 |
TOMATO TALK - Club newsletter direct to your desk top: Finals Wrap 2008 The Tomatoes had 3 teams competing in Grand Finals - and came away with 2 flags. A1 Frankston 2 lost to Cheltenham Blue 10 A slow start in the field set the tone for the rest of the game. Congrats to Simon Ratcliffe and his team on another successful year. A2 Frankston 20 defeated Dandenong 5 Hits: 3 - Chris Love, Neil Barfuss. 2 - Mitch Barr, Daryl Dicker. 1 - Chris Cox, Chris Anderton, Tim Hanson, Teizo Kato. Pitching: Stuart Brunton 3.1IP 4H 5R 4ER 8BB 3K Neil Barfuss 3.2IP 2H 0R 0RS 1BB 1K Highlights: Well, the result we had chased for 12 months finally came our way on Sunday when the A2 team won the DBA premiership flag against Dandenong. In a game that was in the end one sided, the result of 20–5 was more a reflection on a fantastic and successful season by the team that finished the season on top of the ladder. Notable performances in the grand final came from both pitchers, Stewart Brunton and Neil Barfuss who threw well in hard conditions. Our hitting line up performed superbly, home runs to Anderton and Hanson, multiple hits to Love, Barr, Dicker and Barfuss. Congratulations to all players that have played with and supported the A2s this season, the team contains players at all levels of their careers, and it is very rewarding to see them combine well every week to ultimately produce fantastic grand final winning performances for our Baseball Club, The Tomatoes. Celebrations will continue at the presentation night, I look forward to seeing you all there - Tim.  A4 Frankston 21 defeated Dandenong Gold 20 Hits: 3 – Peter Connell (inc 2B). 2 – James Canning (inc 2B), Andrew Horscroft (inc 2B, 3B). 1 – Brent Hura, Floyd Selleck, Michael O’H, Peter Conell, Brad Gibson (inc 3B), Sean O’H, Adam White, Sally Cox, Matt Schneider. Pitching: Scoop 5.2IP 11H 7K 7BB 10RS 7ER Brent 0.1IP 0H 0K 1BB 0RS 0ER Floyd 3IP 10H 2K 1BB 10RS 9ER Highlights: What a day, what a game, what a season. On a bright sunny spring day, it finally came down to this. Frankston v Dandenong, the Tomatoes and the Angels offensively, the two best units in the division. A game we should have won, very nearly didn’t, then somehow did. I could sit here all day and talk about the first 8 innings in detail, how scoop was magnificent in containing their powerful lineup for 5 and a bit digs, how our bats continued to dominate the game knocking in multiple runs in the first 5 innings to jump out to a 17 to 4 lead. How all of our changes in the game reaped dividends. How, after Dandenong would score 6 to get back in the game, Floyd would come on in the 7th and 8th to totally shut them down. But no, let’s get to the finale, one, that for those who were there, would never forget. Top of the ninth, up 18 to 10 with Floyd on the hill, the scenario was simple, 3 outs for us, 8 runs for Dandenong to keep the game alive. The inning started positively for Angels with 5 straight hits and 4 runs across the plate before we recorded the first out. Dandenong were riding a wave now and it seemed unstoppable, three more hits later and they had unbelievably tied the game and had silenced the Frankston crowd and awoken their own. A key play at the plate, not made, followed by yet another hit, had Dandy 2 up and things were looking glum. Floyd struck back with a key strike out. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, a high chopper was hit to Hors at third, who whilst facing first somehow managed to get a perfect throw away to the plate for Gibbo to lay the tag. Finally, side away, but the damage had been done, up 8 at the start now down 2, with a lot of work to do. We were still pretty confident we could do this but we knew we had to win it now, with Floyd running on fumes, Brent and Scoop out of the game and Seano unable to pitch cause of injury, tying it up would not do. We were even more confident when Potto drew a leadoff walk, but that joy was short lived as he was picked off trying to steal second. (the less said about that, the better!). One pitch later it hurt even more as Thor also drew a walk. With one out, Thor stole both second and third base, and the little bit of luck we