Chiba set for return visit!
Paul Eddy, Steve Walker and representitives from the Chiba Lotte Marines |
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James Watson, Wednesday, 11 October 2006After a successfull tour last year, Japanese team the Chiba Lotte Marines are set to return to Victoria in early 2007. If the Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines continue to make Geelong thier base for pre-season training, the multi-million dollar baseball facility will be renamed 'Chiba town'.
The Marines are set for a second consecutive annual visit to Victoria in early 2007 as the Bobby Valentine lead team and support sqad will descend upon Geelong during the first two weeks of February to undertake the first stages of their Spring Training. Despite missing the play-offs this year, Chiba finished strongly in the second half of their season and will be looking to improve in 2007. After the teams final home game of 2006, the former major league manger Valentine, addressed Chiba's loyal fans, acknowledging the teams disappointment with missing the play-offs and its plans to improve in the off-season.
Valentine, who managed the New York Mets to a World Series appearance in 2000 opened his door to a number of Victorian coaches last season including Bonbeach's Craig Kernick who was thrilled with the time he got to spend with the former big leaguer.
"He spent a good couple of hours with us, answering anything we wanted to ask him. He made himself available when he didn't have to." Kernick said.
This improvement will all commence at Geelong in February, when Baseball Geelong Incorporated, with Baseball Victoria, the Geelong Baseball Club and the ABF play host to the 2005 Japanese League champions
Discussions are still taking place with regard to the precise details of the visit such as the Friedship Series that is expected to be played. Chiba is likely to take on an Australian outfit for two games in the February 12-14 period. The games will be played under lights at Geelong. The Victorian baseball community will have the opportunity to see the team train and to see them take on the Australian outfit. Other coach education , clinics and promotional opportunities are also earmarked for throughout the period.
Baseball Victoria CEO Steve Walker paid tribute those who worked hard to get the Marines back in 2007.
"Paul Eddy from Baseball Geelong Incorporated, along with Tim Kaiser, Peter Moulton and City of Greater Geelong representatives have been instrumental in securing the visit. They've done a fantastic job." He said.
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