Genevieve Beacom had a thrilling finish to her 2019/20 VSBL season, making history once again by becoming the first woman to pitch in a VSBL Division 1 Firsts game.
Although Sandringham Royals missed out on finals, 15-year-old Genevieve was excited to have the chance to pitch in the firsts. She impressed in her debut outing in Sandringham’s final midweek game of the season, pitching the last inning and striking out the Newport Rams batter with runners on for the third out as the Royals won 4-3.
“I felt empowered and very grateful that I was given the opportunity to play for Sandringham’s ones,” Genevieve said. “I never think about how I'm going to go before I pitch. I just concentrate on getting my work done in the warm-up.”
Looking poised out on the mound, Genevieve held her own and got the job done for her team. She was pleased to get the strikeout to end the game on a great curveball. Now that the season is over and she’s looking ahead to what’s next, Genevieve has big goals for next season. “I want to continue to play and pitch in the VSBL and strive to do my best.”
Sandringham Baseball Club President Rick Wills says Genevieve’s accomplishment is a testament to her tireless dedication to the sport, both at the junior and senior level. “For a starting pitcher to record a "0" earned run average at any level of baseball is truly a very unique occurrence, and Genevieve recorded that result this season at U16 State level at Sandringham,” Rick said.
With Genevieve competing for the U16 State team this season, she proved to be prepared to take her athletic ambitions to the next level. “In senior baseball with the Royals, Genevieve progressed through to pitch at the Division 1 level,” Rick said. “Plus, meritorious outings with Victorian and National teams this season underlines her emergence as a skilled and composed talent ready to progress rapidly in the sport of baseball.”