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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2011 23:05:53 GMT 10
Moose it is better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all.
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Post by stuartcapel on Jul 22, 2011 8:40:43 GMT 10
In some respects John, that is correct, and watching 16 games of Kamei and a few appearances from Kaneto and Ono was indeed fun, but when they left, and teams like Perth and Adelaide came in and, with their imports, whacked the Aces (Perth swept all four games in Melbourne from memory and Adelaide would have but for a comeback from 6 runs down in the opening game of the series), it did leave you wondering how well the Aces would have gone had they the same import assistance over 40 games.
Don't get me wrong, from the Claxton the previous year, the Aces lost 100+ innings from guys who were hurt (Jones, Barker, Hendricks & Blackmore) and I think did a stellar job to finish fourth, however for 2010-11, we'll always be left wondering just how they would have gone with Kamei for 40 games and Kaneto to start a game a series.
Perth and Adelaide don't have that problem. In reality, why should Melbourne?
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Post by oldracer on Jul 22, 2011 14:35:55 GMT 10
The Knuth article came across my desk also, we have not had any discussions with him and not sure about the validity of the other content. Windsor, where are the Aces looking for imports this season? Are we staying with the Japanese content or looking more towards America for players who can be around for all 40 games? See you haven't received your answer yet Stu, guess the forum is only used by Mr Windsor to suit his own purpose not as an information highway, well not a timely one anyway. You may need to have the question printed and have it put "across his desk" so he can keep up with and respond to the faithful.
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Post by stuartcapel on Jul 22, 2011 14:52:28 GMT 10
In fairness to Windsor, his profile suggests he hasn't logged in since I posed my question, so I'm more than content to give him the benefit of any doubt here.
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Post by huberfan on Jul 23, 2011 12:40:02 GMT 10
just wanting to let my thoughts be heard
As a fan of the Melb Aces I am one of those who cannot afford a full membership as I can only get to some of the home games
Last year it was awesome that they had the Home Run Club membership I got one of those it was nice as it made me feel I was part of something, doesn't look like its going ahead this season? I have enquired a few times to Windsor Knox and had no response whatsoever
I think its rude too for those that are fans and cannot get a full memberhip will miss out on the promotions etc that are supposed to be given to the full paying members
I have asked about merchandise such as cards magazines programs etc last season Windsor its on our wish list will let you know.......but nothing was ever done
I resulted to making my own Melbourne Aces team sets its been something I was proud to do for myself nothing better then getting them signed by the player.
I am just having a rant here sorry guys probably heard it all before but wanted to post it here
Think those fans like myself need to be looked after too as much as the full paying members
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Post by ingrownhair on Jul 24, 2011 15:57:22 GMT 10
huberfan, don't feel alone, there are a number of people on here who have same such dealings and it's just not good enough if the sport is fairdinkum.
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Post by oldracer on Jul 24, 2011 16:45:31 GMT 10
In fairness to Windsor, his profile suggests he hasn't logged in since I posed my question, so I'm more than content to give him the benefit of any doubt here. almost my point exactly Stu, stay on top of the game and part of that is being 'across' daily occurences in our part of the country and the sport in general or is the franchise and it's followers being taken for a ride. I'm not a member and enjoyed my one and only experience at the showgrounds but I would be even more frustrated and far more vocal if i paid my money and got treated the way you lot have, caps on heads yet? ? the more I hear the more I shake my head............
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Post by perfeckt on Jul 24, 2011 17:57:39 GMT 10
Maybe Jet Couriers could deliver the caps. Just a thought.
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Post by stuartcapel on Jul 24, 2011 21:28:46 GMT 10
Why do I get the feeling we'll still be hearing about these god forsaken hats in 2050?
Anyway, I do give Windsor the benefit of the doubt for not replying as he hasn't logged in, nor in reality does he have to. I don't see too many other GM's on the other state forums.
The question on the imports still stands, however I'll tack in a question as to where are our membership cards/packs? The Aces debited our card in May, and two months later, we can't even receive all the press releases/newsletters.
Just over 100 days before the season starts WK, where are they?
