Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2014 20:19:52 GMT 10
According to a Ben Foster tweet, the new ABL has just clocked up the best crowd attendance for December in its five-year history, with a couple of days still to go.
While this is promising news, it would still be useful if the punters could access a breakdown of numbers at the various venues for each series.
The tweet does not say if the new record includes the 2500-3000 who turned up for the All-Star Game.
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Post by doubleplay on Dec 29, 2014 8:23:29 GMT 10
Kingsley, you know that asking questions like that will create a breach of security, X amount people watching baseball in december will always be more than last year. The figure i would be interested in would be the figures for the Aces home games minus the all-star game.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2014 9:32:24 GMT 10
When the league started up, initial projections were that it would run at a loss for a few years before showing a small profit in its fifth season.
Growth of that nature would clearly depend significantly on memberships, sponsorships and attendances. There was a figure of 1300 doing the rounds as an average break-even attendance FOR EVERY GAME.
I have written to the ABL asking it to assist me in writing a story for Australian Baseball Alumni about the growth of the league. That assistance would include the provision of accurate crowd numbers over the years and especially of more recent trends.
We hear anecdotally (EG through live streaming) of impressive crowds in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney (clubs significantly who are having pretty good seasons). Perth always seems to do OK.
Perhaps journeyman can help us out with Adelaide estimates?
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Post by Journeyman on Dec 29, 2014 15:31:24 GMT 10
I'm pretty sure that the crowd numbers in Adelaide are comparable to previous seasons, kc. I have been to every one so far and even the Sunday games seem to be reasonable, given that Senior and Junior games are on Sundays in Adelaide. Having said that though, I would have thought that the numbers could and should be better seeing that the Bite are in first place and have a winning record.
Maybe now they have won another series we can start to pull more people to the games, although the predicted 40+ degrees this weekend could be a problem.
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ricky
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Post by ricky on Dec 30, 2014 10:53:56 GMT 10
BREAKING NEWS straight from the horse, the aces ship is now rudderless, as we all know Windsor has moved on and replaced by an interim GM appointed by the ABL, he has now gone so Aces were left with a competent assistant GM to call all the shots behind the scenes??[so to speak] however the horse informs me he has now returned to the states [under very strange circumstances] so that leaves no-one to do all that management stuff other than a few interns hope the boys have flights arranged to get home from Perth while the upcoming home series should be a ripper??
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Post by pirates on Dec 30, 2014 11:50:38 GMT 10
Word leaking through is there is another interstate ABL guy been or about to be put in place but rather than promote with a positive spin it seems they will just let things unfold......disappointing. As I have said before this is not a one person job there is a board behind all this, right.
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Post by lucadello on Dec 30, 2014 16:56:06 GMT 10
Last one out please turn out the lights........
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player
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Post by player on Dec 30, 2014 21:01:07 GMT 10
The Aces drop another one-run game in the bottom of the ninth.
That happens. It is disappointing for the club and it is unfortunate for fans, though not quite as unfortunate as the commentary that I have just endured in following the Perth Heat stream.
This guy Guy must be the most obnoxious, know-all, know-nothing, arrogant, loud and generally unpleasant of all the Yank interns that have been foisted upon us over the past five seasons.
Heat Win, Heat Win, Heat Win!!!!
Oh my goodness....what a disrespectful tool. No wonder some of these wannabee media people cannot get a meaningful gig in the United States.
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emdeem
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Post by emdeem on Jan 1, 2015 21:02:56 GMT 10
Interesting reading the past few days posts about getting better crowds to the games. Perhaps crowd numbers are not the strategy of the ABL. Maybe MLB is happy to prop up a development league at the expense of crowds. Australia makes for a very safe playing environment (winter league) which is similar to back home (weather, food, language etc.) in the US.
The (lack of) effort to get numbers to the games is obvious so to me doesn't look to be the number one aim of the league.
For those saying a business case should be presented to government for funding for a new ballpark it is not a simple as it looks.
Baseball does not equal votes and there are bigger items for our government to focus on. I write business cases as part of my job and you would not believe what is knocked back which seem to be a no-brainer. We may think saving lives is important but sometimes it is not the government's strategy to fund items unless they are broken.
This year our ambulance service is broken so watch them get more funding.
Unfortunately baseball isn't broken!
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Post by pirates on Jan 5, 2015 21:59:45 GMT 10
Another knock back? what is going on with the interview process.
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Post by floydo on Jan 6, 2015 9:26:14 GMT 10
The Aces drop another one-run game in the bottom of the ninth. That happens. It is disappointing for the club and it is unfortunate for fans, though not quite as unfortunate as the commentary that I have just endured in following the Perth Heat stream. This guy Guy must be the most obnoxious, know-all, know-nothing, arrogant, loud and generally unpleasant of all the Yank interns that have been foisted upon us over the past five seasons. Heat Win, Heat Win, Heat Win!!!! Oh my goodness....what a disrespectful tool. No wonder some of these wannabee media people cannot get a meaningful gig in the United States.
