in your stay in Queensland.

..:: message posted on Wednesday the 19th of March, 2008 20:51:51 ::..

Winter Baseball

With the Sturt winterball comp not running this year, those players that are interested in playing winterball still get an opportunity to play!

The Sturt winterball affiliate, Bridgewater Bulls are again going to have a "parents and child side" ie mums, dads, daughters and sons are all welcome, but the idea is that the "family that plays together / stays together"

It's a great social atmosphere and all levels of ability are catered for!

Not everyone can commit to play every week and therefore we need numbers to fill the squad.

Dean Franke will coach the side with Derek Matthewman as assistant and manager.
Games are played Saturdays and mostly at Sturt and the surrounding areas.
BullBBQ's run at home games, oh and then there is the BullBar as well!
Players need to be 13 or over and there are minimal fees plus game day umpire fees.
If you are interested, please let me know via email

Season starts soon!

Training Run – Sun 30 March – 10.30am followed by BBQ at Sturt Baseball Club

..:: message posted on Wednesday the 19th of March, 2008 20:45:11 ::..

Sturt Tee Ball All Stars - Series Summary 2007-08

The Sturt Tee Ball All stars were due to have their final round 4 on Sunday 16 March, but unfortunately the record run of hot spells has again caused its cancellation.

(this round had already been postponed once and with Easter, holidays and impending winter sport commitments a rescheduling wasn’t possible)

So! An unfortunate end to a great season. On count back of wins and losses, Sturt’s 4 year winning streak has come to an end, with Kensington taking out the trophy for 2007/08.

However, the squad should take great pride in their performance throughout the season – it is particularly satisfying to hear the constant comments from other coaches, parents and members of the clubs of the visible improvement each and every player has shown during the year – I look forward to watching their development up through the Sturt baseball ranks!

I’d like to take this opportunity to record my thanks for the terrific support from all the parents of the tee-ballers with scoring, equipment, umpiring etc. – of particular note Andrew Johnston and David Brooks who have both given a great amount of time and support to the All Stars – and to Sturt Teeball generally over the years.

It’s particularly satisfying to see how many All Stars are now playing in the higher age groups…may it continue!

Again, our thanks to Mark Goldsworthy and Jock Gilbert Real Estate for their sponsorship over the years!

I would also like to advise that Glenn Young has kindly agreed to take on the role as All Stars coach for 08-09 – over the years he has been a tireless supporter and coach of the regular Tball teams and I am sure will do a fantastic job with our representative side! For those who aren’t aware, Tee Ball is played on Sunday mornings at Waite Uni grounds from October through to March and is an ideal team sport for boys and girls aged 5 to 11 years…. Do get involved if you can – President Brett Tucker and his committee would welcome your involvement and support! See www.sturtteeball.org for details.

All the very best for an enjoyable year!

Jamie Bishop

..:: message posted on Tuesday the 18th of March, 2008 23:02:44 ::..

Note from SABL regarding Junior Grand Finals this weekend

Baseball SA is concerned about the high temperatures forecast this weekend.

We have contacted our Insurance Company and they advised that the risk management provisions we have in place and our logical assessment of the weather conditions of when our games will be played and the playing rules they are played under are satisfactory for their needs.

We have researched the issue and the minimum temperatures on Saturday and Sunday are forecast for 20 and 21 degrees respectively. The likely temperatures at 9.00am are 22 and 23 degrees with them rising to low 30’s by 11.00am on both days.

Therefore the Junior Grand Finals will be played as follows:

The games will start at 9.00am. All games will be played as per the Playing Rules and Conditions starting on Page 12 of the Program Book.

All games will be played over two hours or to a result. The 5, 7 and 9 runs per inning rules apply. Mercy rules apply.

If a game is tied at 11.00am it should be played out to a result. Umpires and club officials are to ensure that suitable water and shade is available for all participants.

Umpires and officials are also advised that should an even innings be completed within 10 minutes of 11.00am game will be called providing a result has been obtained.

We wish all teams a successful weekend.

Paul Begg
Chief Executive Officer
BASEBALL SA

..:: message posted on Thursday the 13th of March, 2008 23:39:51 ::..

Possibility of cancellation of Junior Grand Final Games this Sunday

Junior grand finals will be cancelled if the forecast temperature at 7am the morning of Sunday the 9th March is 37 degrees or above as broadcast on Radio 5AA (1395am).

BaseballSA’s contingency plan is to play these games at the same time next weekend!

In the unlikely event that the temperature is again an issue, BaseballSA will negotiate with clubs to ensure all games are played on either Saturday or Sunday morning next weekend to minimize player exposure to high temperatures.

Peter Cesco
Operations Coordinator

..:: message posted on Thursday the 6th of March, 2008 19:38:00 ::..

See Australia Live in 2007 Taiwan World Cup

The IBAF will be broadcasting 41 of the 68 games played at the 2007 World Cup “LIVE” via the internet…and the best news of all is that it’s absolutely free!

Simply link to www.stadeo.tv and follow the links to download the required media player. Then just click on the game you want to watch and there you have it…LIVE baseball action delivered right to your desktop!

Four of Australia’s seven Preliminary round games will be broadcast, as well as the complete finals series.

Click here for complete game schedule

..:: message posted on Tuesday the 6th of November, 2007 22:41:10 ::..

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