were waiting for was finally about to arrive. Sally, who had made a crucial out at second in the top of the ninth, popped up a pitch, but to everyone’s glee, both pitcher and catcher stared at each other as it dropped between them and with no one covering the plate, Thor ambled by to score and put us 1 down. Gibbo took a pitch in the middle of the back followed by a James Canning miss hit dribbler up the third base line which loaded the bases. It seems lady luck just might be on our side. The Crowd was going nuts, from both sides as the Angels pitcher lost control of one and put it into the backnet. With Sally bearing down on the plate, it was just a question of who would get their first. With a huge head first slide and a face full of dirt, Sally tapped the plate and the game was tied. With the winning run now on third and only one out, the Angels decided to intentionally walk Floyd to load the bases for the chance of an infield fly or a double play. Hors strode to the plate with a chance for glory. On a two and one count the pitch came in over the heart of the plate ... and it went out twice as fast as it went sailing over the left fielders head. Gibbo crossed the plate and it was Party Time. An unbelievable victory and one that l’ll never forget. Thanks to the Dandenong guys who put up a great performance in a game played competitively but in great spirit, we know how you must be feeling cause we very nearly were feeling it too. A special thanks to all the guys and gals, not just the ones that were there on Grand Final day, but to all who played and helped out throughout the whole year. We couldn’t have done it without any of you. Finally, congrats to the A2 boys on their win, commiserations to the A1 boys (fuel for next year fellas) and to all the A4 players ‘ a title to defend next year’ ... see you ALL on the diamond next season - Sean.  August Update As the season proper winds down and finals draw closer it's time to mark these dates in your diary: Tomato Classic golf day is Friday 22 August at Long Island Golf Club, see Dirty to sign up. Bad Taste/Change of Sex Night is on Saturday 23 August at the Club. Junior Presentation - TBA DBA Presentation is Saturday 20 September at Sandhurst Club, Skye 7.30pm. Senior Presentation is on AFL Grand Final eve, Friday 26 September, at Long Island Golf Club, see Geoff Court to book a seat. Under 16s - Finals This Saturday 9 August, the Under 16s play in the elimination Semi Final against Cheltenham Blue at Cheltenham, 8.45am. Get on down to Chelt to cheer the boys on. Games at Robinsons Road - 28 June 2008 This Saturday 28 June, all senior & junior teams will be playing at our Robinsons Road ground (Melway 103 B11). All games will be held at their regular times. We believe this will be a great introduction to our home-to-be, and encourage all members and their families to come along to see the new facility. We will be holding a sausage sizzle between the junior and senior games, so stick around after your game or come along early to support our juniors and enjoy a sausage in bread with all the extras. For our A1 team, this will be our official heritage round, which sees us pay tribute to our past and don our original uniforms from 1945. All past and present players are welcome to come and see us take on The Angels. Mexican Trivia Night Saturday 5th July will see the first social function of the season - Mexican Trivia Night - take place at the clubrooms from 7.30pm. All are welcome, and tickets are $15pp (finger food included, BYO snacks for your table) or $25pp will get you a Mexican dinner and a tequila if you're game! There will also be prizes for the best dressed Senor or Senorita, so break out your sombrero, maracas and flamenco shirt or skirt. Seats are limited to 8 per table, so get your name or table on the booking sheet soon. (The booking sheet can be found on the noticeboard in the clubrooms.) All Stars Congratulations to Tomatoes Simon Myles, Simon Ratcliffe (Dandenong reps) & Chris Cox (Latrobe Valley rep) on All Star selection from the just completed VPBL Carnival held in Ballarat. Congrats also to Nick Veale for All Star selection from the VPBL Under 16 