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Post by moose on Jul 25, 2011 8:32:17 GMT 10
Stu the tickets will be the same as last season I believe. I'd prefer a plastic membership entry card as they are more convenient than paper tickets and double as a keepsake after the season. As you suggest the question is where are they. I think that we'll be inundated with tickets and all manner of things a week or two out from the season, which doesn't leave much time to sort out the inevitable SNAFU's that will no doubt occur. However the bigger question still remains unanswered. Just what approach are the Aces taking with regard to imports for this season. Yes I did enjoy Kamei and the other players and it was a privilege to see them play. But we'll not see Kamei or his like again I think. Also we lose sight of what we are trying to achieve here. We are trying to establish a permanent professional Ball Club in a market that is very competitive. Whilst Victorians are loyal in the teams they follow, they won't continue to follow teams that are not competitive against the other teams in the League. This is what happened last season when the Japanese players decamped in the middle of the season. Despite injuries to players you are only as strong as the players remaining behind to finish the season and we all know how that panned out last season. Neil W
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Post by stuartcapel on Jul 25, 2011 10:21:12 GMT 10
Neil, I went to the Melbourne Ice game yesterday - very well run. Unfurling of the mens and womens Premiership banners, good, exciting product, SMS Auction and raffle kept the crowd involved all game. It was standing room only come the opening face-off, but if you couldn't make the game, you need not have worried, as the game was streamed live on the internet via their website. They had four cameras providing the feed and the game was also simulcast on 88.6FM if you wanted to put your headphones in and listen to the game and it's quirks (I did find the offside rule even more difficult to fatholm than the same rule in football).
Members also had their own membership cards (with lanyard & plastic pocket) with what looked like a barcode on them, so I'd be surprised if all of a sudden we found out that 'it can't be done' for the Aces.
We had a situation last year where we could use our ticket for a rained out game for the mak-up game. Not that the ticket worked at the game. You went to the gate, were told you had to get a new ticket, line up for it, find out you had to go to the next window, line up again, get a ticket, then get it scanned. Only THEN could you enter. With a barcoded membership ticket, you could have saved all that hassle.
Again, will give them some leeway as it was the first year and you expect issues year one, and again, it's great that we are arguing about issues that need fixing instead of bemoaning that we need a league, but sports in Australia such as Ice Hockey can get it right - no reason why the Aces cannot either. Other states broadcast their games on the web - no reason we can't either. There's enough people around that will help broadcast if need be.
As for the playing side, my thoughts on imports have been posted on the forum before, but as for the 'hometown' players, I think they did nothing but an extraordinary job last year, considering they lost four pitchers from the Claxton team the previous year who threw 100+ innings and won something like 13 games for the Victoria Aces in 2010, and had at least one player who didnt play who was apparently payed more by their club than the Aces could offer.
I'm looking forward to the coming season, but it would be nice to get some news to grow the excitement.
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Post by windsor on Jul 25, 2011 13:04:28 GMT 10
Hello Stu, Will try to answer your questions as good as I can...
As far an international players, we will probably have them as part of the team this year and for years to come, as you all know part of our model is to have the ABL be part of the global baseball market and to have teams like the Giants for example be part of the league. What players we will get, sorry but we will not know until we get closer but for sure the Giants are in the mix.
BTW, something that has been forgotten about or not even mentioned, we did invite all the foundation members to a hosted food and beverage event last year and handed out certificates and called then out to the field for a pregame ceremony. We have also sent out the caps to them a few weeks back.
All, there are alot of things in the works and will TRY to keep you up to date, some pretty vicous posts to deal with but will do the best I can. As far as ticketing is concerned, we will have member cards again this year but we are not at the barcoding entry into games yet, maybe next year. Season ticket holders will be recieving thier tickets along with a complete Aces kit in early September. We should also be providing additional ticket plans at that point.
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Post by perfeckt on Jul 26, 2011 7:59:51 GMT 10
Hey Windsor! BTW! The pregame nibblies and bev's was a nice and honest gesture but being issued with a laminated bit of A4 that wouldn't rank with my kids media efforts and being told that, A. The caps were coming, then, B. The caps were late because they were being personalized!, Then C. After being presented to the crowd as proud and paid up foundation members YOU told me the caps were held up because of the floods in Queensland. BTW it has been mentioned (ad infinitum) and has not been forgotten and I for one will not let you come onto this forum to re-paint history to your liking without a response. I believe you have been away on vacation/business for some time and only recently returned, how can you say for certain that those hats were sent out a few weeks back ? Are you being told porky's ? I can't believe how riled up I became reading your post and how a goddammed hat has come to symbolise (for me) the contempt that you obviously hold for the Victorian Baseball public and the Aces members. If you want to stop the vicious postings then be honest, open and quick about your dealings.