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Post by floydo on Jan 6, 2015 9:47:33 GMT 10
well as a vic currently living up north I can only totally agree with you PLAYER the frustration has finally got to me this infatuation with bringing out yank broadcasters has run its course and time something was done starting in our back yard can someone down there approach Alex and ask him to call a game as if the audience were keen to know what is happening at the ballpark not who is up who back in the states. I understand when SEN are involved there will be issues out of there control but please can we call just one game in our last home series where we concentrate on the bloody game not interviews with others or anecdotes from times past JUST DO YOUR JOB and call a bloody ball game. most know I am a friend, fan of Frita and others on the Aces staff however I make this statement as an avid fan of the game, reading many comments on this forum and advice from all types it would not be the worst thing to happen if the Aces started the trend to have there very own AUSSIE broadcaster year after year rather than a no name intern for 1 year only pushing his own agenda so time to step up Frita become the 'VOICE OF THE ACES' cheers to all Floydo.
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Post by skinny on Jan 6, 2015 11:30:58 GMT 10
agree Floyd
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Post by doubleplay on Jan 6, 2015 14:00:12 GMT 10
Don't panic floydy, 3RPP will be back next winter calling games. If need be we can step into the breach and call it in Orstralian.
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Post by moose on Jan 7, 2015 6:42:40 GMT 10
Most Americans believe that we Aussies are Americans with a 'FUNNY' accent. They fail to appreciate that we are culturally quiet different from themselves.
For example a few years ago I was watching children (Not Kids)cellibrating in a park. When asked what was happening they said it was July 4th. Being the curmudgeon that I am, I reminded them that we were on the LOSING side. Result blank stares.
This failure to differentiate leads the MLB to believe that the same styles of game presentation will be accepted by us live at the game and on the radio. Personally I enjoy the style but many do not.
More Aussie participation can only add 'Local Flavour' to the product which is desperately needed. To me its a no brainer. How can you hope for longevity if locals are not included? Lets scour the local sports to recognise what works and what doesn't. What's peculiar to Australia and more importantly attractive to locals.
Neil W
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2015 19:12:15 GMT 10
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Post by doubleplay on Jan 7, 2015 19:53:41 GMT 10
Really. i might apply.
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Post by easyout on Jan 7, 2015 22:17:19 GMT 10
Is this job description altered from the original? I note the added element advertising the benefit of flexibility for applicants who were also considered to be elite athletes has been removed, but has the required amount of experience also reduced or am I wrong on that one?
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Post by behindthedish on Jan 8, 2015 10:06:24 GMT 10
Floydo, not just commentators, but players as well, more home grown talent being showcased means more bums on seats.
Moose, spot on. I have been to one game to watch a local kid form our club start on the hill some years ago and have not been since.
Mike D, bout time we had some development teams from the stronger states consisting of local talent up against these imports - then you will have "real interest".
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emdeem
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Post by emdeem on Jan 9, 2015 18:05:13 GMT 10
job now filled.
Justin Huber just announced retirement at end of season and taking up the role of Aces GM.
All the best Justin
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Post by philallen on Jan 10, 2015 6:58:03 GMT 10
Great news regarding the appointment of Justin Huber as our new GM. Justin will be like the "boy with the wheel barrow" The job is all in front of him! I'm sure that he is up for the challenge. I know from personal involvement how passionate Justin is in his pursuit of baseball excellence and I also have experienced the passion of Aces fans, sponsors & supporters. Let's all double & redouble our collective efforts in support of OUR Melbourne Aces. Can't wait for the dawn of the New Era.
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Post by pirates on Jan 10, 2015 18:15:14 GMT 10
Great news for all of the aces supporters. Well done ABL.......
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Dan
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Post by Dan on Jan 13, 2015 11:29:08 GMT 10
Good news indeed. However it is still kind of disturbing that 3 days prior to the announcement they were re advertising the position. Does the right hand not know what the left hand is doing?
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Post by pirates on Jan 13, 2015 14:05:34 GMT 10
This decision should have been made 12 months ago. From what was rumored at the time it seemed it was but then local board stopped it in hope to attracted a more experienced applicant. I agree it was poorly handled.
Moving in the right direction now, it should be a very exciting season ahead.
