Summer Masters Finals

[theresonlyone]

It's now clear to us all there will be no change to this fixture.
Brett Hidson has confirmed so and stated the summer leagues
Decision has been made.
It's disappointing, frustrating and contradictory to most recent bulletin
Released by the summer league commitee outlining finals ground locations and where possible
The higher placed teams home ground use.
Except ... If Geelong are playing.
In which case, all games are at altona.
It explains thier silence on this forum save for Nathan's comments on
The other thread.
I am of the understanding they support BV's decision as they gave up games in Geelong to travel to altona during the season.
Is this true?
If so, I would have travelled to Australia's premier baseball
Facility anytime this season to play if in return we could rightly
And justly host a home final.

What the words on all BV's documents fail to clarify is that all games no matter what against Geelong
Are at altona. Brett says this is clear, but I disagree.

Unfortunately this has upset many, BV had opportunity to notify us all well before now and chose not to.
Instead suggesting we have misread thier guidelines.
it remains to be seen what the ramifications will be, but it's concerning when several of our sports
Most passionate and long serving members are calling for the resignation of a member of the summer league commitee.

[wearnie52]

Kc, this is probably the first time I have disagreed with one of your posts.

Agree that naming people personally on here isn't great, but, this has been a huge stuff up on BV's part.

If BV had simply stated there was a specific reason for the game being played at altona, a justifiable reason, this would not still be a topic of discussion on here. They have not done this, instead have refused to reply to correspondence and made themselves look silly.

I have tried hard to hold my tongue on this topic, however, I feel I must continue to defend my players who fairly earned their home final. I feel bad for the team, the supporters and the club who all miss out. And as a volunteer who puts a lot of time into my club, I am again astounded that full time paid staff can't get simple things right.

The game is at altona, that will obviously not change. And I will be out there supporting the boys (and taking them cold beer since there will be none for sale). But this isnt the end of this discussion. BV get away with this crap far too often.

[Deleted]

KC, I see you avoided entering into the reasoning behind us going to Geelong when all of the games between us and Geelong were at Altona as well mate.

Add to that that last year all games versus us and Geelong (thier only team) were played at Altona, but low and behold we get sent to Geelong to play the Grand Final Vs them on the Monday of the Long Weekend (last season). So there goes your theory mate !

[Just for the record I totally respect the GBC, we had great games against them this season and last season, and I personally love playing on their ground, and my idea (that BV ran with last year) to regionalise the Divisions to avoid excessive travel was as much about helping us and them and all the outer suburbs teams in getting to games in peak-hour traffic on a Monday night. But surely they (GBC) must realise that they finally need to travel in Div1 after playing every single home and away game at Altona this season once they finished 4th !]

Anyway, I stand by all I said (and there was a lot I havent said). I am over reasons for bad decisions and completely flawed rationale (and mistruths) being hidden behind "the Summer League Committee (SLC)'

In some cases I venture to say that the SLC (collectively) were probably never ALL consulted anyway, maybe a quick call to one or two at best - and even then the 'SLC' get just a persons perspective, and we are never able to contribute and correct clear and obvious misconceptions/innacuracies that they are fed ?

And I get told today that because GeelongB played a singular Masters game at its Home ground in Geelong this season (Vs Werribee) then that means that their Geelong ground was for all intents and purposes their Home ground (talk about trying to manipulate the truth cover up a bad decision.....give me a friggin break) !

And when one is 'shut-down' (as I was) and treated with such disrespect (and are told things that one knows are not true, as recently confirmed AGAIN) then why wouldnt one 'say it how it is' ?

In just 14 months two teams Ive organised/managed have...

Been completely shafted by BV (last season) in forcing us to play most of our Home games at Altona (50ks away) with reasoning and rationale replicating the stuff I am getting back from them this time as well.

A double scheduling (fixture error) at Altona 2 weeks ago that meant that us and Geelong had to abandon our game.

Our Preston 5's team was intially denied entry into Div-6 after 8 or so Rounds this Summer for reasons that made no sense at all (a decision later changed after far to much energy was spend by a few of us in getting a more common sense decision) which in the long run saw low Grade players playing on the Latrobe diamond under lights on a Saturday night instead of the usual crappy back/outside diamonds that are the norm in the low grades, which was a great thrill for them (and us) - a Win/Win with all parties thrilled with what we were trying to do in the best interests of all after common sense (finally) prevailed after determined efforts to to push past the apparent 'first line of defence' that seems to not help but hinder those of us trying to grow this game.