carnival in Mildura. Under 18 DBA Tryouts Under 18 players interested in trying out for the 2008 Dandenong Baseball Association representative side can do so by being at the Cheltenham Baseball Club on 15th June 2008 where the trials will begin at 9.30am. Catchers to bring their own gear. This years Under 18 VPBL Carnival will be held at Geelong on 5-6 July 2008. Senior & Under 16 DBA Tryouts Senior players interested in trying out for the 2008 Dandenong Baseball Association representative side can do so by being at the Frankston Baseball Club 18 May 2008, 10am. Coach is Daryl Dicker and the tournament is over the Queen's Birthday weekend 7-9 June 2008 in Ballarat. Under 16 try outs begin on 1 June 2008 at Cheltenham Baseball Club, 10am. Coach is Dave Stenhouse and the tournament is in Mildura 21-22 June 2008. 50 Years - Dandenong & Dingley Both the Dandenong & Dingley Baseball Clubs are celebrating 50th anniversaries in 2008. For more information on the celebrations the club's have planned for this year go to the respective website - Dandenong & Dingley. Season 2008 Starts With The George Dicker Cup This weekend (19 April) marks the start of the 2008 season, with our reigning Premier A1 team (formerly A Grade) taking on Dandenong for the newly struck George Dicker Cup. George has had a long association with both the Frankston and Dandenong Baseball Clubs, and the Tomatoes will be out to make sure the Cup spends its first year in the trophy cabinet at The Patch.   All senior teams A1, A2, A3 (also reigning Premier) & A4 will be playing at Dandenong on Saturday, so get on down to Robert Booth Reserve, Dandenong (Melway 90 H7) to kick off the season. In the juniors, the Under 16s play at Dandenong and the Under 12s & 14s start the year at home. Under 14 DBA Tryouts Under 14 players interested in trying out for the 2008 Dandenong Baseball Association representative side can do so by being at the Mornington Baseball Club (Wilsons Road, Mornington, Melways 145 D1) on 20th April 2008 where the trials will begin at 9.30am. Catchers to bring their own gear. This years Under 14 VPBL Carnival will be held at Sale on 24-25 May 2008. 2008 - Training & Other News Under 12 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4.30 - 5.30pm, starting from Thursday 3rd April. Under 14 Wednesdays from 4.30pm, starting from 9th April. Under 16 Wednesdays from 4.30 - 6.30pm, starting from 9th April. There will be a Coaching Clinic for Juniors run on Saturday 12th April from 9 - 10.30am. This will be followed by a barbeque lunch and the opportunity to rent uniforms and make payments towards fees from 12 - 3pm. To those of you new to the club - welcome! Please feel free to come down on the appropriate day and ask for the coach. When available, our Junior Co-ordinator Tony Totaro will attend and be able to speak to if you have any queries. Junior competition is due to start on Saturday 19 April 2008. Seniors Saturday 5th April, from 9am, then Saturday 12th April from 10.30am (A Grade from 9.30am). This will be followed by an A Grade practice match against Westgarth Baseball Club at 2pm. A start date for senior training on Thursday nights is to be determined. Those of you looking to play with the reigning premiers this season are asked to make the Saturday trainings a priority. Senior competition is due to start on Saturday 19 April 2008. Victorian Masters 2008 The Big Cat-Tomatoes are Victorian Masters Champions for 2008. This was the teams third title at the Vic Masters in the Over 35 age group - going through the tournament undeafeated. Special thanks to Tim Hanson for organising the guys during the tournament, no mean feat after the Friday night Happy Hour(s) - he now has his hands full with the Pan Pacific Masters later in the year, when the Big Cat - Tomatoes will enter two teams (Over 35 and Over 45). 