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Post by oldracer on Dec 22, 2010 20:57:53 GMT 10
we also had the issue at a double header where they called last drinks at 945pm. if it turned out to be on a night like when the game went extras then thats a long time between drinks. well in the bigs at least the grounds I went to, once the top of the eighth had started, bars closed........it could go 20 digs but that's the close off. On another note, and I will preface this with the fact that I haven't been there but have been told the atmoshpere is good but for heavens sake, how many home runs have been hit in this band box and I know chicks dig the long ball but this surely isn't that good for the serious game of baseball.....middling a middle out fastball for an oppo home run, how many times does that happen in real life and yet is common place at the "Ace Dome". Cheap shots would P!ss me off no end, lots of runs or not, it's not good for the game..........IMO |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2010 22:07:55 GMT 10
There are some pretty decent hitters playing in this league, racer. I was watching the Aces go through their preliminaries today and I can tell you that they smash the ball. Huber and Kamei have Major League power (as Major League hitters do), while Russell, Davies and Rutgers are seriously strong hitters among several others.
And I should add that there have been far too many pitchers leaving balls up there and saying "Hit me, hit me hard".
A swag of home runs have been hit, yes. Someone finding the time might look into this, but I would reckon (from my own observations at the Showgrounds) that at least 75% of the bombs have been legitimate shots that would have cleared most ballparks in the land (alright, maybe not Altona, maybe not Preston).
The other factor to keep in mind is that with our nutsty weather the wind has been blowing out towards centre from the south-west (often quite strongly). You get the ball up there and it's a chance to go out.
When or if the weather turns, and we start getting northerly winds, then I reckon you'll see a different trend. But until then, let's just enjoy the spectacle of good hitters making pitchers be accountable (BTW, Adam Blackley spun a two-hitter tonight after the Bandits hit four homers in the afternoon game......tell us something?).
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Post by Chilli Wil on Dec 22, 2010 22:13:41 GMT 10
On that note, I saw Huber almost knock out the lights in CF ah-lah "The Natural". Are showgrounds management at all concerned about this happening?
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Post by Ace on Dec 23, 2010 7:42:58 GMT 10
I rocked up halfway through game one yesterday - there were only 2 or 3 no doubters, on normal sized parks. A couple of others might've got caught on the fence, hit the fence, or just cleared it. And a few would've been doubles, or perhaps caught comfortably inside.
I don't think this really matters, the players seem to be having fun, and it isn't impossible to keep the runs down. Blackley proved that in game two.
As far as the spectacle goes, bombs is what people off the street want to see. Small is for the purists. BUT if your pitcher's are smart and stick to the plan, and the fielders don't make errors, the scores will still resemble baseball.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2010 8:54:09 GMT 10
Our group (about 13 of us) really enjoyed last night, and as earlier stated by others it was easy to get to (the 57 Tram from the City) it was cheap entry but once you got in they stung you for food and drink it must be said (hopefully the prices dont drive away the repeat attender that this League needs).
Maybe 1200 there last night and heaps of spare seats so very comfortable and down the left field line you are close to the bullpen which is a good spot to be. Seems 2000 plus would be seated somewhat comfortably there.
I like the dimensions of the ground and its quirkiness, however the surface is ordinary in parts and the area behind home plate means that passed balls often dont hurt your defence as the runner often cant advance. And it was clear that a few of the Bandits were not too keen on getting in behind a hard hit ground ball it must be said (with the odd bad hop giving reason to have a degree of doubt about the hop you might get).
It would have been great if they had of laid new grass and it would have been brilliant on the eye but obviously the cost would be an issue.
Look forward to going again (and again) if possible !
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Post by Ace on Dec 23, 2010 9:13:03 GMT 10
The surface definitely needs relaying. It isn't good for the game. A whole square of turf came up on Wearnie's diving play. It really isn't good enough...especially not for the ABL. Hopefully they fix it over christmas - at least the infield. The shortstop area is a joke, and unsafe.
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Post by GMBC17 on Dec 23, 2010 10:06:53 GMT 10
The surface definitely needs relaying. It isn't good for the game. A whole square of turf came up on Wearnie's diving play. It really isn't good enough...especially not for the ABL. Hopefully they fix it over christmas - at least the infield. The shortstop area is a joke, and unsafe. totally agree. most club grounds are in better condition. you cant seriously look at that and say its acceptable for a professional league. lets be honest, abl cant be compared to afl but can you imagine if it was? afl players complain about the telstra dome surface and its a game thats designed for winter when its usually wet, muddy etc. baseball is mainly a summer sport designed to be played on an even surface so you can field ground balls. thats not easy to do on a cow paddock |
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Post by Ace on Dec 23, 2010 10:16:49 GMT 10
It was most recently a horse paddock!  I actually had a convo last night about them just getting rid of the grass. Apparently there are dirt fields in Japan and they play perfectly. It couldn't be any worse than what they played on last night. |
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Post by stuartcapel on Dec 23, 2010 10:17:03 GMT 10
We do however need to keep in mind that this is a multi-purpose arena and not a baseball-only venue. It is going to be tough for the Aces (and ABL for that matter) to get the surface they want while horse events, concerts and car shows are held on the same field.