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Post by perfeckt on Jul 26, 2011 8:07:25 GMT 10
For the sake of other forum users I will have nothing more to post on the subject of hats!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2011 10:23:51 GMT 10
Stuart, you are right in saying that we are in a better place now than we were twelve to eighteen months ago. The league is up and running and it has negotiated a challenging first season that no-one ever pretended was going to be easy.
The task now is for the Aces club to get better at what it does - and quickly. Improvements and enhancements need to happen. But they must also be SEEN to be happening.
The lack of transparency in a range of issues is far too reminiscent of last year, for my liking. We understand the issues regarding playing personnel, but the peripheral, organisational, day-to-day matters are surely being addressed by the club and can be reported upon.
For example, the matters of live streaming, decent online reporting and feature writing, ground enhancements (including shade), catering improvements, ticketing, part-membership (to which huberfan alludes), forming stronger working relationships with Baseball Victoria and the winter associations, staffing arrangements. What is happening in those areas? What can we expect to happen?
All of these things - and others - are part of the package that we should reasonably expect of a professional sporting organisation. In not communicating regularly and as fully as possible, the Aces run the risk of the alienating the baseball faithful at a time when the league needs all the help that it can get.
No doubt there are "lot of things in the works" - as there should be. Surely at least some of those things have progressed to a more specific point.
While the ABL of course needs to work on getting a foothold in the broader sporting community, the league surely needs to develop strategies that will carry the baseball faithful along with it. Baseball people want to feel a degree of ownership of the league.
As do sponsors. Why has more not been made of Jet Couriers and the other major sponsors? Is it really that hard to prepare a string of website advertorials and features on major sponsors during the off-season?
Some of the comments expressed here and elsewhere suggest that supporters currently do not have that sense of ownership. Despite (or maybe because of) their desire to see the ABL be a success, there is a clear frustration being expressed by many of the baseball faithful.
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Post by stuartcapel on Jul 26, 2011 10:47:27 GMT 10
Can't really argue with anything there KC - straight to the point with everything (should I suspect anything less?).
Just watching the Melbourne Ice go about it on Sunday was an eye-opener, and I hope Windsor, and perhaps even Phil Dale, venture to one of their four remaining home games to check it out. That's a product that's clearly growing, has grass roots work clearly going on (grass roots on ice?), values its support, and has embraced the online aspect of things. Yes, the Perth and Adelaide coverages of things were grainly and limited to an extent and could be better, but at least they had some understanding of what was required, and I am sure their product will only get better. As far as the Aces are concerned in the sporting capital of the world, we cannot prodive either, and I need not go into the fact that the scoreboard was an issue all season with stats from several series past being shown. Surely we have enough knowhow in the state to get this moving.
Between the Aces and BV, does it seem to anyone else we have more articles announcing the arrival of new communications people than actual articles from these communications people? Half of the news we get is off this and a few other indy forums, which does suggest something is amiss. I'd happily put little things together, but right now, you do to some extent have to wonder what is the point? I'm sure you have wondered that occasionally as well KC.
My question to Windsor re the imports was acknowledged and I give him credit for taking the time to answer that, and I do appreciate that the imports will be decided in time, however I can't see any reason not to announce a few local players (if any have agreed to play) aside from the fact they want to announce them closer to the season in order to generate further interest, but there's no reason why on July 26 they can't put out an article on their website noting that say Grant Karlsen and Josh Davies have agreed to terms to play for the Jet Couriers Melbourne Aces in 2011-2012, and perhaps name a couple of extra local players every week/fortnight to keep things going.
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Post by Goblin on Jul 27, 2011 21:08:26 GMT 10
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Post by moose on Jul 28, 2011 8:42:20 GMT 10
There's always naysayers and complainers everywhere. The footy ground has been there well before they bought into the area one would think. Didn't they suspect that there would be some discomfit form their close proximity to the ground prior to buying their properties? Winging Wally's. Neil W
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Post by stuartcapel on Jul 28, 2011 9:20:27 GMT 10
True Neil, however if you bought backing onto the ground five years ago, there was no baseball to contend with.
Putting nets up behind the goals can stop a footy, but you'd have to spend a fair bit on netting off the whole right field line to stop baseballs, and some of those balls during the finals series went into the houses like lazers. Thinks of all the foul balls at The Show that came off the Admirals Club roof - well, instead of the Admirals Club, in Adelaide those are people's place of residence.