Now this. Enough is enough mate !

PS: My conspiracy theory is that Geelong (and in fact two Geelong Masters teams) are very important to BV and the ongoing viability of Altona, and thus BV agreed to 'bend' their own playing conditions to suit. So tell me that (if true) and maybe this all makes some sense...sort of. I still wont agree its the fair thing to do for all concerned but at least its more honest.

[mandi]

common sense would have been to notify all teams weeks ago stating that if geelong make the finals then all games against geelong in Div 1 will be played at Altona....so on that note, does anyone have a portable bbq and big enough esky so that i can sell dinner for the players and supporters

[Deleted]

I expected that I would get a whack across the chops over this.

Like you, Simone, I have held my tongue on this matter. In my case, because I am not fully aware of all of the circumstances. Clearly there are mistakes that have been made and I fully understand how pissed off your club might feel.

And Gary, I am not espousing a theory on any of this. Even if I wanted to make comment, I have no knowledge of the litany of complaints that you have presented. I certainly have no insight into the relevant BV policies or decision-making processes.

All that I am saying is that in seeking to denigrate or potentially destroy any individual - paid or otherwise - for real or perceived mistakes, then we are demeaning ourselves rather than taking up the issues with the view to get collectively better at what we do.

I'm still interested in how Geelong sees all of this.

Mandi, you are absolutely right. Had the situation been spelt out a week ago, it would not be the issue that it seems to have become.

[Deleted]

Ever the diplomat KC (thats a compliment btw).

I guess us organisers/volunteers etc at clubs across the State invest a lot into what we are trying to achieve for those that share this game with us (simply put to truly enjoy the game that we all love that in my case has given me way more than I have given it back, even in light of recent times).

And for me this was just a regretable situation when reasons for decision just didnt make sense and so I tried to sort it out in the proper way (sort of). But then it got personal when in trying to make sense of it I was shut down and effectively told to 'go and deal with it' (again).

PS: The situation was spelt out a week ago mate...and then ignored.

PSS: I hope I have mainly referred to BV or 'Baseball Victoria' as the other party in all this rather than an individual (eg Christine) as I have no doubt that as a staff member of BV one often needs to toe the Company line (i.e. do what the boss says).

[Buzz]

KC, you should have stuck with your first interpretation.if you don't know,don't comnent. It's masters Baseball,if you don't like to travel,then don't play Masters,pretty simple really.Springvale EARNT the right for a home final. A lie is a lie.Pretty straight forward.If you don't want to be called out on a lie,don't dont tell one. As the saying goes 'If you don't lie,then you never have to remember what you said'! I make no apologies for my comments, they are in no way offensive, I always love Kc's unbiased comments.sooner or later,you've got to take a stand.

[farnt]

Hmmm....home ground advantage help last night?

[larry42]

Blacky 5-2 over Wav. 2-2 late in the game till Black scored 3 in the 6th i think. Some very 'masters' like defense assisted in most of the runs for both teams. Blacky came up with the big hits when needed.

Bad luck to the Springy guys who went out last night after a ladder leading year that earned them the right to play home. Forget travel and any of those arguements...top team should have played at home, not at a field against a team who played all their games on that field for the year.

[aueagle30]

My apologies for not keeping up-to-date with this thread... those following the Regional Round thread would know my 'forum focus' has been pretty tunnelled.

Firstly, authentic, your suggestion the Geelong Baseball Club is implicit in any conspiracy with Baseball Victoria is not only ridiculous, but defamatory... unless you're prepared to present some evidence to support this suggestion, I suggest a retraction would be your most appropriate next response.

I assure you, the GBC has had to deal with a range of issues this season... we've asked BV to improve it's club relation and communication processes on several occasions this season, including last week regarding the Regional Round proposal. Any suggestion GBC have some special place in BV's heart is counter to our constant lobbying for greater understanding of our club's challenges.

[aueagle30]

Specifically, on the issue of last night's fixturing...

The GBC faces unique challenges in recruiting and retaining our players... the number one being travel... our Masters teams will have travelled almost 1500km this season.

This has been our burden for near on 30 years and we accept this as our burden. We don't request special favours, but we do try to highlight our unique challenges with BV and ask for understanding when it comes to issues of fixturing, etc.

It's been standard for more than 20 years to fixture Geelong games at Altona... a standard followed throughout the season... this is for the advantage of all clubs... means GBC's travel burden is reduced, as is the travel burden on Melbourne clubs.

