Although the objectives of Penrith Baseball Club tend to suggest it is one that is concerned solely with the future and development of its young players, it also celebrates the achievements of those who have built the Club to its current level. For many of these people, baseball had become a way of life, and we are increasingly thankful for their efforts. These members have been recognised for their long-term commitment to Penrith Baseball Club and have been awarded this acknowledgment according to the criteria set forth in the Constitution.
The Life Members of Penrith Baseball Club, in chronological order are:
Having the privilage of being Penrith Baseball's first first Life-Member, John Dewberry played an integral role in establishing the Club in 1968. Due to such a long history John has understandebly filled most positions upon the committee, including: President, Secretary, Treasurer, Groundsman and Gear Steward. Playing for over 26 years, John's highest level played was A Grade.
John's Life-Membership was nominated by Bill Want, and he recalls fond memories creating Penrith Baseball Club from a School-based organisation to gaining independance and sponsorship from Penrith Leagues Club. Even the controversies and problems that occured are still entertaining tales told by John, and he is still very much interested in the sport and Club.
Being involved in the Club since the beginning (and before) around 1967, Simon played for over 30 years reaching B Grade at his highest level. During this involvement Simon also held the positions of President, Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Member, Cumberland Delegate. Although unsure of who the nomination was by, Simon knows that he received this honour the same year as Ron Kelly.
Simon's memories include playing on real cow paddocks at Jamison Park, and all his 'Homers' (that is, both of them), and never winning a Premiership!!! He bacame heavily involved with the Penrith Panthers Junior Baseball Club when all three of his children played (and one is now even listed below - Suzie). Reluctantly, Simon was forced to retire when, "I still could not walk properly on Tuesday having played on Saturday," and moved to Hornsby.
Joining the Club in 1971, Ron Kelly has had more than 20 experience on and off the field. His highest grading was in the "A Reserves" under the Cumberland Baseball Association. During his time when he was closely involved in the running of the Club, Ron was a 'Committee Man' serving in the offices of President, Treasurer, Social Secretary, whilst also coaching both seniors and juniors.
Some of his greatest memories of the Club include creating the Junior Baseball Club, starting summer baseball at Penrith and liasing with Council regarding the relocating of the Club to Andrews Road, following its prior movements from Jamison Park to Howell Oval. As well as this, Ron has enjoyed watching the Club grow from 2 teams to its current level and administration.
Joining the Club in 1980, Boyden Fil has had more than 10 years of experience on and off the field. His highest grading was "C Grade" under the Cumberland Baseball Association. Boyden often found himself upon the Committee as either Social Secretary, Treasurer or Vice President.
One of his favourite memories occurred the Andrews Road Baseball Complex was first opened and a major flood covered the Diamond 1 area before spilling onto the other side of the hill creating two large lakes. Boyden loves the game as, "It is a great team sport, especially for youngsters, as everyone gets a go (unlike cricket)"
There is a person who in my mind this Club should show a lot of respect to, being with the Club literally from birth. At the age of 14, this person took on the responsibilities that some teenagers wouldn't. The person has been a loyal supporter and has even played about 10 seasons and has been a scorer for many years. The person has been there for all the different functions that the Club has put on and the person has shown such great support for the Club that the person should have been a Life Member a long time ago.
Every time I play at home, this person has been there doing one job or another, even when it is not her job, and doing it's part for the Club, that person is Suzie Chittleborough.
I have been a player for over the last 10 years, I have seen this club move from a so-called 'hillbilly club' by some others, to become one that others fear.
We, this Club and the players, owe a lot to this one man. He brought AAA's to the Club, even with a lot of disapproval from some people in the Club, and the Club was smart in taking it on as it is somewhat of a success. This man has a great knowledge of this game, and has been very loyal to the Penrith Baseball Club and has turned down any offers that come his way. With this loyalty to the Club, he has served 3 or 4 years on the Committee and has worked on the grounds and maintained the fields for many years. This man is Steven Forbes.
It has been brought to my attention there is a member of this Club that has been with us as a coach, player and always volunteer for the Club in some way. His commitment to the Club speaks for itself. He is one of a few that will put his hand up for just about anything if it to do with helping the Club. This guy's history with the Club is very impressive; he has been playing high-ball with the club, has been a coach in the AA squad for years and let's not forget the old F Troop (the team that really enjoy their baseball and beer).
That is why I nominate Steve Orr to be a Life Member of Penrith Baseball Club.
Kevin Jacobs (2007)
Dear Executive,
We wish to nominate Kevin Jacobs to receive “Life Membership” of Penrith Baseball Club.
We first met Kevin when Ben joined the Penrith Baseball club a few years ago now.
We came from the Lower Mountains Baseball Club. Since joining the Penrith Club, we have known Kevin to be most helpful in all matters pertaining to the game of baseball. We also have had the opportunity to be part of Kevin’s senior baseball teams, my son as a player, myself as the team scorer.
We have always found Kevin to be a person of high integrity who has the well being of all club members as one of his main priorities.
Kevin has had extensive involvement in the junior club for the past twelve years and the senior club for the past ten years in both summer and winter seasons.
At the junior club he has been involved with both of his children’s teams since 1994/95 season as a coach, assistant coach or in an official position. He was regularly seen every Friday down at Andrews Road setting up the diamonds for the weekends games. Kevin has also held various positions on the Junior Executive Committee – Registrar, Secretary and has held the President position for the past six years. Kevin was nominated to be Penrith’s Club President when the Junior and the Senior Clubs joined and this position is still held by Kevin.
During this time the club has grown to the largest in the district and winning the Club Championship trophy in 2002/03 and last year 2004/05. He has received the International Year of Volunteers Federal Award from Penrith City Council in 2001 and the NSWJBL Volunteer Award in 2003 for five or more continuous year’s service at a Committee level.
Kevin’s first season with the senior club was in the 1997 Winter Competition and he has played both the winter and summer competitions since as a player and/or as a coach. Premiership sides include 1997 Div 3 Minor Premiers/Premiers Winter Competitions,
1998/99 - Div 2, Premiers Summer Competition, in 2001 Premiers Winter Competition.
2001/02 - Minor Premiers/Premiers in the Summer Competition. There have been many Grand Final appearances including Div 2 in 2003/04 Summer Competition, 2004 Winter Competition and Div 2 in 2004/05 Summer Competition.
Kevin has also received the Life Member Achievement Award from Penrith Baseball.
Besides all of this involvement, he still finds time to work and care for his family.
I truly believe that Kevin is more than worthy of Life Membership of a Club he holds very close to his heart. I believe that bestowing the honor of Life Membership of Penrith Baseball Club on Kevin would, in a small way say “thank you” for all the time, effort and dedication he has shown to a club he loves. Not too many people are willing to devote the amount of time that Kevin does.
Your consideration of my request would be appreciated, so that if your recommendation is positive, it can be raised at the 2007 AGM. As per the constitution, below is the names and signatures of five (5) current members who wish to second and endorse this nomination.
