Tara Murray
Werribee Giants are planning on coming back bigger and stronger in Baseball Victoria summer league division 2.
After strong performances last season, the Giants had hoped they had done enough to earn promotion into division 1.
While they claimed the minor premiership, which put them in contention for promotion, the club was left disappointed when Baseball Victoria decided not to promote them because they didn’t have the numbers for the junior team requirements.
Giants president Dave Bishop-Worn said it was disappointing for the team and the club would look to ensure it met all the points for qualification for promotion next time round.
The Giants were knocked out in the preliminary final.
“We will come back bigger and stronger,” he said.
“We’re looking to be at the pointy end of the table again. The guys in the ones are keen, so hopefully we can go that one step further.”
Bishop-Worn said that they would have a similar team to the past season. Like most other teams, they’ve had trouble securing an import due to travel restrictions.
“It’s basically the same team as last year, with a couple of returning players, who haven’t played for a few years.
“The numbers are good and they will start to filter down to the other sides.”
There has been a coaching change, with Ryan Balzer taking over from John Curnow.
Curnow is continuing on as a player.
Bishop-Worn said the club was rapt that Balzer, who has been president at the club in 2018 and 2019, had been appointed coach.
The division 1 season is expected to start in early December.
“Ryan is excited and looking forward to bringing in a lot of youth and enthusiasm to the ones,” he said.
“He’s been part of Werribee for a long time. He’ll coach the firsts and the whole club.
“He’s an accredited coach and they’re really hard to come by, especially in baseball.”
As well as having good numbers in the seniors, the club has also had good numbers with their junior sides.
Bishop-Worn said everyone was keen to get back to train and socialise with their friends and teammates.
The club is looking for players for its under-12 teams at its satellite clubs.
The club launched the Tarneit Rangers in 2018 and the Point Cook Pirates the following season.
Both play in a western suburbs competition on Friday nights.