Put it this way, a bit of noise, fair enough, but how would you react if a baseball broke a window in your child's bedroom at or after 10pm? Not favourably I would suspect.
Furthermore, hearing the crowd going off past 10pm because some poor schmo from the opposition is tonight's free beer for a strike out contestant is pushing it (I so hope the Aces don't bring that in btw)
What the Bite could do is look at what is going to happen with Football Park (AAMI Stadium). It's apparently going to be bulldozed much like Waverley, but if the Bite and SA Govt, which is pretty good when it comes to state sport, can work a deal with the SANFL, perhaps a few bays can be retained, again, like Waverley, and while the Adelaide Crows would still use the ground as a training base, the Bite could be a sole tennant in the summer, with plenty of lighting, space and parking available.
They might not think of it, but it's an option nevertheless...and would at least get those ferals away from behind the opposition 'pen in Adelaide. They thought they were tough because they were drinking Coopers. Pfft...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2011 11:16:16 GMT 10
Dear Geoff Pearce, Thank you for the Australian Baseball correspondence that I got in the mail last week with my AB Membership Card. And thanks for your "Congratulations" as being 'identified' as a registered member ? I look forward to the '2010/2011' season that "bring some exciting changes for Australian Baseball" ?? And Ill make a point of going to an Aces game that apparently is "scheduled to conclude in February 2011" ? Seriously, what is going on in your office for this to get sent to me LAST WEEK ? While were at it I might have a look at the National Insurance Policy that you speak of therein in terms of what it covers, what it costs you, and what we players pay ?
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Post by lonewolf75 on Aug 24, 2011 18:55:41 GMT 10
Just got the below Newsletter from the Aces:
A word from Windsor Well, the countdown is on and as of today there’s only 79 days left until the first pitch is thrown for our first game. It’s been a busy few weeks here in the office and we’ve got plenty of exciting news to share. Firstly, as you would know by now, we’re really pleased to have Phil Dale back on board as the Jet Couriers Melbourne Aces Manager this season. He’s now appointed Phil Allen as his Pitching Coach and Damian Shanahan as his Hitting Coach, and together they’re working hard at pulling together a team that will do Melbourne proud. We hope to have many of your favourite players back this summer, plus some new and exciting talent from overseas. We’ll be sure to keep you posted as we start signing contracts over the next few weeks. We recently had some very good news from the Victorian Government in the form of a generous grant to upgrade the infield turf. At the same time, we’ve been working on various improvements to the seating arrangements and catering to make sure we can offer a great night out for families and groups of friends alike. Membership news Talking of seating, now’s a great time to secure your season membership. As a member, you’ll save more than $8 a game, which effectively works out to be nine free games over the season – unbeatable value! This season we’ve also introduced a range of flexible options that allow you see the games you want when you want, including 5-game or 10-game Punch Cards and Sunday Pack and Mid-Week Pack Mini Plans. And don’t forget our great-value group and corporate hospitality packages. Click here to learn more. See you at the Show The Royal Melbourne Agricultural Show, that is! Come and visit us at the Coca Cola/Jet Couriers Melbourne Aces Kiosk at the Coca Cola Arena (Main Arena) from Saturday 24 September until Tuesday 4 October. Players will be stopping by to chat, sign autographs and help us sell memberships and our fantastic new merchandise. We also have heaps of terrific prizes to give away each day. If you’re feeling energetic, you’ll find our pitching tunnel set up in the Family Carnival area near Gate 5 in Langs Road. Ever wondered how fast you can throw? Here’s your chance to find out. Introducing Aussie T-Ball
And finally, we’re delighted to announce our association with Aussie T-Ball Program, a new initiative from Major League Baseball and the Australian Baseball Federation. It’s a modified version of baseball for kids that’s all about being active and having FUN. The program is run by local Baseball Victoria clubs in your area and can also be included as part of your school’s sport participation program, during or after school. Participants will receive a cool kit that includes a baseball glove and ball, a pair of binoculars and a special Aussie T-Ball Punch Card with complimentary entry to any two ABL games. Click here to learn more about Aussie T-Ball. Season launch Important diary date! Our season launch this year will be held at Federation Square on the morning of Saturday 29 October beginning at 10.00am, so pack up the kids and come along to join in the fun and be the first to meet the new team. Francis Leach will host the Aces launch with a few special guests coming along to surprise all our fans that show up. Spotlight on our sponsors We wouldn’t exist without them. In this column, I plan to share with you little information about each of our sponsors, what they do and what motivates them to support this great game of ours. This month we shine our spotlight on the freindly team at Clark Rubber Niddire.
