|
Post by oldracer on Apr 27, 2012 16:10:22 GMT 10
Regarding the upcoming Awards Night for Baseball Victoria and Melbourne Aces, what SHOULD BE the "night of nights" for both organisations..... We know that local clubs and BV players have to pay to be there (and even not to be there). The evening comes at considerable cost and obviously has to be paid for somehow. But I've heard that the Aces players and coaches are also being asked to tip in $ 85 each to be there. For a supposedly professional organisation, this seems pretty mean, especially since those same players and individuals were for the most part seriously out of pocket by making themselves available to play in the new league. If the rumour is true, I wouldn't expect too many Aces players to be there. Don't think that rumour is correct player....either that or I'm out of the loop!? As a coach I certainly haven't been asked to ante up $85.00. Truth be known I have no knowledge of the upcoming Awards night, when ever or where ever that may be. All the same I hope everyone attending has a great evening. next friday night Philly, guess the invites in the post? ? would have thought it would have been well known when and where and how much well before now 'specially for you dignatries
|
|
|
Post by philallen on Apr 27, 2012 19:45:58 GMT 10
Don't think that rumour is correct player....either that or I'm out of the loop!? As a coach I certainly haven't been asked to ante up $85.00. Truth be known I have no knowledge of the upcoming Awards night, when ever or where ever that may be. All the same I hope everyone attending has a great evening. next friday night Philly, guess the invites in the post? ? would have thought it would have been well known when and where and how much well before now 'specially for you dignatries Pull up on the dignitaries Al....I know that self praise (or criticism) is no recommendation, but I don't think there is anyone more ordinary than me. At least I hope that's who I am? As for the invite, I have been overseas for the last month or so, so it's not unexpected that I haven't been notified, that is definitely not a knock on the Aces. In all truthfulness I don't think that it's unreasonable for those attending to pay their own way. After all, we all have a choice on whether to be involved or not. Anyway, don't want to make a big issue out of something that really is not. It's always a good night and I do hope that everyone attending has a great night recognizing those that have excelled in our sport during the season. :champ: Phil out!!
|
|
|
Post by pirates on Apr 30, 2012 17:36:20 GMT 10
all players and coaches should be guests of the league……….no questions asked. And by the way Phil there is a ticket for you with the Pirates if you are going.
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on May 1, 2012 8:25:53 GMT 10
Somerset Patriots have released Kevin Reese and Jack Frawley (Perth) was also released from Fargo-Moorhead in the American Association.
Bubbie Buachero's Union Kufstein Vikings (Austria) are still looking for their first win after two weeks.
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on May 2, 2012 14:10:02 GMT 10
Congratulations to the JetCouriers Melbourne Aces own Travis Blackley, who after a fantastic start to the season at Fresno (3-0 1sv 0.38era) has had his contract purchased by the Giants and has been called up the bigs in place of injured lefty-specialist Jeremy Affeldt.
Great reward for Travis, who was outstanding for the Aces this season, and took his opportunity at AAA with both hands.
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on May 3, 2012 14:16:05 GMT 10
Travis has just taken the mound for his first appearance in his latest stint with the Giants.
Got Zambrano to fly out to centre for his first out...and according to the announcers is missing meat pies.
|
|
|
Post by Goblin on May 3, 2012 23:08:48 GMT 10
|
|
|
Post by moose on May 5, 2012 8:01:19 GMT 10
Fairly quiet on the ACES front as you'd expect this time of year. I seem to remember that this time last season we had been told the membership prices for the forthcoming season, in fact didn't they have an early membership scheme?
Personally I'm expecting a huge price rise similar to other states, hopefully not as bad as Sydney though. I wonder how that's going for them?
Neil W
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 5, 2012 9:06:59 GMT 10
From what I have heard, Kevin Reese has signed with Camden Riversharks, and will play against his old club the Somerset Patriots
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on May 5, 2012 10:53:13 GMT 10
Haven't seen it in any of the transaction listings I follow Lando, and nor is he mentioned on the Riversharks roster on their own webpage, but I certainly hope you are right.
He'll join Brisbane's Sean Jarrett and Canberra's Mark McGuire and Brian Burgamy on the roster if he ends up at Camden, who also signed former MLB outfielder Felix Pie recently.