2008 Junior & Senior Registration With the 2008 season fast approaching, we are holding our annual Junior and Senior Registration night on Wednesday 19th March 2008 at the Clubrooms. Registration begins at 5pm 'til 7.30pm. The registration evening gives the committee a chance to gauge how many members we have returning for our team entries, so it is important that you let us know if you're interested in the coming season. It also allows us to update our contact details for you so that we can continue to communicate with you effectively. For further details click here 2008 Annual General Meeting The AGM will be held at the Clubrooms 7.30pm for an 8pm (sharp) start on Wednesday 19th March 2008 (after Junior & Senior Registration). VPBL Reps Congratulations go to Ben Laux, Simon Myles, Matt O’Brien, Ben Pittaway, Simon Ratcliffe, Mark Richards and Daryl Dicker (Asst Coach) on their selection in the Victorian Provincial Baseball League team to compete in the Australian Provincial Championships to be held in Darwin in May 2008. Good luck to all. RIP - Paul O'Brien It is with great sadness that the Club advises of the passing of Paul O'Brien on 27 September 2007. 'Paulo' was an esteemed member of the Club and well known throughout the Association, having first joined Frankston in the 1940s. A Life Member, past President, Treasurer, Premiership player, Best Clubman, Club Coach and highly respected Junior Coach he will be sadly missed. Our condolences go to Mary, Simon, Luke, Paul, Dom, Dan, Tim and families. Tomatoes Clean Up at DBA Night Frankston players have taken home the majority of the awards on offer at the Association's Award Night. As well as collecting the Premiership Shields for A Grade and C Grade the Tomatoes took home 8 individual awards: A Grade MVP (O'Brien Medal) - Matthew O'Brien A Reserve MVP - Chris Anderton and Mark Richards A Grade Batting Champion - Ben Laux Home Run King - Ben Laux Most Victories - Matthew O'Brien Ross McKenry Trophy (Best DBA Player - VPBL Series) - Mark Jones Golden Arm (Best DBA Pitcher - VPBL Series) - Matthew O'Brien Rookie of the Year (Best DBA First Year Player - VPBL Series) - Paul Wignall Congratulations to all players on a fantastic year.  Finals 2008 - Premiers A Grand Day at Tomato-land... Frankston's A & C Grade teams capped off a great 2007 season winning premierships on the weekend. The A Grade had a nail-biter, playing nearly the whole game at 1-1, before scoring in the bottom of the 9th to take the game 2-1. Matty O'Brien was outstanding on the hill going the distance for the win. The C Grade game was a see-sawing affair with the lead changing several times throughout the game, before the Tomatoes pulled away in the 7th & 8th to win 14-12. Congratulations to coaches Simon Ratcliffe (A Grade) and Ant Richards (C Grade) and their teams on a successful conclusion to the year - the boys were still going strong late Sunday night at the Clubrooms! Go Tomatoes  More game day pics here  The A Reserve team has bowed out of the finals race, going down in the Preliminary Final. Congrats to Tim Hanson and the team on once again playing finals baseball. The A Grade and C Grade teams play in Grand Finals this week, get on down to Dandenong to cheer them on! Grand Final - C Grade v Bonbeach, Saturday 8 September, at Dandenong 2pm. Grand Final - A Grade v Cheltenham Blue, Sunday 9 September, at Dandenong 2pm. August Update As the season proper winds down and finals draw closer it's time to mark these dates in your diary: Winery Tour - Sunday 5 August 2007. Tomato Classic Golf Day - Friday 17 August 2007, Long Island Country Club. Sign up in the Clubrooms. Junior Presentation Night - Friday 24 August 2007, 6pm at the Clubrooms, BBQ dinner provided. O'Brien Medal Night - Saturday 15 September 2007, Sandhurst Club, the associations award night. Senior Presentation Night - Friday 21 September, Long Island Country Club, see Geoff Court to book a seat. Senior Finals - will be held on the weekends of 25/26 August, 1/2 September, 8/9 September. DBA Reps 2007 has seen a record number of Tomatoes gaining selection in Dandenong Baseball Association representative teams. Seniors: Russell Anderton, Mark Jones, Will Keys, Ben Laux, Simon Myles, Matthew O'Brien, Ben Pittaway, Brendan Ratcliffe, Simon Ratcliffe, Mark Richards, Dayle Selleck, Paul Wignall, Daryl Dicker (Coach), Craig Kernick (Manager), Michelle Winther (Scorer). Under 18: Floyd Selleck (Coach). Under 16: Nic Veale, Cody Wilson (pictured below). Under 12: Adam Love. 