Clark Rubber came on board as one of the Aces sponsors to get involved in the local Ascot Vale community of Melbourne. Since Melbourne boasts itself as the “sporting capital of the world,” creating a relationship with a professional sports team in the area turned out to be a great fit for them. “I really wanted to get involved in the local community,” Barry Ranson, the Clark Rubber Niddrie Franchisee said. “And baseball is developing and will hopefully become a main attraction in the area.” Although, Ranson himself doesn’t play baseball a lot of his friends do and decided he wanted to learn more about the growing sport. Last season took his staff to a game and plans on doing the same this year. “We had a great time. We brought some of our suppliers to the game too and it was real fun,” said Ranson. Clark Rubber isn’t the first company that comes to mind when you think of sport and especially baseball, but this new partnership should help promote some of their more athletic products and purposes. “From time to time we will do the padding for goal posts and things like that, or exercise mats. We do make a lot of exercise matting,” Ranson commented. Just like the Melbourne Aces, Clark Rubber is a passionate group of people working hard for Melbourne. Even without a strong tie to baseball they support the family fun atmosphere that the Aces bring to the Melbourne community and we support their hard work and dedication to their industry.
Look out for the Kids Fun Zone at all our home games this season. It's a super cool children's play area for kids aged 3-8 years and it's been kindly supplied by the team at Clark Rubber Niddrie.
See you at the ball park!
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Post by roly on Aug 24, 2011 20:59:39 GMT 10
Hogi did a great job as pitching coach last year but he is still a kid. Phil Allen taught Chief Bender to throw the ol' Left handed "dipsy doodle" back in '37......Those other states don't have a chance now WOOF P.S. This post is concrete tongue in concrete cheek........hahahahahahahahahahahaha.
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Post by windsor on Aug 25, 2011 9:58:15 GMT 10
A quick note, Damien Shanahan will be the Assistant Coach, Phil Allen the hitting coach and your right roly, Lee Hogan did a great job and will return as pitching coach.
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Post by lonewolf75 on Aug 31, 2011 18:06:37 GMT 10
Special Father's Day Ticket Packages
Looking for a great gift idea for Father's Day? Give your dad the gift of baseball all summer long with a Jet Couriers Melbourne Aces Father's Day Package.
Frequent Flyer Membership Package One
Includes all the benefits of a regular membership, plus the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and your dad to play catch on the field.
Your dad will also go into the draw to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Sunday 13 November and the first 30 packages sold will receive a buy-one-get-one-free ticket to this year's Royal Melbourne Show.
Great value at only $195
10-game Punch Card Package Two
Entry to ten games of Dad's choice, or both of you could watch five games together, if you prefer.
Includes the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and your dad to play catch on the field, plus dad will also go into the draw to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Sunday 13 November.
A bargain buy at only $90
To take advantage of our Father's Day packages before they run out click here, choose your package and enter promo code ACEDAD or contact Jess Dudek on 9376 6754.
Hurry, offer ends Sunday 4 September!
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Post by sanchez2 on Sept 23, 2011 14:05:46 GMT 10
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Post by stuartcapel on Sept 23, 2011 15:05:58 GMT 10
That would mean we'd actually know a name there Sanchez, and that's just not on. The Aces apparently have to be as secretive as possible. At this rate we'll find out who really shot JFK before the Aces make a roster available to the club's members.
We're now seven weeks out from opening day at the Showgrounds, and six weeks from the start of the season.
No roster.
Not a single name has been announced.
Nothing.
Zilch.
Donuts.
Nada.
How in the betterment of the ABL and baseball in Melbourne can we not have even a few names announced before this point in time? The Big Bash League (20-20 competition) starts in December - players agreeing to contractual terms were announced six months in advance of the first ball being bowled, but the Aces can't even confirm to members a single name that will be on the 2011/12 roster six weeks out from the first pitch of the season.