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Post by dirkdiggler on Jan 26, 2015 9:24:29 GMT 10
There would be a few people from the Aces glad to see this season over while a few may be sad, ie Huber and Wearne. What a great day Saturdays game was for Huber, a fitting send off. This was one of only a few highlights for the year for the Aces in my opinion. Hopefully in 2015 with Huber in control he makes some dramatic changes. A couple I would do if i was in his position would be, NO PLAYER/COACHES. victoria has a depth of very talented coaches. These coaches played in the era where Victoria dominated, so they must know something about winning. Surely the Aces do not need to rely on players trying to coach whilst trying to perform at a high level. The same goes as an EO.some may not know that the EO this year was also a player. what a joke. Third issue, is get rid of the dead wood that are hanging around for a game with the Aces. Wearne/Ayres are fantastic division 1 players but were not up to the national level. stats will show this. You may ask "who else would you get to DH or play first base". If i was coach, i would do anything i could to get Matt Kent to play home series as DH, playing against him for years he is without a doubt one of the best hitters in the last 5 years of VBA. My last issue would be the pitching. I know sometimes the aces hands are tied by who they are given from organisations, but as mentioned previously in this thread, getting a player out after surgery without any proven game time is a joke. From looking at the aces this year they were happy to hold on to players that would perform sub par. Darcy/Wilson need to improve if they want to perform at that level. Also allowing someone to pitch in the second last series that hadn't pitched for 3 months is a joke. I had a quick look at the division 1 stats and could name 3 pitchers that are throwing a lot of strikes and allowing minimal hits. Cunningham,Bright,Bedford. I have faced all these guys recently and are very tough to hit.
I apologize for the grammar and spelling, but please post your thoughts and tell me, did i get it right or wrong?
-the diggler
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Post by perfeckt on Jan 26, 2015 22:43:06 GMT 10
G'day D'diggler, good questions posed. Your namesake had big wood to swing! The summer club stat's would point to a wholesale range of perceived options for the Aces roster but the fact remains that the primary aim of MLB International is not local level development, it is only a bye product of International expansion and an attempt to regain Olympic status. That's not a bad thing but it needs to be understood for what it is. They own 75% of the ABL. No MLB International involvement, no ALB. and that's the truth. Local heroes can only get so far if they are not signed to some level of the MLB. Right....wrong? Beneficial or detrimental? Bench or benchmark? Is this system increasing the level of baseball play in Australia or was it happening already? I would suggest the latter and that is one of the reasons that they became interested in Oz in the first place thanks to the efforts of the grass roots Oz baseball efforts of 100 years or more.
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Post by dirkdiggler on Jan 27, 2015 6:17:40 GMT 10
G'day D'diggler, good questions posed. Your namesake had big wood to swing! The summer club stat's would point to a wholesale range of perceived options for the Aces roster but the fact remains that the primary aim of MLB International is not local level development, it is only a bye product of International expansion and an attempt to regain Olympic status. That's not a bad thing but it needs to be understood for what it is. They own 75% of the ABL. No MLB International involvement, no ALB. and that's the truth. Local heroes can only get so far if they are not signed to some level of the MLB. Right....wrong? Beneficial or detrimental? Bench or benchmark? Is this system increasing the level of baseball play in Australia or was it happening already? I would suggest the latter and that is one of the reasons that they became interested in Oz in the first place thanks to the efforts of the grass roots Oz baseball efforts of 100 years or more. Hi Perfeckt. yes Dirk could swing it with the best of them. I appreciate your post but i feel like you have taken it in the wrong direction. What can the ACES do on game day and selecting better. After all it's the GM that selects the coach and assistant coaches. then as a collective they select the players(not including affiliated players). My opinion is the aces lacked when massively when for example Brad Harman and Josh Davies are away, they then rely on second string players. We saw it a few times where Brad would come late to a friday night game and someone would be dragged in the 3-4 innings to get him in. I believe with Huber in the captains seat the ship will be pointed in the right direction. Hopefully they can drum up more sponsorship so they can afford to entice the local players that may be unable to commit due to losing to much money taking a Thursday/Friday off work.
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Post by hasbeenoncewas21 on Jan 27, 2015 12:46:31 GMT 10
It would be great to have better relations with CLUBS (Baseball Victoria is irrelevant when it comes to Aces talent), but lets not pretend replacing the bottom end of our roster will put the Aces in the playoffs. Look at the best players in the ABL and they are all affiliated in the US minor leagues system. They have the resources and knowledge to recruit the best talent from across the globe, where as the Aces have relatively zero outside of Victoria. Also, not sure it is truly helpfully to have "home only" players. It leaves a huge hole that cant be filled with talented player because good players wont accept only being an away player. The key for the Aces can be broken down in two simple steps.
1. The core group of young local position players need to develop. (Dale, Cruz, Sayers, Leslie, Silva, etc.) They have looked lost at the plate and in the field for a few years but have potential to be a core for many years. With declining numbers from Harman, there really are no local, reliable offensive talent (albeit Davies had a great year)
2. Baseball is an arms race. Victoria has the best pitching talent and depth by far and the Aces should be dominant in this category. Here is my dream rotation.
Thursday: Blackly Friday: Thorpe Saturday: McGrath Sunday: Gibbons Closer: Moylan
Obviously this is not practical, but it seems none of our talented arms want to risk themselves to play for the Aces. Some blame goes to the MLB organisations for the younger guys, but there certainly is not a lack of talent here.
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