All teams have or are due to play in Victorian Provincial Baseball League championships held in regional areas throughout the State. These selections also maintain Frankston's unbroken run of representative play that dates back to 1946. In the recent Senior championships held in Mildura, Frankston had such a strong presence in the team that the local newspaper described them as the Dandenong Tomatoes! June Update Chocolate Drive - all money is due back this weekend (2 June), including any left over chocs. Name and team to be written on the envelope provided please. Winery Tour - is Sunday 5th August. Price still to be confirmed, sign up sheet is in the Clubrooms. In Memoriam It is with sadness that we advise of the passing on Monday 14th May of Ed "Eddie" Taylor (Bonbeach Baseball Club) and Julie Bowen (Bonbeach & Carrum Downs Baseball Clubs), both were great friends of the Frankston Baseball Club. Our sympathy goes out to both families. May Update .... Scorer - C Grade is in urgent need of a scorer. If someone can help out please speak to Ant Richards. Trivia Night - will be held on Saturday 19 May at the clubrooms from 7.30pm. There will be a sign-up sheet on the noticeboard from this weekend, and tables are limited so get in quick for a great night. Chocolate Drive - will begin in the coming week or so, and every player will receive one box to sell over the three weeks the drive will run. Further details will be supplied when you receive your box of fundraising-sized blocks of chocolate. Prompt payment back to the club of your choco money please - this is the club's major fundraiser. Winery Tour - an expression of interest sheet is on the noticeboard for the famous Tomatoes Winery Tour. Details will be finalised when we get an indication of numbers, but the cost is usually about $40pp with lunch, bus to four wineries and tastings included. It is likely to be run on a Sunday in July - sign up, it's a great day out! 2007 - Training Under 12 Tuesdays & Thursdays 4.30 to 5.30pm - commencing 3 April 2007, at the club. Under 14 & Under 16 Wednesdays 4.30 to 5.30pm - commencing 4 April 2007, at the club. Senior Sunday 15 April 10am to 12pm (ready to go at 10!), at the club. Training will be followed by a club working bee and BBQ lunch. 2007 Season - Is Nearly Here! Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 29 March 2007, 7.30pm at the Clubrooms, Samuel Sherlock Reserve, Cranbourne Road, Frankston. All positions on the committee are open and decisions affecting the Club and players for the 2007 season will be made, so please make the effort to attend. Junior and Senior registration will take place on Thursday 29 March 2007 at 5.00pm to 7.00pm at the Clubrooms, followed by the AGM (see above). The 2007 season will commence on 21 April 2007 for Senior and Junior teams. Training to be advised - due to current water restrictions etc we are not able to use the ground until 1 April 2007. New players (mens, womens & juniors), of all abilities are welcome at Frankston. Inquiries can be directed to Club Secretary Emma Medwin via the website (see Contacts page). Finals 2006 - A Reserve ... Premiers Frankston's A Reserve team are premiers for season 2006. In another closely fought Grand Final against Cheltenham the Tomatoes prevailed for a well deserved 9-7 win. Ben Pittaway was fantastic on the hill throwing the whole game. Each time the Tomatoes got ahead the Rustlers came back, but some clutch hitting from Frankston was the difference in the end. Congratulations to all the guys and coach Tim Hanson on a successful conclusion to the year.  The A Grade 4-3 to Bonbeach (11 innings) and the Women 14-4 to Monash have both bowed out of the finals race losing their respective Preliminary Finals. A Reserve plays in the Grand Final this week: Upcoming Events Mark your diaries now with these upcoming events: Saturday August 12 - Heritage Week, games against Bonbeach at home, see below. Friday August 18 - Tomato Classic golf day, see notice board in clubrooms to sign up. Saturday August 19 - Frankston Idol, check out the details here. Friday August 25 - Junior Presentation, 6-8pm at the Club. Saturday September 16 - O'Brien Medal Night, Sandhurst Club. Friday September 29 - Senior Presentation, Mornington Golf Club. Ye Olde Game ...  Tomatoes In DBA Win The Dandenong Baseball Association senior representative team loaded with a strong contingent of Tomatoes took on the state’s best in the VPBL Championships at the Geelong Baseball Centre last Queen's Birthday weekend - coming home with the title after a thrilling final defeating Diamond Valley 9-5. This made it back to back titles for many team members. The Frankston players: veterans Russell Anderton, Mark Jones, Will Keys, Simon Myles, Brendan Ratcliffe, Simon Ratcliffe and Mark Richards along with rookie Ben Pittaway, Coach Daryl Dicker, Assistant Craig Kernick and Scorer Michele Winther all played a big part in the grueling tournament. All games were of a very good standard played in good spirit, typical of the DBA. 
