Reds
OzCardTrader
After much speculation and after visiting 39 potential venues, the announcement we have all been waiting for is finally here and we are proud to officially inform you that the Melbourne Ace’s will call the Showground’s home.
NEW HOME FOR MELBOURNE BASEBALL HITS FEVER PITCH
From the Minister for Sport & Recreation
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Baseball is set to undergo a renaissance in Victoria thanks to a $300,000 boost to revamp the main arena at Melbourne’s Showgrounds to accommodate the game at the elite level.
Sports Minister James Merlino said the Brumby Labor Government had committed funding to for a major facelift of the arena, including construction of a new diamond, mounds, backstop and outfield fences, lighting and netting and players and officials’ amenities.
The Showgrounds will be the new home for Australian Baseball League team Melbourne Aces.
“Baseball is undergoing a major rejuvenation at the elite level in this country,†Mr Merlino said.
“It’s an exciting time for the game – November sees the return of the Australian Baseball League and for the game to return to a sporting powerhouse, we need a strong team in Melbourne.
“The Melbourne Aces have not had a permanent home, until now.
“A redeveloped Melbourne Showgrounds will provide a great new headquarters for the club to play and train and will help promote and develop the game to a new base of fans.
“Baseball has a proud tradition in Victoria dating back to the American gold miners who came to the country seeking their fortune in the 1850s and the first Australian interstate baseball match was played at the East Melbourne Cricket Oval when Victoria hosted South Australia.â€
Australian Baseball League chief executive Peter Wermuth said the Showgrounds provided the Melbourne Aces with an exciting new base on the eve of the return of elite competition.
“Thanks to the support of the Victorian Government, we will be able to play at the Showgrounds, which has the potential to become Australia’s most fan-friendly baseball venue and offer an unrivalled game day experience,†Mr Wermuth said.
“The Melbourne Aces are going to play in front of their home crowd here and we could not be more excited to offer the community, especially our young people, a chance to see tomorrow’s baseball stars playing in their own backyard.
“It’s been 10 years since we had a national competition, and a strong ABL has the potential to produce players of the same calibre as former Melbourne Reds player and two-time World Series ring winner, Graeme Lloyd.
“It can rejuvenate baseball in this country to reach the same heights it did back in 2004 when Australia won an Olympic silver medal.â€
Baseball Victoria General Manager Brett Hidson said without Victorian Government support it would have been very hard for Melbourne to have a team in the new ABL.
“With this level of support from the Victorian Government we will be able to put a very competitive team on the field, giving baseball in Victoria a huge boost,†he said.
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria chief executive Mark O’Sullivan said baseball at the Showgrounds would provide ideal family entertainment over summer.
“The showgrounds are centrally located, easy to get to by car or public transport and are geared up for public events with excellent facilities,†Mr O’Sullivan said.
“The arena will comfortably accommodate the crowds estimated by the ABL, with room for growth as baseball grows in popularity.â€
NEW HOME FOR MELBOURNE BASEBALL HITS FEVER PITCH
From the Minister for Sport & Recreation
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Baseball is set to undergo a renaissance in Victoria thanks to a $300,000 boost to revamp the main arena at Melbourne’s Showgrounds to accommodate the game at the elite level.
Sports Minister James Merlino said the Brumby Labor Government had committed funding to for a major facelift of the arena, including construction of a new diamond, mounds, backstop and outfield fences, lighting and netting and players and officials’ amenities.
The Showgrounds will be the new home for Australian Baseball League team Melbourne Aces.
“Baseball is undergoing a major rejuvenation at the elite level in this country,†Mr Merlino said.
“It’s an exciting time for the game – November sees the return of the Australian Baseball League and for the game to return to a sporting powerhouse, we need a strong team in Melbourne.
“The Melbourne Aces have not had a permanent home, until now.
“A redeveloped Melbourne Showgrounds will provide a great new headquarters for the club to play and train and will help promote and develop the game to a new base of fans.
“Baseball has a proud tradition in Victoria dating back to the American gold miners who came to the country seeking their fortune in the 1850s and the first Australian interstate baseball match was played at the East Melbourne Cricket Oval when Victoria hosted South Australia.â€
Australian Baseball League chief executive Peter Wermuth said the Showgrounds provided the Melbourne Aces with an exciting new base on the eve of the return of elite competition.
“Thanks to the support of the Victorian Government, we will be able to play at the Showgrounds, which has the potential to become Australia’s most fan-friendly baseball venue and offer an unrivalled game day experience,†Mr Wermuth said.
“The Melbourne Aces are going to play in front of their home crowd here and we could not be more excited to offer the community, especially our young people, a chance to see tomorrow’s baseball stars playing in their own backyard.
“It’s been 10 years since we had a national competition, and a strong ABL has the potential to produce players of the same calibre as former Melbourne Reds player and two-time World Series ring winner, Graeme Lloyd.
“It can rejuvenate baseball in this country to reach the same heights it did back in 2004 when Australia won an Olympic silver medal.â€
Baseball Victoria General Manager Brett Hidson said without Victorian Government support it would have been very hard for Melbourne to have a team in the new ABL.
“With this level of support from the Victorian Government we will be able to put a very competitive team on the field, giving baseball in Victoria a huge boost,†he said.
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria chief executive Mark O’Sullivan said baseball at the Showgrounds would provide ideal family entertainment over summer.
“The showgrounds are centrally located, easy to get to by car or public transport and are geared up for public events with excellent facilities,†Mr O’Sullivan said.
“The arena will comfortably accommodate the crowds estimated by the ABL, with room for growth as baseball grows in popularity.â€
Was great there. Seen some pics of the new field on baseball radio forums. Can't wait!
