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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In the bustling world of professional pickleball, the spotlight often shines on major organizations like the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP). While these entities focus largely on showcasing young, vibrant talent, there’s a wealth of wisdom to be drawn from the more understated realms of the National Pickleball League (NPL) and the Senior Pro Tour, where seasoned athletes continue to impress.
Longevity in the Sport
Senior pro players offer invaluable insights into maintaining a lasting athletic career. Their expertise in injury prevention, recovery, and adaptive play provide a blueprint for career longevity that younger pros can emulate.
- Training and Conditioning: Senior pros have honed methods to maintain agility and endurance, lessons that can enhance training regimes for younger athletes.
- Injury Management: With a focus on alternative fitness and healing practices like yoga and nutrition, senior players offer models for managing stress injuries effectively.
Focus on Community and Inclusivity
The NPL and Senior Pro Tour are bastions of community spirit and inclusivity, setting a standard that mainstream organizations could embrace.
- Amateur Involvement: By integrating a strong sense of community involvement into competitions, they make the sport accessible to various age groups and skill levels, enhancing the spirit of events hosted by PPA and APP.
- Multigenerational Appeal: Highlighting pickleball’s charm across demographics, senior tours set a precedent for inclusive and family-friendly events.
Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer
Senior pros excel in mentorship, sharing not just technical skills but also mental fortitude.
- Formal Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentoring relationships can foster well-rounded players through strategic advice and supportive, intergenerational learning.
- Player Development: Insights into resilience and adaptability from seniors can aid younger pros in navigating high-pressure scenarios.
Marketing and Brand Longevity
By focusing on forming enduring relationships with brands and sponsors, senior tours illustrate a path for sustainable partnerships.
- Broadening Sponsorship Opportunities: Targeting brands that appeal across generations opens new revenue channels, with wellness-focused brands being a natural fit.
- Sustained Engagement: Marketing pickleball as a lifelong sport invites a wider audience and participant base.
Balanced Scheduling and Player Well-being
The senior circuits often factor player wellness into event scheduling, a practice that pro tours could emulate to avoid player burnout.
- Player-Centric Schedules: Adopting flexible schedules could enhance performance levels by ensuring athletes receive adequate rest.
- Rest and Recovery Focus: Encouraging recovery periods and prioritizing mental health support helps maintain peak conditions for competition.
By drawing lessons from senior pro players and their organizations, professional pickleball can cultivate a more enduring, inclusive, and community-focused environment while ensuring the long-term success of its athletes.
Want more Pickleball News and Information?
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://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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Senior Pickleball Report
Meet Kim Kesner: Get Ready for an Exciting Episode of People of Pickleball Podcast!
Pickleball fans, tune in to a new podcast episode featuring Kim Kesner. Discover her journey, achievements, and insights on the evolving pickleball scene.
Hey, pickleball enthusiasts! Get ready for a thrilling new episode of the “People of Pickleball” podcast, where host Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa sits down with the incredible Kim Kesner from the National Pickleball League’s Kansas City Stingers. This episode promises an engaging mix of athletic journey insights, strategic discussions, and personal stories that will inspire every pickleball lover out there.
Meet Kim Kesner
Kim Kesner is not your average pickleball player. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, she boasts a rich history of athletic accomplishments. From college volleyball and softball to becoming a pivotal player in the pickleball world, Kim’s sporting history provides a unique perspective on the game. She’s known for her never-give-up attitude on the court, whether she’s playing singles or doubles.
Achievements and Accolades
In 2023 alone, Kim has clinched 3 gold medals, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal. Her prowess on the court earned her a 4th place finish at the US Open in the women’s division and a commendable 5th place in mixed doubles at Nationals. Last year, she bagged the prestigious APP Most Improved Player award and made waves with her highly viewed match against Anna Leigh Waters.
The Personal Side of Kim
Beyond pickleball, Kim wears many hats. She’s a dedicated chiropractor and acupuncturist who owns a practice in Denver with her husband, Chad Kesner. The duo is also proud parents to their son, Cole, a rising star in chemical and biomedical engineering and a college football player at South Dakota School of Mines. When not on the court or at her clinic, Kim loves engaging in outdoor activities like dirt biking, snowmobiling, and hiking. Her passion for helping others also sees her treating Lou Gehrig’s disease patients in her free time.
Podcast Highlights
In this episode, listeners can expect an insightful conversation as Mike Sliwa delves into Kim’s entry into pickleball, her thoughts on the evolving game, and the significance of being part of a 50+ professional league. Kim shares her reflections on the rapid growth of pickleball, changes in game tactics, and the joy of playing alongside legends like her Stingers partner, Jen Dawson.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this podcast episode is a treasure trove of strategies, personal anecdotes, and professional growth tips. It’s a celebration of the vibrant community and dynamic spirit that defines pickleball.
Be sure to tune in to “People of Pickleball” to catch all the action and inspiration. This episode with Kim Kesner is not one to miss!
Kim Kesner
https://www.onixpickleball.com
IG:@kimberlykesner
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Sports
The Future of Tennis: Tennis Social AI Launches First-of-its-Kind Simulators
Tennis Social AI announces its V1 Tennis Simulator, set for production by 2025, offering an engaging, AI-powered, social, and gamified tennis experience for all skill levels.
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tennis Social AI, a trailblazing developer of immersive tennis simulators, is excited to announce the completion of its V1 Tennis Simulator, which is slated for full-scale production and installation by early 2025. This innovative technology transforms how tennis is played and enjoyed, making it more accessible, engaging, and social.
Tennis Social AI
As tennis faces challenges in boosting participation, while competing with the rising popularity of pickleball and padel, Tennis Social AI offers an innovative approach by blending computer vision, AI-powered training, and interactive video games. According to Novak Djokovic, “Tennis at the club level is endangered, and innovation is necessary to keep the sport alive.”
Tennis Social AI’s simulator is designed to cater to players of all skill levels, allowing beginners and seasoned players alike to enjoy a gamified tennis experience. The simulator’s customizable video games and training modules provide an opportunity for users to socialize while improving their fitness and technique. Much like golf simulators have brought new players into the sport, this technology has the potential to draw more people to tennis through its innovative approach to socialization and gamification.
CEO of Tennis Social AI, Tyler Kelly, stated, “Our mission has been to lower the barrier of entry for the sport by creating a version of tennis that maintains the core mechanics of the traditional game, while still making the experience fun and social for friends and families. Our simulators are sized to fit in almost any environment, so now tennis can compete in locations where it traditionally could not.”
Pre-sale fulfillment is underway, with installations expected to begin in early 2025. Tennis Social AI is leading the way to a future where tennis is more than just a game—it’s a social experience.
For more information on brand opportunities and pre-sales, contact: Steven McClendon at steven@tennissocial.ai or visit https://tennissocial.ai/
SOURCE Tennis Social AI
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://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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