My personal opinion... GBC is part of the league and if league rules state home team hosts final, then, if possible, home team should host final...

As a club representative... when our Master's team tells me they don't believe they will field a team with a 6:00pm start in Springvale, our responsibility is to our members...

I don't deal directly with the Master's admin, but my understanding is the league informed us the game would be scheduled at 6:00pm in Springvale... we informed the league we would not be able to field a team if that was the case... it was then left to BV to determine the appropriate outcome.

I assume the start time could not be moved (sunset was listed for 7:43 last night... our 6pm start in Geelong required lights for the last half hour), consideration was given to Altona (used as the venue used for this match up during the season) and the decision was made.

Where our club believes we can accomodate any fixture, we do... where we believe we cannot, we lobby on behalf of our members... just as any other club does and sometimes harder than we should... we expect to be treated as any other club would... We can never know the real answer to a hypothetical, but if the ladder postions were reversed, would BV schedule the game at Geelong and would Sprinvale willingly accept?

[Deleted]

Mar 13, 2012 11:47:22 GMT 10 aueagle30 said:

My apologies for not keeping up-to-date with this thread... those following the Regional Round thread would know my 'forum focus' has been pretty tunnelled.

Firstly, authentic, your suggestion the Geelong Baseball Club is implicit in any conspiracy with Baseball Victoria is not only ridiculous, but defamatory... unless you're prepared to present some evidence to support this suggestion, I suggest a retraction would be your most appropriate next response.

I assure you, the GBC has had to deal with a range of issues this season... we've asked BV to improve it's club relation and communication processes on several occasions this season, including last week regarding the Regional Round proposal. Any suggestion GBC have some special place in BV's heart is counter to our constant lobbying for greater understanding of our club's challenges.

Nothing to retract here Nathan (and your use of the word defamatory in the context of what I said earlier is pathetic mate).

Usually you cut and paste previous quotes then comment, but not in this case ?

Perhaps this is because what I said regarding my 'conspiracy theory' was regarding the imposed use of Altona by BV for Masters games etc and not in anyway a reflection of the Geelong Baseball Club which I have gone on record as having a great deal of respect and regard for.

Feel free to cut and paste and comment on anything that you would like further clarity on though.

[wearnie52]

aueagle30................so on a public holiday, you physically could not field a team at 6pm at Springvale? Seriously? Is that a joke?

Geelong being a part of the competition, any competition, is fantastic. I have seen the Geelong women's program grow over the past several seasons, and think it's fantastic that more people are playing our great game.

As mentioned previously, our club was happy to travel to Altona during the season to play regular season games, including our home games, against Geelong. My biggest issue in this instance is that BV chose to give us crappy excuses, or not reply at all to correspondence.

If they had simply replied with the real reason the game was not played at our home ground, that would have at least revealed the truth. They didn't do this. At no stage has anyone had a crack at Geelong.

I think in future, it should be made known to all Masters teams that if they face off against Geelong in finals, ALL games will be played at Altona, even if they are not the home team. At least then there is some transparency. And at least then teams can 'prepare' over the last few weeks of the season to ensure they don't have to drive out there for their own home game.

[needforspeed]

aueagle30.........

Have I got this correct?

Newport, Sandringham and Croyden all had availability Issues with playing on the Public Holiday and we given no consideration at all.

According to BV's Masters Finals Rules, as Geelong's (Div 2) Home Ground was unavailable Melb Ballpark), then the game should have been played at Preston. Preston's issue with BV's decision to ignore their own rules and having to travel to Geelong was also given no consideration.

Geelong advised BV that they could not field a side at 6.00pm at Springvale on a Public Holiday and were then given a Home Game that they hadn't earned.

Good Job in debunking the "conspiracy theory'!

[aueagle30]

Mar 13, 2012 12:32:30 GMT 10 authentic said:

Nothing to retract here Nathan (and your use of the word defamatory in the context of what I said earlier is pathetic mate).

I stand corrected... I misread your original statement as naming the GBC as complicit in your alledged conspiracy theory (which, by the way, are never pathetic).

I withdraw my request for a retraction since you didn't implicate Geelong as a knowing party to any conspiracy... only as an unknowing pawn in BV's diabolical plot to keep Altona alive.

Mar 13, 2012 12:32:30 GMT 10 authentic said:

Usually you cut and paste previous quotes then comment, but not in this case ?

