The Victorian Baseball Academy (branded "Aces Baseball Academy") has replaced the old Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) Baseball Program.

The Academy now offers opportunities to more players in order to create a more dynamic pathway for Victorian players. The program is headed by the former VIS Baseball Program head coach and current High Performance Manager, Damian Shanahan.

In September 2010, the Australian Baseball Federation (ABF) and Baseball Victoria advised that they had agreed to terms to launch the replacement program for the previous VIS Baseball Program, with the inaugural year being in 2011.

The VIS Baseball Program closed in February 2010 and developed and maximised the opportunities of our elite young athletes to represent Australia. The program provided the necessary platform and preparation to allow them to progress into the Claxton Shield competition (or Australian Baseball League), the US College Baseball system or professional ranks.

The Academy will continue to develop and maximise international and professional opportunities but also have a greater focus on Victorian State teams and Australian based playing opportunities.

LINK: ACES SPORTING CLUB

ARTICLE: SHANAHAN TO HEAD ABF HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS IN VICTORIA