Keep in mind, the weather hasn't helped with the surface and repairs either.
That said, it is the same for both teams and some fielders have adapted better than others. Errors still happen though, regardless of whether the surface is good or not. Last night I saw one of the laziest errors I have ever seen when Martin casually lobbed the ball over to first on a 1-3 and pulled Davies several feet off the bag, allowing a runner when the innings should have been completed.
Can't blame the surface for that one!
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Post by deadfish on Dec 23, 2010 10:39:15 GMT 10
It was most recently a horse paddock! I actually had a convo last night about them just getting rid of the grass. Apparently there are dirt fields in Japan and they play perfectly. It couldn't be any worse than what they played on last night. I remember the Daikyo Dolphins played on an all-dirt infield at Palm Meadows. (Which seemed a waste because they had the same team responsible for the golf greens doing the outfield grass - it was stunning). The cut-outs seem to have survived much better than the grass, the traditional basepaths/infield dirt might really help (around the mound seems ok, it appears to only get ugly once you reach the infielders). If affordable/allowable of course. |
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Post by The Jack on Dec 23, 2010 11:35:51 GMT 10
I was having a think on the way home last night (been to a few games now), the seating is very good, although I think there should be someone sitting on the seats out in the left field seats putting up the "K" signs, especially with the way Adam was throwing last night. We want more people to attend right? 1200 people last night was good but we need more. Why not approach an AFL club for some sort of affiliation where if their supporters buy a membership they get "x" amount of game entry to the baseball for free?? Could you imagine the 40K Richmond supporters coming to a game, while we do not have the seating for this kind of thing, it would increase the interest in our sport. Maybe we should target the Kangaroos, they are doing lots of promotion around the place, maybe then we could have their players coming as well etc etc. Maybe they get a season ticket with their footy membership for a token $20 or something? Also, the area behind home plate is empty (just behind the net). The video man sits above this area, why not put in a box seating arrangement type thing. This could be used as a raffle prize, corporate box with food/drinks being served there, a $50 a ticket area if you wanted to buy it out etc.   It would be good if there was a radar gun that flashed up on the screen as well. Why not put a target type thing on the containers in centre field? maybe one on top, one on either side. If the player hits the sign they get ....... Kind of like the Mercantile Mutual sign they used to have in the cricket or the bull sign out of Bull Durham. |
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Post by GMBC17 on Dec 23, 2010 11:47:34 GMT 10
We do however need to keep in mind that this is a multi-purpose arena and not a baseball-only venue. It is going to be tough for the Aces (and ABL for that matter) to get the surface they want while horse events, concerts and car shows are held on the same field. all the more reason to look at doncasters new ground down the track (if it ever happens). you cant run a professional league when you share your field with horses. thats bush league. all well and good to say its the same for both teams but its still an excuse. players dont train and play for years on end to get to the top and play on rubbish fields like the one at present. its also embarrassing to look at which to some extent would make baseball outsiders not take this league seriously. |
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Post by Ace on Dec 23, 2010 11:49:32 GMT 10
Good thinking TJ
It was my first time last night - I wanted to sit on the outfield seats; hopefully I can do this in the future!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2010 14:15:32 GMT 10
I will add one more thing before more important aspects of life take centre stage.
Why do the Aces have the 'deck of cards' icon/logo still floating around on signs on the outfield fence at games and on its own website ?
I like the new retro looking Aces brand (and Uni etc) so why confuse it with the '4 Aces' logo/brand ?
Maybe there is a good reason but in terms of savvy marketing and the importance of 'the brand' I just dont get it ?
Anyway - Merry Christmas from this baseball tragic to all of you out there :-).
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Post by trober on Dec 23, 2010 14:38:32 GMT 10
i think you'll find the Aces are still sponsored by the Aces sporting club hence their logo on the fence and web site
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2010 15:32:17 GMT 10
Thanks - Interesting !
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Post by perfeckt on Dec 23, 2010 18:58:01 GMT 10
Great ideas TJ and if I can expand on your target concept, maybe a sponsor could donate x amount of dollars for every time the target was hit.
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Post by perfeckt on Dec 23, 2010 18:58:55 GMT 10
To a charity.org that is.