Feel free to cut and paste and comment on anything that you would like further clarity on though.

Man, I can't win with this forum crowd... first I quote too much, now not enough. The truth was, I came into the this conversation quite late and was aiming for brevity to express a perspective asked for by several other forum members.

[aueagle30]

Mar 13, 2012 12:38:48 GMT 10 wearnie52 said:

aueagle30................so on a public holiday, you physically could not field a team at 6pm at Springvale? Seriously? Is that a joke?

No, not a joke... much like at least one member of the Springvale team, members of the Geelong team had not planned to sit around all day waiting for the start of the game... things like work and family events had been planned for the day... a 6pm start at Springvale, considering traffic returning from a long weekend, would require at least a 3pm departure time from Geelong.

Mar 13, 2012 12:38:48 GMT 10 wearnie52 said:

Geelong being a part of the competition, any competition, is fantastic.

I'm glad you think so... I'm sure you're aware of this, but we've been a part of the BV Summer League since you were a toddler... funny there's so many people expressing their approval of our existence like there was some other alternative?

Mar 13, 2012 12:38:48 GMT 10 wearnie52 said:

As mentioned previously, our club was happy to travel to Altona during the season to play regular season games, including our home games, against Geelong.

As was our club... including home games... against every team... for every game. As I've already said, we'll never know the real answer to a hypothetical question, but would you have happily travelled to Geelong during the season for a 6pm start?

Mar 13, 2012 12:38:48 GMT 10 wearnie52 said:

My biggest issue in this instance is that BV chose to give us crappy excuses, or not reply at all to correspondence.

If they had simply replied with the real reason the game was not played at our home ground, that would have at least revealed the truth. They didn't do this. At no stage has anyone had a crack at Geelong.

I think in future, it should be made known to all Masters teams that if they face off against Geelong in finals, ALL games will be played at Altona, even if they are not the home team. At least then there is some transparency. And at least then teams can 'prepare' over the last few weeks of the season to ensure they don't have to drive out there for their own home game.

I, and the GBC, have no control over how BV make decisions... As mentioned, we have on-going concerns over the internal processes of BV's club relations and communications... We simply lobby the league to consider our concerns, just as every other club has... sometimes we're successful... honestly, most times we're not. I agree, better communication and transparent decision-making processes would help with issues like this.

I commented on this thread because several people stated they were interested in what I personally and the GBC thought regarding this issue... not to disagree with what was being expressed or to tell anyone to suck it up... Just remember, the challenges you face regarding games fixtured against Geelong, we face against every other team in the league.

[aueagle30]

Mar 13, 2012 12:32:30 GMT 10 authentic said:

Nothing to retract here Nathan (and your use of the word defamatory in the context of what I said earlier is pathetic mate).

Perhaps this is because what I said regarding my 'conspiracy theory' was regarding the imposed use of Altona by BV for Masters games etc and not in anyway a reflection of the Geelong Baseball Club which I have gone on record as having a great deal of respect and regard for.

Mar 13, 2012 13:45:56 GMT 10 needforspeed said:

Good Job in debunking the "conspiracy theory'!

What conspiracy theory? You mean the one we're unwittingly being used in?

As I've said, we expressed our concerns to the league, just like all the other clubs you mentioned... how they weighted considerations such as available fields, lighting, etc. in making their judgements thereafter is a matter for them to explain.

[wearnie52]

And since I was a toddler aueagle30, I always understood the theory of the home team playing at home.

Its the finals series. Go to the home team's ground, or don't play. Simple.

I understand it must be hard with the travel, I get that. Which is why your games were played at Altona.

My suggestion is that if BV believe it's unfair for Geelong to have to travel to anywhere but Altona for finals, they should state it In the rules at the start of the season.

And yes, if our boys finished fourth, and you finished on top, if your home ground was Geelong, I'm sure they would have found a way to get there on a public holiday by 6pm.

[aueagle30]

Mar 13, 2012 14:53:03 GMT 10 wearnie52 said:

Its the finals series. Go to the home team's ground, or don't play. Simple.

A forfiet in a final is an acceptable option? When alternatives are available and have been used throughout the year as a standard arrangement?

Mar 13, 2012 14:53:03 GMT 10 wearnie52 said:

My suggestion is that if BV believe it's unfair for Geelong to have to travel to anywhere but Altona for finals, they should state it In the rules at the start of the season.

Agreed.

