Werribee Giants are keen for the new challenge of being back in the Baseball Victoria summer league top flight.
The Giants are in the premier 1 competition this season, one of 16 teams in the top flight.
Action was meant to get underway on the weekend, but rain meant only two games in the division were played.
The Giants match with Blackburn was one of those washed out.
Giants co-coach Andrew Christou said the club was excited to be back in division 1.
“It’s been almost 10 years,” he said. “It’s really good to be back up.
“We’ve been done for a while and been close a couple of times to getting promoted back to the top league.
“It’s nice to be back up.”
Christou said that only five or six players had been part of the senior team last time the club was in the top division.
He said it opened up new opportunities for those who are about to step into senior baseball.
“It will be a good experience for the young guys,” he said. “Especially the kids that are around the 17 to 20 mark.
“They’re excited for the challenge and wanting to step up. We’ve got a few kids playing state and one playing for Australia at the moment.
“They have put in the work and hopefully it translates onto the field. There’s good energy around the club.”
Christou is sharing the coaching duties with import Joe Jaco this season.
He said they were looking at more of a committee style to help meet everyone’s needs.
“Joe is an import, an American,” he said. “He’s taking on a lot of the coaching responsibility.
“He is a big asset on and off the field.”
Christou said being in a higher division they weren’t setting lofty expectations. He said their top two sides were similar to last season.
“We want to be competitive every week regardless of the outcome,” he said. “Hopefully we can have enough chances to win enough games to solidify our spot in the league for many years to come.
“There’s good continuity among the group and not too much turnover.”
The Giants this Saturday face the Berwick Cougars at Presidents Park.
Christou said it would be a good challenge against a side that has been in the top flight for a number of years.
The Giants women’s side also kicked off their season on the weekend.
The Giants, who are playing in state league this season, lost to Chelsea, 15-8.
Werribee this week faces Waverley before the men at Presidents Park.
Tara Murray
