Ladies Day a fillip for Berwick Cougars

The Cougars decided on the Ladies Day not just as a fundraising event, but as a means of thanking the 'baseball widows' and 'taxi-mums' of the club. It was also seen as an opportunity to try to recruit some players with the intention of getting a women's team up and running next season.

The day incorporated many activities for the ladies - with their drinks and food provided, gift bags, raffles, silent auctions, music all afternoon, air brush tattoos and watching the Men's firsts play their last home and away game of the season. An impromptu Home Run Derby was also held after the game. The event itself had over 100 ladies in attendance, dressed up Spring Carnival style, which culminated with the presentation of the “Fashions on the Diamond'” winners.

A number of guests were in attendance on the day, including Stephen Nash (CEO Baseball Victoria), Lorraine Wreford (City of Casey Councillor who also threw the first pitch) and local media representatives. These guests had the difficult task of judging the “Fashions on the Diamond” winners.

This year the club decided to align itself with a women's health organisation and chose the McGrath Foundation. Splitting the profits from the Ladies Day event, the Cougars will be donating $1,386 to the McGrath Foundation.

"It really was a fantastic day,” said Club President Paul Quinn.

“This is the second year we have held this event and our numbers in attendance increased by about thirty from last year and we can only see it getting bigger. Next year we intend to plan the event in conjunction with another club to enable their female supporters and players to attend the day, making it bigger again."

On his club’s alignment with the McGrath Foundation, Quinn said, "It was a suggestion someone made around Christmas that maybe we should donate some of the proceeds to a women's health organisation. This was around the time of the Sydney Test Match, which was dedicated to the McGrath Foundation. Having a sporting affiliation, we thought this was a good fit."

"Since the McGrath foundation has the pink theme, the idea steamrolled and it was then suggested that the players wear pink undershirts and caps for the game, which we could also sell to our supporters.”

“So we did that as well,” said Quinn. “We purchased forty of the pink caps and they were sold out by early afternoon."

Following the game, the DJ immediately sprung into action - with many dancing and partying into the night.

"I was amazed with the staying power of some of the girls,” Quinn said. “Drinking champagne and wine all afternoon and still going strong late into the night.”

“A few of the husbands got told to go home and look after the kids so the girls could continue their fun."

Although the social event was a big part of the day, on the diamond there was a significant milestone occurring for the Cougars. Their 13-3 win against Footscray cemented second spot on the ladder - and the double chance.

"This is the first time our club has participated in the finals in Division Three,” Quinn said, “so to go into our first finals series with the double chance is a bonus. It certainly exceeded our expectations at the start of the season.”

“Our reserves also made the finals for the first time. Between those two sides there are eight or nine players still in juniors, so our future is looking really strong."

The recruitment of Wayne “Mouse” Porter as senior club coach prior to the 2007/08 season has been a huge catalyst in the Cougars’ progress, Quinn says.

 "Without doubt, Mouse has made the difference at this club. We had been improving in Division Three over the last few seasons but we really needed someone at the helm who could take the talent we have in the club and develop it to get the best out of them. Mouse has certainly done that".

The Cougars take on Springvale at Springvale on Sunday. Quinn - who also plays in the Berwick firsts - thinks the Cougars are in with a great chance.

 "We have got nothing to lose on Sunday. We beat Springvale twice during the season, although neither time was with Glen Richards pitching. We have faced Richo many times and have been close to knocking them off with him on the hill.”

“We have certainly seen other teams manage to do it,” he said.

“We will have Jude Power throwing for us,” Quinn said. “The pitchers will probably dominate the game, so it will be up to the team that backs up their pitcher with timely hitting and defensive support." 

 

 Sartorial Baseball Victoria CEO Stephen Nash judging the fashions