Mar 13, 2012 14:53:03 GMT 10 wearnie52 said:

And yes, if our boys finished fourth, and you finished on top, if your home ground was Geelong, I'm sure they would have found a way to get there on a public holiday by 6pm.

Based on past experience, if your games against GBC had been at Altona all year and then you were required to travel to Geelong for the final, Springvale would be one of few clubs not to complain at being made to travel when all year Altona was used, not to complain that 6pm in Geelong is impossible... Kudos.

[rightie]

Clearly eagle your lobbying skills are far better than those of other clubs certainly on this issue. It is also very clear that you don't really understand the bv masters competition either. As previously stated the Springvale players collectively travelled a much greater distance than the protected players from the Baycats, funny how the Geelong players were all at the ground at least an hour to an hour and a half before the game but couldn't possibly make it to Springvale in time.
You talked on another thread of doing everything possible to enhance the Baycats brand but I believe all you have done since you have joined this thread is show that you and your club think you are a little bit special and deserve special treatment ( somehow it is ok to expect Preston to be at Geelong for a 6.00pm game but not ok for Geelong to be at Springvale)
Your precious brand may have taken a bit of a hit this last week, getting the broader Baseball community off side is not good for your brand. Your big words and above average intellect may impress some of our younger forum members but our more mature masters crowd are not as easily impressed.
Congratulations to the Geelong boys on a well deserved victory it was an enjoyable game played in good spirit and the better team won on the night, good luck for next week

[eckersley43]

While it won't help for this season SURELY the finals "special conditions" need to be spelt out in the playing conditions next year. I can understand Springvale being aggrieved when the venues are assumed (under the rules) to be the highest finishing team, only to have them changed at the last minute...and playing on that synthetic surface is a real "home ground advantage!

[wearnie52]

Agreed eckersley, put it in the rule book so everyone knows. Problem solved.

My 'angry rant' posts were aimed at BV's lack of transparency in regard to this issue, their lack of communication and their disrespect for a number of clubs (not just mine).

I'm sick of the above occurring, with no accountability. I won't bore you guys anymore, I'm done :-)

[Deleted]

PS: Nathan, I am happy to elaborate on my 'conspiracy theory' if it helps, which goes like this.

BV want (or have too ?) put double-headers on on Monday nights at Altona during the season.

Whether that is a contract issue with caterers or what I dont know BUT I do know that last season when Geelong had only one Masters team they pretty much locked in North-West Division2 Masters teams/games out there just about every week at Altona which (because there was just one Geelong team last year) meant they then forced us to play 4 or 5 of our Preston Home games at Altona (plus a few more we played out there where we played other teams that were forced there too for their Home games).

Of course this was very frustrating after I had set up this new team to try and grow Masters baseball out in the outer North only to find that all of our guys had to spend half the season travelling to Altona so bloody often (and pay the $6 each time).

The Geelong Vs Preston-Reservoir Buccaneers games were played at Altona each time and this made perfect sense of course, the rest were 'stadium fillers' and I bet many in Div 1 were happy last season as they then wernt forced out there as often as had been the case previously (when I was with the Waverley boys).

So this year Geelong put in 2 Masters teams (which was great) AND Fitzroy made Altona their Home Ground after problems with Merri Park, so BV were thrilled (I expect) as there were going to easily be 2 games there every week and they were happy. And we got to play home games actually at Home most of this year and not make a 100k round trip this season as much.

So I figure BV love appeasing the Geelong Masters concept where possible, and I have absolutely no problem with that (in fact we love playing the Geelong boys) BUT this time my guess/theory is that that (BVs) appeasement went WAY TOO FAR (re the Div1 Springy game) and that then probably got our game taken out of Altona where it should have been played and we were sent off to Geelong with a completely flawed rationale (I note that we were also told by BV last year to play Geelong at Geelong in the Grand Final after playing Geelong all year at Altona) !

I may be wrong but if we can get behind what 'the deal' is with Altona on Monday nights then it might help understand what they are trying do in forcing it upon some of us (and losing canteen revenue back at our Home ground etc) when it makes no sense or is unreasonable to play certain games there.

As for Masters next year why doesnt BV go back to having the 'Managers Meetings' like they used too seems that aside from a few changes they have made after finally listening to a few of us blokes it has still gone haywire because they dont really get that we play the game a little differently and are for the most part fine with that.

But they'd never know that because they never ask (or consult) anymore !