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on May 5, 2012 11:17:12 GMT 10
Fairly quiet on the ACES front as you'd expect this time of year. I seem to remember that this time last season we had been told the membership prices for the forthcoming season, in fact didn't they have an early membership scheme? Personally I'm expecting a huge price rise similar to other states, hopefully not as bad as Sydney though. I wonder how that's going for them? Neil W A couple of days ago apparently it was all systems go to announce ticket prices at the awards night last night. A couple of people who attend Aces games regularly told me they heard nothing, and there is still the 2011-12 information on the Aces website. Schedule coming out towards end of June I am hearing.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 6, 2012 11:40:25 GMT 10
Haven't seen it in any of the transaction listings I follow Lando, and nor is he mentioned on the Riversharks roster on their own webpage, but I certainly hope you are right. He'll join Brisbane's Sean Jarrett and Canberra's Mark McGuire and Brian Burgamy on the roster if he ends up at Camden, who also signed former MLB outfielder Felix Pie recently. Kevin threw for Camden today at Long Island. Came in bottom 4th and threw 3 innings. Gave up a single and a 2-out, 2-run bomb to Ryan Garko (ex-MLBer for Cleveland, SF). Gave up 1 more run later on, but struck out about 5/6. Camden gave up a 6-run 2nd inning, so they were well & truly behind when Reese came in. You can actually watch the Long Island Ducks games online in very good quality.
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on May 8, 2012 10:04:51 GMT 10
Good to see Kevin with the RiverSharks.
Aidan Francis, the LHP with the Mario Bros. moustache from the finals series against the Aces has been released by the Kansas City T-Bones in the American Association.
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on May 8, 2012 14:18:07 GMT 10
Does anyone have any official word yet on whether the Aces are receiving another grant for the infield grass?
Melbourne Show ends on 2nd of October, but the horse events also take in the following day (3rd), and the ABL season is likely to start around the 1st or 8th of November (using Thursday night's as per what we had for last year's four game season openers).
Will we have enough time to prepare for a home opener, or will we go on the traditional road to Sydney again?
|
|
|
Post by moose on May 9, 2012 7:41:46 GMT 10
Stu its pretty much a no-brainer that we'll always be on the road for our opening stand each year. So much depends on the weather for the ground to be ready and horses usually plow up the ground pretty well.
Surely the aces can't expect a grant each year to fix up the ground can they? A real waste of money each season that perhaps could be spent on other things.
To me its not opening day away that sucks its the 39 day gap between home stands when that blessed concert takes place that's the real killer. Rather than a big break why not a series at another venue like Waurn Ponds or Altona. It would give the Aces exposure in a different venue to perhaps a different audience.
Also I think that this year may be make or break for the Showgrounds as a venue. This will be its third season and there can be no excuse for continuing poor crowds. Much as we may like or dislike the venue, for me its put up or shut up time for the showgrounds.
Neil W
|
|
|
Post by tgonguy999 on May 9, 2012 12:57:13 GMT 10
Interesting points moose and I agree that this year is make or break for the showgrounds, I think it was a great idea to try the ground as a venue and have enjoyed watching games there from great viewing points but the cost and time involved each year in converting it into a baseball facility could be better spent IMO.
I know we've had the altona debate over and over and I was against playing games there initially but after I played in this years final series there I turned the corner and I think it should be seriously looked at for the aces.
Correct me if I'm wrong but the grants the aces have received to convert the showgrounds would total around the $300,000 to $400,000, just imagine what thatmoney could do to fixing altona.
Just a thought
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on May 9, 2012 13:10:46 GMT 10
I reckon you're on the money there in regards the money being spent on Altona - we could have a pretty fair stadium if the money was invested wisely. It certainly does need an overhaul and if it were made into a Minor League style Stadium, it would have some attraction for the baseball newbie, and may go some way towards appeasing Joe Fan somewhat.
They'd have to look at the playing arena though. Where do you sit your members given there's only shelter straight behind and you lose a bit behind the plate - certainly in the first few rows.
Btw, we now have a team in the national league again - is Aces Sporting Club now a proposal out of the question?
You'd think that something was up though - the email to existing members in regards early bird renewal last year came out on the 24th of March last season.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 9, 2012 13:13:12 GMT 10
999, I believe the figure spent on the Showgrounds facility over the past two years might be somewhat higher than what you have mentioned. And, yes, you do have to wonder for how long MLB and the ABL will continue to absorb such costs while there is still the Altona option.
The eastern suburbs proponents would argue that the amount spent on the Showgrounds already could have been channelled into upgrading the Dandenong facility as a longer-term facility. Alternatively, several hundred thousand at Altona could have been well-spent.
For the upcoming season, I expect that we will see early games being played in Geelong, Ballarat, maybe Altona and maybe La Trobe University. That way they would be reasonably accessible to the Aces supporter base rather than interstate. If the Aces went on the road for the first four or five series and lost more games than they won, it might be a challenge to get the crowds to subsequently turn up at the Showgrounds.
The Showgrounds is a terrific facility when it is available, but unfortunately it will never offer a dedicated baseball field unless the agricultural society relocates. That won't happen.
|
|
|
Post by tgonguy999 on May 9, 2012 19:28:46 GMT 10
All I know is that everyone I talk to here in the LV that doesnt know baseball still knows altona. It markets itself to tens if not hundreds of thousands commuters a day and I'm sure it could be a nice stadium with some money.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 9, 2012 21:10:58 GMT 10
Agreed, 999.
