By Alesha Capone
Teenager Mackenzie has been playing with the Newport Rams Baseball Club since attending a come and try day with her family seven years ago.
Now 14, she played tee-ball for two years before starting baseball.
Mackenzie’s younger brother Jack, 13, also plays with the Rams.
“It’s a really family-oriented club and it’s really fun,” Mackenzie said.
“All the players and coaches are very close, it’s awesome.”
Next month, the club will host a series of free come and try days for girls and boys aged four to 17.
“It’s basically a come and try day that is pretty relaxed, it’s a social gathering, you can come along and try baseball or tee-ball and make some friends,” Mackenzie said.
Mackenzie said the latest baseball season finished up before Melbourne’s fifth lockdown, but that a woman’s winter academy she has been participating in was interrupted by the lockdown.
She plays with the Rams’ division one women’s team, training once a week and competing on the weekend.
The baseball club’s juniors manager, David Ninnis, said baseball and tee-ball were some of the most inclusive sports for children.
“Ages start from four years old for tee-ball and kids are generally able to learn skills from running, throwing, hitting and being part of a team where one or more of those skills can help the team,” he said.
“We’re really looking to ramp up participation this year and get kids back off the couch as COVID has been tough on them.”
Mr Ninnis said the Rams’ players came from across Hobsons Bay and Wyndham.
He said the club started a women’s program last year to provide girls and women a local option to continue or join baseball.
The summer women’s head coach Bronwyn Gell has represented Australia in the sport, and two other national players are involved in the program.
The come and try tee-ball and baseball days will be held 9.30-11.30am on August 15 and 22 at the Newport Baseball Club, Park Crescent, Williamstown North.
A free sausage sizzle and bottle of water will be included, with baseball gear supplied. Register at newportrams.com.au.
For more information email: cometrydays@newportrams.com.au