Cody Wilson Selected In DBA Under 16 Team Congratulations and good luck to Cody Wilson on making the Dandenong Baseball Association Under 16 side that will play in Division 1 of the VPBL Championships in Wangaratta on July 8/9. Jake Kenton Selected In DBA Under 14 Team Congratulations to Jake Kenton on making the Dandenong Baseball Association Under 14 team for the first time, the Club wishes Jake well when he plays in Mildura later in the season. Training Juniors - Under 12s on Tuesday's at 4.30pm. Under 14s on Wednesday's at 4.30pm. Please note: Under 12 training due on Anzac Day will now be held with the Under 14s on Wednesday (4.30pm). Will Keys Selected In Victorian Under 23 Team  Congratulations to Will Keys on his selection in the Victorian Under 23 team. This is the fourth time that Will has been selected in this team that competed in the National Championships in Sydney over Easter - going down in the final to New South Wales. Will came away as the leading hitter for the tournament, after being the runner-up last year.
Annual General Meeting All members are reminded that the Club's Annual General Meeting is this Wednesday 12 April 2006 (8pm) at the clubrooms, Samuel Sherlock Reserve, Cranbourne Road, Frankston. All positions on the committee are open and decisions affecting the Club and players for the 2006 season and beyond will be made, so please make the effort to attend. 2005 Season Comes To A Close Frankston's A and A Reserve grade teams went down in two close fought Grand Finals against Cheltenham on the weekend. In appalling conditions (wind and rain) the A Grade lost 3-1 to the Rustlers. In a complete contrast the A Reserve had sunny conditions to complete a marathron 17 innings before going down 6-4. Club coaches Floyd Selleck, Mark Richards, Murray Bowra, Steve Schneider, Chris Cox and Will Keys are to be congratulated on getting 4 of the 5 senior teams into the finals. Only 6 months to go, and we can do it all again - see you in 2006! Tomotoettes - 2005 Champions Frankston's Women's team the Tomatoettes wrapped up the 2005 season with a resounding win over Monash 24-0 in the Grand Final. Congratulations to all the girls on a successful year, and to their coaches Chris Cox and Will Keys. 2005Finals All mens teams won their semi-final's on the weekend, A and A Reserve moving straight into the Grand Final, with the B Grade playing this week in the Prelim.... B Grade v Pakenham (Preliminary Final), Saturday 3 September @ Bonbeach, 2pm. A Grade v TBA (Grand Final), Sunday 11 September @ Cheltenham, 2pm. A Reserve v TBA (grand Final), Sunday 11 September @ Cheltenham, 10.30am. Junior Presentation Day 2005 Junior Presentation Day is on this Saturday 13 August 2005 10.30-1.00pm at the Club. The day will have BBQ, Kids/Dads game and Presentations. Seniors players most welcome. Presentation Night 2005 Our 60th Anniversary Presentation Night will be held on 23 September 2005 at the Frankston RSL - more details to follow. O'Brien Medal Night 2005 To be held at the Sandhurst Club, Carrum Downs, Saturday 17 September, 2005. Family Day As part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations, the Club is having a family day on Sunday 17 July 2005. The day is planned as a get together of past and present players/families. For more info click here. A great day was had by all ...... 