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Post by gregspaetgens on Dec 23, 2010 19:40:40 GMT 10
I am a long time baseball fan and last night I attended my first game at the Showgrounds. I must say I am very disappointed in the venue. In its present state it is certainly not an improvement on MBP at Altona. The ground conditions are very poor and serious injuries to players a real possibility. Shipping containers as an outfield fence/barrier? Sorry, bush league. The aesthetics leave much to be desired. The PA system and amenities can be improved but seating and viewing definitely not as good as Altona. I imagine that this facility will still have to be shared with trucks and horses for some considerable period of time to come. This does not bode well.
I understand the Baseball Establishment rate Altona negatively. I have heard it may encounter the wrecker's ball in the near future. I certainly hope this is not true and that it will live on and thrive. It surely needs a facelift and major upgrades but it is a purpose-built facility. The drama with location is overstated. There is a suburban train station nearby (Laverton - rail shuttles from Flinders St/busses to and from station) and a decent run in your automobile via the Westgate Fwy.
Back to Altona before it's too late!
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Post by GMBC17 on Dec 23, 2010 21:23:14 GMT 10
a decent run in your automobile via the Westgate Fwy when, 1973? the westgate is one of THE worst roads in melbourne. its brutal. public transport to there from the east? id have to leave on thursday for a friday night game and hope i didnt get mugged somewhere along the way. i certainly wouldnt want to be getting out of there on my own on the public system at or after midnight. altona is certainly not the answer. time is always telling with these things and its fair to say that altona has been around a while and hated by a lot for some time. great venue, brutal location. |
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Post by Ace on Dec 24, 2010 8:32:06 GMT 10
I don't see anything wrong with the viewing - I'm guessing you issue, Greg, is that you aren't up high enough? Or, directly behind home plate?
I prefer being down at ground level, you can get pretty darn close to the action at the Showgrounds.
I'd be interested to know the demographics of the attendees - I hope the Aces are taking postcodes for each box office sale. I'd also be interested to know how many are non-baseballers.
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Post by trober on Dec 24, 2010 8:41:29 GMT 10
I've managed to get to most games at the showgrounds and i think the viewing is fantastic. Nice and close to the action. The ony issue i can see, is when sitting down the lines the seats dont face the infield. I would prefer the showgrounds over altona every day of the week and i havent spoken to anyone who disagrees
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Post by stuartcapel on Dec 24, 2010 8:55:35 GMT 10
I am a long time baseball fan and last night I attended my first game at the Showgrounds. I must say I am very disappointed in the venue. In its present state it is certainly not an improvement on MBP at Altona. The ground conditions are very poor and serious injuries to players a real possibility. Shipping containers as an outfield fence/barrier? Sorry, bush league. The aesthetics leave much to be desired. The PA system and amenities can be improved but seating and viewing definitely not as good as Altona. I imagine that this facility will still have to be shared with trucks and horses for some considerable period of time to come. This does not bode well. I understand the Baseball Establishment rate Altona negatively. I have heard it may encounter the wrecker's ball in the near future. I certainly hope this is not true and that it will live on and thrive. It surely needs a facelift and major upgrades but it is a purpose-built facility. The drama with location is overstated. There is a suburban train station nearby (Laverton - rail shuttles from Flinders St/busses to and from station) and a decent run in your automobile via the Westgate Fwy. Back to Altona before it's too late! Can understand and for the most part agree with what you say re the ground conditions and that does need addressing, however you're well off with the seating and viewing. As a member I am fortunate to have what I consider to be one of the best seats in the house and it's well better than what you get at Altona, or any other venue in Melbourne. As for the shipping containers, it adds to the ballpark, rather than detract from it. Clearly you missed the atmosphere when Kamei came up for what we thought may be his last time. His hit was a moonshot that you thought could go out but weren't 100% about and when the ball made that metallic 'clang' sound off the top of the container, the crowd, well certainly those in my area, went up as one - it certainly added to the moment. |
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Post by GMBC17 on Dec 24, 2010 9:33:37 GMT 10
the shipping containers are good, maybe just need something on the inside of the park for when fielders run into it.
the brisbane RF last night looked tentative going back on a fly ball. maybe the double size warning track threw him off? or maybe we didnt want to run into an iron wall
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Post by gregspaetgens on Dec 24, 2010 9:49:22 GMT 10
I guess my major concern is that the Showgrounds venue looks makeshift and that team and league officials have just settled on a facility for its location value only. I would really be interested to know what the players and coaches and managers think of the field and the amenities and what the long term plans are for upgrading the park.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2010 9:49:38 GMT 10
The playing surface is probably the greatest challenge facing the Aces/ABL. There are other issues that can and will be managed over time - EG commentary quality, shade/shelter, catering and onfield entertainment (although Mascot Maverick is a dead-set winner).
