AFTER two years of struggles in the top flight, Werribee Giants will return to the field as a Baseball Victoria summer league division 2 club on Sunday.
The Giants’ first assignment back in the second tier will be Ormond-Glenhuntly at President’s Park.
Giants catcher Oliver Box said his teammates had been getting itchy feet and could not wait to get back on the diamond. “It’s good to get back together and get it going again. We’re going to go out with all guns blazing.”
The Giants have wooed the familiar face of shortstop Mike Baillargeon back to the club.
The US import played at McGrath Road three years ago and his stint was deemed an unmitigated success.
The passionate 25-year-old from Massachusetts will bolster the infield, provide solid numbers in the batting line-up and boost the energy within the team.
In the past two seasons, the Giants have opted to fill their import position with a starting pitcher.
Dustin Northcott has not returned, despite solid productivity under trying circumstances, nor did they bring back Brandon Griffin. “We had to ride on the back of our import pitcher in division 1 almost to the point of abusing them. We lacked the pitching depth over the longer season,” Box said.
“In division 2, there’s six or seven less games, so we can start developing a few of our younger guys.”
Chris Webb will step up as the Giants’ No.1 starter this season.
Box will also take on extra responsibilities. The 21-year-old will be the playing assistant to head coach Earl Byrne. The first pitch is at 3.30pm.
