Sports
As an Aussie makes baseball history, the sport’s dark past is a clue to why it never took off here
Ray Nickson, University of Newcastle
Earlier this month, Travis Bazzana made history as the first Australian selected number one in the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.
Bazzana will join the Cleveland Guardians after playing college baseball for Oregon State.
Following his selection, Bazzana, originally from Wahroonga, NSW, said he wanted to help “make Australia a powerhouse in baseball”.
Baseball NSW was quick to predict Bazzana’s achievement would “have a significant impact” on the popularity and growth of baseball in Australia.
Almost 100 years ago, baseball figures in Australia made similar claims, only to be undone by theft and fraud.
The crimes of a baseball official setback the growth of baseball in Australia.
Baseball’s long history in Australia
While baseball has a long history in Australia – the first recorded game was in Melbourne in 1855 – it has always been a niche sport here.
In 1888, sporting goods businessman Albert Goodwill Spalding included Australia in his world baseball tour.
Later, the MLB teams the Chicago White Sox and New York Giants visited Australia during their 1913-1914 world tour.
While Australians were intrigued, press coverage suggested a suspicion that baseball might challenge cricket for popularity and by the 1920s, cricket had established its position as Australia’s preeminent sport.
However, Australia’s press and public was willing to accept baseball as a novelty and winter sport for training summer cricketers.
In fact, cricketers’ participation in baseball as a winter sport was instrumental to the American game’s early success in Australia.
Australia’s baseball devotees worked tirelessly to promote the sport locally in the first quarter of the 20th century. It was in these circumstances that two tours of American amateur teams were arranged.
Stanford University made the first visit in 1928. Then in 1929, Portland’s respected Multnomah Amateur Athletic Club sent a team to Australia.
Both tours included fetes, parades, baseball tournaments and civic receptions, while local dignitaries celebrated the touring players.
Local businesses supported the tours, with motor vehicle manufacturer Studebaker offering a fleet of cars to take players on a motorcade procession through Sydney after arriving by ship.
Contemporary records show the tours generated immense interest in the sport. Participation in local baseball competitions boomed afterwards.
Australian baseball authorities made efforts to entice American coaches to Australia to develop the game locally.
Plans were made for future tours to capitalise on the growing interest in the sport.
One reason baseball failed to continue this growth was because the tours had been funded by criminal fraud.
The crime that set baseball back
Cecil J. Asprey was honorary secretary of the Australian Baseball Council and chairman of the executive of the New South Wales Baseball Association. He was instrumental in arranging the tours by Stanford University and Multnomah Amateur Athletics Club.
He was referenced in the press following the tours, noting Australian interest in baseball, and American interest in Australian baseball, had risen significantly.
When the tours lost money, it became apparent Asprey had funded them with money stolen from clients of the solicitors he worked for.
By May 1931, after unsuccessful attempts to arrange subsequent tours, it all unravelled for Asprey. He was first charged in the Central Police Court on May 7 1931, and immediately revealed the money had been used to fund the activities of the baseball association.
Asprey’s lawyer told the court “he has not received a single penny of the funds himself – that the whole of the money was definitely paid into the account of the association”.
Eventually, Asprey was charged with 21 counts of forgery, embezzlement and larceny.
The story of his crimes and its impact on baseball in Australia was made all the worse due to the vulnerability of his victims.
Asprey’s victims “were generally women, most of them widows”, some with limited English.
One victim, Rosina Melit, a migrant from Italy, told the court how Asprey took her money to discharge her mortgage. He never paid the mortgage off.
This was a crime Asprey committed against more than one victim. A detective-sergeant at Asprey’s trial noted he had “a happy knack of getting on the soft side of widows and a widower”.
Asprey told the court he had used everything he stole to bring over international baseball players.
“I know I have done wrong. I am willing to hand over everything I possess,” Asprey advised the court.
He was sentenced to five years’ hard labour. He left a wife and two children when he went to jail.
