To ensure the all efforts are made to select a highly competitive squad for the upcoming season, the Coaching Staff shall be holding weekly Trial Training Sessions throuhgout July. With individual skills having already been assessed, these sessions will enable the full Coaching Staff to assess players interactions and ability / willingness to learn and take instructions in a regular training environment.
During this period, players are requested to attend all sessions until advised otherwise by the Coaching Staff if they wish to be included in the upcoming season. This shall also serve as a final opportunity for any persons who have been unavailable for previous sessions to demonstrate their ability and interest in playing for Penrith Baseball Club's Major League.
Any persons trialling for the squad who has a legitimate clash of dates and times with other activities must contact the Coaching Staff via ml@penrithbaseballclub.com.au
First Grade –Mathew Lawton
With over 30 years playing and coaching experience, Mathew Lawton is no stranger to Major League Baseball, having spent several years at Auburn Orioles as both a player and coach. Mathew played for the 2007 Penrith Baseball Major League Squad and took out the Third Grade Batting Award. Passionate about making a real difference, Mathew is keen to instil a real understanding of what the game means at the elite level.
Second Grade – Jason Ward
A Penrith Baseball Club Life Member, Jason has spent a lot of time focussed upon building the stars of the future within the Club and as a Greater Western Association Coach. Also no stranger to elite baseball, Jason’s service with the Club include coaching Penrith in the Cumberland Major League and playing for over 10 years in the AAA and Major League Competitions.
Third Grade – Jamie Cranston
A 30 year Veteran of the sport as both player and coach, Jamie has consistently focussed his attention and support at Elite Baseball. Having played Major League for St Marys and Blacktown, Winter Majors with Greater Western, as well as AAA’s with Penrith, West Sydney Boomers and Eagles Jamie knows what it takes to play at the top-end of the sport. Coaching AAA teams for Penrith and Boomers, and more recently with Greater Western’s Representative Teams, Jamie has expressed a desire to work with the younger squad members to foster future talent.
Under 18s – Paul Rowe and Peter Godbold
With 20 years experience, 12 as coach with seven Premierships, Paul had the privilege of working with the Club’s Under 18’s in the 2007/08 Season and worked well with the players available, and the Committee was happy to re-appoint him.
Peter has been a Member of Penrith Baseball Club several years, and has forged a reputation within the Junior ranks having coached a number of players to Representative levels and a four local Premierships. Peter also was appointed as Assistant Coach for the NSW Under 18’s Squad in 2007/08 and is dedicated to attracting as much local talent to the Club as possible and foster their skills to be future leaders within the sport in years to come.
The Executive Committee recognises the need for specialised coaches, and shall make additional appointments as required prior to, and throughout the upcoming season in consultation with the appointed coaches above.