[wyatt33]

I wouldn't call a hot dogs that's lost its skin, and two day old rolls, overpriced warm vb and dodgey looking jam donuts, as 'catering'!

[aueagle30]

Apologies for the length and multiple quotes (blame authentic... just kidding), but I felt rightie's post warranted an in-depth response...

Mar 13, 2012 19:27:10 GMT 10 rightie said:

It is also very clear that you don't really understand the bv masters competition either.

rightie, I qualified my original comments with a statement that I'm not actively involved in the administration of our Master's program... several forum members commented they would like to hear from either me or my club, I asked some questions and simply passed on the answers I was given.

Mar 13, 2012 19:27:10 GMT 10 rightie said:

As previously stated the Springvale players collectively travelled a much greater distance than the protected players from the Baycats, funny how the Geelong players were all at the ground at least an hour to an hour and a half before the game but couldn't possibly make it to Springvale in time.

I have empathy for the Springvale players that had to travel 'a much greater distance than the protected players from the Baycats'... we too have felt the occasional burden of travel.

And based on your estimate of arrival time of Baycats players, they arrived at Altona at 5pm (at best)... Since whereis.com lists the additional travel time from Laverton to Keysborough as 46 minutes, not including the possible delay of traffic returning home from a long weekend, I'm unsure how your point is proven they could have adequately made it to Springvale for a 6pm start?

Mar 13, 2012 19:27:10 GMT 10 rightie said:

You talked on another thread of doing everything possible to enhance the Baycats brand but I believe all you have done since you have joined this thread is show that you and your club think you are a little bit special and deserve special treatment ( somehow it is ok to expect Preston to be at Geelong for a 6.00pm game but not ok for Geelong to be at Springvale)

Funny, but my actual statements below seem to directly contradict what you're saying you read...

Mar 13, 2012 12:12:39 GMT 10 aueagle30 said:

We don't request special favours, but we do try to highlight our unique challenges with BV and ask for understanding when it comes to issues of fixturing, etc.

My personal opinion... GBC is part of the league and if league rules state home team hosts final, then, if possible, home team should host final...

Where our club believes we can accomodate any fixture, we do... where we believe we cannot, we lobby on behalf of our members... just as any other club does and sometimes harder than we should... we expect to be treated as any other club would...

And I don't recall anywhere stating I supported in the Geelong v Preston fixture at Geelong... in fact, I had a conversation yesterday with our President discussing my surprise the game was fixtured and proceeded at that time... I think it's madness to fixture any Melbourne-based club at Geelong mid-week any earlier than 7:30pm but, last I checked, I'm not responsible for arguing on behalf of anyone else's club.

I welcome opinions that disagree with mine, but please don't verbal or misrepresent me... debate factually and honestly, please.

Mar 13, 2012 19:27:10 GMT 10 rightie said:

Your precious brand may have taken a bit of a hit this last week, getting the broader Baseball community off side is not good for your brand.Your big words and above average intellect may impress some of our younger forum members but our more mature masters crowd are not as easily impressed.

First, I'm sure the 'broader baseball community' are glad they have you to speak for them... Most of the individuals in baseball I've spoken to over the past week have expressed only support for me and my ideas, so it must be good for them to finally have their true feelings told.

Second, your words, not mine... I don't assume myself to be more intellectual than anyone else... I answer questions with what I believe to be the truth and I express myself the best way I know how.

Third, as unimpressive as a strong vocabulary and intellect may be in our current society, why must our debate focus on the intellect of the participants? Are we not all entitled to our opinons, regardless of intellect? If I attempted to shut down someone's opinon by saying I wasn't impressed by their poor intellect and weak vocabulary, would I not be howled off this forum?

Mar 13, 2012 19:27:10 GMT 10 rightie said:

Congratulations to the Geelong boys on a well deserved victory it was an enjoyable game played in good spirit and the better team won on the night, good luck for next week

On behalf of our Master's team, thank you.

[aueagle30]

authentic, I've registered my complaints with BV and on the forum repeatedly about their poor communication standards with clubs... on this you and I both agree.

Regarding your theory on Geelong playing at Altona, let me give you another possible perspective...

Prior to 2006 (roughly), all mid-week games in Division One were played at Altona. In 2006, club managers met and discussed several new intiatives with BV, including mid-week games being played at club fields.