The tours Asprey organised generated enormous interest. While participation increased in the local leagues in the seasons that followed, that momentum was not maintained. This was in part because further tours never materialised.
Asprey was still trying to arrange future tours up until his arrest.
Had Asprey and baseball authorities in Australia been able to fund tours legitimately, it is very likely the popularity of the sport would have continued to grow.
What may the future hold?
Baseball has always had a devoted, though relatively small, following in Australia. Despite successes, including a silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, it has remained a minor sport.
In the 2000s and 2010s, baseball participation either increased or decreased, depending on the source.
In 2022 Baseball Australia released a national plan to increase participation at all levels.
Baseball’s governing body in Australia also hoped the country’s success in the 2023 World Baseball Classic would drive interest in the sport.
Bazzana’s pick as number one in the MLB draft will certainly contribute to interest in “the old ball game,” as it is sometimes nicknamed, in Australia.
Whether that translates into increased participation remains to be seen.
We can only imagine how many more Bazzana’s Australia might have produced but for the crimes that derailed baseball’s growth in Australia.
Ray Nickson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Newcastle Law School, University of Newcastle
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Entertainment
Peyton Manning and Eli Manning Face Off Live at Super Bowl LIX in FanDuel’s “Kick of Destiny 3” Campaign
FanDuel customers can make a free pick in the FanDuel Sportsbook app on which Manning they think will win a live field goal competition for a chance to win a share of $10 million in Bonus Bets
NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — FanDuel, North America’s premier online gaming company and an Official Sports Betting Partner of the National Football League, announced that Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, both two-time Super Bowl Champions, will compete head-to-head on Super Bowl Sunday for the first time in their legendary careers as they face off at Super Bowl LIX in the next installment of the Kick of Destiny. In FanDuel’s “Kick of Destiny 3,” the Manning brothers will have to win with their legs instead of their arms in a kicking competition where they will both attempt field goals live in New Orleans on Super Bowl Sunday.
The live kicking competition will take place in the 3pm ET hour of the FOX Super Bowl Pregame Show and begin with each Manning attempting a 25-yard field goal to win the Kick of Destiny 3. If there is no winner after the initial kicks, the Mannings will get additional attempts. If a tiebreaker is needed after three rounds, the kicker who kicked it closest to the center target on the net in the last round will be declared the winner. FanDuel is offering customers the opportunity to make a free pick on which Manning they think will win through the FanDuel Sportsbook app, with eligible customers who pick correctly winning an equal share of $10 million in Bonus Bets.
“With the Kick of Destiny, we set out to make FanDuel a part of Super Bowl Sunday,” said FanDuel Executive Vice President of Marketing, Andrew Sneyd. “For year three, we’re raising the stakes by introducing a rivalry and a head-to-head Kick of Destiny competition. Peyton & Eli Manning will make history by competing against each other live for the first time in Super Bowl history. May the best Manning win!”
The first ad spot from the “Kick of Destiny 3” campaign opens with the unexpected revelation that, deep down, Eli always wanted to be a kicker. Making this dream a reality is why he is doing “Kick of Destiny 3.” Once Peyton finds out about this dream, he wants in and is determined to beat Eli. The integrated campaign will follow both Mannings as they prepare for the competition and culminates with the live, sudden-death field goal competition on Super Bowl Sunday.
“The Kick of Destiny is becoming a great Super Bowl Sunday tradition, and I’m feeling really good about my chances to get the win,” said Eli Manning. “I look forward to celebrating with everyone in America who picks me to beat Peyton.”
“Eli and I have always been competitive, and this is going to be a fun way to challenge each other in a completely different way,” said Peyton Manning. “I’ve been studying film of great kickers and training hard to make sure I bring home the win for everyone in America who picks me to beat Eli.”
In addition to the live kick during the FOX Super Bowl Pregame Show, fans will also be able to experience the Kick of Destiny through two TV spots in the game. These ads will feature recap footage of the Mannings’ kicking contest edited into a celebration that showcases whether fans who picked Team Peyton or Team Eli won the $10 million in Bonus Bets.
