Featuring three new-to-baseball players and only one returning U15’s player, and despite being hit hard by injuries, the young Eagles team had a successful season of Junior League baseball, finishing in 3^rd place and culminating in three Eagles’ players being selected in the ACT Junior League squad for Nationals.

Here is a short summary of the season for each player on the team:

Aran

Playing up this season from U13’s, Aran found his feet early and proved to be a reliable 3^rd Baseman, making his throws on the longer base paths with accuracy. A reliable bat in the bottom of the line-up, Aran adjusted well to the additional throwing pace, notching up a respectable batting average and stealing 9 bases, scoring 7 runs and recording 3 RBI. We have no doubt that the additional playing time in U15’s will benefit Aran greatly next season.

Connor

Our lefty center fielder had a mixed season at the plate, managing to hit the team’s only Home Run and only Triple for the season while maintaining an unhealthy strikeout ratio – the sign of a true power hitter. Connor stole 10 bases, scored 10 runs and recorded 11 RBI. Connor made his pitching debut this season, notching up two strike-outs. With some work on his control during winter, we are confident that next season Connor will prove to be a nasty south-paw on the mound and feared power-hitter in the box.

George

George began the season as the team’s starter, moving into the closer role as the season progressed. George proved to be an effective fastball pitcher, leading the team with 36 strike-outs for the season. George’s batting performance was mixed, with a respectable batting average offset by a high strike-out ratio. Once he was on-base, George surprised with his speed, stealing 18 bases, scoring 19 runs and recording 8 RBI throughout the season. We look forward to having George back on the mound next summer, continuing his development as a premium pitcher.

Hamish

The team leader in ERA, assists, put-outs, RBI’s, batting average, runs scored and stolen bases, Hamish had a season to remember. The only returning U15 player led from the front, proving to be the team’s most effective pitcher, mixing in his curve-ball with great effect, recording 28 strike-outs for the season. He terrorised pitchers and catchers on the base-paths, stealing 36 bases, scoring 25 runs and recording 17 RBI. His tremendous season was rewarded with selection in the ACT JL squad for Nationals.

Harry

In a season shortened through injury, Harry proved to be a fantastic 1^st Baseman and very effective lead-off. Batting with a high average including a double, Harry stole 10 bases, recorded 6 RBI and scored 16 runs, using his speed to great effect, even bunting on occasion. His glove work at 1^st improved over the season, recording an impressive 33 put-outs whilst maintaining a very healthy fielding average. Harry’s solid performance was rewarded with selection in the ACT JL squad for Nationals.

Jack

Jack was new to baseball this season, and proved to be a real team player. Learning quickly, Jack managed to record his first ever hit in the week before his season was cut short by injury. Despite being out for over half the season, Jack continued to come to the games to cheer the team on from the dug-out and provide the coaches with some questionable jokes for their mound visits. We look forward to seeing a healthy Jack back on the field next season so that he can continue to develop his skills and love of the game.

Jake

Returning from a year away from baseball, Jake began the year at pivot, but team injuries saw him move into the catcher role, a role he was unaccustomed to but in which he excelled, recording 21 put-outs whilst maintaining a healthy fielding average. Jake was ever reliable in the top half of the batting order, with a high batting average, stealing 22 bases, scoring 21 runs and recording 10 RBI. We look forward to seeing what Jake can accomplish next summer now that he has a season under his belt after his return to the game.

Julian

Julian started the season in the lead-off spot and at catcher, proving to be a very solid baseballer in both. Julian recorded 34 put-outs whilst leading the team in fielding average. His batting in the lead-off spot was fantastic, batting with the team’s second highest batting average, stealing 16 bases, recording 4 RBI and scoring 14 runs. Unfortunately, Julian’s season was cut short through injury and we can only imagine what stats he could have racked up had he been able to participate for the whole season. Julian’s solid performances prior to his injury were rewarded with selection in the ACT JL squad for Nationals.

Liam

A late call-up from U13’s to assist the team due to the increasing number of injuries, Liam proved to be a valuable contributor, with a respectable batting average, notching up 2 hits, stealing 2 bases and scoring 7 runs. A quiet achiever, Liam’s solid performance in the outfield was rewarded with a move to 2^nd base in the late stages of the season, where he proved to be just as effective. We have no doubt that the additional playing time in U15’s will benefit Liam greatly next season.

Regan

Regan was new to baseball this year, and struggled early to find his feet. To Regan’s credit, he maintained his focus at training and improved his defensive skills markedly over the season, fielding well in both the outfield and infield, culminating in 2 assists and 1 put-out. Regan’s batting also improved over the season, recording 1 stolen base, 2 RBI and scoring 6 runs. We look forward to seeing Regan further improve next summer now that he has played a full season of baseball.

Tobey

Tobey was new to baseball this year, and proved to be a keen and fast learner. Tobey started the season at 2^nd base, recording 5 assists and 2 put-outs, before a move to the outfield beckoned to make use of his pace and catching ability. Tobey’s batting improved over the season, and we saw more contact being made as he adjusted to the speed of the game. Whilst a hit evaded him, Tobey contributed on the base paths, stealing 9 bases, recording 3 RBI and scoring 8 runs. We also look forward to seeing Tobey’s further improvement next summer now that he has played a full season of baseball.

And that’s a wrap of our season. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the players, parents/carers, umpires, scorers and club committee for their support throughout the season. It has been a pleasure to coach these young men, and we look forward to seeing them all back next summer for another fantastic season of Eagles baseball!

Regards

Andy, Matt & Adam

Eagles had a loss against the top of the table Rebels, losing 17-7.

• Batting: Liam had his 1st hit in u15s
• Fielding: Jake at 1st base had 4 put outs and Regan at 2nd base had a nice assist
• Pitching: Connor was starting pitcher and was supported by George & Hamish in relief.

Thank you to Liam & Aran for helping out u15s before going to their u13 game every week. Special mention to Julian & Harry who have both made their u17 debut since Christmas to cover injuries and illness. 

Kylea

Eagles had a 22-8 loss against a strong Indians team but it was a game of so many firsts. With Julian and Jack out for the season with injuries and Jake & Hamish injured in the 1st inning, it was a chance for others to try some new positions:

• Harry made his u15 debut as catcher. After he got over the shock that he had heard the coach correctly, he did what the team needed and was courageous behind the plate. He grew in confidence and we now have a new catcher in the rotation.
• Connor made his debut as u15 pitcher.  He looked comfortable on the mound and got his 1st strike out in junior league. Connor showed great potential that the coaches will now work with to add a lefty to the pitching rotation. 
• Tobey , who is new to Baseball this season, also made his debut as pitcher. Tobey showed good change of pace, had natural movement on the ball and achieved his 1st strikeout. 
• Regan, also new to Baseball, moved into 2nd base, had 1 assist and had a huge smile on his face.
• Liam moved to short stop, accepting the challenge of playing his preferred position at this higher level.   
• Aran continues to develop as a strong 3rd baseman, showing confidence in the batters box against the u15 pitchers before he races back to Narrabundah to play u13s. 
• Jake was only 1 of 2 players to manage a hit and with excellent base running, had 4 stolen bases in the game. He was brave to continue batting after a nasty thumb injury in the 1st inning as we had no bench players.
• George was patient in the batters box, with 1 run, 1 stolen base and 1 put out to his name.
• Hamish made his debut at 1st base, proving to be reliable as always.