Over the past few weeks, the Aces should have been announcing a name or two, and continually updating their dormant website with player profiles and player feature articles. There's a few people who write regularly on the forum who probably would have done this, subsequently keeping those who drop by the Aces website from time to time looking for something, up to date and informed...and excited that something is happening just around the corner. Even people overseas who have been to the page think it's ordinary that there's nothing on it.
Unfortunately, Aces policy seems to be about keeping the information as secret as possible, and right now, the distinct lack of information is so disheartening that you'd almost be more relieved to have someone from the Aces come on the forum and say that they are getting their jollies out of them knowing something that we don't. The communication isn't even good enough to be classified as B Grade. Quite frankly, I believe that the baseball public of Melbourne, who are expected to lead the charge in supporting the Aces, are being treated with contempt. There is little evidence to the contrary.
On this thread, we have had the Aces GM note: "Season ticket holders will be recieving thier tickets along with a complete Aces kit in early September." My wife and I have have been paid-up for several months now and as of today (September 23rd), still do not have our membership packs. The next mail delivery will be the 26th of September and I can't for a second anyone possibly suggestion that the 26th of a month constitutes 'early'. If there's been a hold-up, communicate to members that there has been a hold-up. Don't treat us with utter distain like you are currently doing. The idea of a quick information dump just before the start of the season isn't all of a sudden going to get fans through the turnstiles (actually, we don't have turnstiles...we don't even use a membership ticket for entry!).
So currently, we have no roster, no membership packs and precious little information. I can drive to Geelong on October 21 (and again on the 22nd) and pay $10 to watch a practice match (here's a hint Aces front office, free entry for Aces members on presentation of a membership ticket given they've taken the time and effort to drive to Geelong to support your club and then have to drive home late at night) where hopefully those in Aces uniforms won't have paper bags over their heads as their identities are still trying to be kept secret.
The most recent Aces newsletter notes that the club wouldn't exist without it's sponsors, and that is very true, but it wouldn't exist without it's members either, and right now, members are either being ignored or deceived.
I'm happy for the Aces to determine which one is the case.
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Post by lonewolf75 on Sept 23, 2011 16:39:48 GMT 10
Newsletter received today
A word from Windsor What a busy week the Aces staff have had this week. We've been flat out preparing for our presence at the Royal Melbourne Show (more about that later) but also tying up a few loose ends as we count down to the season opener. Some of last year's team members are returning from overseas, and between them and local boys, we've had a constant stream of players trooping in and out of the office. I can honestly say that absolutely everyone is looking forward to a fantastic season this summer.
Melbourne Aces live on air
Huge news for all baseball fans.
This week we signed a partnership with 1116 SEN, that will see many of our home games broadcast live this season.
We're celebrating our season launch with a live simulcast of our opening game against Perth Heat on Friday 11 November, followed by a second one for the 3.00pm game on Sunday 13 November.
After opening weekend we'll be switching over to digital radio, with 11 home games being broadcast on Aussie Digital.
All games will be commentated by SEN personalities and baseballs enthusiasts Francis Leach and Ed Wyatt, so that should be a lot of fun.
Of course, nothing beats catching the game live at the Ballpark, but if you can't make it to a game for any reason, you'll still be able to feel you're part of the action.
Membership news
We've had some great feedback from you about our new range of flexible membership options.
As well as our unbeatable value Frequent Flyer Memberships, this year we're offering Sunday Pack and Mid-Week Pack Mini Plans for $40 and 5-game or 10-game Punch Cards ($50 and $90 respectively).
These Punch Cards are particularly flexible - you can choose to come along to all five or ten games yourself, or you might choose to bring a bunch of friends to just the one game. Click here to learn more.
Got more than nine friends? Then you need to talk to us about Group Outings. Available for groups of 20 or more, your group will receive discounted entry, designated seating, a welcome message on our video board and promotional material to help plan and promte your event.
Barbeque or picnic catering is also available, so give us a call on 03 9376 6754 to discuss your needs.
Pre-season match in Geelong
Can't wait to see the Aces in action? Come on down to Geelong Baseball Centre (Pioneer Road, Grovedale) on Friday 21 October at 7.00pm or Saturday 22 October at 3.00pm for a sneak peek as the new Aces team takes on Geelong's International All-Star Team in what's sure to be a thrilling pre-season series opener.
Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page where we'll post more information as it becomes available. Tickets to the game are only $10 for adult and $5 for children and can be purchased online here or at the gate.
