Victorian Masters 2016

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The twentieth annual Victorian Masters Baseball Carnival will be held at Prince of Wales Reserve, Ballarat, from Friday 18 March to Sunday 20 March inclusive.

Twenty-one teams across three age groupings have entered.

Series Draw is now posted.

www.vicmasters.baseball.com.au/

[doubleplay]

Due to a couple of players having to pull out from the VIc Masters in a couple of weeks due to work and other commitments the Sloths are looking for a couple of extra players to help fill the roster. If you are interested in playing in the over 35's you can contact myself on 0414406196.

Rob Bowen Co-ordinator.

[Deleted]

A Carnival Update has been forwarded to team managers and posted on the website and Facebook today (10 March).

Because of the late withdrawal of a 35 Plus team, the Draw for that age group has been adjusted.

50 Plus and 45 Plus are not affected.

www.vicmasters.baseball.com.au/

[oldburger19]

Sorry I won't be there this year, ended up being the only weekend I could get everyone together for my bucks!

[farnt]

Good a place as any to clarify a rule relating to Masters or at least ask for opinions as two emails in the last three weeks to BV haven't been answered...surprised?

My first clarification is you have a player who gets on base and is coming into pitch the next fielding innings, can they have a pinch runner to allow them to warm up (ie the fielding change is made during the batting innings to speed up the game).

Secondly, can you nominate a player with the umpires at the start of the game that needed a substitute runner due to a pre existing injury that isn't a pitcher or catcher? My understanding is 'A Substitute runner may be used in any game provided the opposing team manager and Umpire are advised before the game'.

Thank you oh many wise ones

[Deleted]

While I have no idea what BV rules have to say, or do not have to say on these scenarios, farnt, I believe our long-standing rules for the Victorian Masters have this covered in spirit and in practice.

11. RUNNERS. Designated Runners MUST be used for all pitchers and catchers when there are two out. Two additional Courtesy Runners are allowed for any other runners in one innings. Designated and Courtesy Runners can be in the playing line-up, as long as no delay nor disruption is caused to the game. For this purpose, courtesy runners should be the most recent outs or players who are not already in the lineup.

So the guy who is set to pitch the next innings is covered under the "Two additional Courtesy Runners" clause (as long as two have not already been used).

In your other instance, a Courtesy Runner could be used whether or not the runner had a pre-existing injury. Letting the umpire and/or opposing manager know prior to the game would be a courtesy, though not necessary.

An important proviso in all of this is that courtesy runners (maximum of two per batting innings) should be the most recent outs or players who are not already in the lineup. That way, there is no disruption to the game and teams cannot exploit the rule by using their quickest runners over and over again.

The Two additional Courtesy Runners clause was added for two reasons. One, to ensure that bench players could have some active involvement in any game; and two, so that players who were injured, who might have a medical condition or who were not game-fit (EG commencing players or those returning after a long lay-off) could still play in defence or as hitters if they and their team wished.

Tournament baseball probably lends itself more readily to the Courtesy Runners rule because of the demands of older people playing several games in a short time frame. For the Summer League Masters competition, some players (and administrators) may not expect nor seek the same degree of flexibility.

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Day One scores and some images.

More detailed report on Saturday night (after Day Two).

www.vicmasters.baseball.com.au/

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Day Two scores, summation and a few snaps from the action.

www.vicmasters.baseball.com.au/

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In weather conditions a far cry from opening day, the twentieth annual Victorian Masters Baseball Carnival was wrapped up under clear skies at Prince of Wales Reserve this afternoon, with interest in all age groups maintained until the very end.

www.vicmasters.baseball.com.au/

[doubleplay]

To the Ballarat Crew, thanks for a great weekend of baseball and your hospitality. The Sloths.

[Deleted]

A pleasure, Sloths.

Our sincere thanks, as always, to the team organisers, the players, the umpires, the families, the supporters and the local clubs who continue to embrace and to build a unique baseball series that was this time held for the twentieth successive year.

It is a remarkable story of an uplifting Masters sporting event. One that an aspiring young (or even not so young) journo might pick up on some day.

A pity that Baseball Victoria and Baseball Australia appear not to give a phuck about the event!

[doubleplay]

I second the motion.
Boofa

[gj]

Great weekend as usual KC.
Regarding BV & BA, I don't really give a phuck if they give a phuck.
We will just keep on doing our thing.

[wearnie52]

Great work KC. I have heard some great reports from the Big Cat Tomatoes from my club about the tournament! Great to see it still doing well each year, regardless of external support.

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Thanks Simone. Big Cat Tomatoes have been fantastic supporters of the Carnival for many years now.

They and all of the other participating teams have been - and continue to be - a pleasure to have on board.

All good, decent and fun-loving baseball people who have done so much for mature-aged sport and for mainstream grassroots clubs by staying actively involved in our game.