Fans can track the Mannings as they prepare for the “Kick of Destiny 3” by following @FanDuel and @FDSportsbook on X, Instagram and TikTok, subscribing on YouTube at YouTube.com/FanDuel and following #KickofDestiny on X for the latest updates. New and existing FanDuel customers can make their free pick on which Manning brother they think will win in the Sportsbook app ahead of the Super Bowl. More information can be found at www.FanDuel.com/kickofdestiny.
About FanDuel Group
FanDuel Group is the premier mobile gaming company in the United States. FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across mobile wagering including, America’s #1 Sportsbook FanDuel Sportsbook, its leading iGaming platform FanDuel Casino, the industry’s unquestioned leader in horse racing and advance-deposit wagering, FanDuel Racing and its daily fantasy sports product. In addition, FanDuel Group operates FanDuel TV, its broadly distributed linear cable television network and FanDuel TV+, its leading direct-to-consumer OTT platform. FanDuel Group has a presence across all 50 states with approximately 17 million customers and 25 retail locations. The company is based in New York with offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Jersey City, as well as in Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Australia.
FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment, the world’s largest sports betting and gaming operator with a portfolio of globally recognized brands and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FLUT).
SOURCE FanDuel Group
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Premier Family-Friendly Entertainment Destination Completes 2024 With Multiple Franchise Agreements
DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Altitude Trampoline Park, the leading family-friendly entertainment franchise, is celebrating a remarkable year of development. In 2024, the franchise continues to grow with more agreements, extending its reach to new and existing markets, including Long Island, South Florida, and the Bay Area, continuing its mission to deliver unforgettable family experiences.
Throughout the year, Altitude Trampoline Park strengthened its presence with multi-unit agreements in Connecticut and South Carolina, paving the way for three new parks in each state. The year also saw multiple park openings in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia, driving the brand’s continued growth.
“Altitude Trampoline Park continues to solidify its position as an attractive franchise opportunity, with 2024 being an impressive year for the brand,” said Chris Kuehn, President of Altitude Trampoline Park. “We’ve signed several multi-unit franchise agreements that will bring our parks to new communities and currently have several locations under construction. This momentum reflects the growing demand for family-friendly entertainment, and we’re eager to continue developing our pipeline in 2025.”
Building on its momentum, the company is expanding both its corporate team and franchise network. Chris Kuehn has been named President and Jessica McDonald has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing. In addition, Sean Naughton recently joined as Chief Financial Officer, strengthening the leadership team. On the franchise side, five existing owners have committed to growing their footprint, and 11 new franchisees have joined the system.
In 2025, Altitude will continue to grow with grand openings coming soon in West Palm Beach, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Cary, North Carolina; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Anaheim, California; and more.
Altitude Trampoline Park is owned by Indoor Active Brands, a platform company that focuses on indoor entertainment concepts. In 2024, Indoor Active Brands launched its latest brand, The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball playground featuring a chef-inspired restaurant and bar – Crave Social Eatery, as well as yard and social games for all ages. Established by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands utilizes vast FEC and restaurant industry experience to support and assist its franchisees.
The brand is actively seeking qualified candidates to help grow its footprint throughout the U.S. in Kansas City, MO, Minneapolis, MN, Las Vegas, NV, Denver, CO, among others. To learn more about franchise opportunities and upcoming store openings, contact [email protected] or visit www.altitudefranchise.com.
About Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park is a premier indoor adventure park offering cutting edge trampolines, games, programs, and celebrations for all ages. Altitude is the home for active family fun! The brand’s successful $10 Endless Jumps Pass, is where members get the max. Guests can, in fact, Jump Happy! with unlimited use of trampolines, soft play, basketball, dodgeball, interactive games and more providing a great way for families to stay together and play together all year long. Nearing 100 locations worldwide, Altitude parks are centrally located and easily accessible, making it the convenient, budget friendly choice for families in 202. 5. More information can be found at altitudetrampolinepark.com.