With some money spent on tarting up the old place, Altona would come up OK (new infield, bit of a paint job, some landscaping, trees along the outfield perimeter, some 1080 for the rabbits).
I'll cop a flogging for saying it, but I believe that Altona is the only viable long-term option available at present. It has lock-down capacity, plenty of parking, decent office space and OK player facilities.
Sure, a custom-built field in Albert Park, Parkville or Richmond would be perfect, but that is not about to happen.
And spectators? Well, how many were we getting at the Showgrounds the last couple of seasons?
|
|
|
Post by moose on May 10, 2012 8:15:59 GMT 10
Absolutely spot on KC. The biggest excuse for not using Altona was the crowd numbers or lack there of. But is it still valid? There has been a lot of development in that area since the last ABL ran. Point Cook and the newer suburbs abound with new housing in areas devoid of entertainment options. Surely time for another hard look at Altona?
The Eastern suburb supporters will still carry on about the distance they will have to travel to support the Aces and I have some sympathy for them. I may be showing my ignorance here, but until there is a facility there that can be used what can be done? If there is a facility then why not split home stands between both venues? Also consider that with the new Geelong Bypass there may be supporters who come up from Geelong also to support the Aces. So I don't think that Altona is as bad an idea as many suggest and worth a look again.
Stu IIRC the members (Monarchs and Bushrangers) sat in the wedge of seats behind home plate. In those days Jim and I and a few others had a private box along 1st base line with initially, waiter service for the 1st year.
Neil W
|
|
|
Post by The Puma on May 10, 2012 8:40:59 GMT 10
You blokes are funny, it's like metcard, everyone ragged on metcard till myki came in. Now all you here is " why change it, there was nothing wrong with metcard"
Altona will forever be a cold, windy nutshole with freight trains and rabbit holes in the outfield and an infield with no grip where games get panned at even the slightest hint of rain.
Build it (in the south east) and they will come.
|
|
|
Post by stockley on May 10, 2012 10:07:46 GMT 10
Build it (in the south east) and they will come. And with what will you build it?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 10:10:11 GMT 10
Build it (in the south east) and they will come. And with what will you build it? Hopes and dreams?
|
|
|
Post by The Puma on May 10, 2012 11:03:55 GMT 10
And that, right there is the problem with baseball.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 11:19:01 GMT 10
What's that Puma?
|
|
|
Post by knuckleball on May 10, 2012 12:34:32 GMT 10
There's no cash...cash no....Robbo?
|
|
|
Post by pirates on May 10, 2012 12:41:00 GMT 10
Agreed, 999. With some money spent on tarting up the old place, Altona would come up OK (new infield, bit of a paint job, some landscaping, trees along the outfield perimeter, some 1080 for the rabbits). I'll cop a flogging for saying it, but I believe that Altona is the only viable long-term option available at present. It has lock-down capacity, plenty of parking, decent office space and OK player facilities. Sure, a custom-built field in Albert Park, Parkville or Richmond would be perfect, but that is not about to happen. And spectators? Well, how many were we getting at the Showgrounds the last couple of seasons? good call KC that sort of money would have had grand stand seating at La Trobe.......but that's not my point. Altona was to be sold off about 4 years ago but is still being used by the league. until we stop using it the government won’t do anything about it. Given the state of the economy at the moment I can’t see anything happening in any big way. Show grounds was a good idea but has proven to be too hard to work with and still not attracting big crowds. The aces need to make appointments when they need to use it, no club house and poor player facilities on top of a very expensive re model every season. All this adding to much work for very few people to maintain. Altona is a readymade stadium but it needs about $300 k spent on it maybe more if you go full artificial turf. You’d have one of the best facilities in the country. Plenty of parking second ground for training and visiting teams. The grandstands can be worked out to facilitate members and sponsors area. Players will have a club house which they can add a gym along with their training facilities and can be used 24/7. Front office can run their offices from there as well. you can imagine how you could present the entrance with huge posters of players and give the whole place a real major league feel about it. no question Aces should re locate..... if nothing else its worth a try as the current situation is not working as planned and will die on the vine. People want an experience.
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on May 11, 2012 9:19:42 GMT 10
Back on the topic of Aces players, great to see Dom Ramos has signed with the Abilene Prarie Dogs in the North Americal Baseball League.
|
|
|
Post by tigertails99 on May 15, 2012 20:44:08 GMT 10
stuartcapel - Dom has decided to sign for Sugarland Skeeters in the Atlantic League they are managed by Gary Gaetti (ex-Twins) Found this about the Bubbie: "The Stock City Cubs suffered their first loss of the season this weekend in the Austrian Baseball League. In game one against the previous winless Union Kufstein Vikings the guests scored twice on a ninth-inning double to win 6-4. Bubbie Buzachero hit a two-run homerun earlier in the game. In the second match Buzachero lost the duel on the mound, as the Cubs prevailed 3-2 in a thrilling contest."
|
|