In the end, it will be the supporters who pass judgment on the venue. Numbers were disappointing on Wednesday and Thursday, although well on par with the league's reported bottom line of 700 per game. Christmas could have had a bearing on that and the Aces would surely be hoping for many more against Perth and for the play-offs if the club gets there.
But let's hearken back for a moment and recall that Altona was drawing 100-200 for the last couple of years of the old league. Mostly families and friends of players among the regular diehards. Yes, that was a long time ago and access is much better now for some people.
Maybe - for next season - it's worth the league scheduling a series at Altona just to determine the response. The punters will vote with their feet.
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Post by GMBC17 on Dec 24, 2010 10:40:02 GMT 10
Maybe - for next season - it's worth the league scheduling a series at Altona just to determine the response NONONO another thing that seemed bush league to me was that before and during games you see players in uniform at the food van buying the worst food ever. its certainly not their fault because its probably the only food available but its pretty average to see professional athletes having to eat that crap. |
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Post by philallen on Dec 24, 2010 20:51:24 GMT 10
I guess my major concern is that the Showgrounds venue looks makeshift and that team and league officials have just settled on a facility for its location value only. I would really be interested to know what the players and coaches and managers think of the field and the amenities and what the long term plans are for upgrading the park. Greg.......great post and I'll take this opportunity to respond on behalf of the on field staff of the Aces. Yes, the Showgrounds was chosen for it's location value, there's no denying that, and it was a decision that had to be made at relatively short notice and with a degree of "if you build it they will come" mentality. There has been much valued debate, both at ground level and on social networking sites, such as this forum regarding the pros & cons of the Showgrounds. And that in itself is healthy. And whilst it may appear that your collective opinions go largely unnoticed let me assure you that that is not the case. The front office of the Aces in conjunction with the ABL are constantly talking of how we can move forward with this venue to make it a quality facility for both the players and the fans. I'll take a minute to run you through how it all came about. As you are probably aware, almost everyone in baseball in this state was looking for a suitable venue for the Aces to call home and many and varied options were looked into, until one day Phil Dale decide just to drop into the Showgrounds for a "look see". Next thing Phil was on the phone to several of the key people in the decision making process with his unbridled enthusiasm bubbling over. Well, we all assembled at this piece if grass and started dreaming.......what if we could do this, and what if that happened, and the next thing we were on the drawing board! ALL of the coaching staff are huge fans of the facility and the players love playing there. Admittedly the surface is not up to the standard it should be for the league but that is being constantly worked on and will improve, if not in the immediate short term, definitely in the medium to long term. I, and all of the coaches and most of the players have experienced many different venues, both here and overseas, and the quirkiness of the Showgrounds facility is an attraction rather than a detraction. The relatively short porches all around keep the game exciting, the "blue monster" and the pinball effect of the line drives off the walls, which incidentally are all timber, not metal as has been suggested in another post, and the somewhat irregular shape of the outfield, all add to the experience of playing at the Aces home venue. Off the field from what I've been told the vista is good and plenty of great seats are in the house. The issues of being able to bring alcohol out of the restricted area, food prices and selection, and various other issues are all being taken into consideration and adjustments will be made. Not always to everyone's satisfaction, but you are being heard. And I have to say that it is a buzz, in a funny kind of way, to have to put your ear right up next to the person talking to you on the field because of the noise being generated by the fans. One of my favourite sayings is, "a marathon starts with a small step" We are underway!! Look forward to seeing you all out there for the next series and beyond. Have a safe and Merry Christmas.  |
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Post by Youngman92 on Dec 25, 2010 8:53:19 GMT 10
In regards to the food issue I agree that it's not the best and it's dissapointing that the food and beverage sales don't go back into the pockets of the Aces or Baseball Victoria.
How about at each game we set up a stall where a different club each week can sell whatever food they like ( sausage sizzle, roast beef rolls from Pakky, Port Melbourne and their South Melbourne dimmies). Good food where the money goes back to the club running the stall. A bit like a Bunnings set up. A good chance for the clubs to make some money and feel a part of the Aces experience.
I like what you say Philaallen, it's baby steps now, it's not perfect but we've got the ball rolling, let's get the bums on seats and pump some money into this thing and get it to the way we want it.
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Post by behindthedish on Dec 25, 2010 15:25:55 GMT 10
Firstly, Merry Christmas to all.
Re the Showgrounds venue, I went for the first time last Wednesday night and I really liked the viewing from around the park, a lot better than Altona and easier to get to as well.
However the playing surface was quite poor and not up to standard, but it's a start.
Personally, I do not think this venue is the answer for the Aces and is only a go between before the "real" venue is located, somewhere in the Docklands precinct would be good, where we could share a facility with another sporting or sporting codes, tapping into each others respective audiences.
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