Baseball SA's new home

[Journeyman]

This is pretty much old news now, but it is worth noting that BSA and Softball SA have combined to form Diamond Sports SA and develop a multi purpose facility for baseball and softball to share at West Beach.

the following is the news release from BSA;



"Baseball SA Secures $2 Million Grant for Facility Development



M. Snelgrove/ Baseball SA, Tuesday, 11 June 2013
A submission from a joint initiative between Softball SA and Baseball SA to form Diamond Sports SA secures Grant from the Minister of Recreation and Sport.

Baseball SA is pleased to announce that along with Softball SA we have secured a Category 4 grant for the development of the Softball SA West Beach facility. The grant will allow for expansion, re-development and refurbishment of the venue for both sports to coexist.

The staged work, which is scheduled to begin in late 2013, will initially focus on providing a full-size, fenced baseball diamond with lights, as well as a skinned-infield softball diamond that will also have lights. An additional third diamond will be shared by both sports and there are plans to build a fourth diamond at a later stage.

When fully completed it is anticipated the complex will be one of the best in the country and it is expected to attract local, national and international teams and tournaments.

Baseball SA and our members will now have the opportunity to increase participation through grassroots initiatives, youth development and high-level competition. Baseball SA will work closely with the Australian Baseball League and the Adelaide BITE franchise to provide a facility that can also accommodate professional games.

Baseball SA is excited for our members, stakeholders and the future of both sports."



It took a long time to get there, let's hope it succeeds!

[lonewolf75]

Hey Journeyman, this is great news. Not knowing the suburbs of Adelaide well is the location a good one? It isnt Adelaide's version of Altona I hope. Is it central to the general public and to all the baseball clubs. Is there a club already there or is this a chance to start up another club based there in the local comp.

[Journeyman]

Jun 18, 2013 14:37:48 GMT 10 lonewolf75 said:

Hey Journeyman, this is great news. Not knowing the suburbs of Adelaide well is the location a good one? It isnt Adelaide's version of Altona I hope. Is it central to the general public and to all the baseball clubs. Is there a club already there or is this a chance to start up another club based there in the local comp.

It is at Adelaide Shores,West Beach, just about 3 K's from Glenelg and about 10 k's from the City. It is no Altona. At least 5 clubs are within a 10 K radius from the site.

[madball]

Layout pictures for the adelaide shores baseball park


www.baseballsa.com.au/Get-Involved/Events/ArtMID/7083/ArticleID/4086/A-new-home-for-Baseball-SA-together-with-Softball-SA

[lonewolf75]

www.news.com.au/sport/more-sports/shot-in-the-dark-glenelg-extends-unbeaten-run-with-1010-draw-at-woodville-before-light-fades/story-fndukor0-1226784399446

[Journeyman]

From today's Adelaide Advertiser;

www.news.com.au/sport/south-australia-aims-to-host-oceania-qualifying-tournament-at-upgraded-baseball-diamond/story-fnect155-1226813357442

[Journeyman]

Here is the official announcement from BSA;

News Release, 29th January 2014

Diamond Sports SA Incorporated

Diamond Sports SA Inc. receives $2 million to ensure that
Adelaide Shores Softball/Baseball venue will be the premier venue in South Australia for both sports to coexist.

Minister for Tourism, Recreation and Sport, Leon Bignell proudly announced the
funding today and presented the grant to Diamond Sports Inc. at the Adelaide
Shores venue. This Category 4 grant will allow for expansion, redevelopment and
refurbishment of the venue for both sports to coexist in one location.

The staged work is already underway and some works have already been
completed with the 2013/14 grant of $2 million received late 2013. Work will focus on
indoor training facilities, player change rooms, Softball spectator viewing, and
upgrade of lighting to international standards as well as shared offices.

When fully completed it is anticipated the complex will be one of the best in the
country and is expected to attract local, national and international teams and
tournaments.

Softball SA Inc. and South Australian Baseball League Inc. officially signing a Deed of
Commitment to jointly implement Diamond Sports Incorporated as the entity to
control the Adelaide Shores venue. Diamond Sports Inc. will provide a facility that
will increase participation through grass roots initiatives, youth development and
high level competition for both sports.

Baseball President, Shayne Bennett and Softball Chairman, Steve Trzcinski signed the
Deed in front of Office for Recreational and Sport Executive Director, Paul Anderson
and Adelaide Shores CEO, Kate Williams. All parties concur this is a historic day for
Softball and Baseball.

Released by Mark Snelgrove, further information can be obtained by contacting T: 0488 777 480

[Journeyman]

Here is a drawing of the proposed facility at West Beach. Looks good, can't wait for it to happen.

[madball]

Looks good!
I wonder if this is drawn to scale or very accurate depiction.The distance from home plate to the backstop looks massive also foul territory down the lines looks to big, I feel like it would be bad viewing for spectators. The bullpens are in foul territory with a big fence around them, seems a bit dangerous especially when there is plenty of room in out of play areas.
Is the stand pictured behind home plate the existing stand that is used on the softball diamond?
Is baseball going to take over the softball pitch or is this the"shared" diamond that has been talked about?
Car parks behind the home run fence :/

[Journeyman]

It's an artist's impression, I wouldn't worry too much about all the things that don't look correct. The person who drew it probably has no real idea about baseball. I'm sure the finished product will differ from this in many areas.