The idea was widely supported by the club managers (including me) and BV were open to trialling the idea. The issue of Geelong was raised, with most Melbourne-based managers stating they would not like to be scheduled for a mid-week game in Geelong. I was happy to concede not having mid-week games at Geelong, as long as we weren't required to travel to club fields around Melbourne mid-week. Thus, it was agreed by all club managers, all mid-week games involving Geelong would continue to be held at Altona. This was prior to the GBC entering a Master's team.

Since I don't work for BV and I get about as much info regarding their decision-making process as anyone else, I am only assuming, but could it be possible that when we included a Master's team in 2009, the same principles were transferred across regarding minimising the travel burden on all clubs?

I'm aware, in the past two years, some games involving Geelong have been moved to club fields, including Geelong. At the start of last season, we were approached by BV regarding the possiblity of playing mid-week games at Geelong... they were interested in Geelong as a mid-week facility to relieve some of the scheduling concerns with the increased number of D1 games, Masters, etc. The rub was, we would have to agree to playing at some club fields in Melbourne.

We agreed to the idea, but asked our travel be restricted to the West side of Melbourne... BV agreed and committed to only fixturing western-based teams for mid-weeks in Geelong.

Again, is it possible that this alteration to the mid-week fixturing of Geelong was again extended to the Master's fixturing?

While I'm sure it's viewed by many as a means to reduce Geelong's travel commitment, the actual motivation behind Geelong playing mid-weeks at Altona was the reluctance of Melbourne-based clubs to travel to Geelong mid-week.

I even remember sitting in a meeting a couple of years ago when the best of three finals format for D1 was first discussed with clubs... when the discussion moved to fixturing of the semi-final weekend, the question was raised why the highest-placed team shouldn't be awarded both games on the weekend... The first comment was, no disrespect Nate, but what if Geelong earns the highest place, we'd have to travel to Geelong twice in a weekend, no thanks, split the games.

I agree with all the sentiments regarding the need for better communication from BV... if the rules say home field final, so it should be... if there's flexibility within the rules for certain clubs or particular groups, so it should be... transparent communication would remove a lot of these issues.

While I appreciate the current system is frustrating, I think it's unfair to assume BV are sneaky or conspring behind closed doors... Under-resourced, yes... Under-skilled, yes... Sneaky, I don't think so.

The solution isn't as simple as find more resources or find better skills... for a small sport like baseball, the path to improvement is much more complex... for now, it's important we continue to hold them to account when we believe they make mistakes, just as I'm sure you're all doing now... if we don't, how can we ever expect improvement.

[oldracer]

"You talked on another thread of doing everything possible to enhance the Baycats brand but I believe all you have done since you have joined this thread is show that you and your club think you are a little bit special and deserve special treatment ( somehow it is ok to expect Preston to be at Geelong for a 6.00pm game but not ok for Geelong to be at Springvale)
Your precious brand may have taken a bit of a hit this last week, getting the broader Baseball community off side is not good for your brand. Your big words and above average intellect may impress some of our younger forum members but our more mature masters crowd are not as easily impressed."

Righty, you are a TOOL, I have played a very little bit of masters and really don't see how that comp is any different to any other however I've but been involved for some time at GBC and if you think we reckon we're a bit special, you have absolutely no idea of the culture at our club.
Is the GBC trying to enhance their profile and in doing so that of the game we all love, YEP, yur freakin right so where do you get off having a crack at the bonifides of the GBC.
Seeing as yur hiding behind the nick, let me give you yur profile, D2 or 3 club, very little in the way of junior development, a few old studs, been successful in yur own league but never really pumped it up in the big time.......correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm not on about the scheduling or BV, just your ignorance and shot at the GBC, our club stands up and is counted on all fronts, performance, hosting and involvement in the general consenus and enhancement of the game, can you say the same?


Read more: baseballradio.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=bvcompetitions&action=display&thread=2977&page=2#ixzz1p4m0O6J7

[bulldurham]

What happened in Div 2 final? Bonbeach win but Berwick go to the Grand Final?

[Deleted]

I believe that Bonbeach fielded an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player.

Someone might be able to confirm this.

[Buzz]

BV looks like nothing more than a joke,for the way they handled this matter and the lack of committment. Don't answer? Don't reply? It should just go away.Bloody Pathetic Attitude and the same goes for all that defend it. I didn't know we were playing at Altona until the day before as i was under the assumption we were forfeiting and having one last barbecua and drink at our HOME ground. As our club earnt the right for the extra earnings. That said,Congratulations to Geelong on making the final.