Some of Australia’s best baseballers will hit the mound when big-time baseball comes to Wollongong on Sunday.
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In a big coup for the Illawarra, the Canberra Cavalry’s first ever Australian Baseball League (ABL) home-game away from the nation’s capital will be played at Thomas Dalton Park, Towradgi.
The Cavs will host the Sydney Blue Sox in the ABL Wollongong Classic.
And the first ever ABL clash played in Wollongong will feature some of the hottest talent in the country, including first baseman Boss Moanaroa and Team Australia outfielder David Kandilas from the Cavs.
A number of well-known Illawarra players will also be on show.
Former Berkeley Eagles pitcher Tim Atherton will suit-up for the Cavs, while Trent D’Antonio, Josh Dean, Alex Howe and Alex Osborne will take the field for the Blue Sox.
D’Antonio said he was looking forward to playing in front of family and friends.
“Illawarra has got a pretty big baseball community. This game is great for us,’’ he said.
“People get to see the best baseball league in the country right here at Dalton Park. And, having four [sic – five] local guys playing in the game, it’s kind of huge when it comes for our juniors.’’
One of those local juniors he is referring to is fellow Blue Sox infielder Josh Dean.
The 29-year-old Dean will not only play in the game, he has helped groundsmen prepare the field.
“It’s going to be a great day out there. I reckon we can get about 1000-1500 people,’’ he said.
“We haven’t had anything like this before. It’s a great opportunity to see the best baseball in the country being played right here in our backyard. It’s excellent.’’
Dean and D’Antonio were also looking forward to getting the better of their good mate Atherton.
The Cavs pitcher only recently returned from surgery and is expected to come out of the bullpen against the Blue Sox.
“He is excited to be back. It’s going to be fun to watch him. Hopefully I won’t be in the batters’ box when he comes to the mound,’’ D’Antonio said.
The ABL game at Thomas Dalton Park on Sunday, November 27 starts at 2pm.
Entry is free.