About Indoor Active Brands
Indoor Active Brands is a platform company focused on owning and operating franchising concepts in the indoor family entertainment and restaurant industry. Created by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands currently consists of Altitude Trampoline Park, The Pickle Pad, and Crave Social Eatery. Indoor Active Brands leverages years of experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to provide unmatched support for its franchisees. For more information about Indoor Active Brands visit www.indooractivebrands.com.
SOURCE Altitude Trampoline Park
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Senior Pickleball Report
Backhand to Business: Dive into the Latest Episode of People of Pickleball with Mike Sleeve’s Sliwa and Josh Miller!
In the latest “People of Pickleball” episode, Josh Miller shares insights on HVY Sleeves, enhancing pickleball performance with training tips, motivational speaking, and innovative gear for athletes.
Hello pickleball aficionados! If you’re ready to elevate your game both on and off the court, then you won’t want to miss the latest episode of People of Pickleball, where our charismatic host, Mike Sleeve’s Sliwa, sits down with the remarkable Josh Miller, a true powerhouse in the world of sports.
Meet Josh Miller: From NFL Stardom to Innovations in Pickleball
For those unfamiliar, Josh Miller is not just your average athlete. A Super Bowl Champion and Grey Cup Champion, he carved his name in the annals of football history and is now revolutionizing the pickleball scene as a Partner and Founder of HVY Sleeves. With extensive experience in coaching, sales, event management, and media relations, he blends insight and inspiration seamlessly. Plus, as a motivational speaker, Josh’s energy will leave you pumped up and ready to hit the court!
Episode Highlights: Innovation at Its Finest
In this riveting conversation, Mike and Josh dive deep into the exciting journey behind HVY Sleeves, a groundbreaking training tool that’s changing the game for pickleball players everywhere.
Key Takeaways:
- Training with Purpose: Josh discusses how HVY Sleeves were developed to give players an added edge; perfect for enhancing arm strength and hand quickness, crucial for those lightning-fast kitchen volleys!
- Agility and Performance: The episode explores the versatility of HVY Sleeves, emphasizing how incorporating leg sleeves into your training routine can build the agility necessary to outmaneuver your opponents, allowing for quicker reflexes and better court coverage.
- A New Standard for Workouts: But wait, there’s more! Josh shares how these sleeves can transition seamlessly into your gym workouts, adding extra resistance for enhanced endurance training without sacrificing mobility. Because let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a versatile piece of gear that elevates your entire fitness routine?
- Mindset Matters: With Josh as a keynote and motivational speaker, expect to hear some uplifting messages that inspire not just athletes, but anyone looking to push past their limits and achieve their goals.
Why You Should Tune In
This episode comes packed with actionable insights and motivational anecdotes that cater to players at all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned player trying to up your game or a newcomer eager to learn, you’ll find valuable nuggets of wisdom in this engaging dialogue. Mike and Josh aim to equip you with the tools and mindset needed to succeed both on the pickleball court and in your everyday life.
So, whether you’re gearing up for a competitive match or simply hitting the courts for some casual play, this episode of People of Pickleball is your go-to resource for making those game-changing improvements.
Don’t miss out on this episode featuring the remarkable Josh Miller. Tune in, lace up your HVY Sleeves, and prepare to take your pickleball skills to the NEXT LEVEL!
Happy playing, and remember: practice how you play! 🎾💪
#Pickleball #HVYSleeves #JoshMiller #PickleballTraining #PeopleOfPickleball #Fitness #Sports
HVY Sleeves http://hvysleeves.com
IG:@hvysleeves_
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://sleeves-spr.com/
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Hey, “People of Pickleball” fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We’ve got you covered! Just head over to this link https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/ for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners.
Don’t miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices! https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/
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