Season launch
Important diary date! Our season launch this year will be held at Federation Square on the morning of Saturday 29 October beginning at 10.00am, so pack up the kids and come along to join in the fun and be the first to meet the final team. Francis Leach and Ed Wyatt will host the launch with a few special guests coming along to make the event even more memorable.
Spotlight on our sponsors
We wouldn’t exist without them. In this column, I plan to share with you a little information about each of our sponsors, what they do and what motivates them to support this great game of ours.
This month we shine the spotlight on David Hargreaves and the team at Swann Insurance.
Swann Insurance is a market leading provider of personal insurance products and services to the motor vehicle, motorcycle, finance broker and fleet services industries. With over 50 years experience and offices located nationally, Swann forms part of the greater CGU and IAG insurance groups.
Sales and Operations Manager David Hargreaves is no stranger to baseball, having started playing at the age of seven. Although he also enjoyed other sports including cricket and Aussie rules, baseball was destined to become his first love as both his maternal grandfather and his father played the game. In fact, that's how David's parents met in the first place - through a baseball club. Today David is still firmly entrenched in the local baseball community as Assistant Coach at Greensborough in the winter competition and one of the Junior Coaches at Preston over summer. He's also the current Head Coach of the Victorian Provincial Team and Pitching Coach of Australian Provincial Team.
As a baseballer himself, David is keen to see the ABL and in particular, the Aces, flourish. It's his passion to inspire talented young players, helping them to realise their dream of playing professional sport at a high standard in their own country.
As a business man, David is aware of the opportunities for brand exposure that arise from being associated with an up-and-coming sport, but as a father and baseball fan, the Aces sponsorship is all about a great night out at the ballpark.
"I love that I can bring my family, and my working family, to the games," he explains. "I'm doing my bit to expose a whole new group of advocates to the ABL, and the Aces." See you at the ball park! See you at the Show!
Come and visit us at the Coca Cola/Jet Couriers Melbourne Aces Kiosk at the Coca Cola Arena (Main Arena) from Saturday 24 September until Tuesday 4 October.
Players will be stopping by to chat, sign autographs and help us sell memberships and our fantastic new merchandise. We also have heaps of terrific prizes to give away each day.
If you’re feeling energetic, you’ll find our pitching tunnel set up near the Family Carnival area near Gate 5 in Langs Road. Ever wondered how fast you can throw? Here’s your chance to find out.
Join us
It's not too late to get on board. Here's your chance to experience all the action up close and personal - and find out what goes on behind the scenes! We're seeking volunteers to help us on game days with front of house, merchandise sales and customer service. You'll have heaps of fun while learning new skills, and it'll look great on your resume. To learn more about joining the Aces franchise, call Peter Villani on 03 9376 6754 for an obligation-free chat.
There's more to baseball than baseball
A day or night at the baseball is a a sporting event unlike any other. As well as fast-paced sport played by world-class talent, there's heaps of giveaways, interactive entertainment before the game and between the innings to keep the action flowing, plus reoccurring theme nights such as Thirsty Thursday and Saturday Baseball Around the World nights.
Check out our promotions calendar here and start planning your summer's entertainment today.
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Post by Diesel on Sept 23, 2011 18:22:46 GMT 10
Roster would be nice, but what imports are we getting this year, full season or only half season players? Also what improvements have been made to ground, have you received a full bar licence, have you improved the food outlets, etc.
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Post by huberfan on Sept 24, 2011 11:38:58 GMT 10
I can't believe it that its only 6 weeks till Opening day and nothing has been finalised yet? pathetic really would have thought they would have made more of an effort compared to last season? I heard nothing about my membership package, I had to email them to get some info just said they are still working on it Is anyone going to check out their stand at the Royal Melbourne Show I don't think we will not for $30 a ticket to get in there. I'm like everyone else thought Rosters would have been done by now but nope all we get is a lousy emailed newsletter, I hope with all this so called money they are spending it makes it worth it.........we can only hope I personally would have liked to have seen ABL Team Baseball sets made for fans to purchase and programmes but nothing like that will happen anytime soon or the future...shame it would have made a nice marketing tool for promotion etc. Why can't a brand like Topps step in and help after all isn't the MLB backing the ABL? Sorry guys but thats my rant for the day, I guess I have too high expectations? ??
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Post by lonewolf75 on Sept 24, 2011 20:49:55 GMT 10
Off to the Show tomorrow. Will let you all know how the Aces stall stacks up and the pitching tunnel
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