T-Ball Boys and girls aged 5-9 are invited to a come-and-try day on Sunday 26 June 2005, 9.30-11.00am, at the Club. T-Ball will then start for the year the following Sunday, 3 July 2005. Enquiries can by directed to Russell and Rachel 9750-6858. Tomatoes Help DBA to VPBL Senior Championship A Dandenong Baseball Association team full of Tomatoes took out the VPBL Senior Championship over the Queens Birthday weekend. Russell Anderton, Chris Cox, Mark Jones, Will Keys, Chris Love, Matt O'Brien, Simon Ratcliffe, Brendan Ratcliffe, Mark Richards, Daryl Dicker (Coach), Craig Kernick (Asst Coach) Noel Winther (EO) and Sharyn Hussey (Scorer) did the Tomatoes proud going through the tournament undefeated, and winning a hard fought final 3-2 against Diamond Valley. Simon Ratcliffe capped off a great series with the bat and in the field with All Star selection at shortstop. The Tomatoes also congratulate: Armen Kouchakjian (Cheltenham) and Grant Irving (Berwick) on All Star selection at second base and DH ... and Ben Donald (Bonbeach) on an outstanding pitching performance going the distance in the final. 2005 Our 60th season is about to commence, please take note of some upcoming key dates: Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 30 March 2005, 8.00pm at the Clubrooms. Junior Registration Day - Saturday 2 April 2005, 11.00am at the Clubrooms. Senior Season Starts - Saturday 16 April 2005. Game schedule will be posted on the website when available. Junior Season Starts - Saturday 23 April 2005. Game schedule will be posted on the website when available. Training - Dates to follow. Tomatoes to turn 60 in 2005 The Frankston Baseball Club will be turning 60 in 2005. The committee has a few ideas on how to celebrate the occasion (more to follow later) .... as with the 50th celebrations we would like to contact as many past players as possible to let them know what's happening. Please email your contact details to the Club at fbc_tomatoes@hotmail.com so we can add you to the mailing list. Go on, do it now! Finals 2004 - A Reserves go back-to-back with some deja vu!  The Tomato A Reserve team won the flag on the weekend against Cheltenham 7-6,
to be back-to-back Premiers. In a case of deja vu Dean Stephens repeated what his father Keith did in the 1984 A Reserve final - knocking in the winning run. This was a fantastic win against a very
strong Rustler line-up. Matt O'Brien was outstanding on the hill, throwing all 10 innings. He was backed up in the field by all, including a fantastic running catch by Tim Hanson in the 9th. In the
batters box we consistently got on base but couldn't bust the game open. Going in to the 10th six run a piece, we had runners at first and third with 2 out when Deano hit deep to left centre - and
the celebrations began!
Under 12's - Runners Up The Tiny Tomatoes went down to Bonbeach 2-3 in the Grand Final last weekend. In front of a large Tomato crowd and in very windy conditions, Frankston missed out in a very tight game controlled by the pitchers. Congratulations to Tony Totaro and his boys on a successful year, and reminding us that baseball is fun! John Hussey selected in Australian AAA side  Congratulations to John Hussey on his selection in the Australian AAA (Under 19) Team. John is to compete in the 2004 AAA World Championships set to begin on the 3rd September in Taipei, Taiwan. John was selected from a pool of over 70 participants at the MLBAAP training camp on the Gold Coast.
Australian Provincial Championships Simon Myles and Mark Jones recently represented the Victorian Provincial Baseball League, at the Australian Provincial Championships in Mt Gambier, South Australia. The team once again won the Australian Baseball Federation Cup. Special mention also to ex-Tomato Michael Wells who was MVP of the tournament playing for the ACT - well done guys. Dayle Selleck selected in Victorian Provincial AAA side  Congratulations to Dayle Selleck on his selection in the Victorian Provincial AAA (Under 19)
Team. Dayle competed in the recently completed Australian Championships in Geelong - playing mainly First Base but also spending time on the mound.Australian Masters 2003 Mark Anderton, Daryl Dicker, Chris Love and Floyd Selleck have just returned from another successful masters series in Canberra. The competition this year was stronger and the Big Cat-Tomatoes were two years older, but they brought home the bronze medal in the premier division of the tournament. The medal game against the Chiefs turned into a real thriller after the Big Cat-Tomatoes jumped out to an early 8-1 lead (inspired by a team hug before the game!). The Chiefs wouldn't lie down though and after a big 2-out rally in the bottom of the 9th, the Big Cat-Tomatoes held on to win 8-7. VIS Congratulations to John Hussey on his selection into the Victorian Institute of Sport Baseball Academy Program for 2003. Victorian Masters Those mature Tomatoes, Mark Anderton, Daryl Dicker, Chris Love and Floyd Selleck playing for the Springvale Big Cat-Tomatoes (we are slowly taking over) won Gold at the Victorian Masters carnival. After previous Silver medals the guys have finally struck Gold and now can't wait to also go one better in the Australian Masters later in the year. Special Mention The Tomatoes recently entered a Best Website Competition with the ABF (Australian Baseball Federation) and we got a special mention for most 'original and fun'.  News | Game Schedule | Sponsors | Links | Honour Roll | History  |